Christmas Time

We had so much FUN this Christmas! The Friday before, we headed to town to visit family. It was pretty crazy, but we LOVE seeing all our family!

While at my parents, we went to Sacrament Meeting on Sunday and heard beautiful music, played games like Little White Lies and this other game about useless information. For example, "In 2006, how many brand new SUV's were sold?" And then you have to guess. I put 3,000. Try 3,000,000. Boy was I WAY off! Mom made yummy ham, funeral potatoes, and rolls. I loved it! Later, we saw The Princess and the Frog - which scared Mercedes and Christina pretty bad "'cause of those bad monsters." To make up for it, we went to Arctic Circle after and let them play and eat. Spencer even went and ate with us. I'm glad he decided to grace us with his presence, hehehe... (I think the last time I went out to eat and Spencer was there, he was flirting with girls on the other side of the restaurant. I'm not lying. We were at one wall, and they were clear across the room at the other wall. They even gave him their phone numbers, which a waiter eagerly handed him! Can you believe that)!?!

With Jake's family, we had a couple Christmas parties which were fun. At the Adult Christmas Party we ate Sour Bratten, which I don't know how to spell, homemade noodles and rolls, Green Bean Casserole, and this Fuchsia cabbage stuff. It's all German. I thought last years was weird, so I only ate noodles and UN-Sour Bratten. (Sour Bratten is meat soaked in vinager for about five days. It's zippy, and that's a BIG understatement). Supposedly, this years wasn't as bad as last year's. I can't say for certain 'cause I didn't try it. Maybe I'll give it a shot next year...

We had lots of fun with everyone!

And guess what?! Melanie and Doug so graciously gave us their extra camera. So, I have pictures to share! But we'll have to wait until I have time to add them. Love to you all!

December's Visiting Teaching Message

Good morning, good morning. It's great to stay up late. Good morning, good morning to you, and you, and you! This is a link to the Visiting Teaching message for December. It was so wonderful, I had to share it with everyone! Enjoy!

http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=9e7b26a816c25210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

Potty Training Again

Good Morning Everyone! It is such a lovely day outside...freezing cold, but nice and crisp. Boy am I grateful for a home that keeps me warm and out of the cold. Today is a good day! I can finely slip away from Alex for a few minutes to write a little. We have been potty training this week. Christina did AWESOME!!! Not one single accident. She's amazing! Alex is doing great too! He's already peed in the potty three times this morning, and it's barely eight o'clock! WOW!

Potty training Alex was a spontaneously inspired answer to prayer. After our last attempt to potty train Christina I just didn't know what to do. She was so beyond being ready. But, she did it this time, and didn't even realize it! No trauma involved. What a big girl! And, extra bonus for me...Alex will be potty trained too!

Being a mommy is exhausting work, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I absolutely love my kids!

Family Gatherings and a Tangent

Hello everyone! I just thought I'd make a little post since two of the kids are sleeping, Jake's out playing basketball, and I haven't written here for awhile.

Thanksgiving was lots of fun! My parents and brother came and we enjoyed the day with Grandma and Grandpa Simmonds, Dan and Kristy, and all of Dan's family. They are so funny! My parents stayed through the weekend and we had a small birthday party for Mercedes. You should have heard Christina when she saw the doll my dad bought Mercedes. She was ecstatic! All her squealing and the animation as she exclaimed "Preautiful! Spencer, come and see!" And patted the doll's head through its package.

We just returned from our ward Christmas party. Each family was supposed to bring a gift in a jar. We ate soup, salad, and cake. I made my peanut butter bunt cake all topped with peanut butter glaze and drizzled with melted chocolate. I am proud to say that it was one of the very first deserts cut and eaten entirely. Honestly, I was just glad it was eaten. I was beginning to gain a complex. Every time I make something for a ward party, I come home with 98 percent of it. If Jake makes something, it's gobbled up! What's that all about?!

After dinner, we listened to the story of Penny's Christmas Jar, sang carols, watched the children do the story of the Nativity - Mercedes was a "moo cow" with Tessa - and Santa came too. (Of course). In the end, every family was able to pick a jar to take home. It was a good evening, except I did something I was a little embarrassed about - which is most certainly not easy for me.

There is an older gentleman in the ward named Garth Leishman. He is so sweet. The second Sunday we were her, I had Mercedes and Christina at church all by myself. It had been a crazy day, and Christina had finely fallen asleep in my arms. When church was over, I had to get Mercedes from nursery, but with no free hands I was a little worried about what to do. Bro. Leishman took Christina in his arms and just held her for me, rocking her to keep her a sleep. It was wonderful help. (We have amazing people in our ward family).

So anyway, back to the embarrassment. I was helping clean up after the Christmas party. Just clearing tables with some of the other people and Bro. Leishman came over to change the garbage bags out. Ellis, one of Jake's scouts, and I helped him and went back to clearing tables. Then I turned around and saw Bro. Leishman switching out another garbage sack. Instantly, I'm thinking "Oh, there's Garth again." But what came out of my mouth was "Man, you're all over those garbage bags Leish! Garth. Brother. Leishman. Sorry" as my voice stuttered, fading with the realization that just out of respect, I never call him anything but Brother Leishman, except in my head - then he's just Garth.

When I said it, his face lit up with a huge grin. Maybe it was some nickname he had growing up. Maybe he thought my mumbling was funny. I don't know. What I do know is I've got to be more careful about respecting my elders.

Oh, and I read the Twilight series in nine days. After 2444 pages, my brain is mush. Absolute mush!

Melted Crayon in the Dryer

I have about three minutes to write, so I'm going to go fast! I just opened my dryer and do you know what I found covering the inside? Melted crayon! (Thankfully it wasn't on the clothes. Can you believe that)?! This could have been a lot worse than it was if I hadn't just learned what to do. It also works for chap stick.

What you need:

• toothbrush
• WD40
• dish soap
• wet rag

I sprayed WD40 on the toothbrush, scrubbed each crayon spot to loosen the wax, put a little dish soap on the same toothbrush, scrubbed each spot again to loosen the WD40, and wiped clean with the wet rag. Now you will never know there was crayon in the dryer.

Did I write that fast enough?

Bee Sting Remedy

I know this is the wrong time of year, for many, to worry about bee stings; but, I thought I'd include it anyway. Actually, Christina was just stung by a bee the day of our first snow - about three weeks ago.

Bee Sting Remedy: place honey on it. It's as simple as that and quite fast too!

I learned there are more than 5,000 native bees in North America - this includes bumble bees. Native bees are non aggressive because they are solitary. Which means they don't live in hives like honey bees, hornets, wasps, and the like. So, they don't have anything to protect. And, if one stings you, it's not painful.

Rudyard Kipling - Not an Official Brother

Teach us delight in simple things...

Rudyard Kipling

Making Cheese from Powdered Milk

This post, in it's entirety, is actually Preparedness Matters' Sunday November 8, 2009 post. It was so fantastic I had to share with all of you! All credit goes to Preparedness matters and Lori Dunford for sharing these with us. Aren't they fantastic?!

My friend, Lori Dunford, is a pro at utilizing food storage and making delicious, gourmet food out of it. Once again, she has blown me away with her latest conquest: making cheese out of powdered milk! And by the way, this is not so-so cheese. It's actually mouth-wateringly delicious cheese! She has been kind enough to share her recipes with this blog so I hope you enjoy them!

