Posted two at once because of 4th of July. Scroll down to not miss any weeks.

GET ON BOARD Taylor 9th Ward!
It wasn't Raining........ when Noah built the ark.

Yearly Food Storage Plan:
Each week buy the items listed and store them. Buy the largest quantity you can buy, that makes sense for your family, and that you can sensibly afford and store.

If you miss a week, skip it and go on; don't get behind.

Replace the items as you use them.
July:
Week 1: Condiments: mustard, catsup, mayonaise, relish, pickles, BBQ, dressings, etc.

Be Prepared "When the Lights go out!"
(Let your light so shine)
What will you do when the lights go out?
We are spoiled by the wonderful convenience of electricity. It powers our world and we are dependent upon it. When we find ourselves without power, our world comes crashing down around us. This class is to get you thinking about how you would take care of your home and family WHEN the power goes out.
Date Night/class on Saturday, July 10th at 6:00 pm
@the Merrill Home in Taylor Farms.
~Dinner and getting prepared! Come learn and enjoy!


Financial Plan:
Simple weekly financial lessons and assignments to help you become financially stable this year!

MORTGAGE LOAN CALCULATION
A house is often the most expensive item that people will purchase in their lifetime. Since a house is expensive, the way that many people are able to afford a home is by taking a loan, also called a mortgage. A mortgage loan is a loan, often by a bank, that people use to purchase a home.
To decide how large a mortgage you might need, there are several different items you will need to look at. First, you will not likely be able to get a loan for the full purchase price of the house. This is because lenders, require that people who take mortgages pay a percent of the purchase price immediately. This is known as the down payment. Down payments are often 20% of the purchase price of the house. In addition, there will be other costs that you will have to pay to your lender. These expenses included with a mortgage when purchasing a house are known as closing costs. Often, these closing costs may be included in the total mortgage loan.

GET ON BOARD Taylor 9th Ward!
It wasn't Raining........ when Noah built the ark.

Yearly Food Storage Plan:
Each week buy the items listed and store them. Buy the largest quantity you can buy, that makes sense for your family, and that you can sensibly afford and store.

If you miss a week, skip it and go on; don't get behind.

Replace the items as you use them.
June:
Week 4: Paper towels, garbage bags, foil (Great for making your own solar oven, just in case there is no electricity.), baggies, plastic etc.

Be Prepared "When the Lights go out!"
(Let your light so shine)
What will you do when the lights go out?
We are spoiled by the wonderful convenience of electricity. It powers our world and we are dependent upon it. When we find ourselves without power, our world comes crashing down around us. This class is to get you thinking about how you would take care of your home and family WHEN the power goes out.
Date Night/class on Saturday, July 10th at 6:00 pm
@the Merrill Home in Taylor Farms.
~Dinner and getting prepared! Come learn and enjoy!

GET ON BOARD Taylor 9th Ward!
It wasn't Raining........ when Noah built the ark.

Yearly Food Storage Plan:
Each week buy the items listed and store them. Buy the largest quantity you can buy, that makes sense for your family, and that you can sensibly afford and store.

If you miss a week, skip it and go on; don't get behind.

Replace the items as you use them.
June:
Week 3: Cheese: Freeze 5 lbs. Grate for easy meals. (Velveeta, Parmesan, also canned nacho cheese is great for storing and perfect to use in casseroles) Remember you can't count on freezers if electricity goes out.

Be Prepared "When the Lights go out!"
(Let your light so shine) What do you do if the electricity goes out, for a time?
Date Night/class coming up!
~Dinner and getting prepared
Details to come..........

Financial Plan:
Simple weekly financial lessons and assignments to help you become financially stable this year!
RENTING AN APARTMENT
One way to look for an apartment is to read the local newspaper's real estate section. In the apartment for rent section you will find many advertisements for apartments for rent.

There are many factors to look at when choosing an apartment to rent. First should be how much money can you afford to pay for your monthly rent. Along with this you should consider other monthly payments including utilities.

What other factors may we look at when renting an apartment? (Number of bedrooms, size, location, amenities, etc).

GET ON BOARD Taylor 9th Ward!
It wasn't Raining........ when Noah built the ark.

Yearly Food Storage Plan:
Each week buy the items listed and store them. Buy the largest quantity you can buy, that makes sense for your family, and that you can sensibly afford and store.

If you miss a week, skip it and go on; don't get behind.

Replace the items as you use them.
June:
Week 2: Safety Week: Flashlights and batteries, cord or twine (rope)

Be Prepared "When the Lights go out!"
(Let your light so shine) What do you do if the electricity goes out, for a time?
Date Night/class coming up!
~Dinner and getting prepared
Details to come..........

Financial Plan:
Simple weekly financial lessons and assignments to help you become financially stable this year!

CAR INSURANCE
Standard Coverage - Liability Insurance
The most important auto insurance coverage to understand is standard coverage. Standard coverage includes liability insurance, which is the type of insurance most often required by states. Liability insurance insures the individual for the cost of any damage or injury that is caused to someone else during an accident. The amount of insurance coverage required by states is often minimal, so it is often recommended to get additional insurance, depending upon your own personal circumstances and budget.

How Liability Insurance is Described
Liability insurance is often described by three numbers, such as 50/100/25. These numbers refer to the amount of liability insurance coverage. 50/100/25 coverage, includes $50,000 of bodily injury to a single individual, $100,000 of bodily injury caused to everyone in an accident, and $25,000 of property damage.

Discussion questions:
What other factors may we look at when deciding on which auto insurance provider? (Company reputation, etc).

What other types of car insurance coverage are there? (medical payments insurance, underinsured and uninsured motorist insurance, collision insurance, comprehensive auto insurance, auto towing, auto glass, rental insurance, emergency roadside assistance).


We need to prepare ourselves mentally, spiritually, and emotionally too:

Learn to improve the relationship with yourself and others Seminar:
Topics covered
What is Codependency?
Boundaries, Your First Line of Defense

Assertiveness
Thinking ~ Feeling ~ Spirituality

Control ~ Self Esteem ~ Serenity & Letting Go

Relationships ~ Parenting ~ Functional Families

Instructor: Helen Bair M.A.P.C.
15 year Subconscious Therapist
and Codependency Recovery Coach

Log onto www.helenbair.com for more details about the material taught in this seminar.

Normally this 9 hour seminar price is $150.00 per person. Helen Bair has agreed to bring it to Snowflake/Taylor for $30 per person or $50 per couple if a limit of 20 paying participants is met. Please call Katrina Palmer at 928-243-2723 or Robin Willis at 928-536-7788 or Anna Merrill at 928-243-3000 to reserve your spot. Money must be paid in advance and is non-refundable but may be transfered to another person or used towards another seminar or therapy.

Proposed Seminar will begin:
Friday, June 18, 2010, 6 - 9 pm and continue on
Saturday, June 19, 9 am to Noon, 2 - 5 pm

(This one is posted 2 weeks early because I will not be available, so scroll down to see this weeks!)

GET ON BOARD Taylor 9th Ward!
It wasn't Raining........ when Noah built the ark.

Yearly Food Storage Plan:
Each week buy the items listed and store them. Buy the largest quantity you can buy, that makes sense for your family, and that you can sensibly afford and store.

If you miss a week, skip it and go on; don't get behind.

Replace the items as you use them.
May:
Week 4: Garden Seeds: -All varieties(keep in a cool dry place)

Be Prepared "When the Lights go out!"
(Let your light so shine) What do you do if the electricity goes out, for a time?
Date Night/class coming up!
~Dinner and getting prepared
Details to come..........

Financial Plan:
Simple weekly financial lessons and assignments to help you become financially stable this year!

BUYING A CAR - LOAN
Purchasing a car may seem out of reach because cars are expensive items. One way to help individuals afford a car is through financing, and taking a car loan. This allows you to pay for a car by making smaller payments over a period of time, rather than in one single payment.

When financing there are several factors to understand. This includes the current car price or cash price, per month charges, down payment, and number of months the car will be financed.

Financing is not free, since you will need to pay a financing charge, or interest on the loan for the car.

Vocabulary to understand: Down Payment(money put towards vehicle at beginning of purchase), Cash Price(total amount), Monthly Payment (Payment made each month to pay off vehicle), Finance Charges(% money charged for borrowing money).

GET ON BOARD Taylor 9th Ward!
It wasn't Raining........ when Noah built the ark.

Yearly Food Storage Plan:
Each week buy the items listed and store them. Buy the largest quantity you can buy, that makes sense for your family, and that you can sensibly afford and store.

If you miss a week, skip it and go on; don't get behind.

Replace the items as you use them.
May:
Week 3: Jello and pudding mixes (These are great for food storage, especially when you are craving something sweet. Can be used to make jellies)

Be Prepared "When the Lights go out!"
(Let your light so shine) What do you do if the electricity goes out, for a time?
Date Night/class coming up!
~Dinner and getting prepared
Details to come..........

