First Aid Kit

I firmly believe that every family needs a first aid kit!  And, with my family the past few weeks. . . my belief in that has been doubled.  You do not need anything fancy. You can buy one that is prepackaged or you can make your own. You should have one in your home and one for each vehicle.  I would even go as far as saying to have two for your home, one that you have out and use all of the time and one in your 72 hour kit (that way one is always in stock and full.)  If you are only able to afford one then start with that! Even if you are only able to carry a couple of bandages and some antibiotic ointment (i.e. neosporin) in a purse.

Here is what the red cross recommends for a first aid kit:
(This is for a family of 4 so you can adjust as needed)

*2 absorbent compress dressings (5x9 inches)- These are used when there is a lot of blood.
*25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
*1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
*5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)- I think a tube is sufficient
*5 antiseptic wipe packets
*2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
*1 blanket (space blanket)- these fold up tiny
*1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
*1 instant cold compress
*2 pair of non latex gloves (size large)- I think they say large so that they would fit anyone.
*2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)- 1tube would work
*scissors (I would suggest bandage scissors)
*1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
*1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
*5 sterile gauze pads (3x3 inches)
*5 sterile gauze pads (4x4 inches)
*Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non glass)- We have a forehead strip thermometer for the car.
*2 triangular bandages
*tweezers
*first aid instruction booklet

Those are the basics for a first aid kit.  I would suggest having Tylenol for headaches (children should not take aspirin), sting/bite cream, calamine lotion (for the poison ivy that loves Columbia), and hand sanitizer.  If you have issues with carsickness, upset stomachs, etc. . . add those in to your car kits so that you have them on trips.

Here is what the Mayo clinic recommends you have. They have a list of medications they recommend as well.

This is one step closer to getting you prepared!

Stake Personal Preparedness

The Columbia Stake has made it a goal to encourage all sisters to get a 72 hour kit and a 3 month supply of food.  This can be done by sisters whether single, married, widowed, divorced etc.  It is something that is very important no matter the stage of life that we are in.  When emergencies hit, we need to be prepared to care for ourselves and our families.  If you are single and in school, you will probably not be able to get any more than the 3 month supply if even that, but still you want to have enough stored to get yourself through a tough patch if one comes.  Figure out what is right for you in the situation that you are in!

I will try to do a few posts each week as I find things that will assist and to encourage.  I will put helpful ideas up that I find etc.  Unfortunately for all of you, I can't go and collect all of the supplies for you!  That is something that we all have to do for ourselves, but I can help you as I figure this out for my family. If you have any comments or additional ideas, you can put them on here or e-mail me and I can put them on a post. Together we can make great things happen!!

This book looks like a ready GOOD one!  I have felt prompted to share it with you, my beloved sisters!
Olga Campoa.

Click on the linkhttp://deseretbook.com/Beginning-Better-Days-Divine-Instruction-Women-Prophet-Joseph-Smith-Sheri-L-Dew/i/5078230?et_cid=100441&et_rid=lvice.oli@verizon.net&utm_source=spotlight&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=spotlight&utm_content=e6120712a

Heat Alert Is in Effect

There is a heat advisory in effect for the next several days!  I thought it would be important to share with everyone some tips for helping you and your families!  Make sure you DRINK a LOT!  If you aren't going to the bathroom a lot or your urine is dark then you are not getting enough fluids.  This can lead to heat exhaustion and could lead to heat stroke.  Click here for information about heat exhaustion. This can be very serious!!  Today I did some running around doing errands and didn't even think about anything. I was out and about from about 8:30 until 14:00 and I was so tired.  I hadn't been outside much except for going in and out of buildings. I finally crashed for a nap with my kids and when I got up I was dizzy and thirsty so I started drinking like crazy, and I think just that mild running around had caused me to start getting dehydrated!  So to be safe for you and your families DRINK, DRINK, DRINK!

Here is a great calculator that shows how much water you need to drink.  I thought it was interesting that with my weight doing nothing, I still needed 11 cups of water in extreme heat and 16 cups if only doing 60 minutes of working out and normal life i.e. chasing kids or walking a pet can be a workout!

Here is a website about heat and kids and how to keep them hydrated.  Kids do not need as much water as adults, but again monitor how much they are going to the bathroom and notice the color. If it is dark get them to drink more!  Water is the best, but if they don't like the flavor you can add a bit of juice or other things they like. Avoid straight juice and sodas because then you are getting extra calories and sodas really don't quench thirst. Popsicles are also great ways of hydrating.  If you have a nursing infant, nurse them often and if they are able to take a bottle you can give them bottles of water as supplements when you are running around and can't sit to nurse.  My 9 month old will get fussy and I realize "Oh, he's probably thirsty"  a sip can make a big difference!  Ice in a mesh bag food strainer is also a favorite! Chances are that if you are thirsty your kids are too!

