Still not feeling quite up to par, and nervous that my little brigham's immune system is still weakened...I opted not to go to church today. While Briggy is in "after brunch nap" I thought I'd do a little conference catch up. I remember one of my favorite talks last October was from Sister Beck. What suprised me the most was the harsh backlash and controversy that followed her beautiful talk on several "mormon blogs" I thought her talk was thoughtful and inspirational...we all should aspire to be the mother she talks about...this gospel is about progressing, isn't it? I think the reason why most of the women who got upset at this talk were seeing it as "You're not living up to these things so you are a mother who DOESN'T know..." which, come on, thats not the message at all. At any rate, I was looking online and I found this very nice presentation of her talk that I thought I would share with all of you. I am very excited for conference this fall!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Food Storage Friday!
Food Storage for our little ones:
Special Considerations for Storing Baby Foods
If you have a baby in the house, it is important to consider what baby will need in an emergency. As with many stored foods, the nutritive value of canned foods slightly decreases over time. For most people this is not a big problem, but for infants those vitamins and nutrients are more crucial. It is also more important to keep your foods fresh and safe for feeding to baby. Here are some points to consider when storing food for babies and toddlers:
Look ahead. Unless you want to have to update your baby's emergency food supply every couple of months, make sure to look ahead to the types of foods your baby will be eating for the next few months or year. For instance, if your baby is not currently eating solid foods but will be starting them in the next few months, you should store these foods. These include cereals, crackers, and jarred baby foods. You may choose to store enough of these foods to last you through your baby's first year. As your baby grows, you already have a lot of the baby food on hand and can replace your baby foods with other foods that baby will eat in the months ahead.
Store a variety. When looking ahead, you may not be able to predict if your baby will be allergic to various grains, fruits, or vegetables. Also, some babies are pickier than others and will not eat certain foods. For these reasons, it is important to store various types of grains, fruits, and vegetables for baby in your food storage in case you are not able to use one item.
Learn to make your own. Store-bought baby food is kind of expensive and can be difficult to purchase all at once for many. In addition, it is hard to guess exactly how much to store. For these reasons, you will probably want to supplement store-bought baby foods with homemade ones in times of emergency. Check back to the be prepared blog for a couple of articles about making baby food in emergency situations.
Store formula. Whether you breastfeed or not, it is important to have some formula on hand, just in case. Formula is the most important item to store for an infant, since if you have some stored food on hand you will probably be able to make your own baby foods if necessary. If these other foods are lacking in nutrition, at least baby will have a healthy, nutrient-rich bottle to drink. Breastfeeding moms may want formula on hand to thin homemade baby foods, or in case of an emergency when mom cannot nurse her baby. Check out these handy Enfamil Nursette bottles that come ready to use, in 3 oz. or 6 oz. bottles. These are great options for long-term food storage, or 72-hour emergency kits.
LDS Food Storage in the news:
Planning for your Baby's Needs During an Emergency
by Miriam Caldwell
If you have a baby in your family or are expecting one soon, you will need to make sure that you include their special needs in your emergency plans. The food and formula, which a baby requires, may be difficult to find in a shelter. They may not be included on the first relief trucks and so you will want to make sure that you have plenty of these supplies available to you.
You will want to provide for the feeding needs of your infant. If your baby is breastfed, then you will not have as much to worry about. It is still a good idea to have formula stored for your baby just in case something happens to you, and you are not able to breastfeed for any reason. If you are storing formula you may want to store formula that is ready to be consumed straight from the can. This will allow you to stretch the water supply that you have stored for your family. It will also add to the ease of caring for your child. If you do this you will want to purchase the single serving cans of ready-made formula because you may not have a means of refrigeration available to you. Be sure that you include several bottles and nipples. This is a time when the liner bottles are especially nice to use.
Sponsors (article continues below)
If your baby has started on baby food you will want to include the type and stage of food that your baby is eating. My children both switched to table food at nine months old. They just refused to eat baby food at this age. If you child is eating table food, you will want to include table food that they can eat. My children still didn't eat a large amount of meats, and had mostly fruits and vegetables until about a year. You may want to include the snacks that your baby is used to, such as biter biscuits or certain crackers and cookies.
You will want to make sure that you include a good supply of diapers and wipes in your emergency supplies. If you are unsure of the size which you will need at time you can stock size three or just make sure you always have an extra pack or two at home. Size three can be made to fit most babies and toddlers. I have seen mothers barely fit a size three onto size five babies in times of emergency. The diapers have still been able to complete the job.