Quick Soft Pressed Cheese

2 cups boiling water

1-1/2 cups dry milk powder

3 Tbsp vegetable oil

1 cup buttermilk

3-4 Tbsps lemon juice

Cheese coloring tablets (optional)

Blend water, milk and oil, allowing foam to settle slightly. If colored cheese is desired, add 1/2 tablet cheese coloring (or cake decorating paste color) while blending. Pour into hot saucepan coated with a nonstick spray and heat to at least 160 degrees. Add lemon juice and continue to stir until mix curdles.

Pour into a cheesecloth lined colander. Rinse curds with warm water, then salt to taste. Place cheese in cloth between two plates or spoon into a cheese press. Apply weight and let sit for 1/2 hour or longer, depending on how firm you want the cheese to be. Remove from plates or cheese press,rinse, wrap in plastic and refrigerate. Use within one month or freeze. This cheese can be sliced, grated, or crumbled. For Smoky Cheese, add 1/2 tsp. Liquid Smoke flavoring and 1/2 - 1 tsp. salt after rinsing curds.

Soft Cottage Cheese

2 c hot water

1 1/2 c dry milk powder

3 Tbsp Fresh lemon juice or white vinegar

Blend water and dry milk and pour into saucepan (foam and all). Sprinkle lemon juice or vinegar slowly around edges and gently stir over medium heat just until milk begins to curdle. separating into curds and whey. Remove from heat and let rest one minute. Pour into strainer or colander, rinse with hot, then cold water. Press out water with back of spoon. Makes about 1- 1/2 cup curds. If desired, moisten rinsed curds with a little buttermilk before serving and add salt to taste. Refrigerate if not used immediately. Whey from fresh milk powder can be used in place of water in breads and soups.

Protein Shake

1/2 cup of cottage cheese (see recipe above)

1 c frozen fruit

3 T ground flax seed

1 c water

4 ice cubes

Sweeten to taste

2 T chopped nuts

Put everything in the blender except chopped nuts and blend. Stir in chopped nuts and enjoy.

Cheese Ball using Cottage Cheese (see [photo] above)

4 c well drained cottage cheese (the longer you drain, the drier it becomes)

2 c grated cheese (I used quite sharp cheese)

1 c real bacon bits

2 T onion powder

2 T dried parsley

2 T garlic

1 T Worcestershire sauce

1 c chopped pecans

Makes 2 cheese balls

Mix ingredients well, divide in half, roll in pecans if desired. Wrap securely in plastic wrap and let chill for several hours before using.

You can find more of Lori Dunford's powdered milk recipes here: http://preparednessmatters.blogspot.com/2009/05/cooking-with-basic-food-storage_22.html

Just Jake ;-)

The other day, I was sending an email to my home school group about holiday traditions. One was about how my dad hides the Baby Jesus, and on Christmas morning, places him in the manger. Jake was reading this and said, "We don't have a nativity set to do that." I told him we did, but he said "No, we got rid of that ugly thing." "Ya, we did get rid of that, but we have another one." I jumped up from the computer and went to the hall closet, opened the Christmas box and pulled out a Ziploc bag. "Melanie, found this at a yard sale and I brought it home the last time we went to visit." In the bag was a very cute block Nativity. I was so excited about showing him this thing, that I pulled out one of the little animals, and holding it up exclaimed, "Do you know what the selling point was?! It's child proof!" Then, keeping direct eye contact with him, I flung this little, wooden, pointy block at the floor! As it ricocheted into the family room, I said "See?!"

As Jake's eyebrows rose, the emotion was a little hard to read...astonishment, confusion, pain, I couldn't tell exactly. Then, in a very quit voice he said "You just hit my foot." I busted up laughing! I couldn't help it. I laughed so hard I started crying! I should have watched where I threw that little animal 'cause I gave Jake a good sized bruise and a blood blister. Even now, I'm laughing about it!

I apologized a few times, but each time, I would start laughing more. And Jake, being so good natured, would grin and poke back with some little comment like "You're not crying because you feel bad. You're crying because you think it's funny!"

Oh, it was funny...

Jake will also be returning to school next semester. He hasn't been to school in almost six years; but, yesterday he met with an advisor at Utah State to set up his game plan. He found out that he has enough credits for an associates - but is missing a few core classes. That means it wont take him very long to finish. And then on to his Bachelor's. WOOHOOOO for Jake!

Food Storage Cooking School

I ran across this free book from the Utah State Extension. It's titled Food Storage Cooking School 'Use it or Lose it'. "[This] Book describes simple storage guides, types of storage, assessing current storage, storing what you use, water storage, old storage, rotating/keeping inventory, storing wheat, rice, dry milk and beans, building a storage program and where to store." Because I love cooking with "food storage," I wanted to share the link with all of you. Happy cooking!

http://extension.usu.edu/htm/publications/publication=5767

Peanut Butter Delight Cake and Home Made Chocolate Syrup

I've wanted to make a bunt cake for a while now, but just hadn't done it yet. Yesterday we found this recipe on allrecipes.com and tried it out. It was scrumptious, even with only half the peanut butter. (I didn't realize we were that low)! It was moist, but could possibly be a little dry with the whole 3/4 c. of peanut butter. Peanut butter seems to have a way of doing that when cooked with. I'm just writing the instructions how I mixed it. If you want their instructions, click here. I've also included a recipe for Homemade Chocolate Syrup if you don't have any in the fridge. Enjoy!

Peanut Butter Delight Cake

Cake
3/4 c. Crisco (I just used canola oil)
3/4 c. peanut butter
1 c. granulated sugar
1/2 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1 1/2 t. vanilla
3 lg. eggs
1 c. buttermilk (I used 1 T. vinegar and milk to measure 1 c.)
2 3/4 c. flour
2 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
3/4 c. chocolate syrup

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Oil a 10 in. bunt pan well. Cream shortening, peanut butter, and sugars until smooth. Add vanilla, eggs, and butter milk. In seperate bowl, combine dry ingredients. Pour into peanut butter mixture and mix well. Scoop 2 c. of batter into a bowl. Add chocolate syrup and mix well. Pour light peanut butter mixture into bunt pan. Pour chocolate mixture over the top. Do not stir. Place in oven and cook 70-80 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Glaze - If making this again, I would double it.
1 c. powdered sugar
1/4 c. chocolate syrup
1 t. vanilla
water as needed
Chopped nuts, optional

Mix all ingredients, except nuts, and pour over cake when removed from oven and pan. Garnish with chopped nuts if desired.

Homemade Chocolate Syrup
Now you will never have to buy chocolate syrup or fudge sauce again - 'cause you can make your own!

1 1/3 c. unsweetened cocoa
2 1/4 c. granulated sugar
1/4 t. salt, optional
1 1/3 c. boiling water
1 1/2 t. vanilla

In a heavy saucepan, combine cocoa, sugar, and salt, if desired. Gradually mix in boiling water. Stir frequently over medium heat until smooth and slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Mix in vanilla. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. (I just use an empty chocolate syrup bottle). Use within 10-12 weeks. Makes 2 2/3 cups chocolate syrup.

For Quick Fudge Sauce, use:
1 1/2 c. chocolate syrup, see above
6 T. butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla or other flavoring

In a small saucepan, combine chocolate syrup and butter or margarine. Cook over low heat, stiring constantly, until smooth, thick and shiny. (About 5-7 minutes). Add vanilla or other flavoring. Makes 1 1/2 cups Quick Fudge Sauce.