Financial Plan:
Simple weekly financial lessons and assignments to help you become financially stable this year!

GROCERY SHOPPING WITH COUPONS
Clipping coupons is similar to clipping money, since any money saved, is extra money you will have. This is especially true with grocery shopping, as a dollar saved is a dollar earned.

One place to find coupons is in your local papers advertisement section, in the grocery store ads. Look in your local paper for a week to see what days they print coupons. There are many different types of coupons.

GET ON BOARD Taylor 9th Ward!
It wasn't Raining........ when Noah built the ark.

Food storage goal:
Each week buy the items listed and store them. Buy the largest quantity you can buy, that makes sense for your family, and that you can sensibly afford and store.

If you miss a week, skip it and go on; don't get behind.

Replace the items as you use them.
May:
Week 2: Dry Soups and crackers. Restore crispiness by placing crackers in microwave or food dehydrator.

Be Prepared "When the Lights go out!"
(Let your light so shine) What do you do if the electricity goes out, for a time?
Date Night/class coming up!
~Dinner and getting prepared
Details to come..........

Financial Plan:
Simple weekly financial lessons and assignments to help you become financially stable this year!

COMPARISON SHOPPING
Comparison shopping is shopping for bargains by comparing the prices of similar items or brands or comparing the prices at different stores. To get a bargain, or get the best value, you must compare not only price, but quality as well.
To compare price, if you are comparing a single item at two different stores, then it is simple: the item with the lower price is likely the better deal (don't forget to compare store return policies, etc). More difficult is if the price is different depending on the number of items you purchase:

Example:

Which is the better bargain?
2 pounds of bananas for $1.00 OR 3 pounds of bananas for $2.00?
To find the answer, divide the cost by the amount to find the price per unit:

$1.00 divided by 2 = .50 per Pound This is the better bargain!
$2.00 divided by 3 = .67 per Pound


Besides price, you also need to compare quality. If something is priced less, but the quality is not good, then the saying "you get what you pay for" may apply. Unless you have someone that can give you advice, you need to make your own decisions if the item with lesser quality is a better deal than the item at a higher price. For example, if two shirts are priced at $20 and $10, but the $10 shirt shrinks and falls apart, then the $10 shirt may actually be worthless.

GET ON BOARD Taylor 9th Ward!
It wasn't Raining........ when Noah built the ark.

Yearly Food Storage Plan:
Each week buy the items listed and store them. Buy the largest quantity you can buy, that makes sense for your family, and that you can sensibly afford and store.

If you miss a week, skip it and go on; don't get behind.

Replace the items as you use them.

May:
Week 1: Flour: 10-50 lbs. on size of family, white, wheat, rye, etc. (pay attention to family allergies)

Be Prepared "When the Lights go out!"
(Let your light so shine) What do you do if the electricity goes out, for a time?
Date Night/class coming up!
~Dinner and getting prepared
Details to come..........

Financial Plan:
Simple weekly financial lessons and assignments to help you become financially stable this year!

ESTIMATING YOUR GROCERIES
Estimate means to "calculate approximately."

When shopping, it is useful to keep track of what you are buying by estimating a running total. Then you will know how much you expect to spend when you get to the cashier. Make sure you go over your receipt to make sure you weren’t charged anything extra.

GET ON BOARD Taylor 9th Ward!
It wasn't Raining........ when Noah built the ark.

Yearly Food Storage Plan:
Each week buy the items listed and store them. Buy the largest quantity you can buy, that makes sense for your family, and that you can sensibly afford and store.

If you miss a week, skip it and go on; don't get behind.

Replace the items as you use them.
April:
Week 4: Assemble an emergency sewing kit. Thread, pins, needles, buttons, tape measure, scissors, zipper, etc.

Financial Plan:
Simple weekly financial lessons and assignments to help you become financially stable this year!

CHILDREN'S BUDGET
15 Ways to Teach Kids About Money
Brought to you by National PTA®
by Paul Richard

Introducing Kids to Money (DON'T FORGET TO TEACH CHILDREN TO PAY TITHING)Money gives people -- both young and old -- decision-making opportunities. Educating, motivating, and empowering children to become regular savers and investors will enable them to keep more of the money they earn and do more with the money they spend. Everyday spending decisions can have a far more negative impact on children's financial futures than any investment decisions they may ever make. Here are 15 simple ways to help educate children about personal finance and managing money:

1.As soon as children can count, introduce them to money. Take an active role in providing them with information. Observation and repetition are two important ways children learn.

2.Communicate with children as they grow about your values concerning money --- how to save it, how to make it grow, and most importantly, how to spend it wisely.

3.Help children learn the differences between needs, wants, and wishes. This will prepare them for making good spending decisions in the future.

4.Setting goals is fundamental to learning the value of money and saving. Young or old, people rarely reach goals they haven't set. Nearly every toy or other item children ask their parents to buy them can become the object of a goal-setting session. Such goal-setting helps children learn to become responsible for themselves.

5.Introduce children to the value of saving versus spending. Explain and demonstrate the concept of earning interest income on savings. Consider paying interest on money children save at home; children can help calculate the interest and see how fast money accumulates through the power of compound interest. Later on, they also will realize that the quickest way to a good credit rating is a history of regular, successful savings. Some parents even offer to match what children save on their own.

6.Allowance and Spending Decisions
When giving children an allowance, give them the money in denominations that encourage saving. If the amount is $5, give them 5-1-dollar bills and encourage that at least one dollar be set aside in savings. (Saving $5 a week at 6 percent interest compounded quarterly will total about $266 after a year, $1,503 after 5 years, and $3,527 after 10 years!)

7.Take children to a credit union or bank to open their own savings accounts. Beginning the regular savings habit early is one of the keys to savings success. Remember, don't refuse them when they want to withdraw a portion of their savings for a purchase--This may discourage them from saving at all. You can also introduce children to U.S. savings bonds. Bonds are still a good value, costing one-half their face value and earning interest that in some instances will be tax-free if used for a college education. Perhaps more importantly, when given as a gift, bonds will not be spent immediately, reinforcing saving and goal-setting lessons.

8.Keeping good records of money saved, invested, or spent is another important skill young people must learn. To make it easy, use 12 envelopes, 1 for each month, with a larger envelope to hold all the envelopes for the year. Establish this system for each child. Encourage children to place receipts from all purchases in the envelopes and keep notes on what they do with their money.

9.Use regular shopping trips as opportunities to teach children the value of money. Going to the grocery store is often a child's first spending experience. About a third of our take-home pay is spent on grocery and household items. Spending smarter at the grocery store (using coupons, shopping sales, comparing unit prices) can save more than $1,800 a year for a family of four. To help young people understand this lesson, demonstrate how to plan economical meals, avoid waste, and use leftovers efficiently. When you take children to other kinds of stores, explain how to plan purchases in advance and make unit-price comparisons. Show them how to check for value, quality, repairability, warranty, and other consumer concerns. Spending money can be fun and very productive when spending is well-planned. Unplanned spending, as a rule, usually results in 20-30 percent of our money being wasted because we obtain poor value with our purchases.

10.Allow young people to make spending decisions. Whether good or poor, they will learn from their spending choices. You can then initiate an open discussion of spending pros and cons before more spending takes place. Encourage them to use common sense when buying. This means doing research before making major purchases, waiting for the right time to buy, and using the "spending-by-choice" technique. This technique involves selecting at least three other things the money could be spent on setting aside money for one of the items, and then making a choice of which item to purchase.
Buying Smart

11.Show children how to evaluate TV, radio, and print ads for products. Will a product really perform and do what the commercials say? Is a price offered truly a sale price? Are alternative products available that will do a better job, perhaps for less cost, or offer better value? Remind them that if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

12.Alert children to the dangers of borrowing and paying interest. If you charge interest on small loans you make to them, they will learn quickly how expensive it is to rent someone else's money for a specified period of time. For instance, paying for a $499 TV over 18 months at $31.85 a month at 18.8 percent interest means the buyer really pays about $575.

13.When using a credit card at a restaurant, take the opportunity to teach children about how credit cards work. Explain to children how to verify the charges, how to calculate the tip, and how to guard against credit card fraud.

14.Be cautious about making credit cards available to young people, even when they are entering college. Credit cards have a message: "spend!" Some students report using the cards for cash advances and also to meet everyday needs, instead of for emergencies (as originally planned). Many of those same students find themselves having to cut back on classes to fit in part-time jobs just to pay for their credit card purchases.

