Thursday, April 30, 2009
Solar Cookers - Solar Ovens
Home Essentials List
Bathroom
Portable Toilet
Heavy Duty plastic garbage bags or a Bucket
Privacy Tarps or tent
Toilet Paper
Deodorizer
Sanitary Hand Wipes
Portable Solar Shower
Shampoo and Conditioner
Body Soap
Lotion
Deodorant
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Tampons/Pads
Kitchen
Paper and Plastic: Plates, bowls, cups, utensils
Wash Basin
Dish Soap
Generator –OR-
Lantern and Mantles
Oil Lamps and Oil
Solar Lamps
Solar Oven
Tin Foil
Charcoal
Lighter fluid
Matches
Dutch Oven
Laundry Room
Wash Basin
Laundry Soap
Clothes Line
Clothes Pins
Under The Sink (cleaning supplies)
Bleach
All Purpose Cleaner
Baking Soda
Baby Supplies
Diapers
Wipes
Rash ointment
Baby Powder
Formula
Baby Food
Gripe Water
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Pandemic Precautions: N95 Respirator Mask
"This change to a higher phase of alert is a signal to governments, to ministries of health and other ministries, to the pharm industry and the business community that certain actions now should be taken with increased urgency and at an accelerated pace," Chan said."
Monday, April 27, 2009
A Day Of Blogging
Two Jobs - A Family - And School! How Does He Do It?
The first thing I want to clarify is that Leif still has a many more years left of schooling ahead. This graduation was his Associates. He is working towards a Masters Degree as a Nurse Anesthetist.
Anyway, I was thinking about what I would say to answer this question and I think I figured out one of Leif's great tools. When he was a Massage Therapy student he made a firm decision. He made the decision that he would never do homework on Sunday. He has followed through with this commitment and I believe that he has reaped the rewards so far.
All of Leif's classes are online. This is another way that he has been able to fit so much into his schedule. With so much going on (and the commitment to not study on Sunday) it takes planning ahead and organizing in order to get everything accomplished. I try to find out what he's up against with school so I can keep it in mind as I give him "honey-do's." I also try to make time for him to do his school work and encourage him when I can. So we work together to help him be successful. However, it is not me who forces him to study. He does that!
Leif is also a smart man. He is able to retain knowledge well and he is very good at taking tests. This makes it possible for him to skim through his text and pass the test. However, now that he is starting in on his more intense classes, we have made arrangements so Leif will only be working part time. This will make it possible for him to READ his text and retain more of what he is being taught.
Really, I feel blessed to have a husband who is seriously dedicated to earning his degree(s) with honors. This gives me strength and courage to continue when things get overwhelming. I am very grateful for Leif's example to our family and his dedication. I am very proud of him!
"The Truth" Painting of President Obama
Jakob's Dance Recital
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Seven Pounds Movie Review - Our Savior Is The Answer
Thursday, April 23, 2009
A Day All For Leif
In the morning Leif was thrilled to get the phone call from the post office telling him that our chicks arrived. He went right over and picked them up. We ordered all of our chicks as well as Leif's brothers 20 chicks all in the same order. So when he walked in with the box you definitely knew that there were a lot of chicks. We knew that there was a possibility that some of the chicks wouldn't make the trip. We hoped that we would be lucky and all of them would survive. Unfortunately that wasn't the case. There were 4 chick that had been smothered by the others. It was really upsetting for me. We buried them... But at least we had 17 of ours and 20+ of Erik's that survived!
Once we got the chicks all settled in we headed to SG. Leif was invited by Dixie College to attend an awards ceremony. He graduated Summa Cum Laude (highest honors.) I am really proud of him!! He worked two jobs, took care of us, and went to school full time. He deserved the special attention. We went to the opening reception and were thrilled to find that they gave out the awards before the long ceremony. So we ate the yummies and then left and went out to Red Robin for dinner. It was a great evening! Leif deserved every good minute of the day!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Self Reliance = The Key
Friday, April 17, 2009
Good Old Fashion Busy! -Cook Out With Uncle Jared-
Monday, April 13, 2009
Easter Weekend Rundown
Our little family has the tradition of doing the "silly" part of Easter on Saturday so we can focus on the true meaning of Easter on Sunday.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter Message From The General Authorities
Saturday, April 11, 2009
The Merciful Resurrection
I was standing at the kitchen sink and before I knew what was happening, I heard "Drink Mom!" This little plea came from my friend's two year old daughter. She has beautiful blond curly hair and a bright flashing smile. I was instantly struck by the thought that I had two little ones who would be her age. She was born right around when my girls were due to be born.