You will also want to include any medication that your baby might need. These include infant Motrin and infant Tylenol. If you use gas drops on a regular basis, you will want to include these as well. You will need to make sure that you rotate these out so they do not expire.
If you have properly prepared for your baby, it should make the emergency that much easier to deal with. It should be fairly simple to gather these supplies and put them in an emergency diaper bag that will be ready to go at a moment's notice.
Special Considerations for Storing Baby Foods
If you have a baby in the house, it is important to consider what baby will need in an emergency. As with many stored foods, the nutritive value of canned foods slightly decreases over time. For most people this is not a big problem, but for infants those vitamins and nutrients are more crucial. It is also more important to keep your foods fresh and safe for feeding to baby. Here are some points to consider when storing food for babies and toddlers:
Look ahead. Unless you want to have to update your baby's emergency food supply every couple of months, make sure to look ahead to the types of foods your baby will be eating for the next few months or year. For instance, if your baby is not currently eating solid foods but will be starting them in the next few months, you should store these foods. These include cereals, crackers, and jarred baby foods. You may choose to store enough of these foods to last you through your baby's first year. As your baby grows, you already have a lot of the baby food on hand and can replace your baby foods with other foods that baby will eat in the months ahead.
Store a variety. When looking ahead, you may not be able to predict if your baby will be allergic to various grains, fruits, or vegetables. Also, some babies are pickier than others and will not eat certain foods. For these reasons, it is important to store various types of grains, fruits, and vegetables for baby in your food storage in case you are not able to use one item.
Learn to make your own. Store-bought baby food is kind of expensive and can be difficult to purchase all at once for many. In addition, it is hard to guess exactly how much to store. For these reasons, you will probably want to supplement store-bought baby foods with homemade ones in times of emergency. Check back to the be prepared blog for a couple of articles about making baby food in emergency situations.
Store formula. Whether you breastfeed or not, it is important to have some formula on hand, just in case. Formula is the most important item to store for an infant, since if you have some stored food on hand you will probably be able to make your own baby foods if necessary. If these other foods are lacking in nutrition, at least baby will have a healthy, nutrient-rich bottle to drink. Breastfeeding moms may want formula on hand to thin homemade baby foods, or in case of an emergency when mom cannot nurse her baby. Check out these handy Enfamil Nursette bottles that come ready to use, in 3 oz. or 6 oz. bottles. These are great options for long-term food storage, or 72-hour emergency kits.
LDS Food Storage in the news:
Planning for your Baby's Needs During an Emergency
by Miriam Caldwell
If you have a baby in your family or are expecting one soon, you will need to make sure that you include their special needs in your emergency plans. The food and formula, which a baby requires, may be difficult to find in a shelter. They may not be included on the first relief trucks and so you will want to make sure that you have plenty of these supplies available to you.
You will want to provide for the feeding needs of your infant. If your baby is breastfed, then you will not have as much to worry about. It is still a good idea to have formula stored for your baby just in case something happens to you, and you are not able to breastfeed for any reason. If you are storing formula you may want to store formula that is ready to be consumed straight from the can. This will allow you to stretch the water supply that you have stored for your family. It will also add to the ease of caring for your child. If you do this you will want to purchase the single serving cans of ready-made formula because you may not have a means of refrigeration available to you. Be sure that you include several bottles and nipples. This is a time when the liner bottles are especially nice to use.
Sponsors (article continues below)
If your baby has started on baby food you will want to include the type and stage of food that your baby is eating. My children both switched to table food at nine months old. They just refused to eat baby food at this age. If you child is eating table food, you will want to include table food that they can eat. My children still didn't eat a large amount of meats, and had mostly fruits and vegetables until about a year. You may want to include the snacks that your baby is used to, such as biter biscuits or certain crackers and cookies.
You will want to make sure that you include a good supply of diapers and wipes in your emergency supplies. If you are unsure of the size which you will need at time you can stock size three or just make sure you always have an extra pack or two at home. Size three can be made to fit most babies and toddlers. I have seen mothers barely fit a size three onto size five babies in times of emergency. The diapers have still been able to complete the job.
You will also want to include any medication that your baby might need. These include infant Motrin and infant Tylenol. If you use gas drops on a regular basis, you will want to include these as well. You will need to make sure that you rotate these out so they do not expire.
If you have properly prepared for your baby, it should make the emergency that much easier to deal with. It should be fairly simple to gather these supplies and put them in an emergency diaper bag that will be ready to go at a moment's notice.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
All this political craziness calls for some sweetness
(This is a homemaking blog... so let me get back to that!)
Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch...you know I love you....
Old Time Sugar Pie
2 T. all purpose flour
1 cup sugar
9 inch pie crust
2 cup milk
Cinnamon
1 T. butter
Sprinkle flour and sugar into pie crust; mix gently. Flute crust edges. Pour in milk; stir with fingers until smooth. Sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired; dot with butter. Bake at 375 degrees until mixture boils, at least one hour. Cool. Make 8 servings.
Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch...you know I love you....
Old Time Sugar Pie
2 T. all purpose flour
1 cup sugar
9 inch pie crust
2 cup milk
Cinnamon
1 T. butter
Sprinkle flour and sugar into pie crust; mix gently. Flute crust edges. Pour in milk; stir with fingers until smooth. Sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired; dot with butter. Bake at 375 degrees until mixture boils, at least one hour. Cool. Make 8 servings.
Straight from the Source: LDS Newsroom
Political Neutrality
The Church’s mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not to elect politicians. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is neutral in matters of party politics. This applies in all of the many nations in which it is established
The Church does not:
* Endorse, promote or oppose political parties, candidates or platforms.
* Allow its church buildings, membership lists or other resources to be used for partisan political purposes.
* Attempt to direct its members as to which candidate or party they should give their votes to. This policy applies whether or not a candidate for office is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
* Attempt to direct or dictate to a government leader.
The Church does:
* Encourage its members to play a role as responsible citizens in their communities, including becoming informed about issues and voting in elections.
* Expect its members to engage in the political process in an informed and civil manner, respecting the fact that members of the Church come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and may have differences of opinion in partisan political matters.
* Request candidates for office not to imply that their candidacy or platforms are endorsed by the Church.
* Reserve the right as an institution to address, in a nonpartisan way, issues that it believes have significant community or moral consequences or that directly affect the interests of the Church.
In the United States, where nearly half of the world’s Latter-day Saints live, it is customary for the Church at each national election to issue a letter to be read to all congregations encouraging its members to vote, but emphasizing the Church’s neutrality in partisan political matters.
Relationships With Government
Elected officials who are Latter-day Saints make their own decisions and may not necessarily be in agreement with one another or even with a publicly stated Church position. While the Church may communicate its views to them, as it may to any other elected official, it recognizes that these officials still must make their own choices based on their best judgment and with consideration of the constituencies whom they were elected to represent.
Modern scriptural references to the role of government: Doctrine and Covenants, Section 134
Wise words from an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ (Elder Ballard) :
The Church’s mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not to elect politicians. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is neutral in matters of party politics. This applies in all of the many nations in which it is established
The Church does not:
* Endorse, promote or oppose political parties, candidates or platforms.
* Allow its church buildings, membership lists or other resources to be used for partisan political purposes.
* Attempt to direct its members as to which candidate or party they should give their votes to. This policy applies whether or not a candidate for office is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
* Attempt to direct or dictate to a government leader.
The Church does:
* Encourage its members to play a role as responsible citizens in their communities, including becoming informed about issues and voting in elections.
* Expect its members to engage in the political process in an informed and civil manner, respecting the fact that members of the Church come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and may have differences of opinion in partisan political matters.
* Request candidates for office not to imply that their candidacy or platforms are endorsed by the Church.
* Reserve the right as an institution to address, in a nonpartisan way, issues that it believes have significant community or moral consequences or that directly affect the interests of the Church.
In the United States, where nearly half of the world’s Latter-day Saints live, it is customary for the Church at each national election to issue a letter to be read to all congregations encouraging its members to vote, but emphasizing the Church’s neutrality in partisan political matters.
Relationships With Government
Elected officials who are Latter-day Saints make their own decisions and may not necessarily be in agreement with one another or even with a publicly stated Church position. While the Church may communicate its views to them, as it may to any other elected official, it recognizes that these officials still must make their own choices based on their best judgment and with consideration of the constituencies whom they were elected to represent.
Modern scriptural references to the role of government: Doctrine and Covenants, Section 134
Wise words from an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ (Elder Ballard) :
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Just in case you missed it....
It's been kind of a running joke around here (probably throughout america) how similar Sarah Palin and Tina Fey look.....So we were of course anxious to see her in a Palin sketch. We thought it was pretty funny. So just in case you didn't stay up, or just plain missed it--and in need of a good laugh, here ya go!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Food Storage Friday!