15.Establish a regular schedule for family discussions about finances. This is especially helpful to younger children--it can be the time when they tote up their savings and receive interest. Other discussion topics should include the difference between cash, checks, and credit cards; wise spending habits; how to avoid the use of credit; and the advantages of saving and investment growth. With teenagers, it's also useful to discuss what's happening with the national and local economies, how to economize at home, and alternatives to spending money. All of this information will be important as they take on more responsibility for their own financial well-being.

GET ON BOARD Taylor 9th Ward!
It wasn't Raining........ when Noah built the ark.

Yearly Food Storage Plan:
Each week buy the items listed and store them. Buy the largest quantity you can buy, that makes sense for your family, and that you can sensibly afford and store.

If you miss a week, skip it and go on; don't get behind.

Replace the items as you use them.
April:
Week 3: Dry Milk: 40 oz. makes 5 gallons

Financial Plan:
Simple weekly financial lessons and assignments to help you become financially stable this year!

CHILDREN'S BUDGET

5 Steps to Teach Your Teen to Budget
Help your teen look at the big picture before they get a surprise in the form of credit card bills, bounced checks, or automated teller machines that refuse to surrender cash.

College students' budgets shouldn't be complicated. Simply follow these steps.

1. Work together to itemize your student's regular monthly expenses.

2. List total income, including money previously set aside, scholarships, loans, allowance or perhaps wages from a part-time job during school.

3. Subtract expenses from income to see if the budget is reasonable.

4. If the expenses outweigh the income, work together to trim expenses until the numbers agree.

5. Your teen's college budget should include a savings strategy. Encourage your kids to make regular deposits into a savings account for future expenditures (such as a car, an apartment, or student loans).
You may want to sit down together periodically to review the budget you've developed. Be sure your kids understand the importance of maintaining this budget to avoid overspending and debt trouble. But also remind them that it isn't carved in stone. If their favorite band is coming to town and they want to splurge on a concert ticket, they can simply cut back on other expenses for a month.

GET ON BOARD Taylor 9th Ward!
It wasn't Raining........ when Noah built the ark.

Yearly Food Storage Plan:
Each week buy the items listed and store them. Buy the largest quantity you can buy, that makes sense for your family, and that you can sensibly afford and store.

If you miss a week, skip it and go on; don't get behind.

Replace the items as you use them.
April:
Week 2: Pasta: 7-10 lbs. variety. Consider your family's tastes.

Financial Plan:
Simple weekly financial lessons and assignments to help you become financially stable this year!

Create a Budget for the next week. Remember to record all the income you will be receiving. Make a list of all your expenditures, prioritizing your Needs and Wants.

Income .....................................................Expenditures

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Totals:

Does your spending actually balance with your income? If not where will you get the extra money from? (with out going into debt)

Perhaps you will have some money left over…. What will you do with it?

What are some ways to increase your income? How do you think you would use this money to balance your budget?

Be Prepared!!!!

April
Week 1: Toiletries, floss, toothpaste, razors, blades, shaving cream, sunscreen, saline, etc.

NON-ESSENTIAL EXPENSES
Non-essential expenses include most of the things we don't need, and most often includes many items where we waste money the most. It includes spending on clothing, books, movies, magazines, video games, dining out, gifts, snacks, candy, shoes, etc.

While clothing may be considered an essential expense, how much of it that we buy do we really need? If you want, create two separate categories for non-essential expenses. Place some of your clothing money into essential expenses, and the remainder into non-essential expenses.


Again, track your expenses for at least one month. This will give you insight into where your money is going, and also help you determine where you might be able to spend less and save more. By tracking your expenses, you will be able to better plan for your future needs.

After tracking your expenses, you will be able to set up an estimate of your budget, based on the expenses information you have been tracking.



Have you ever thought about what you would most like to buy when you begin to earn money? List your items:

At some stage in your life you will have to make decisions on how to manage your hard earned money. You will have to balance your spending and income. This is called “Budgeting”.

Drawing up a budget will help you make decisions.

You will need a list of “Needs” and “Wants”. Make a list of these, grouping them under the two headings “Needs” and “Wants” in the table below.

Try to put the most important ones at the top of the list.
Needs Wants
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------







Think about the difference between “Needs” and “Wants”.

Be Prepared!!!!

Week 4: Spices and Herbs: Buy the ones you use most often, pepper, cinnamon, bouillon, oregano, etc. (remember, they can be used for Medicinal purposes too.)

Week 5: Make up week, Get Back on Track!!!

Keep your receipts, and write on your budget tracking worksheet all your expenses. Don't forget to also track all purchases made with cash, including small items. These will be more difficult to track (if you don't get a receipt), but try to write down as much as you can with a paper and pencil. You may want to keep a little notebook with you to write down expenses as they occur.

Also, at the end of the week, you should try to estimate any payments with cash that you made, that you did not write down that week. If you are not good at tracking your cash expenses, at least keep track of how much cash you put in your wallet, so you know how much you are spending. Then add that amount to your budget tracking worksheet.


TYPES OF EXPENSES
As you start to track your expenses, it is helpful to break your spending into different categories. There are two main categories of expenses: essential and non-essential expenses. Essential expenses are expenses that are required for living. Non-essential expenses are the extra things you spend your money on. In addition, essential expenses may be broken down into fixed expenses and variable expenses.


ESSENTIAL EXPENSES - FIXED AND VARIABLE
FIXED EXPENSES
Fixed expenses are expenses that are the same each month. Examples include rent or mortgage, car payments, car insurance, property taxes, home insurance, and school loans.

VARIABLE EXPENSES
Variable expenses are expenses that vary each month. Examples include car maintenance, gasoline, food, electricity, heating gas, phone, etc.
One good way to create a budget is to track your income and expenses for one month, by keeping track of each type of expense and if that expense is a fixed expense or variable expense. For the month, Caleb earned $594 and tracked expenses for the month to help create a monthly budget. Fill out the table below using the expenses Caleb tracked. Then total fixed and variable expenses. Also calculate total expenses. Was income greater than or less than expenses for the month?

Expenses: Donations $20, Going to a show $22, New shoes $30, Tax on earnings $222, Food shopping $59, House Mortgage payment $144, Phone bill $49, Music CDs $30

Week 3: Mixes: Cake, Pancake, muffin, Bisquick, etc.

Be Prepared!!!!

GET ON BOARD Taylor 9th Ward!
It wasn't Raining........ when Noah built the ark.

Yearly Food Storage Plan:
Each week buy the items listed and store them. Buy the largest quantity you can buy, that makes sense for your family, and that you can sensibly afford and store.

If you miss a week, skip it and go on; don't get behind.
Replace the items as you use them.

March:
Week 2: More first aid products:gauze, patches, swabs, cotton balls, tape, peroxide, bandaids, antibiotic cream etc.

Financial Plan:
Simple weekly financial lessons and assignments to help you become financially stable this year!

Managing Resources Wisely and Staying Out of Debt
Ensign, February 2010

Managing Resources"'Provident living' . . . implies the [conserving] of our resources, the wise planning of financial matters, full provision for personal health, and adequate preparation for education and career development, giving appropriate attention to home production and storage as well as the development of emotional resiliency. . . . If we live wisely and providently, we will be as safe as in the palm of His hand."
President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985).

"What skills do we need to help us become self-reliant? . . . In the early days of the Church, Brigham Young pled with the sisters to learn to prevent illness in families, establish home industries, and learn accounting and bookkeeping and other practical skills. Those principles still apply today. Education continues to be vitally important. . . .
"I asked several bishops what self-reliance skills the sisters in their wards needed most, and they said budgeting. Women need to understand the implications of buying on credit and not living within a budget. The second skill bishops listed was cooking. Meals prepared and eaten at home generally cost less, are healthier, and contribute to stronger family relationships."
Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president.

Avoiding Debt"May I suggest five key steps to financial freedom. . . .
"First, pay your tithing. . . .
"Second, spend less than you earn. . . .
"Third, learn to save. . . .
"Fourth, honor your financial obligations. . . .
"Fifth, teach your children to follow your example."
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917–2008) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

"When we go into debt, we give away some of our precious, priceless agency and place ourselves in self-imposed servitude. We obligate our time, energy, and means to repay what we have borrowed—resources that could have been used to help ourselves, our families, and others. . . .
"To pay our debts now and to avoid future debt require us to exercise faith in the Savior—not just to do better but to be better. It takes great faith to utter those simple words, 'We can't afford it.' It takes faith to trust that life will be better as we sacrifice our wants in order to meet our own and others' needs."
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

March ~Week 1: Juices: frozen and bottled or canned

STEP TWO:
CREATE A MONTHLY OR WEEKLY BUDGET:
Use the following budget worksheet to help create a monthly or weekly budget. Once you have an estimate of how much you earn or spend in each of the categories listed (or create your own budget categories), try to create a monthly budget using the worksheets. Then during the month, track the items and see where you come in over or under budget.