Household Hints and Tips

Know what's horrible? Do you know the feeling when you're used to wearing something, like a ring or watch, and suddenly find it missing? Do you feel naked without it?! That's how I feel right now! My writing callous is gone! Can you believe that? I had this little piece of dry skin on my right ring finger the other day. It was bothering me; so, I pulled it off! Then to my dismay, I looked at my finger and saw this little, soft, pink patch that I don't remember seeing - ever! I know I've been out of school for almost six years now, and I know I don't write as much as I used to. But this? You guys don't even know how sad this makes me. It was like a proudly worn badge of honor - this little callous on my finger. How many papers I wrote! I was like the essay-writing queen!

Because of my writing reputation, people would ask me to review their papers. Do you know what I would ask them? "Are you sure?" "Yes." Then I would tell them "This paper will come back with more ink on it then you've ever seen your English teacher write." (You should have seen their faces when I said that and then again when they received their papers). Now it's gone! I might have to start writing in my journal more, instead of typing on this blog; 'cause I don't have callouses on my fingertips from typing. Uhhhh....

Anyway, I just returned home from a very fun and informative Provident Living class (Enrichment Night). It was wonderful! Everyone that went shared hints and tips that help make their lives a little easier. Remember, these have all been tried and proven successful! Some sound a little strange; but, supposedly they work. Here are some of my notes. If they don't make sense, just leave me a comment.

Hydrogen Peroxide

• add a little to potted plants to kill gnats
• cleans blood off clothes - just poor it on and wash (don't let it sit too long)
• great as a cleaner (counters, tables, etc...)
  

Spit - blood removal from clothes (if it's your blood, your spit will work best)

Rubbing Alcohol - use for cleaning dingy light switches, window frames, garbage cans, etc...works great!

Window Cleaning - cloth diapers and flour sack dish rags don't leave lint behind

WD40 (Water Displacement Formula 40) - great for removing oil and grease, good for cleaning stainless steal pots, use to loosen rusted screws (make sure you have the exact size screwdriver for maximum torque)!

Naptha Solvent - great for cleaning oils (ie melted crayon in dryer and crayon in clothes).

Gum Removal - peanut butter, egg white, ice.

Food Storage use - everydayfoodstorage.net

Marker and Pen Ink Removal - aerosol hairspray

When cooking rice or meat, cook an extra serving and freeze in the freezer for use later.

Meat Breading - use Bisquick - don't worry about eggs or flour, just dredge the meat in the Bisquick and fry or bake

Foil Baking Bags - throw the meat in with veges and let bake in their own juices - Yummy!

Spray Pam on cheese grater to keep cheese from sticking to it.

Add oil to boiling water for cooking noodles - helps prevent sticking and boil-out

When measuring shortening or butter in a measuring cup, place saran wrap over the top to lift out easily.

Window Cleaner - mix three parts vinegar to one part water

If key wont go in key hole, rub a graphite pencil in it or spray WD40

To clean kitchen grease for tops of kitchen cabinets, spray with Scrubbing Bubbles. Step down, grab rag, and wipe off.

To clean blinds, spray with Scrubbing Bubbles, stand blinds in shower, and spray with shower to rinse.

If you have mice holes, place a ball of steal wool in the hole. The mice wont eat through it because it will kill them.

Place unpasteurized honey on burns and bee stings. (You can also use tobacco for injuries like cuts and burns).

Hang a bag of water with a few pennies in it over your doors and windows to keep flies from coming in your house. The light reflections bother their eyes, so they stay away.

Place a small cup of apple cider vinegar with a drop of dish soap in it to kill fruit flies. The vinegar attracts them, the soap kills them.

To make quick cookies, make dough. Use cookie scoop to form cookies on a baking sheet. Place in freezer. When frozen, stick in freezer safe container. When ready to cook, place on pan and follow baking directions.

When making dinner, fill the sink with hot soapy water. When you finish using a dish or utensil, just place it in the water. They can be washed really quick and put away after dinner.

Lifting Burdens

Lifting Burdens

DONE!!!

O.K., she had surgery and everything is fine. So, now I'm just going to breath for a minute and get back to you soon. Love to you all!

Another Up-date

Mo is currently sitting in Pre-Op waiting to speak to the Dr.. They've determined not to wait until tomorrow to see if the antibiotics will work. Jake's still not totally sure what's going on because he hasn't talked to the Dr. yet; but, I'm sure he will get his chance.

So...until then...we'll just see what happens. Thanks for all the love and support! It really means a lot to all of us!

Medical Up-date

So, I wrote my last post, "Crazy Headaches and Pancakes," a few hours ago; but, oblivious to me was the missed phone call from the Dr. at 11:04 a.m. this morning. (Just 2.5 hrs. after Mercedes CT scan). Wait a minute, this can't be good. We weren't expecting results until Tuesday at 9:00 a.m.. When I called back, the Dr. said Mercedes needed one more CT scan, this time of her neck. She is currently being shown her new room for the night 'cause she's having a sleep over at the hospital. We don't really know what's going on, just that she has an infection...At least that's what Jake thinks the Dr. said. "She really didn't say." So, they are there and I am here because we only have one car. It's hard knowing something is wrong, but not really understanding what it is. And I'm probably in denial 'cause I've already had a good cry, and now my senses just seem a little numb.

But, this much we do know...She will get better.
So, we'll keep you posted.

Enjoy your pancakes!

***Update: Mercedes has an abscess on her Carotid Artery and will be on antibiotics in the hospital for two days. If the abscess is not smaller after the antibiotics, then we'll deal with that then."There are four carotid arteries, with a pair located on each side of the neck. This includes the right- and left-internal carotid arteries, and the right- and left-external carotid arteries. The carotid arteries deliver oxygen-rich blood from the heart to both the head and brain."

Crazy Headaches and Pancakes

Oh, poor Mercedes! Today is the first day she's been normal since last Thursday - and boy are we glad! She developed a persistent headache a week ago and has been miserable. I called the on-call-pediatrician Saturday afternoon; but, I think I must have just interrupted Dr. Gooch because he said "It sounds like the flu, and if you're worried about her, take her to the ER." I can tell you right now, this was not the flu. It didn't look like the flu. It didn't act like the flu. It was not the flu, and I wasn't going to take her to the ER for it. (The more I talk to this Dr., the less I want to talk to him). Tuesday, we made a trip to see Dr. Kwak. He's hoping she's just developed Cluster migraines, but he's running precautionary tests just to be safe. She's had blood work and a CT scan done. Next Tuesday is her follow-up. So we'll see. Hopefully it's just migraines and not a tumor or something like that. But, a migraine is hard enough on an adult. I can't imagine being four and having one that's lasted six days.

We'll let you know what we find out on Tuesday.

Now, on to something more fun than headaches! Stina's favorite breakfast is pancakes! And Mercedes loves them too! (This just in...Mercedes has just handed me a wad of her's and Stina's hair. They've just had a hair cut). So back to breakfast: pancakes - German or griddle, doesn't matter. She loves 'em. So I wanted to share this recipe I just found. You know how you don't have to try some people's recipes before you recommend them; because, you just know they're going to by good. That's how Crystal's are. She's a fabulous cook and you need to check out her link on the left (Everyday Food Storage Recipes under Preparedness Blogs), if you haven't already. I can't wait to try this! I hope you enjoy it too!