It's moments like those that send a mother who has lost a child straight to her source of faith. During those times I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the plan of our Heavenly Father. I can not fathom the hopelessness that would envelope me without the sure knowledge that because of Jesus Christ we will all live again. This knowledge heals my soul on a daily basis. I know the pain that comes from the loss of a loved one. I also know the merciful relief that comes through the Atonement of our Savior.
I know that my Redeemer lives. What Comfort this sweet sentence gives.... He Lives!
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Spring Cook Out!
Last night we invited some friends over for a yummy spring cook out. Leif was my hero once again. He came home from work and went straight to work digging the fire pit, setting up the chairs, and starting the fire. Thanks Love!
We made some delicious Tin Foil Dinners and had a great visit! Thanks for coming Heaton Family!! We'll look forward to the Dutch Oven Potato's next time and I'll remember the Smores!
Missing My Grandma
Monday, April 06, 2009
Caleb's Birthday Party
I think I love this boy!
Caleb Loves Cars and Books!
The cake represents "Mama's Bright Eyes" My Caleb!
Jakob gave Caleb a little help.
Mama gave Caleb a WHOLE piece of cake!
Now that is cute!!
Grandpa was copying Caleb's latest sound "ooo"
Ohhh Yeah!
Sunday, April 05, 2009
The Answer To My Greatest Fear
When I feel the emotions of this fear start to creep into my thoughts I usually read Leif's patriarchal blessing. This calms my heart and reminds me that he has much to accomplish in this life and I have no logical reason to fear. But in reality, what I need is the faith that even if I did lose Leif early, I would survive and I would prove faithful. At times I honestly don't think that I would.
I received an answer to my question today. It came from the mouth of our living prophet, Thomas S. Monson. He told us the heart wrenching and shocking story of a wife and mother who triumphed over the deepest of tragedy and sorrows. She lost her husband to war. She was then forced to leave her native land and walk to Germany with all of her young children in the middle of winter. One by one, her children died. The last being her baby, who died in her arms. This mother was all consumed by her grief. So intense was the pain of her loss that she was tempted to take her own life. Just as she was to her lowest point, she heard the whisperings of the spirit telling her to get down on her knees and pray. From that prayer, she allowed the Lord to swallow up her burden and replace it with light and hope. President Monson went on to tell about how this precious sister later bore testimony of the power of the atonement and the Savior's love.
As President Monson told this story I understood what he was trying to tell us. I caught his meaning, because I have experienced it. In a very minute way in comparison to this sister, I have felt heart ache and loss and have had it swallowed up in the arms of my Savior. Though I can not fathom this woman's loss, and I pray daily that I will never have to. I do understand and I know that it is possible to survive such grief as long as we allow the Lord to take our burden. So this was my answer from the Lord to the question that I posed to him this morning.
With God, All Things Are Possible. If this wife and mother could survive such loss, so can I if required.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
We Must Inspire Some Hope!
Police: 5 children, father die in murder-suicide (AP)
Europe praises Obama, pledges few Afghan troops (AP)
Gunman 'lying in wait' kills 3 Pittsburgh officers (AP)
As gunman's life fell apart, he took others' (AP)
Freed American UN aid worker leaves Pakistan (AP)
It doesn't take much to see that there is an overabundance of despair in the world. There have been more then three mass slayings just this week (that I know of) just in America. Most of these slayings have involved family members killing other family members.
Provident Living: FREE workshops on gardening, green houses, canning, bottling, food storage, raising animals, etc.