Keep water bottles in your car!  My husband hates it because they roll around in the back, but if you get stranded with a flat or run out of gas, it is good to have something there. Plus, I have reached back and just grabbed one several times because I have forgotten to bring something.

Are We Prepared?

When my family moves, my first question is, what type of weather do we have and what do we need to have in order to be prepared.  In the past year, we have had a hurricane, earthquake, tornado, flooding, thunderstorms etc.  So, if you are going to live in Maryland I guess you just need to be prepared for it all!

What are your plans?  Have you made them yet?  If there is flooding and you have to evacuate to higher ground do you have somewhere you are prepared to go? Do you live in a area where you would need to evacuate at the mere threat of a flood?  Do you live on high grounds and can give place to others?  Just some things to think about.

Do you have your 72 hour kit?  Is it mobile if you have to evacuate at the drop of a hat?  I have always had mine spread throughout my house because typically we aren't in places that would have to evacuate.  I think it is about time that I get my stuff in good order.

Don't wait until the disaster hits before getting prepared. Last year with the threat of the hurricane we thought it would be a smart idea to get batteries and a generator. . . lo and behold, the stores were ALL OUT!  So don't wait. . . BE PREPARED!

We have been in places where public water has been contaminated due to flooding and people have been without it for days.  Something that we do is we will fill up a bathtub and then lock the door so that our kids can't get in the room.  That way if something happens and there is no water, we have water that will last for a few days (Our purpose in doing this is for non-drinking water i.e. to allow our toilets to flush, wash things etc.)

Hurricane Season in MD is 1 June until 30 November.  Think about how that affects those of us in Elkridge, Columbia, and Ellicott City.  Heavy winds, flooding, heavy rain fall. . . (If I forgot something feel free to correct me!)

Bunk Bed needed

If you have any bunk bed to give away, let sister Olga Campora know. We have a new sister moving to our ward in July who is looking for one. 


Here is the info:

"There is one thing I am in need of, a bunkbed for my boys.  If anyone in the ward possibly has one they are getting rid of or if anyone has seen an inexpensive one at a local second hand store, that would be great".

Townhouse for rent

We have a family of 4 who are looking for a town house to rent in the Oakland Mills High School area.  If you know of anyone in the area who would like to rent their place, please, connect with Sister Olga Campora. 

Save a Buck and Make it Yourself

A picture of a friend's supply

Here are some more recipes for household cleaners!  I have used the dishwasher detergent and it works just as well as the cascade packets that I was using.  A few friends of mine use all of these, and I will start once I run out of the things I already use.  So. . . here you go!  Try it or don't. It's up to you!

I was able to buy some of the items at the commissary but all of them are available at Walmart and I think the costs are comparable at both places.  I've rounded up the prices that I found at the commissary.

Dishwasher Detergent

1- 4 lb box Borax (approx $3.50)
1- 3 lb 7 oz box Arm & Hammer super washing soda (approx $2.50)
1/3 c citric acid (found in canning section) ($3.24 at walmart probably has 1 cup in it)
3 c Epsom Salt (approx $3.50)  (This is for a large box that has about 6 cups in it)
Total- $12.74  (And you would have enough citric acid and Epson left for another batch).

**I made this one and it makes about 20 cups of powder.  You use 1 Tbs. per load.  I figure that if I run my dishwasher every day then it will last me for 320 loads or for almost an entire year.  **
**Works best with a rinse aid (Jet dry, Lemirinse, or vinegar)**

Laundry Soap

1- 4 lb box Borax (approx $3.50)
1- 4 lb box Arm & Hammer Baking Soda (Approx $2.00)
1- 55 oz (3lb 7oz) Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (Approx $2.50)
3.5 lb oxyclean (2- small containers) (I have a large box so not sure on the cost it wasn't much)
3- bars fels naptha soap or pink zote soap (grated with food processer or cheese grater) ($.97 each at Walmart)
Total- $11 + cost of oxyclean

**Use 2 Tbs per load in top load machines and 1 Tbs per load for HE front load washers.  I have heard that in an HE washer a single batch will last about a year.

Fabric Softener

3 c boiling water (Free)
1- 15-16 oz bottle cheap sauve conditioner (I'm assuming other brands will work as well) (approx $1.50)
3 c vinegar (I buy mine in bulk and it isn't much)
Total- Approx $5-$7 for a triple batch

**A triple batch will fill the Sam's/Costco size bottle.  You can pick the scent of conditioner to match the smell you want for your clothes. You will NOT smell the vinegar once the clothes are washed.