By: Crystal Godfrey

Gingerbread Whole Wheat Pancakes

Gingerbread Whole Wheat Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Milk (translation for powdered milk is 3 T. Milk and 1 C. Water)
• 1 Cup Wheat Kernels, whole & uncooked
• 2 Eggs (2 T. powdered eggs 1/4 C. Water)
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1-1/2 tsp Salt
• 2 Tbs. Oil
• 2 Tbs. Honey or Sugar
• 1/4 C. Molasses
• 1/4 t. Cinnamon
• 1/4 t. Ginger
• 1/4 t. Ground Cloves

Method:

Put milk and wheat kernels in blender. Blend on highest speed for 4 or 5 minutes or until batter is smooth. Add eggs, oil, baking powder, salt and honey or sugar to above batter. Blend on low. Blend in molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and ground cloves. Pour out batter into pancakes from the actual blender jar (only one thing to wash!) onto a hot greased or Pam prepared griddle or large frying pan. Cook; flipping pancakes when bubbles pop and create holes. Serve with Hot Homemade Buttermilk Syrup (below) and orange slices to garnish.

Hot Homemade Buttermilk Syrup

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Cup buttermilk or 1/2 Cup milk with 1/2 tsp. vinegar or lemon juice
• 2 Cups Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Butter
• 2 Tbs. Corn Syrup (not essential but it will help your syrup keep longer without going grainy)
• 2 t. baking soda
• 1 tsp. Vanilla (do not add until after removing from heat)

Method:

Mix ingredients in a pot and boil for 3 minutes, the sauce will turn to the caramel color towards the end of boiling. (Essential Tip: mix in a pot one size larger than you think you will need. The syrup will be frothy in the beginning and it is awful cleaning up a burnt sugary mess on your stove…trust me!)

Stir in vanilla when syrup is finished cooking.

makes enough sauce for 2 recipes of pancakes.

I Have the Most Amazing Husband...

I have the best husband ever! And I'm going write about him here for a minute. While we were at my parent's house a couple weeks ago, Jake was busy! Busy, is an understatement. Very very busy is still an understatement - seriously! We left the house and it was quite the disaster. When you combine: my cleaning ability, the children's playing, and a whirlwind race through every packed box in our entire house and garage to find things for our yard sale, you get an explosion!

When we returned from our trip and walked in the front door, we found the most amazing surprise! Mercedes was going crazy running all over the place and jumping up and down. Can you guess what Jake did? He cleaned! He cleaned the entire house - top to bottom. Not only did he clean everything, he cleaned all the carpets and fogged for spiders too! WOW!!! We were amazed! I'm still amazed...and very grateful!

And then, to top it all off, Jake wrote little notes and hid them all over the place for me to find. It was so sweet! It was like having little valentines all over the place. They were tucked in between the plates and bowls, hiding by the phone, in my dresser drawers, scattered in the bathroom drawers, by the computer, and placed in the children's room. It was so fun to discover their secret spots!

Jake is amazing! I love him!

And...since I'm talking about Jake, I thought I'd add one of his favorite diners - Pizza! He love's eating it! He's tried a lot of recipes, but here's the one that's stuck. It's nummy! And yes, Jake cooks all the time for us. I am SO spoiled!

Jay's Signature Pizza Crust
(allrecipes.com)

2 1/4 t. active dry yeast
1/2 t. brown sugar
1 1/2 c. warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C
1 t. salt
2 T. olive oil
3 1/3 c. all-purpose flour, divided

Directions:

1. In large bowl, dissolve the yeast and brown sugar in the water, and let sit for 10 minutes.
2. Stir the salt and oil into the yeast solution. Mix in 2 1/2 c. of flour.
3. Turn dough out onto a clean, well floured surface, and knead in more flour until the dough is no longer sticky. Place the dough into a well oiled bowl, and cover with a cloth. Let the dough rise until double; this should take about 1 hour. Punch down the dough, and form a tight ball. Allow the dough to relax for a minute before rolling out. Use for your favorite pizza recipe.
4. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). If you are baking the dough on a pizza stone, you may place your toppings on the dough, and bake immediately. If you are baking your pizza in a pan, lightly oil the pan, and let the dough *rise 15 or 20 minutes before topping and baking it.
5. Bake pizza in preheated oven, until the cheese and crust are golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.

*We don't let it rise the extra time 'cause it doesn't make a huge difference.

For pizza sauce, Jake just uses a can of tomato sauce and throws in pizza seasoning: oregano, thyme, it might have marjoram but I'm not sure...ENJOY!!!

Motivational Monday

Some of the greatest battles you will face will be fought within the silent chambers of your own soul.

Ezra Taft Benson

Wednesday Prep Day is Moving to Tuesday.

Alright, now that my blogs have been merged, it's time to get going on this again. Are you guys all excited? I know I am! I think the easiest thing to do is begin physical preparedness at the beginning instead of the middle where we currently were on my previous site. So, without any further adieu, lets begin...

If you look on the right side of this site, you will see a few lists. Each week we work on gathering items for a 72 hr. kit and short term storage. Each month we work on long term food storage. There is no need to run father than you are able, no need to spend what you do not have. Set a goal and consistently work at it. With persistence and help from our Heavenly Father, you will achieve it.

This week for our 72 hr. kits, we will be gathering something to place everything in. It can be a backpack, bucket, duffel bag, Tupperware bin, whatever you have. You want something sturdy and easy to grab if you have to leave in a hurry. Shoulder straps, or handles, will make carrying easier. Look around your homes and see what you have available. Start thinking outside the box. You will be inspired!

How is your three months of short term storage coming? Do you have a plan? If so, keep pluggin' along. You'll get it. If you don't have a plan, lets make one together. To start, make a menu: seven breakfasts, seven or fourteen dinners. Seven's easier to plan, fourteen gives you more variety. (As we continue our Sample BASIC Menu on the right, you can use it for ideas. More of that to come later...).

1. Write the recipes for each breakfast and dinner down.
2. If you do seven meals, multiply the ingredients by 13 to find out exactly how much of each item you need for three months. If you do fourteen, make it simple and multiply each by seven. When facing hard times, a little extra food never hurt anybody.
   
3. Make a master shopping list.
   
4. Begin shopping always remembering to stick to your budget. Little by little you will cross all the items off. Just be persistent and patient.

I have slowly been working on a menu from Grandma Simmonds book titled Once Upon the Ark. This is a wonderful resource that she has provided for us. Unfortunately, her computer crashed and it was lost. If you would like a copy, I will be working on making this available from the site. You can use this menu to jump start your menu planning.

This month, we are collecting Wheat for our long-term storage. Orson Hyde said, "There is more salvation in wheat than in all the powers of man combined." Liesa Card suggests a food storage program that fits the way we collect long-term storage on this site; although, there are many ways to go about gathering your storage.

Or, another way that makes sense is gathering a one years supply at a time. (When you have one year gathered, just do it again). If you have one year for one person, you will also have a six month supply for two people, a four month supply for three, and so forth. Isn't that COOL?! I thought you might like it! Happy collecting...