This worksheet includes two sections: one for income and one for expenses. Income includes wages and interest income. Expenses include taxes, rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, clothing, entertainment, transportation, savings, donations, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Either use the worksheet with categories listed, or choose a worksheet for you to fill in your own categories. You will need to be able to categorize each source of income and expense into one of the categories. Then, estimate projected expenses for the month from your actual expenses. If you used the tracking worksheet above, you will have an idea of how much these items will be in a given month. If an item only occurs annually, then divide the amount by twelve and include it on your monthly worksheet.

Budget

Category: ~Budget ~Amount~Actual Amount~Difference
INCOME:
Wages/Income
Interest Income
INCOME SUBTOTAL
EXPENSES:
Taxes
Rent/Mortgage
Utilities
Groceries/Food
Clothing
Shopping
Entertainment
Transportation
Long-Term Savings
Emergency Savings
Donations
Miscellaneous/Other
EXPENSES SUBTOTAL
NET INCOME (Income - Expenses)

Get on Board Taylor 9th Ward!

Week 4: Solid Shortening; less expensive than oil and stores longer, but buy oil if you prefer.

CREATE A MONTHLY OR WEEKLY BUDGET:
Income includes wages and interest income. Expenses include taxes, rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, clothing, entertainment, transportation, savings, donations, and other miscellaneous expenses.

TRACKING YOUR EXPENSES
The first step to create a budget is to determine how much money you spend, and to whom you are paying that money. To do this, you will need to track your expenses, or spending, for at least a month, and the longer the better. We suggest that you track your spending for three months or more to get an even better estimate of your spending habits.
EXPENSES
Expenses are anything you spend your money on. To track your expenses, you will need to write down every dollar you spend.

An important part of financial success of any individual or family is to be able to establish a budget and then learn to live within that budget. Creating a budget first involves understanding sources of income and expenses.

February Week 3: Peanut Butter

TRACK YOUR ACTUAL INCOME AND EXPENSES:
An important first step to learning to budget is to track your income and expenses. Preparing a personal budget can be a mystery if the amount of money coming in and out of your pocket is not known. Use the following worksheet to list your daily income and expenses to better understand sources and uses of money. It is suggested that you track income and expenses over the course of one month. Once this worksheet is completed, you will need to categorize the items and create a monthly or weekly budget.

Example:

Daily Budget Tracking

Date.....Item.........Income........Expense........Balance

2-12....pay check.........$560...............................$560

2-14.......Electric........................-$120............. $440

2-16........gas............................-$30...............$410
2-17......pay check........$350................................$760

TOTAL.....................................................$760

Buy a little, store a lot!!!!

Week 2: Personal Products, soap, deodorant, toilet paper, shampoo, lotion etc.....

Establishing a realistic budget requires a careful observation of your spending habits, and the ability to break things down into essentials, non-essentials, and occasional expenses. This will help ou see where your money is going, and make an accurate plan for the months to come, typically on a semester-by-semester basis. It is important to set aside a certain amount for unexpected or emergency situations, so try to work this into your budget as well as all the costs you normally incur.

Whether you will be working as well as going to school, or relyng on student loans or other financial asistance, making a budget will help keep you on track, allowing for greater expenses at the beginning of each year, and the need to make sure your living expenses at the beginning of each year, and the need to make sure your living expenses are still covered by the end of the year. If it looks like you will not have enough to make ends meet, this will give you time to find solutions before the situation getsoutof control. If your income comes in one payment for the entire ear, or provides a certain amount eac month to the next, it becomes even more important to plan ahead!

Happy New Year 2010! Let's get Self Reliant!

GET ON BOARD Taylor 9th Ward!

The Plan: Yearly Food Storage Plan

Each week buy the items listed and store them. Buy the largest quantity you can buy, that makes sense for your family, and that you can sensibly afford and store.

If you miss a week, skip it and go on; don't get behind.

Replace the items as you use them.

February:

Week 1: Canned meats: Tuna, stew, chili, spam, etc.

Financial Plan:

Simple weekly financial lessons and assignments to help you become financially stable this year!

What is a Budget: A Budget is a plan for managing your money. It is an estimate of income and expenses over a period of time. With a personal budget, you can get a beter idea of where you spend your money, to whom you owe money and how much.

Why should I budget: Whether you have a lot of money or just a little, a budget can help you in many ways: If you have a budget and stick to it, yo will be less likely to blow your money during random daily spending. A budget can help you reach a financial goal because it controls how much you spend and how much you save. Budgets can help eliminate many money surprises because you have planned ahead and know what to expect each month. Even if you are young, you can start budgeting now to get into the habit. Budgets help you see exactly where your money goes.

Week 52: 10 lbs. Powdered Milk

Last week of our 52 week Food Storage Plan!
You should have a Year's Supply! If not, it's not too late of Course! We will start again, with a different twist. So if the last one didn't work for you.....try it again!

Also, let's make a New Year's Resolution to get financially organized and out of debt!

Week 51: 10 lbs. of Powdered Milk

Think Financial: We are almost done with our 52 week food storage goal!
We will continue to work on our food storage goal, but our focus for this year will be to get financially stable!
....Especially in this tough economy!

Week 50: 10 lbs. of Powdered Milk

Week 49: 10 lbs. powdered milk

Week 48: 10 lbs.of powdered milk

Powdered milk can be a great substitute instead of having to run to the store!

Sweetened Condensed Milk

1/2 cup hot water
3/4 cup a sugar
3/4 cup of powdered milk

Blend ingredients together in a blender. Can be stored in a refrigerator or frozen. This will make one can of sweetened condensed milk.

Week 47: 20 cans Vegetables

Be prepared for next few weeks we will be stocking up on powdered milk, so you made need to get in line for the ward canner. Be advised that when you plan to get cans at the cannery, they are only open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9-1. Call if you have any questions!

Week 46: 20 cans of fruits/applesauce

Fruits are great for a snack or a side dish; also very important for your health. Applesauce is a great and healthy substitute for replacing oil in baking recipes.

DECEMBER

"If you are prepared, Ye shall not Fear!"

Provident Living Goal: Review your insurance coverage, life, household, vehicle. Do you have enough or too much? Could you replace your vehicle or your household with what you have?

72 Hour Kit:
Garbage bags
candles
matches
can opener
10 one dollar bills

Review emergency maps and escape plans

Week 45: 20 cans of vegetables

Week 44: 20 Cans of Vegetables!

Stock up on your veggies, add a few fruits if you enjoy fruits! You should want to eat the food in your food storage. So make sure it is food that you like!

Week 43: 20 cans of vegetables

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes.aspx/ghostly-shepherds-pie/48575614-4ffc-478a-86a8-68336d575009?WT.mc_id=paid_search_200100_636117&WT.srch=1&esrc=11151

This is a great recipe to use your vegetables and your potato pearls. Instead of using frozen vegetables, use the canned. Also for those successful hunters, I used the deer meat and it worked great!

(To get the wild out of deer meat, we use it for a Sunday roast first. Slow cook it all day with lots of sliced onions. -the onions soak up the wild taste out and give it a good taste. While slow cooking with onions, add spices to it just like you would your roast.)

Week 42: 20 cans vegetables

Vegetables are an essential part to get your vitamins and minerals. Make vegetables a side dish or an ingredient in the main course.

Week 41: 10 lbs. of Oatmeal

50 lb.s of Oatmeal available for $7.50 at the LDS Cannery

You can also purchase the cans at the cannery, pick up the canner from my house and pack the oatmeal in the comfort of your own home!

Great Healthy Oatmeal Recipes at this site:
http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/recipes/breakfast-brunch/cerealsoatmeal/baked-apple-oatmeal.aspx

NOVEMBER

"Thrifty is the person who plans for tomorrow and not just for today!"

Provident living goak: make a goal to reduce your family garbage, by recycling more.

72 Hour Kit:
Plastic bucket with tight fitting lid,
personal hygiene items(deodorant, shampoo, razor, soap, infant needs, feminine needs, tooth brush, toothpaste) disinfectant, aluminum foil

Week 40: 10 lb.s Oatmeal

Oatmeal is very healthy and a great food source to have on hand because it's easy and has so many things you can do with it! Check this website out for lots of info!

http://www.lifescript.com/Body/Food/Good-foods/4_Oatmeal_Nutrition_Facts_You_Need_to_Know.aspx?gclid=CL2J56bVyZ0CFQtM2godTh65rA&trans=1&du=1&ef_id=1350:3:s_f90b8296a84361c7846e79344bbf7314_1237606831:StymD0NIYWUAACwhtcoAAASA:20091019174655

Week 39: 10 lbs. of Oatmeal

http://www.quakeroats.com/cooking-and-recipes.aspx

Community Preparedness Fair was a hit!