Creativity: FREE workshops about things from crafts to auto mechanics where people can share their individual skills and teach others. Also Free workshops and "camps" for children and teenagers where they can come and learn something new as well as have their "cup" filled by the attention they receive.
There is no way to help everyone. And yes, it is true that not everyone wants help. But there are ways to help some people. I will try to do my part. The first step is to find ways that I can reach out. The second is to inspire others to reach out.
Saturday Is A Special Day: General Conference
All of our conference helps were just that, a great help! We were all able to pay attention a lot better. All of the chocolate and junk wiped me out. But MMM they were yummy! BINGO was the biggest hit. Jakob payed attention well and earned plenty of candy from that. I of course was just happy to have him with us and basking in the spirit and listening for special words and phrases here and there. However, I am often amazed by how much he actually takes in during things like this.
Leif and I feel like we were able to really get what we needed out of the talks so far. He went to the Priesthood Session and came home with that glow from the upliftment that the spirit brings. We felt the strong guidance of the spirit reminding us to be careful as we accept financial aid for school. Leif also feels that he was directed to talk with certain people while at the priesthood session. He feels that there are good things in the works for possible massage therapy employment in the future as we need it. That might help us be more self reliant. A great blessing. I am the "deep Thinker" out of Leif and I (at least when it comes to expressing my thoughts) So I was touched by the talks that focused on our temple covenants and eternal families. Words can't really express my gratitude for the sealing power of eternal marriage which makes eternal families....
Friday, April 03, 2009
Let The Fun Begin!
Thursday, April 02, 2009
What We're Doing To Help Our Four Year Old Find General Conference Exciting!
FRIDAY:
- I will make sure the house gets clean (especially around the computer, which is where we will watch conference.)
- We will have a special Family Home Evening centered on King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon and the General Conference that they had (told about in Mosiah Chapter 2). I think we will have Leif play King Benjamin and he will teach us from the tower (our front porch) and we will sit below and learn about their conference when they sat in tents and listened to conference. Jakob will love the next part;) We're going to build our own "Conference Tent" with the door open towards the computer screen so we can watch conference. I thought I came up with this fun idea. But the seed must have been planted in my mind a long time ago. Because if you go to Sugardoodle.net you'll find it sprinkled throughout their ideas. Either way, Leif and I are Really Excited! We're going to put blankets up with string and clothes pins. This will go along with our FHE. But it will also make boundaries for Jakob while we watch conference. I will bring in all of the treats, activities, and picnic food. And we will stay in the tent during conference. I hope it turns out fun!
SATURDAY and SUNDAY:
- We will watch conference in our tent. I printed off an activity packet for each of us from Sugardoodle.net. Jakob's is all coloring pictures. I printed one that is for older kid's for Leif and I. Who said parents don't need help paying attention during conference!? Ours has a page for each speaker. We get to draw his face and doodle. But it also has a place for us to take notes. It also has a special page for the new apostle who will be called. It should turn out cute and be helpful.
- We'll play the game where we get a little treat for certain words that are said during conference (like service, preparedness, etc.) we bought WAY too much chocolate for this whole weekend. I'm a sucker for Easter Candy. We bought things for trail mix too and veggies and dip (that helps me feel better;)
- Conference BINGO of course. I remember playing this as a little girl with my family. Sugardoodle has BINGO cards if you don't want to make your own.
- I'm going to pull out the centerfold pictures of the General Authorities out of the Ensign. Each time someone new gets up to speak, we will give Jakob a treat if he can find the speakers photo.
- Jakob loves to play with clay and doe so I am going to make some play doe for him.
With all of these activities we should have a great experience with some great memories. I have always enjoyed conference. As a youth I would go with my friends to the Tabernacle and listen to conference outside on the lawn. I remember one time we had Elder L. Tom Perry come out and shake our hands. That was a very special time. I vaguely remember going with my family too. Either way conference was always a part of my life. I am grateful for that! Having a prophet on the earth today is a very special gift. We will become more and more grateful for his presence, guidance, and authority as the years progress.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
I Need Watching Conference With Kids Suggestions!
One Year Ago
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