Here's an important note:

Never spend what you do not have. If you do, your things will own you, and that's just not the way preparedness, or anything else, should be done. Always be persistent, never running faster than needed; because, as you "Do the best you can, the Lord will provide the rest." (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

Apple Puffed Pancake and Spiced Apple Syrup

Hello, Everybody! I just wanted to share this delightful variation of the traditional German Pancake. This is nummy with or without apples. We don't eat it with syrup, but I did include a syrup idea if you would like to try it. Enjoy!

1/2 c. butter
2 apples, peeled and sliced
1 c. flour
3 T. sugar
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. cinnamon
6 eggs
1 1/2 c. milk
1 t. vanilla
brown sugar

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place butter in 9x13 pan and place in warming oven to melt. When melted, but before it sizzles, add apple slices and return to oven until butter sizzles. (Don't worry about making your apples look good in the pan. When you pour in the pancake mix, they will get messed up. Just throw 'em in, don't burn yourself, and spread 'em around).

In separate bowl, mix dry ingredients. Add eggs and blend well. Stir in milk and vanilla. When combined, pour over apples in pan. Sprinkle liberally with brown sugar. Bake for 20 min.. When done, top with more brown sugar if desired or *Spiced Apple Syrup. Eat the whole pan and enjoy!

***When I do Spiced Apple Syrup, I put twice as much sugar in a pan as water. (1 c. sugar, 1/2 c. water, for example). Add apple pieces, or dehydrated apple, cinnamon until it looks good, and a little vanilla. Let it boil and voila! There's no science to my syrup. It just tastes good!

I Love the Fall!

I love the fall! Don't you? It is SO fun and beautiful! You should have seen the canyons as we went driving along their winding roads to and from my parents house this last week. The trees were beautiful! Know what we did while there? I loaded the car with veggies from our garden and took the kids to can nummies! It was CRAZY!!! My dad called me a kitchen "fixture" 'cause I never left. All together, we did: tomatoes, corn, beans, dilly beans, jalapeno jelly, pears, pear jam, apple sauce, apple butter, cherry jam (earlier), and peaches. It was a lot! My mom asked me what I learned from the garden this year. I learned we need to plant more corn next year; and, I think I'll freeze it because it took almost THREE hours to process a batch! Blah!

Today has been such a crazy strange day! The big frost is coming tonight, so I have this weird anticipation of everything being dead in the morning. I harvested all the tomatoes on my vines and picked the last of the peppers, beans, and zucchini. And sweet little Mercedes, who has been sick all day, lined up all the pumpkins in the living room window. Most were small enough she could lift them, but there was one she needed help with.

I also took the children to our bishop's brother's garden and helped harvest some of the veggies there. The wind was blowing like crazy and the kids got cold, but they had fun anyway. Then the young men loaded it all up and took it to the food pantry for their busiest day of the year - tomorrow!

And do you know what else I did today?! I made sourdough bread. Mmm, it is so good! I think I'll put the recipe on here some day for all of you wonderful people to try, 'cause I know you will love it!

I really do love the fall. I love the colors and the spices and the chill...as long as I don't have to be in it too much! Don't you?

Happy harvesting!!!

Picture curtesy of Country Living
But I wish my porch were that exciting :)

Well hello, everybody! It has been a long time since I did a post on here, other than Motivational Monday. No, I haven't forgotten about you, it's just been extremely busy! Between two trips out of town this month, flu season, and canning season, there hasn't been much time for anything else - and we're not done yet! I'll be back soon though. Love to you all!

Motivational Monday

"Service to others deepens and sweetens this life while we are preparing to live in a better world. It is by serving that we learn to serve. When we are engaged in the service of our fellowmen, not only do our deeds assist them, but we put our own problems in a fresher perspective. When we concern ourselves more with others, there is less time to be concerned with ourselves! In the midst of the miracle of serving, there is the promise of Jesus that by losing ourselves, we find ourselves!"

--Spencer W. Kimball, "Speaks Out on Service to Others", New Era, Mar. 1981, 47

More Than Just a Yard Sale

I had been planning to have a yard sale all year long. But, after visiting with two of my neighbors, and both mentioned wanting to have one, I decided to promote a neighborhood yard sale. Not just a neighborhood yard sale, but a ward yard sale. (Sorry to the two small areas I missed with fliers). After planning around community events, school starting, holidays, and ward activities, I was finally able to decide on a date. It was no picnic though - it changed three times over the course of two months. I was afraid people would lose interest, but most never knew about the changes.

Jake and the kids were GREAT! They helped make fliers and deliver them. While we were out, we were able to chat with neighbors, and meet some for the first time. I also got to speak to other members of the ward I'd never met because they'd call to ask questions.

Finely, the week arrived. Most of my family had the flu, but I was going to do this. We put the add in the paper and began collecting. Do you know how much we had? TONS!!! We collected 32 boxes of items! It was great! I had a hard time parting with some things, like the Cabbage Patch heads, and bodies, that I've been saving since elementary school because eventually I will get around to making them. Ha! Probably not, but I really was saving them for that reason.

My neighbor Windy was good support. She kept telling me she was proud of me for getting rid of so much. I really am a pack rat. This was very hard! Actually, it started out hard, and became easier as I went, which was a real blessing from the Lord.

So...yard sale day! I have no idea how many yard sales there were. I heard there were a lot, but I didn't see them. Later that night, my bishop's wife asked if ours went well. Well...let's see:

• I was able to clean house, or at least the garage. It was liberating!
• My neighbors were able to clean house too.
• We were able to socialize with friends and neighbors that either aren't members, or not active.
• Because of the yard sales, some ward members who weren't planning on coming to our ward activity that night came.

So, was the yard sale a success? Absolutely! We made just over $50.00, but for the reasons listed above, I can't even explain how happy I was. I told Jake that I used to feel like that all the time, and he said "it's because you used to do that kind of stuff all the time. When you were in Institute, that's all you did." He's right! I don't know what made that experience so different; but, to feel that way again was a tender mercy from the Lord and I'm glad we had more than just a yard sale.

Motivational Monday

"The Lord loves you for your strength and your courage. He is always there for you. You are not alone. He has promised us that when we are trying to live righteously and are serving Him, 'I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.'"

Janet Hales Beckham, D&C 84:88 quoted

Motivational Monday

“There is no infirmity, affliction, or adversity that Christ did not feel in Gethsemane. . . .President Howard W. Hunter said: ‘If our lives and our faith are centered on Jesus Christ and his restored gospel, nothing can ever go permanently wrong. On the other hand, if our lives are not centered on the Savior and his teachings, no other success can ever be permanently right.’" (The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, ed. Clyde J. Williams [1997], 40).”

365 Days of Pre-made Meals

Because we are working on adding a "soup of choice" to our Sample BASIC Menu, I thought this would be awesome to share with you! Please click on the link below and visit Preparedness Brings Peace. Read the short story and enjoy the soup recipes because this is an incredible idea! And to think...people do this! They actually do it. It is their way of life. It is amazing to me, truly amazing!