Solar oven classes
Got certified in CPR and First Aid

Canned and stocked up!!!

Took budgeting classes....Holidays are coming, need to prepare our budgets!!!!!

I will be teaching a budgeting class, so look for future dates.

Easy 72 hour kits!

All kinds of great informaition on gardening, from getting rid of insects with spices, compost piles, pruning, preparing the ground, collecting seeds, etc. Become a part of this Gardening club for free! "Garden with Attitude!" and learn how to become a pro gardner in this area.

Get Employed, a great way to Prepare!!!!

Week 38: 10 lbs. of Rice

http://www.grouprecipes.com/s/easy-rice/recipe/1/relevancy

Don't Forget:

Community Preparedness Fair this Saturday, Oct. 10th in St. Johns 9am-2pm!

Rotate your Year supply, It is possible!

My husband helped me get creative and built this rolling rotation device, make sure you get it right though becuase the first time I pulled a can out, all the cans came rolling out on top of me! He has perfected it since and I love it. It makes rotation easy. This can work for # 10 cans too! I found this at Shelf Reliance, great system!

It makes it to where I can rotate my year supply on a daily basis.
You can find it online at Costco too.
It was actually cheaper to buy it from that website than the actual Shelf Reliance web site.

I love it because you can store your jars too and you fit it to your own size of cans or jars.

It works great to stack items on top of too.
Call if you have any questions or need help getting it. I have a Costco membership.

Week 37: 10 lbs. of rice

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Coconut-Rice-with-Black-Beans/Detail.aspx

OCTOBER
"When People are able and unwilling to take care of themselves we are responsible to employ the dictum of the Lord that idler shall not eat the bread of the laborer." Elder Boyd K. Packer

Spiritual Goal: attend one more session of conference then you usually do.

Provident Living Goal: Make a goal 30 min/day to your children or grandchildren. If you have not children to read to, make a goal to read 30 min./day for pleasure.

72 Hour Kit:
4 granola bars per person
2 sticks beef jerky per person
1 package chewing gum per person
hard candies or lollipops (12 per person)
check batteries for light and radio (replace if necessary)

Week 36: 10 lbs. of Rice

Week 35: 7 cans soup/ 8 cans meat/tuna

There will be a Community Preparedness Fair coming up! ~on Saturday, October 10th in St. Johns, all are welcome to come!!

Week 34: 6 boxes of crackers

Great for snacks, fillers for those hungry times, great to use in meals and with meals!


SALTINE CRACKER TOFFEE

Saltines (crackers)
2 sticks butter
2 c. brown sugar
12 oz. pkg. chocolate chips

Lay crackers side by side in 10"x15" jelly roll pan (cookie sheet with edge).
Bring butter and sugar to boil and continue boiling until soft ball stage.

Pour toffee over crackers. Bake in 400 degree oven for 5 to 7 minutes. Watch carefully so doesn't burn.

Sprinkle chips over toffee/crackers and return to oven for 30 seconds to melt. Cool to set and harden. Crack and enjoy.

(Sweets are an important part of year supply! We have to stay sane!)

Week 33: 15 cans of soup

Quick & Easy Stroganoff
by Travis Morris

2 lbs hamburger
soy sauce
garlic salt
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can tomato sauce
bay leaves
1 pint sour cream

Brown hamburger with soy sauce and garlic salt to taste. Drain fat off. Add cream of mushroom soup and tomato sauce and 2 to 3 bay leaves. Simmer slowly until liquid cooks down. Take off any additional fat by laying paper towels on top. Also remove the bay leaves. Stir in sour cream. Serve over rice. Green salad and rolls or garlic bread make a meal.


***************September **************

"There is no person who knows the real purpose for which this welfare program is being instituted but hardly before sufficient preparation has been made the real purpose will be revealed and when that time comes it will challenge every resource of the church to meet it." Harold B. Lee

Spiritual Goal---Have family scripture study together every day.

Provident Living Goal---Review your will if you have one. Make any needed changes. If you do not have a will, make arrangements to get one. EVERY Adult should have a will. Plan and carry out a FHE on the importance of preparedness.

***************************
72 hour kit:

Container for holding kit. Large garbage cans with wheels OR a back pack for each family member recommended. Find a place in your home that is easily accessible for storing the kit. You need to be able to grab it at a moment's notice to leave your home. Note: Your first aid kit is also part of the 72 hour kit. Note: your 72 hour kit is also part of your general storage, but your general storage CANNOT be part of your 72 hour kit. When you need it there may not be time to gather it together for transport.

Week 32: 15 cans of soup

Chicken Enchiladas

1 can Mushroom Soup
1 can Chicken Soup
½ cup evaporated milk
1 onion chopped

1 package tortillas, corn or flour
(I made homemade wheat tortillas from my wheat supply -my husband liked it!)

4 cooked chicken breasts or 1 whole chicken
1 can black olives, sliced
1 lb mild cheese, grated

Mix soups, milk and onion. Cut tortillas in 1 inch strips. Debone and tear chicken in to bite size pieces. In a greased 9x13 pan layer half of each ingredient in the order of soup mixture, tortillas, chicken, cheese and olives. Repeat layers. Cover with foil and bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 minutes more. Serves 8 to 10.


"For the moment we live in a day of peace and prosperity, but it shall not ever be thus. Great trials lie ahead...and we must prepare ourselves temporally and spiritually..." Bruce R. McConkie

Week 31: 15 cans soup

Soups can be used for many meals; just as a soup or it can be added to other recipes.


Beef Taco Skillet by Campbell's
Makes 4 servings.
Prep/Cook Time: 20 min

1 lb. ground beef
1 can (10 ¾ oz.) Tomato soup
1 cup Picante Sauce
½ cup water
8 flour or corn tortillas (6"), cut into 1" pieces
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
COOK beef in skillet until browned. Pour off fat.
ADD soup, salsa, water, tortillas and half the cheese. Heat to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat 5 min. or until hot.
TOP with remaining cheese.

Week 30: 10 lbs. Pasta

Macaroni Salad

7 ounces Box elbow macaroni, cooked
2 Ribs celery minced fine
1 tablespoon Dry minced onion
1/3 cup Diced sweet pickles
1 1/2 cups Miracle whip
1/2 cup Kraft mayonaise
1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon Dry mustard
1 teaspoon Sugar
Salt to taste
Combine everything just as listed. Refrigerate salad tightly
covered several hours before serving.

Week 29: 10 lbs. Pasta

Fettucine Alfredo

8 ounces Cream cheese −− cut in bits
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese −− grated
1/2 cup Butter or margarine
1/2 cup Milk
8 ounces Fettuccine; cook −− drain

In large saucepan combine cream cheese, Parmesan, butter and
milk, stirring constantly until smooth. Toss pasta lightly with
sauce, coating well. Leftovers freeze well.

Week 28: 10 lbs. of Beans or More!

Last Week to stock up on beans!

*August*

"For the moment we live in a day of peace and prosperity, but it shall not ever be thus. Great trials lie ahead...and we must prepare ourselves temporally and spiritually..." Bruce R. McConkie

Spiritual Goal---Have Family Home Evenings with family every Monday.
Make sure at least one Monday is set aside for doing something really fun for the whole family.

Provident Living Goal---Learn to preserve food in a way you haven't tried before.

72 hour kit:
battery powered radio
battery powered light
batteries

Week 27: 10 lbs. of Beans or more!

There are so many different kinds of beans to store. Mix it up, so you have a nice variety. Kidney beans are the easiest and quickest to cook when you are in a hurry. Beans are an important part of the diet to build iron, fiber and protien.


Spicy Black Bean Soup With Cajun Sausage

Ingredients:
•1 tablespoon olive oil
•12 to 16 ounces Andouille or spicy sausage, thinly sliced
•1 large onion, diced
•2 ribs celery, diced
•2 cloves garlic, minced
•1 small red bell pepper, diced, about 1/2 cup
•2 tablespoons diced jalapeno peppers
•4 cups beef broth
•1/2 lb. dried black beans, (prepare in crockpot and add rest of ingredients)
•1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
•2 tablespoons lemon juice
•1/4 teaspoon dried leaf thyme
•1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
•Salt, to taste
•1/4 teaspoon pepper
Preparation:
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Add sausage and cook over medium heat until browned. Add onion, celery, red bell pepper, and jalapeno peppers; sauté for about 3 minutes, until tender. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute longer. Add all to crock pot, along with the beef broth,tomatoes, lemon juice, and remaining seasonings. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for a few hours.
Serve with cornbread or crusty rolls.

Week 26:10 lbs. of Beans or More!