So, as you know, I am slowly (one week at a time) trying to learn more about food storage as well as starting our own. I know all the information sites say not to become OVERWHELMED with the numbers, but here it is, ladies and gents...the recommended amounts of food for 1 adult(7+)/1 child under 6 for ONE YEAR.
ONE ADULT
Grains:
Wheat: 150 lbs
Flour: 25 lbs
Cornmeal: 25 lbs
Oats: 25 lbs
Rice: 50 lbs
Pasta: 25 lbs
Total Grains: 300 lbs
Fats and Oils:
Shortening: 4 lbs
Vegetable Oil: 2 gallons
Mayo: 2 quarts
Salad Dressing: 1 quart
Peanut Butter: 4 lbs
Total Fats: 13 lbs
Legumes:
Beans, Dry: 30 lbs
Lima Beans: 5 lbs
Soy Beans: 10 lbs
Split Peas: 5 lbs
Lentils: 5 lbs
Dry Soup Mix: 5 lbs
Total Legumes: 60 lbs
Sugars:
Honey: 3 lbs
Sugar: 40 lbs
Brown Sugar: 3 lbs
Molasses: 1 lb
Corn Syrup: 3 lbs
Jam: 3 lbs
Fruit Drink, powdered: 6 lbs
Flavored Gelatin: 1 lb
Total Sugars: 60 lbs
Dairy:
Dry Milk: 60 lbs
Evaporated Milk: 12 cans
Other: 13 lbs
Total Dairy: 75 lbs
Cooking Essentials:
Baking Powder: 1 lb
Baking Soda: 1 lb
Yeast: .5 lb
Salt: 5 lbs
Vinegar: .5 gallon
Water:
Water: 14 gallons
Bleach: 1 gallon
Children 0-6 is approximately half, making sure if you have an infant, that formula and baby food are included.
I REALLY better get a move on..... I always discourage myself when I'm at the grocery store, because I keep thinking, I have NO SPACE for this stuff! At the very least, at least I have this information, so when we move into a house, I will be equipped to start storing!
Monday, September 8, 2008
What to buy Organic
I read this article in American Baby and thought it was pretty informative. I never thought I'd be one of those "Organic-buying" people....I used to think it was silly and an extravagance....but since reading more and more about it, and having a little Briggy....my mind has completely changed. This article details the 7 best organic food items to feed your children (although the recommend eating as organically as possible)
*Fact* Babies eat more than adults, pound for pound, and are more vulnerable to environmental toxins
1. MILK
although it is 50% MORE than conventional milk...it DOESNT contain th antibiotics, artificial hormones and pesticides that the conventional milk does.
Organic milk also contains significantly higher levels of heart-healthy fatty acids and antioxidants.
2. POTATOES
Potatoes are one of the 12 most pesticide-contaminated fruits/vegetables....81% of potatoes still contain pesticide AFTER being WASHED and PEELED!
3. PEANUT BUTTER
The pesticides used on peanuts are found to be ESPECIALLY toxic...also genetically modified soy may cross over into the peanut crop...which many believe is the reason for the dramatic decade-long increase in peanut allergies.
4. BABY FOOD
The body and brain of a newborn---> 3 year old grow faster than any other time in our lives.
5. KETCHUP
Research has found that organic ketchups are 57% higher in lycopene and have WAY more antioxidants than their conventional counterpart. Also, organic ketchups DO NOT have SUGAR and ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS.
6. APPLES
Apples are one of the most contaminated by pesticides...the organic version has been found to have higher levels of disease-fighting polyphenols and other phytonutrients.
7. BEEF
Antibiotics are used to promote growth in livestock, and those drugs may make it into our systems. And most American beef comes from cattle that is corn or grain fed, which is NOT healthy for us. Organic, grass-fed beef tends to be LEANER and has FIVE times the OMEGA-3 fats which are good for the heart. To locate organic beef in your area visit organicconsumers.org or at your local farmers market.
Massachusetts Organic Farms that sell organic/grass-fed beef:
Caledonia Farms--Barre, Ma
www.caledoniafarms.com
Crabapple Farms--Chesterfield, Ma
100 Bryant Street
413-296-0310
The Dirty Dozen
(These earn the distinction as the most contaminated by pesticides; buy organic when possible)
1. Peaches
2. Apples
3. Sweet Bell Peppers
4. Celery
5. Nectarines
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Lettuce
9. Grapes (Imported)
10. Pears
11. Spinach
12. Potatoes
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