365 Days of Pre-made Meals

Potty Training Stina - I Think it Backfired

O.K., Christina has been potty training since last Wednesday. This is all well and good except she's had quite a few messes on the floor. That's fine too. She is learning. O.K., she's had a lot of messes. I was talking to Windy, my neighbor, and I said "I just want to put her back in diapers." And she looked at me and said "No, you don't." Which I really don't, but it's so much easier, and cleaner, and the carpet doesn't stink - 'cause between kid pee and poop, vomit, and dog messes - which I thought we were over - I have now used my #10 can of baking soda and am officially out! AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

This morning Christina hadn't peed yet, but she was showing signs that she needed to go. I kept picking her up and taking her to the bathroom; but all she would do is cry, "No, I can't. I can't." Finely, I didn't know what to do. She was standing next to the chair with her legs stiff and crossed and I just said to her "Christina, go sit on the potty." You know what she did? She walked over to the potty, sat down, saw a book, picked it up, flipped it open, and started peeing in the toilet! Can you believe that? It's the first time since Wednesday that she's done that! I was so elated I started bawling! Well, it was probably the stress too; but, poor thing. Holding up her hand, she exclaims, "Way to go, man!" and wants to give me five, but sees me crying and you should have seen her face. Boy, was she confused!

Stina stood up next to me, and wiping the tears from my face, told me, "It's O.K., Mommy. You're O.K.. I'm sorry."

As much as I told her I was excited for her, and proud of her, and she was such a big girl, I don't think she believed me because she hasn't peed in the potty since.

Poor thing...

Motivational Monday

"I have always found that when we do the little things correctly, the Lord gives us the strength to accomplish big things... You might not always understand the reasons for some rules or commandments, but if you will follow them even in the little things you will have more strength to do big things... And you will have the great blessing of knowing that you are on the Lord's side and that He is on yours."

--Donald L. Hallstrom, "Friend to Friend: On the Lord's Side," Friend, Sept. 2002, 8

Life if Beautiful!

Hello Everybody! I haven't written an up-date in a long time! My last post was about our new dog Drake. Well, he's gone. We traded him for a new model because he was slightly aggressive with the children; although, I did like him. He was a very intelligent dog! We now have a "French Alaskan" as Grandma Rae put it. His name is Sunday, which is our favorite day of the week, and he's a thirteen week old Pookimo. Now you're wondering "What in the world is a Pookimo?" Well...he's an Poodle Eskimo mix - hence the "French Alaskan." Sunday's a good puppy, but he's going to start thinking the block's his territory if we don't do something about the yard soon. Supposedly, he's really smart, but we'll see. I just hope he stops chewing on things soon!

Since my camera is broken, I pulled this picture of Sunday from his add on ksl. He's the little guy on the right. I think his sister, little black dog on the left, is still for sale. She's a cutie and I'm considering getting her too. But, if you want to buy her, go for it!

O.K., so enough about the dog. We are all doing really good!

Christina has been potty training this week. Hooray! She's afraid to pee pee in the potty, but she still tries. Today, she was sitting on the potty trying and trying and trying. You could tell. She looked down, looked up at me a little confused, and looked back down exclaiming "It's stuck in there!" Then she paused for a second and said "It's coming!" and jumped down. She never went. She loves the dog and is training him. "Sit, stay, come, down, don't jump!, don't bite!, good boy are all things she says to him. She's also teaching him to jump up to her hand. Christina likes giving him treats when he is good. They get each other so riled up, which would be fine, except Sunday has the teeth of a wolf; and being a puppy, likes to nip.

Alex is figuring all sorts of things out. He loves being out side, playing with his sisters, going down the slide, and playing with cars. He likes the dog, as long as it's not licking his face. We got him off his binki this week! Yeah! No more binkis! (It's just one less thing for the dog to chew). What a brave little boy!

Mercedes is a social butterfly that only comes home when her friends come over. Actually, they're here a lot, so I'm glad. She enjoys her bike, playing at the Bee Hive Home, and visiting with Grandpa Rod. She is also an extremely big helper, and is very excited to start Kindergarden on Monday. Oh the joys of homeschooling! She will begin Kindergarden and Christina will begin Preschool! Hooray!

Jake was up all night with a migraine. Poor guy! It started coming on last night when we were on the way to Arby's for a Unit Check and a lawn mow. (I mow their lawn). Mercedes did her best to help him though. She got him stuffed animals to sleep with, a "Puke Bucket," and sang him songs while he laid on the bed. Besides that, he is doing good. Work is getting slow, but what can you expect right now. He bought some posts to put up a simple fence for me. I can't wait! He's also really enjoying his calling right now. It's nice that he has scouts that actually want to work on scouts. He loves it! And, he's excited for basket ball to start in two weeks, because he'll get to go play with his "brothers." The other thing Jake's going to do is start school next semester. For now, he's going to continue his degree in Accounting and Business Management. I'm excited for him.

I've been busy too! I started Institute this last week. I'm not going to lie, it was a little weird. Five years ago, when I was in college, that was just life. I want to graduate from Institute, which is why I'm going, but I don't really fit in with the other students because a lot changes in five years. I'm hoping to go to school next semester, too. We'll just have to see. I've been busy canning tomatoes and green beans, 'cause that's what we have. We've eaten zucchini, watermelon, pumpkin, corn, tomatoes, beans, peppers, green onion, and raspberries from our garden this year. They are so yummy! The neighbor behind us said they were surprised at how well our "first attempt at gardening" has gone. Actually, last year was our first attempt, and we won't even go there. Jake and I also planted an apple and a pear tree. I made a grid on our side yard. Do you know how many fruit trees we can plant there? 14! It'll be AWESOME!!! We'll have our own little orchard!

So that's it...the kids are good. Canning is good. The dog is good, sort of. Jake will be better tomorrow for sure. Life is good - definitely has it's challenges - but it's good.

I hope everything's good for you too!

Strawberry and Cherry Jams

For great jam and jelly recipes, check out the Ball and Sure-Jell sites. I made jam a couple years ago, but it didn't turn out right because I didn't process it long enough. This year, I tried my luck at strawberry and cherry ('cause I couldn't find a cherry pitter). Both are EXCELLENT! You never know what you can do until you try - so try! You just might like it. Happy canning!

SURE.JELL Strawberry Jam Makes: About 8 (1-cup) jars* or 128 servings, 1 Tbsp. each 5 cups prepared fruit (about 2 quarts fully ripe strawberries) 1 box SURE.JELL Fruit Pectin 1/2 tsp. butter or margarine (optional) 7 cups sugar, measured into separate bowl BRING boiling-water canner, half full with water, to simmer. Wash jars and screw bands in hot soapy water; rinse with warm water. Pour boiling water over flat lids in saucepan off the heat. Let stand in hot water until ready to use. Drain well before filling. STEM and crush strawberries thoroughly, one layer at a time. Measure exactly 5 cups prepared fruit into 6- or 8-quart saucepot. STIR pectin into prepared fruit in saucepot. Add butter to reduce foaming, if desired. Bring mixture to full rolling boil (a boil that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred) on high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar. Return to full rolling boil and boil exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim off any foam with metal spoon. LADLE immediately into prepared jars, filling to within 1/8 inch of tops. Wipe jar rims and threads. Cover with 2-piece lids. Screw bands tightly. Place jars on elevated rack in canner. Lower rack into canner. (Water must cover jars by 1 to 2 inches. Add boiling water, if necessary.) Cover; bring water to gentle boil. Process 10 minutes. Remove jars and place upright on a towel to cool completely. After jars cool, check seals by pressing middle of lid with finger. (If lid springs back, lid is not sealed and refrigeration is necessary.)