Campbell's® Slow Cooker Hearty Beef & Bean Chili
From: Campbell's Kitchen
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 8 hours

Serves: 6

INGREDIANTS:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Tomato Soup (Regular or 25% Less Sodium)
1 can (about 14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1/2 cup water
1 lb precooked red kidney beans,rinsed and drained (cook in crockpot in a few hours)
1/4 cup chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin

Directions:
Cook the beef in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until it's well browned, stirring often. Pour off any fat.

Stir the beef, onion, garlic, soup, tomatoes, water, beans, chili powder and cumin in a 3 1/2-quart slow cooker.

Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 9 hours.*
*Or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours.

SUMMER IS HERE!
> THE SUN IS SHINING!
> UTAH FRUIT IS RIPENING!
>
> SWEET BING CHERRIES............Amazingly, I WILL have cherries this year. The farmer called me, all excited! No freeze...... and a good crop.
> THEY WILL ARRIVE ON JULY 10th. (one shipment only)
> A 20 POUND BOX IS $27.00 (that works out to $1.35 a pound)
> .
>
> APRICOTS............................There is a good crop. Depending on when they ripen, I will either have them the same time as the cherries, or the following week, July 17th.
> (one shipment only)
> A 24 pound box is $25.00. (that is $1.05 a pound) These are big, bright orange, sweet apricots.
> ...............................................................................................................................
> Please check your calendar to make sure you will be in town, or arrange with someone to pick up the fruit for you. The fruit comes perfectly ripe and needs to be in your home. I so appreciate it.
> ORDERING................. THE CHERRIES AND APRICOTS MUST BE PRE-ORDERED. I ORDER EXACTLY WHAT YOU ORDER.
>
> TO ORDER.........Please call or email. 480 844-9953 azfruitlady@yahoo.com
>
> ................................................................................................................................
>I WILL HAVE
>
> PEACHES, TOMATOES, BLACKBERRIES, AND RASPBERRIES................................
> They will begin August 19th
>
> PEARS AND NECTARINES.......................................................................................
> Will begin in September
>
> APPLES.................................................................................................................
> (one shipment) Fall apples will arrive a few days before Halloween.
>
> ******************* (All prices will remain the same as last year)
>
> *******************
> I will send an email out soon on the peaches, tomatoes, berries, pears, nectarines, and apples with dates and prices.
> ....................................................................................................................................
> I WILL BE COLLECTING CLOTHES AGAIN THIS YEAR. The Mesa School District children are in need of gently used clothing and shoes. Due to budget cuts this year the the school nurses, who act as liaisons for the children and their families, are unable to help provide clothing and shoes for those in need. IF YOU ARE CLEANING OUT YOUR CLOSETS............ANY DONATED CLOTHING AND SHOES WOULD BE APPRECIATED. All sizes accepted. The children attend elementary, junior high and high schools in the District. I am working with Barbara Hientz who is helping me coordinate the program. Please bring any donated items to my doorstep any time.
> The clothing donated last year blessed so many on the Navaho Indian reservation. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.
>
>
> Barbie VanCott - Utah fruit
> 2248 East Leonora St.
> Mesa, AZ, 85213
> North of McKellips Rd., between Lindsey and Gilbert Rd.
> 480-844-9953
>

Week 25: 10 lbs. of Beans or More!

Marie's Mexican Pinto Beans
Pinto beans recipe, Mexican-style, for the slow cooker or crockpot.

Ingredients:
1 small bag of dry pinto beans (1 pound)
bacon
onion
cilantro
small jar of salsa, or to taste

Preparation:
Rinse bag of beans and soak overnight. Next day put in crockpot or slow cooker covered with water, almost to the top; cover and cook on LOW heat 5 to 7 hours, until beans are tender. After about 5 hours, when beans are tender, fry up desired amount of bacon, onion and cilantro until bacon is cooked through and onion is clear; drain well. Add to beans, along with some of the drippings from bacon. Add salsa to taste. Cover and cook about 1 to 2 more hours. This could be a main meal with Spanish rice.

Week 24: 10 lbs. beans or more!

Sort and place the beans in a colander and wash under running water under the faucet in the kitchen sink for a minute or so. It’s best to hold with one hand and move the beans around with the other to make sure that they are clean. Washing them under running water will assure that all dirt has been rinsed from them.

Once beans are sorted and washed, it’s time to begin the cooking process. It is very important to note that beans expand at least double when cooked with liquid. Make sure that you use a pan that has plenty of room for this expansion. There is a fast method and a slower method for cooking pinto beans. The fast method takes about four hours. The slower method takes overnight for soaking and about four hours for cooking.

The fast method is to put the pinto beans in a pan. Cover with water at least three inches above the beans. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover with lid, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the beans sit for one hour with the lid on. The beans will then be plump and ready to cook. Remove the lid after the hour and pour out water. You can put the beans in a colander again if you prefer. Refill beans in pan with clean tap water, covering beans at least one inch above the beans. Bring beans to boil. Reduce heat to simmer. Simmer beans with lid on for about four hours, checking every hour to make sure beans continue to have enough water.

The slower method involves covering the pan of beans with water at least three inches above the beans. Soak overnight. The next morning the beans will be plump and ready to cook. Pour out the water and fill with clean tap water, covering beans at least one inch above the beans. Bring beans to boil. Reduce heat and simmer with lid on for about four hours, checking every hour to make sure beans continue to have enough water.

If you have a slow cooker (commonly called a crock-pot), you can cook the pinto beans all day on low. Just make sure that the water level is filled as high as it can be so it won’t go dry.

Some beans cook faster depending on how old they are. Beans are done when tender when poked with a fork or by tasting. If the beans run out of water while cooking, they will be dry and have a burnt taste. It is important for them to always have plenty of water.

Seasoning beans vary with personal preference. Do not add salt until after the beans are cooked. Adding salt before cooking will make the beans less tender. Adding chopped onion or fresh garlic while cooking makes very flavorful beans. Salt and seasonings to taste can be added after a few hours of cooking. Simmer for a short time after adding seasonings.

Pinto beans need to be used within a few days in the refrigerator. They can be frozen to use at a later date. Freeze the juice too as they will dry out. Pinto beans can also be mashed easily with a potato masher or an electric mixer. Start by using little juice and then add juice as desired. Fresh water can be used if you don’t end up with enough juice. Frying hamburger and using chili-seasoning mix make great chili beans. Get creative. Once cooked, pinto beans have many uses in casseroles, dips and Mexican style food. Easy and affordable, not to mention easy to cook, pinto beans are a delight.

July
"Ye Latter-day Saints, learn to sustain yourselves, produce everything you need to eat, drink or wear,..." Pres. Brigham Young

Spiritual Goal---Take the family names you prepared last month to the Temple.

Provident Living Goal---Make a goal to eat healthier. For example: less sweets, more fresh fruits and veggies, less meat, more fiber etc.

72 hour kit:
4 granola bars per person
2 sticks beef jerky per person
1 package chewing gum per person hard candies or lollipops--at least 12 per person
(note these items will be rotated every 6 months)

Week 23: 50 lbs of Wheat or more!

I will be out of town so I am adding this week early. So hopefully it doesn't confuse anyone. Tuna and meat is for this week; week 22.

Whole Wheat Tortillas by Linda FitzSimons
4 cups whole wheat flour
¼ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
¼ cup oil
Mix all ingredients together and knead for 5 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes. Divide into balls (10 to 20 balls depending on the size of tortillas you want.) Let stand for 10 minutes and then roll out flat. Fry about 15 seconds per side on a hot griddle.

Week 22: 11 cans of Tuna/Meat

72 hour kit: For June
1 pound dried fruit or trail mix per person (can use fruit leather) 1 package soda crackers per person (4 per box) 1 package graham crackers per person (4 per box) 2 liters tomato or orange juice per person (Note: these items will be rotated every 6 months-see Sept) ALSO make a goal to always have the fuel tanks on ALL vehicles at least half full.

June "We will see the day when we live on what we produce." Pres. Marion G. Romney

Spiritual Goal---Prepare at least one family name for Temple work.

Provident Living Goal---Make a goal to have 6 months wages in savings for emergencies. Write out a realistic plan to make it happen.

Storage Goal: First aid kit--should include scissors, knife, thermometer, measuring cup, medicine dropper, hot water bottle, triangular bandages, soap, matches, razor blades, needles, safety pins, adhesive tape, elastic bandages, paper bags, gauze bandages, bicarbonate of soda, Ipecac syrup (induces vomiting), ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, calamine lotion (insect bites and sunburn), rubbing alcohol, diarrhea remedy, antibiotic ointment, first aid instruction book, prescription medication, waterproof matches.

Week 21: 11 cans meat/tuna

You can use the meat for sandwiches, gravies, soups etc..... Remember to use the meat juice or save it for later. Lots of vitamins and minerals are in the juice of the meat and in canned vegetables. For babies take the vegetable juice and mix it with the rice baby cereal to make baby food.