There you go!  As I said, I've only tried the dishwasher soap so far, but the friends I got the recipes from are trustworthy people so I'll give the others a try as I run out of what I have!  Enjoy!

Recipes

Here is the recipe for the whole wheat bread I made for the Relief Society Preparedness Fair.  It is so yummy!! Especially when fresh from the oven.

Click here for the whole wheat recipe.  This is how I make it in Maryland. In UT we added 1 1/2 cups more water.  So if you move, you may have to play around!  If you have questions, please ask and I would love to help! If you want to come over and make it with me sometime just let me know.

Here is the recipe for the salsa that Sister Grange made.  Very Yummy and healthy!

I hope you enjoy!!

Self-Reliance Quote of the Week

Robert D. Hales gave a great talk on spiritual self-reliance during the saturday morning session of General Conference.  Here is the link:  talk.  The quote that struck me was as follows:
 
        "In addition to the spiritual self-reliance we have ben discussing, there is temporal self-reliance, which includes getting a postsecondary education or vocational training, learning to work, and living within our means.  By avoiding debt and saving money now, we are prepared for full-time Church service in the years to come.  The purpose of both temporal and spiritual self-reliance is to get ourselves on higher ground so that we can lift others in need."   Robert D. Hales.

         I had never looked at self-reliance in this view before. I knew that we needed to be self-reliant in order to help our families, but I hadn't seen it in the view of being able to lift others up.

Car to borrow?

Need of car to borrow for few days/week


"We have had some car troubles in the last couple of weeks that now leave us with one car as of Friday (and 4 who have jobs/school transportation needs).  
Just wondering if there is anyone out there, or who knows of someone, who might have a car they are not using currently that would be willing to let us use it for a short while.  We are in process of trying to find and purchase a used car."


If anyone can help sister Gina Hagen, please email her directly!  Thank you!

Service Opportunity for Stake RS Women's Conference

All graduating Laurels are invited to attend the Stake RS conference with their Mothers or another sister. The stake RS blog address is www.columbiastakers.blogspot.com

We are looking for 3 sisters from each ward to help run the service projects.
1. Sewing Breast cancer pillows
2. Knitting or crocheting Comfort dolls that are used s packing material for boxes of Aids/HIV relief supplies sent around the world, which are then distributed to children in the area of delivery.

3. Sewing Courage Capes for sick children in local hospitals.

Contact our Ward Rep Nadine Edgeworth to volunteer!

Time to Get Out Your Green Thumb!

It is that time of the year again to get your gardens started!!  If you are interested in planting lettuce, carrots, spinach and other cold weather plants, their planing time is now!  If you are interested in Tomatoes, beans, peas, corn, squash, or other warm weather plants, the time to plant them is just around the corner.  The last frost date is typically April 21-31 so I am aiming at getting my cold weather plants out this next week and starting my warm weather plants on May 1st. What a great way to celebrate May Day right?!!?

I grew up with my family having gardens, but this will be my first year doing one for myself.  I think it is going to be a trial and error year for our family!  I have decided to do 3 raised 4x4 beds.  We made 3 boxes using untreated wood and I have since then learned that it should be water sealed so our boxes will probably only last a year or two and then need to be replaced, but at least we aren't adding any bad chemicals from our wood.  I used a soil mix of compost, manure (my kids think it is funny and gross that I used cow poop), and some vermiculite because I have heard it is good for keeping the soil light and allowing the water to not get the soil bogged down.  I plan on planting the seeds tomorrow, but I do think that I will figure out what to do for a fence first because just today I saw 11 deer run behind our house. Very majestic and cool to see!

I have started seeds sprouting for my tomatoes and peppers. I figure if they don't work then I can buy plants at a future date, but I may as well try to get something going. So far I have 6 tomato plants, 5 jalopeno plants, and 2-3 bell pepper plants that have sprouted.  We had a little incident with little fingers so we may have lost a few items.  I don't think they will all survive so I planted extra.  I have them in a room that has decent sun light during the day and then I purchased a $2 gro light bulb for a bedside lamp that I turn on when it is cloudy.  I picked the bedroom because I can lock the door which is a necessity with little ones. So if you have little kids. . . you can still do tricks to get plants.

I will post some links here for anyone who is interested in seeing some of the things that I have seen.  If you grew something last year, do so again!  It will bring a smile to your face! If it didn't work, try again!  A pack of seeds is just $1.27-$2.00.