* I used pints

SURE.JELL Cherry Jam Makes: About 6 (1-cup) jars*

4 cups prepared fruit (about 3 lb. fully ripe sweet cherries) 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1 box SURE.JELL Fruit Pectin 5 cups sugar, measured into separate bowl 1/4 tsp. almond extract

BRING boiling-water canner, half full with water, to simmer. Wash jars and screw bands in hot soapy water; rinse with warm water. Pour boiling water over flat lids in saucepan off the heat. Let stand in hot water until ready to use. Drain jars well before filling.

STEM and pit cherries. Finely chop or grind fruit. Measure exactly 4 cups of the prepared cherries into 6- or 8-qt. saucepot. Stir in lemon juice.

STIR pectin into fruit mixture in saucepot. Bring mixture to full rolling boil (a boil that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred) on high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar and extract. Return to full rolling boil and boil exactly 1 min., stirring constantly. Remove from heat; skim off any foam with metal spoon.

LADLE immediately into prepared jars*, filling to within 1/8 inch of tops. Wipe jar rims and threads. Cover with two-piece lids. Screw bands tightly. Place jars on elevated rack in canner. Lower rack into canner. (Water must cover jars by 1 to 2 inches. Add boiling water, if necessary.) Cover; bring water to gentle boil. Process 10 min. Remove jars and place upright on a towel to cool completely. After jars cool, check seals by pressing middles of lids with finger. (If lids spring back, lids are not sealed and refrigeration is necessary.)

*I used pints

Wednesday Prep Day

Life is crazy right now! Although, I'm positive I'm not the only one who can say this. Just keep going, no matter how difficult things may become; because eventually, they will get better. It may take a while, but the Lord loves us and never forgets us.

How is your 72 hr. kit coming? I debated having a catch-up week this week, and I think that's what we are going to do; but, I also think a small sewing kit is pretty easy to throw together, so lets do both. If there is anything, highlighted in red on the right, that you haven't been able to grab, see if you can find it. And then, grab a little bag and fill it with: a needle, some thread, a few buttons, and a small pair of scissors. You may want to have a couple of these just in case.

How is your three months of storage coming? Do you have a plan? If so, keep pluggin' along. You'll get it. If you don't have a plan for your three month supply, lets make one together. To start, make a menu: seven breakfasts, seven or fourteen dinners. Seven's easier to plan, fourteen gives you more options. (As we continue our Sample BASIC Menu on the right, you can use it for ideas. More of that to come later...).

1. Write the recipes for each breakfast and dinner down.
2. If you do seven meals, multiply the ingredients by 13 to find out exactly how much of each item you need for three months. If you do fourteen, you can multiply all of the meals by seven or half by seven and half by six. It's up to you.
   
3. Make a master shopping list.
   
4. Begin shopping always remembering to stick to your budget. Little by little you will cross all the items off. Just be persistent and patient.

This month, we are collecting Beans for our long-term storage. Beans are awesome and we all need a few, o.k. a lot, in our storage. Liesa Card suggests a food storage program that fits the way we collect long-term storage on this site; although, there are many ways to go about gathering your storage.

Another way that makes sense is gathering a one year supply for one person at a time. (When you have one year gathered, just do it again). If you have one year for one person, you will also have a six month supply for two people, a four month supply for three, and so on. Isn't that COOL?! (I thought you might like it)! Happy collecting...

Here's an important note:

Never spend what you do not have. If you do, your things will own you, and that's just not the way preparedness, or anything else, should be done. Always be persistent, never running faster than needed; because, as you "Do the best you can, the Lord will provide the rest." (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

Motivational Monday, One Day Late

"You are a child of God with great strength. You have the ability to choose righteousness and happiness, no matter what your circumstances."

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints, For the Strength of Youth, Copyright 2001, P. 5

Canning Butter

***Edited to say: I don't actually like the taste of canned butter, so disregard what I said about saving it for spreading. That was before I had actually tasted the stuff! At least I will not be saving mine for spreading; but, lot's of people love this stuff. If you try it, you'll figure out what to do with yours.

I recently taught how to can butter at Enrichment Night. Even though our current focus is the Sample Basic Menu, I wanted to include it. I realize butter is not a BASIC, but oil is necessary for cooking, and is recommended as storage. If you are going to can butter, I recommend saving it for spreading. You can use it to cook with; but personally, I'd rather use oil, shortening, and apple sauce, and save the butter to put on hot home made rolls and toast. This recipe is from End Times Report, and is the same method Windy DeWitt uses and has published on page four of this booklet.

CANNING BUTTER

Now you can purchase canned butter from The Internet Grocer http://www.internet-grocer.net/butter.htm or make it yourself using the directions below.

1. Use any butter that is on sale. Lesser quality butter requires more shaking (see #5 below), but the results are the same as with the expensive brands.

2. Heat pint jars in a 250 degree oven for 20 minutes, without rings or seals. One pound of butter slightly more than fills one pint jar, so if you melt 11 pounds of butter, heat 12 pint jars. A roasting pan works well for holding the pint jars while in the oven.

3. While the jars are heating, melt butter slowly until it comes to a slow boil. Using a large spatula, stir the bottom of the pot often to keep the butter from scorching. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes at least: a good simmer time will lessen the amount of shaking required (see #5 below). Place the lids in a small pot and bring to a boil, leaving the lids in simmering water until needed.

4. Stirring the melted butter from the bottom to the top with a soup ladle or small pot with a handle, pour the melted butter carefully into heated jars through a canning jar funnel. Leave 3/4" of head space in the jar, which allows room for the shaking process.

5. Carefully wipe off the top of the jars, then get a hot lid from the simmering water, add the lid and ring and tighten securely. Lids will seal as they cool. Once a few lids "ping," shake while the jars are still warm, but cool enough to handle easily, because the butter will separate and become foamy on top and white on the bottom. In a few minutes, shake again, and repeat until the butter retains the same consistency throughout the jar.

6. At this point, while still slightly warm, put the jars into a refrigerator. While cooling and hardening, shake again, and the melted butter will then look like butter and become firm. This final shaking is very important! Check every 5 minutes and give the jars a little shake until they are hardened in the jar! Leave in the refrigerator for an hour.

7. Canned butter should store for 3 years or longer on a cool, dark shelf. [It does last a long time. We have just used up the last of the butter we canned in 1999, and it was fine after 5 years.] Canned butter does not "melt*" again when opened, so it does not need to be refrigerated upon opening, provided it is used within a reasonable length of time.

*It melts. It just doesn't melt and separate like butter sometimes does when left out for long periods of time.

Old Fashioned Oatmeal

Old Fashioned Oatmeal

2 c. water
1/4 t. salt (optional, more if desired)
1 c. oats
Milk (optional)
Butter (optional)

Bring water and salt to a boil. Add oats and stir. Cook two minutes, stirring occasionally. Add sugar, honey, milk, and butter to taste, if desired.

Wednesday Prep Day

Good Morning! Today for our 72 hr. kits, we will be collecting a battery powered radio. Radio's are important because, in an emergency, they can provide information about what may be happening. Keep your eye's open at yard sales and thrift stores. You may be able to snatch one up for a fraction of the original price. Happy Hunting!

Now, how is your three months of storage coming? Do you have a plan? If so, keep pluggin' along. You'll get it. If you don't have a plan for your three month supply, lets make one together. To start, make a menu: seven breakfasts, seven or fourteen dinners. Seven's easier to plan, fourteen gives you more options. (As we continue our "Sample BASIC Menu" on the right, you can use it for ideas. More of that to come later).