Week 20: 11 cans tuna/meat

Tokyo Tuna by Kay Hamlten 4 Servings

1 can cream of mushroom soup
¼ cup milk
1 5oz can chow mein noodles
dash pepper
1 7oz can tuna
1 cup sliced celery
¼ cup chopped onion
½ cup salted cashews
Reserve 1/3 cup of noddles for topping. Combine soup and milk. Add remaining ingredients. Toss slightly and place in an ungreased casserole dish. Sprinkle with remaining noodles. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Note: You may use canned chicken chunks instead of tuna and call the recipe Chinese Chicken.

72 hour kit: For June
1 pound dried fruit or trail mix per person (can use fruit leather)
1 package soda crackers per person (4 per box)
1 package graham crackers per person (4 per box)
2 liters tomato or orange juice per person
(Note: these items will be rotated every 6 months-see Sept)
ALSO make a goal to always have the fuel tanks on ALL vehicles at least half full.
********************
June
"We will see the day when we live on what we produce." Pres. Marion G. Romney

Spiritual Goal---Prepare at least one family name for Temple work.

Provident Living Goal---Make a goal to have 6 months wages in savings for emergencies. Write out a realistic plan to make it happen.

Storage Goal: First aid kit--should include scissors, knife, thermometer, measuring cup, medicine dropper, hot water bottle, triangular bandages, soap, matches, razor blades, needles, safety pins, adhesive tape, elastic bandages, paper bags, gauze bandages, bicarbonate of soda, Ipecac syrup (induces vomiting), ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, calamine lotion (insect bites and sunburn), rubbing alcohol, diarrhea remedy, antibiotic ointment, first aid instruction book, prescription medication, waterproof matches.

Week 19: 11 cans tuna/meat

Tuna Salad by Anne Gardner 8 Servings
1 large can tuna
1 cup mayonnaise
salt and pepper
2 TBSP pickle relish
4 TBSP sliced or chopped olives
4 TBSP green pepper, chopped
6 hard boiled eggs, chopped
½ lb grated cheese
4 TBSP chopped onion
Mix all together. Can be served hot or cold but is delicious hot on a croissant.

Week 18: 6 lbs. Honey or more.....

STORAGE
Store honey at room temperature, never in the refrigerator. If honey crystallizes, simply place the honey container in warm water and stir until crystals dissolve. Or, microwave 1 cup of honey in microwave-safe container, stirring every 30 seconds, until crystals dissolve. Be careful not to boil or scorch the honey.

HEALTH BENEFITS
Research has shown that unlike most other sweeteners, honey contains small amounts of a wide array of vitamins, minerals and trace minerals as well as antioxidants. Honey's composition also makes it an effective antimicrobial agent, useful for treating minor burns and scrapes, and for aiding the treatment of sore throats and other bacterial infections.
Note: Honey should not be fed to infants under one year of age. Honey is a safe and wholesome food for older children and adults.

Honey and Exercise
Don't forget when planning your training that honey is a source of carbohydrates, providing energy, sweet flavor, as well as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. This brochures provides three recipes for a honey inspired sports beverage that will quench your thirst during exercise. http://www.honey.com/recipes/broch/index.html

Help for Hay Fever Allergies
Honey contains grains of pollen that, over time, may have a desensitizing effect, making it useful for the relief of allergies. Hay fever sufferers are advised to eat honey that has been harvested locally.

Relaxing Honey Bath
Put 2 ounces of honey in a glass with 5 drops of lavender oil. If the honey is too thick, heat it by placing the glass in warm water. Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of the honey-lavender mixture to your bath water to help you relax and combat insomnia.

Week 17: 6 lbs. Honey or more.....

How To Substitute Honey for Cooking
You can substitute honey for equal amounts of sugar in many recipes. In baked goods, substitute honey for up to half the sugar and make the following adjustments.
Reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe by ¼ cup for each cup of honey used.
Add ½ teaspoon baking soda for each cup of honey used.
To prevent over- browning, reduce oven temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

VARIETIES AND FORMS The flavor and color of honey depends on its floral source. More than 300 such sources have been identified in the United States. The color of honey can range from nearly colorless (fireweed) to dark brown (blueberry). Flavors range from delicately mild (alfalfa) to bold and robust (buckwheat). The most common forms of honey are the familiar liquid honey (often blended from two or more honeys to create a consistent color and flavor); creamed (or spun) honey and comb honey.
Remember when you were in school and they had a fire drill? They did that for a reason. If there was a fire or other emergency everyone would know exactly what to do and how to do it. For that same reason you should have an emergency drill at least 3 or 4 times a year with your family.

Tana Eggleston says, “My sister (Benda) has access to honey from a guy in their bishopric. It is a pretty good price and is a great food storage item (honey never spoils). They are coming from Utah on Mother's Day weekend and also again the end of June. They are willing to bring some down if anyone is interested. I will need the money upfront. Here are the prices:
Size Weight Price Case
5 gal. bucket 60 lbs. $107.00 Savings of $18.00
about 1/2 gal container 5 lbs $12.50
6 containers for $70.00 Savings of $5.00
Tana Eggleston – 536-3304

May
"The revelation to produce and store food may be as essential to our temporal welfare today as boarding the ark was to the people in the days of Noah." Pres. Ezra Taft Bensen

Spiritual Goal---Share a Book of Mormon with a non-member

Provident Living Goal---Make a goal and plan to exercise regularly.

72 hour kit: for May
1 gallon water per person
scriptures personal documents--genealogical records, wills, passports, insurance, contracts, birth certificates, patriarchal blessings, etc.
$25.00 cash

June 4th @ 6pm -Learn to Garden without a Garden and other techniques for gardening!

Emergency Preparedness:
Each time you should not just talk about what to do in an emergency, but you should pretend there is a real emergency and carry out your plans. Have everyone go to their rooms and then turn on the fire alarm and tell everyone to get out without using the doors. See if everyone shows up at the designated meeting place.Pretend there is an emergency and you have to leave your home. Set up tents in your yard or other location and live for a day without the luxuries you are used to. Do not go in your house for at least 24 hours. This exercise will help you to understand the challenges you will face in an emergency, and help you to think of ways to be better prepared.Another time you may want to practice what to do if everyone in the family is away from home when a disaster takes place. See if everyone can remember the communications plan and put it into effect. Use the communications plan to tell everyone where to go so that you can all meet up together. The important part is that you will learn much more about being prepared by actually having a dry run than by just sitting around the kitchen table talking about it.

Week 16: 25 lbs. flour and Wheat

Sister Kathy Rogers has flour available: $36 for 100 lbs. Cannery has wheat for the best price in bulk. Make sure you have wheat in your diet now, so your body is used to it or it could make you sick.

WHEAT GRINDERS
Grain grinders come in many shapes and sizes. Some are large and bulky and some can be picked up with one finger. Some take a lot of work and others require only the flick of a switch. There is such a big difference between the different grinders the kind of grinder that is best for you depends greatly on how you plan on using it.

Cost VS Use: You may wish to temper your decision on the quality of grinder you will be spending your hard earned cash on by how much you think you will be using it. There's got to be tons of people out there who have a manual grinder, have never used it, and depending on circumstances, never will use it. Contrast this with the families who use a grinder every week to make bread, pancakes, rolls and other things with freshly ground flour. Do you want a manual grinder that will only be used to get you through the tough scrapes or will you be using it all the time? Some people want the very best grinder made whether they are going to use it a lot or not. Other people will purchase the least expensive grinder they can find then learn it won't meet their needs after they begin to frequently use it. Perhaps some real thought should be put into getting a grinder that will nicely serve the expected needs of your family whatever they may be.
The Three Most Important Things About A Grinder:
Flour Fineness: The most important thing about a grinder is how finely it grinds. If it doesn't grind at least a little bit fine, you are never going to get a good loaf of bread out of it.
Grinding Speed: There is also a huge difference in how fast the different grinders process wheat into flour. Of course, the shorter the time, the better.
Pressure Required To Crank The Grinder: There is also a huge difference between the grinders in how hard they turn. Logic would seem to say that it takes a given amount of energy to grind a cup of wheat to a certain fineness. The easier a grinder turns the slower one would think it grinds and vice versa. Because of the different stone and burr designs, this is not the case. There is a huge difference between the different grinders in how much work must be expended to create the same fineness of flour.
This information was taken from the Walton Feed web site. For more detailed information and grinder comparisons go to their Wheat Grinder page.

Now--Indoor Activities for Children-The Swine flu reported is spreading quickly. We counsel parents to listen to the CDC news and be prepared with activities for their children, should the schools and day care centers in the US close during the Pandemic. Here at SimplyLivingSmart we are praying for the safety of all of you and hoping that this flu will be controlled quickly and soon dissipate. It is important to stay calm, to explain to children what is going on and how to protect themselves, but not to scare them, at the same time. However, it is important to let them know that this is one of those times that strict obedience to the instructions of parents will need to be carried out. Below, I am giving some ideas for indoor activities to keep your children, at least partly occupied and entertained during this time. Please be advised that the CDC has issued and advice for parents that if schools close, children should stay indoors. This mens that children who are off school should not be going to stores, nor to the movies, nor to playgrounds, nor to the Malls. Avoid large crowds as much as possible. And if advised to do so, wear a mask. Adults and children should wear masks when going out in public where the flu has been confirmed or where there is high potential for it to occur. Please read the newsletter that was sent out Tuesday. It contains very important information for your safety, and where to get an infection control kit. If you didn't receive it, please contact us requesting it, and we will make sure you are sent a copy again. Here is a site with some good ideas:On this site here—make sure to click on “Skip the Ad” when you enter the section you want to visit. Here is another cool place to visit:And here below are 106 ideas for your children to use as entertainment, in case they need to stay home from school: Since we don't know how long this problem will continue, nor how severe it will get, I recommend not using these ideas all at once, so you will have something new to entertain the children with everyday.
Indoor Games for In Home-Shelter during the Pandemic:
1. Walk your dog in the garage or play games with the dog in the garage or around the house.
2. Make paper kites or paper airplanes to fly indoors. Color your kites, to add more time to the activity.
3. Make cookies—with the help of an adult.
4. Learn about an interesting place. com/nature_walks-cascia-rita-roccaporena. html
5. Ride your bike in the basement—if mom lets you!
6. Skate in the basement –if mom allows!
7. Watch clouds shapes through the windows –draw them and name them, and make a chart, to see how many new ones you see each day, and how many of the same shape you see again, in what days of the week?
8. Visit Discovery Education and make a goal to learn at least two new things from there each day, make a note of what you learned so you can tell your teacher what you learned while at home, during the Pandemic
9. Draw a story picture of your Day, every day, and color it. When the Pandemic is over, you will have a great picture story book with the history of each day.
10. Write in your journal, each day, about the experiences you are having during the Pandemic, how you felt, how others felt about it, what you heard about it, what you learned about it, you may want to draw a map, showing where the flu out bread was at each day.
11. Play tag indoors.
12. Recycle used boxes and old magazines and make new toys to play with.
13. If you have a big box, make a fort out of it, use crayons to draw on it and color it. Ask and adult to make windows on it for you.
14. Play charades.
15. Write, rehearse and perform a play for your family. Involve your siblings in the writing of the plot, help them rehearse and learn their part, build the stage together, choose the costumes together, and perform it together.
16. Learn to sing or play a new song each day.
17. Play Secret Friend, and write each other notes—but, make it fun, choose a theme for this and write your notes around that theme. A mystery theme would be very fun. Don't do scary themes.
18. Do a hula hoop contest.
19. Call your fiends and find out what they are doing for fun, and share one of your activities and do one of their activities, then call back to find out how they liked it? --But, please don't keep calling your friends all the time. One or two calls a week should be plenty.
20. Learn to juggle—be careful not to hurt smaller siblings when juggling.
21. Jump rope in the garage, if you have a garage.
22. Wash dishes for your parents.
23. Clean the house for your parents.
24. Offer to clean and organize their drawers.
25. Clean your room.
26. Rearrange the furniture in your room.
27. Wear a pedometer, and find out how many steps you took in the house during the day. Share the pedometer if you have siblings, and make a chart to see how many steps each sibling took during the week.
28. If you have a dart game—shoot some darts.
29. Play board games.
30. Have a balloon tennis games in your living room, if mom lets you.
31. Make a lemonade, put on your swimming suit, then place an umbrella on the floor over a beach towel, and a pillow and pretend you are at the beach in Hawaii, catching some rays!
32. Give the dog a bath in the bathtub, if mom lets you!
33. Pop popcorn and watch a movie at the end of the day.
34. Do some push-ups or tune in to an Aerobics channel or video and do some work out
35. Go for a ride on your treadmill, If you have one.
36. Put on some exciting music and dance, or have a dance contest with your siblings.
37. Play dress up—pretend you are a glamorous movie star for a day.
38. Put on make up.
39. Do your nails!
40. Do your siblings nails (if they are girls).
41. Play Sheriff and arrest someone! --Make sure that person agreed to play it with you!
42. Play knock-knock, who is there game.
43. Learn new dance steps, or practice the ones you already know.
If you have siblings do a dance choreography, practice it for a couple of days, then put on a show for your family!
44. Do an indoor golf tournament—improvise--use anything in the house as tools for this.
45. Practice some gymnastics.
46. Play cowboys and Indians—dress up for this.
47. Surprise your parents by picking up the toys and cleaning the house for them.
48. Play hide and seek.
49. Go to a room. Find everything that is not put away. Put it in the center of the room. Divide it into equal piles with your siblings and then race to put all of it away (correctly, with Mom or Dad being the judge). Our family loves it.
50. Vacuum the house.
51. Go through your old school stuff to see how much your writing has improved. Then organize them in order of date.
52. Wash your bedroom windows—why not all the windows in the house?!
53. Learn some new yoga exercise or Pilates.
54. Have a contest for who can race in place the longest.
55. Practice ballroom dancing with your siblings of with your Mom or Dad.
56. If you have enough space in your home and if noise is allowed, practice cartwheels.
57. Go through old magazines and collect some favorite recipes, and put them in a folder.
58. Go through old magazines and make a picture book to send to your children's shelter--when the Pandemic is over.
59. Draw and staple together a picture book to give to your children's shelter—when the Pandemic is over.
60. Set up an maze with chairs in your family room, practice going through it really fast.
61. Draw and paint or color a large castle.
62. Do spider walks.
63. Ask your parents or an adult to help do a science experiment. Ask the adult in charge or your parents to take the idea from one of Bill Nye the Science Guy in YouTube.
64. Call your grandmother every day (if she doesn't mind) and talk to her for 5 minutes!
65. Organize your collections, if you have them. If you don't have them, make a list of things you want to start collecting when the Pandemic is over.
66. Learn how to do the wash your own clothes. Then do a load of wash when your clothes are dirty.
67. If you are old enough ask and adult to teach you how to thread a needle and to sew a button. 68. Ask your parents questions about their life, then secretly write their life story for each of them, and present it to them, as a gift.
69. You are now very creative. . . create some of your own games to help pass the time.
70. Ty not to watch too much TV, and when you do choose the Discovery channel and the history channel to learn something while you are being entertained. Draw a picture or write what you learned in a notebook or journal.
71. Practice being really kind to your parents and to your siblings for one day.
72. Write Thank You notes to your mom and Dad.
73. Make a list of things you are thankful for—Think hard and write everything down. Then, go back and count how many things you are thankful for.
74. Practice braiding your sister's hair.
75. Shine your shoes and your Dad's shoes.
76. Clean the fridge for your mom.
77. Sweep the floor when it is dirty.
78. Make get well cards to friends of family who may be sick and give to your parents to put in the mail.
79. Make a list of things you want to do when the Pandemic is over.
80. Practice learning how to type fast for 10 minutes everyday.
81. Play pin the tail on the donkey
82. Play Hot and Cold
83. Hide a few things and have a treasure hunt. Those who find the most, get a prize. Those who lost get a treat.
84. Build a menu for the week for Mom. Consult with your siblings to include what they would like to eat in the menu also.
85. If you have an indoor trampoline, jump on it a few minutes.
86. If you are a teenager, play spa and give each other facials or do make up.
87. Look at family picture albums
88. Organize your family pictures.
89. If you do scrap booking, do some scrap booking. Make your own designs out of old magazines pictures and construction paper.
90. Play pretend with your stuffed animals.
91. Play Duck Duck Goose.
92. Play Freeze Tag.
93. Play with swords, or life savers or toy guns.
94. Play Pictionary.
95. Play Still – who can lie still the longest.
96. Play Pose or Statues—take a person and have them act what you tell them.
97. Play Simon Says.
98. Play Man on Mars
99. Play Pick up Sticks –if you don't have sticks, use forks or other things.
100. If you have a pet, play with your pet.
101. Play Guess what I am thinking.
102. Tell riddles or jokes to each other.
103. Have a contest of who can build the tallest tower using their toys and things around the house.
104. Build something fun, like a ship, or a building with your toy blocks.
105. Play Guess What is Under the Towel—put several items on a table, let everyone look at them for 5 minutes, then cover it with a towel, and have them write down what they remember. 106. Play What is Missing—like Guess What is Under the Towel. Put several items on a table. Let everyone look for 1 minute. Then take one item away. Have everyone write down what was removed. Then compare the list. Keep removing one item at a time.
107. Help Mom make a cake and decorate it.