Click here for a list of classes offered through the University of Maryland Extension.  Many of them are free classes on gardening!
Click here for a great way of growing strawberries in a small area.
Click here for information about composting.  You can call the number on the website to get a free compost bin while supplies last. I have heard that they aren't the sturdiest.  There is also information on there about building your own out of old pallets. Since we have many in our back yard, that is what we are going to do.  It looks simple to build and should work great!
Click here for a great blog on square foot gardening
Click here for ideas on gardening in small places (imagine growing lettuce on a wall. . . cool idea!
Click here for more ideas for vertical and small space gardening.

There is tons of information out there! Don't be afraid to ask Mr. Google for advice in your gardening adventure!! And, don't be afraid to ask those around you who have been doing it forever!

Columbia Community Shred Day

FYI,

COMMUNITY SHRED DAY
Saturday, April 28th - Weather Permitting

Mark the date! APL Federal Credit Union will hold a free community
Shred Day from 9:00 a.m. to Noon at the Columbia Branch 8870 McGaw Rd, Columbia, MD 21045-4713

It's a great opportunity to shred financial statements, receipts, invoices and other personal documents. Please limit shredding materials to two boxes each weighing less than 100 pounds.

Used Computer needed

We have a sister in our ward who is a need of a computer in order to learn typing skills. If you have an older but still working computer, please, let Sister Clay know.

Thanks!

March Relief Society Temple Trip

Come join us for the March Relief Society temple trip on Thursday March 22nd!  Click here for the on-line sign up sheet or watch for it to come out in Relief Society.  We hope to see you there!  I know that the temple can bring peace in a busy world!

Preparedness Fair Coming Your Way

President Mitchell has asked us to pass on the following announcement!

Seneca Stake is hosting a Preparedness Fair on March 24th from 8 AM until 4 PM. There are several classes to attend that will be very informative.  

Click here to see the original size for easier viewing!  If this does not work, feel free to e-mail me and I will be able to send it your way!

I hope some of us can go and learn from the knowledge of others!

Senior Sister Missionary Nola Hatch on TV

We had the senior sister missionary Nola Hatch from a few years ago in our ward. There is a great TV episode filmed on her and her family. For those of you who know her, might enjoy the episod.

Hi Friends,this email is from Nola Hatch's [Sister Hatch] daughter-in-law.

Hello Everyone,

Our Family reunion was filmed in July 2011 as part of the "Getting Away Together" PBS TV show. The 26 minute Oceanside episode is available to view online at www.gettingawaytogether.com

Click on Oceanside to see our 26 minute show. There is also a 3 minute teaser.

Our family will also be featured in "The Best Beach Destinations" episode which will be available online at the above website beginning 3/28/2012.

Here is a link which lists the PBS member stations that are presently airing the series. You can find your station and check your local listings for air times. It is updated as stations are added. http://www.gettingawaytogether.com/airtimes

Washington DC Cannery Sign Up

Sorry for creating so many posts today, but if I don't do it when my mind it in the mode then I forget.

I created a sign up if you are interested in getting into a group to go to the cannery.  Here is a little bit of information. . . The cannery is open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8-3.  On the sign up sheet, there are areas for you to put when you are available, if you can drive or need a ride, if you would rather not go, but would watch the kids of others in your group and they will pick up your food etc.

The cannery can take individuals or groups of up to 5.  You can only can the stuff that they have there. So you are not able to bring your own food in to have canned.  (We can get the stake mylar sealer for that stuff at a future date. So if you are interested in that let me know and I'll find out how to get it).  If you are going to be getting large amounts of items, let me know and either you or I can call the cannery to verify that they have everything you need in stock etc.

Click here to sign up to be put in a group.

Click here to see the cannery food list.

.

Bring Light into the Dark

If you are like me, you have flashlights, but can't always find them or their batteries.  So when the lights go off, you are rushing around trying to figure out where you put everything.  Even my little stash of "hidden" flashlights gets raided by either my hubby or the kids and then I can't find anything.

Here is an idea that Sister Mitchell passed on from her mother-in-law.  If you have solar lights that you use for outside lighting around your drive way, deck, or flower bed etc.  You can place them in a drink bottle (20 oz, liter, or 2 liter) and then bring them inside to light up a room.  It will light up for hours and then you just put it outside to recharge again before you need it.  If you are worried about your bottle tipping over, you can place marbles or sand into the bottom and that should do the trick.

I thought that was a great idea and thought I would share!  If you already have flashlights and batteries, make sure that you 1. know where they are, and 2. test them every couple of months to make sure they still have enough juice to stay lit!