1. Write the recipes for each breakfast and dinner down.
2. If you do seven meals, multiply the ingredients by 13 to find out exactly how much of each item you need for three months. If you do fourteen, you can multiply all of the meals by seven or half by seven and half by six. It's up to you.
   
3. Make a master shopping list.
   
4. Begin shopping always remembering to stick to your budget. Little by little you will cross all the items off. Just be persistent and patient.

This month, we are collecting Rice for our long-term storage. Liesa Card suggests a food storage program that fits the way we collect long-term storage on this site; although, there are many ways to go about gathering your storage.

Another way that makes sense is gathering a one year supply for one person at a time. (When you have one year gathered, just do it again). If you have one year for one person, you will also have a six month supply for two people, a four month supply for three, and so on. Isn't that COOL?! (I thought you might like it)! Happy collecting...

Here's an important note:

Never spend what you do not have. If you do, your things will own you, and that's just not the way preparedness, or anything else, should be done. Always be persistent, never running faster than needed; because, as you "Do the best you can, the Lord will provide the rest." (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

Food Storage Use and Management: Sample Basic Menu

Are you guys ready for today? Of course! We are going to plan and cook using our food storage! Hooray!!! "This Menu is given to show that you can maintain a semblance of traditional meals even if all you have are the BASIC foods." (Once Upon the Ark) When this is complete, you will each have access to one week of meals that focus on food storage. And, you will have the recipes to accompany them. Cooking with food storage - I love it! And if you don't already, you will!

Food Storage Use and management
Sample BASIC Menu

Day One
Breakfast

• Old Fashioned Oatmeal
• Sugar or Honey
• Whole Wheat Toast
• Jam of Choice

Lunch

• Bean Burrito
• Sprouts
• Cookies

Dinner

• Soup of Choice
• Whole Wheat Roll

Day Two
Breakfast

• Hot Whole Wheat Biscuits
• Country Gravy
• Jam or Honey

Lunch

• Peanut Butter Sandwich
• Jam or Honey

Dinner

• Pasta of Choice
• Butter Horn Rolls

Day Three
Breakfast

• Cracked Wheat Cereal
• Sugar or Honey
• Whole Wheat Toast

Lunch

• Chicken Sandwich*
• Whole Wheat Roll

Dinner

• Chicken Enchiladas
• Spanish Rice
• Chocolate Pudding

Day Four
Breakfast

• Perfect Whole Wheat Pancakes
• Hot Maple Syrup
• Sausage Pattie*

Lunch

• Soup of Choice

Dinner

• Chicken Fried Steak*
• Seasoned Rice
• Gravy
• Baked Beans

Day Five
Breakfast

• Oatmeal Croquettes
• Sausage Patty*

Lunch

• Soup of Choice
• Whole Wheat Roll
  

Dinner

• Chicken Fried Steak*
• Seasoned Rice
• Gravy
• Baked Beans

Day Six
Breakfast

• Waffles
• Maple Syrup
• Sausage Patty*

Lunch

• Navajo Tacos

Dinner

• Soup of Choice
• Whole Wheat Roll
• Cake of Choice

Day Seven
Breakfast

• Sausage Patty Biscuit*

Lunch

• Soup of Choice
• Whole Wheat Roll

Dinner

• Fettuccine Alfredo
• Butter Horn Rolls
• Vanilla Pudding

*Wheat Meat. I'll explain these, and teach you what to do, once we get into this a little more. I will also teach you what to do if you have some type of wheat or bran allergy - like me.

"Note: This Menu has no fruit, vegetables, or meat. 'Got seeds?' you're going to love your Spring garden! Be sure your jars and canning equipment are in good shape. This Menu is given to show you that you can maintain a semblance of traditional meals even if all you have are the BASIC foods...Well!...I assume that you do have a few spices, herbs, and seasonings" (Once Upon the Ark).

Motivational Monday

For the Righteous the gospel provides a warning before a calamity, a program for the crises, a refuge for each disaster.

Ezra Taft Benson, “Prepare Ye,” Ensign, Jan 1974, 68

An interesting side note: When this talk was given, President Benson hadn't become the President of the Church yet. To read the full text please click on the link above.

Food Storage Use and Management: Sample Basic Menu

Good morning, everybody! Today I am going to give you a sampling of what and how you can eat if all you had were the BASICS. My grandma wrote a book titled Once Upon the Ark a couple years ago and included this menu. My plan is to get you excited about this, and then I'll show you how to do it over the next couple weeks. To wet your whistle, I'll begin with four days, and we can continue the last three on Tuesday. Shall we get started?

Food Storage Use and management
Sample BASIC Menu

Day One
Breakfast

• Old Fashioned Oatmeal
• Sugar or Honey
• Whole Wheat Toast
• Jam of Choice

Lunch

• Bean Burrito
• Sprouts
• Cookies

Dinner

• Soup of Choice
• Whole Wheat Roll

Day Two
Breakfast

• Hot Whole Wheat Biscuits
• Country Gravy
• Jam or Honey

Lunch

• Peanut Butter Sandwich
• Jam or Honey

Dinner

• Pasta of Choice
• Butter Horn Rolls

Day Three
Breakfast

• Cracked Wheat Cereal
• Sugar or Honey
• Whole Wheat Toast

Lunch

• Chicken Sandwich*
• Whole Wheat Roll

Dinner

• Chicken Enchiladas
• Spanish Rice
• Chocolate Pudding

Day Four
Breakfast

• Perfect Whole Wheat Pancakes
• Hot Maple Syrup
• Sausage Pattie*

Lunch

• Soup of Choice

Dinner

• Chicken Fried Steak*
• Seasoned Rice
• Gravy
• Baked Beans

*I'll explain these, and teach you what to do, once we get into this a little more.

I'm so EXCITED and I hope you are too!

Wednesday Prep Day - One Day Late

First of all, I hope you are all having a WONDERFUL day! I know mine has been good. This week, for our 72 hr. kits, we are going to add a utility knife and a bucket. Knifes are handy tools and buckets are good for carrying items in. Infact, you can place the items you've collected so far in the bucket if you'd like.

Now, how is your three months of storage coming? Do you have a plan? If so, keep pluggin' along. You'll get it. If you don't have a plan for your three month supply, lets make one together. To start, make a menu: seven breakfasts, seven or fourteen dinners. Seven's easier to plan, fourteen gives you more options.

1. Write the recipes for each breakfast and dinner down.
2. If you do seven meals, multiply the ingredients by 13 to find out exactly how much of each item you need for three months. If you do fourteen, you can multiply all of the meals by seven or half by seven and half by six. It's up to you.
   
3. Make a master shopping list.
   
4. Begin shopping always remembering to stick to your budget. Little by little you will cross all the items off. Just be persistent and patient.

This month, we are collecting Rice for our long-term storage. Liesa Card suggests a food storage program that fits the way we collect long-term storage on this site; although, there are many ways to go about gathering your storage.

Another way that makes sense is gathering a one year supply for one person at a time. (When you have one year gathered, just do it again). If you have one year for one person, you will also have a six month supply for two people, a four month supply for three, and so on. Isn't that COOL?! (I thought you might like it)! Happy collecting...

Here's an important note:

Never spend what you do not have. If you do, your things will own you, and that's just not the way preparedness, or anything else, should be done. Always be persistent, never running faster than needed; because, as you "Do the best you can, the Lord will provide the rest." (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf)