Monday Message

"More than ever before, we need to learn and apply the principles of economic self-reliance. We do not know when the crisis involving sickness or unemployment may affect our own circumstances. We do know that the Lord has decreed global calamities for the future and has warned and forewarned us to be prepared."(President Ezra Taft Benson)

I thought 2020 covered this with all that and more.

This new year will continue on with the pandemic for at least the first six months so we need to continue doing the safe things we learned. When we were told to wear masks, it was to keep you and others safe. We need to continue to listen to the CDC and others who know the best what we need to do. It is not stomping on your rights, it is to keep you alive so you can have rights.

Are we tired of snow and cold yet??

Did you keep a journal of this past year? If not, it isn't too late to start now to journal about what has happened, how you managed, etc. This will help those who come after. We need to let them know what worked and what didn't.

What it was like sheltering at home.

What things did you have happen besides the pandemic? And how did you deal with it? For us it was the Derecho.

It has been a trying year, that much is certain.

We made cloth masks for our families.

The call came for sewists in Iowa to make masks because they were having trouble getting PPE...And we all worked hard doing that.

We learned about grocery pick-ups. We learned to have virtual church meetings.

We all learned computer skills we never knew existed.

We learned everyone goes for toilet paper in an emergency setting.

We learned about cooking from scratch.

We learned to spray parcels and wipe down groceries.

We learned how to zoom and to be together but apart.

We learned that when life is the hardest we could still do it.

We learned even when we have to skip our traditions for holidays it did not kill us and we even tried some new things.

We learned it is very easy to be a hero...by wearing masks.

But most of all we learned!

So while you will never forget, some generations from now they will want to know about it. And if it ever happens again they will learn from us.

But let us prepare for what is yet to happen, something we do not know is coming, so put ourselves in the position to be ready by having some toilet paper ahead by having food storage and other things we need ahead. We will never feel over secure again, we have lost that feeling that it can't happen to us because it has and could again happen to us. We learned there are good people, we learned that if we can do nothing at least we can pray.

If you ever watched Disney's RocketMan...we want to be like Randall and not Gary in the isolation chambers that are our homes. So if you haven't watched that movie now is the time as we are still in our homes trying to not add to the burden of our medical system.

It will take a long time to get back jobs and get back on our feet but we are stronger for it.

We need to look for a silver lining no matter how hard it is to find.

Sometimes the last mile is the longest. Missy says just hang on tight, we aren't done yet.

Monday Message

"Included in the year’s supply of basic foods should be life-sustaining foods that store well for a long time: grains (wheat, rice, corn, or other of the cereal grains); dried milk, dried fish or protein vegetables such as beans and peas and other fresh, canned, dried, or pickled fruit or vegetables; sugar or a sugar substitute such as honey; some form of fats; salt; and water. Fresh taro or sweet potato, and live pigs, chickens, or fish might be considered as a supply in some areas of the world where it is difficult to store food. Remember that regular use of whole grains is important in building a digestive tolerance for roughage." (Barbara B. Smith)

I find I don't tolerate red wheat unless I mix it with white flour. My favorite is white wheat so knowing that steered me to what I needed to store.

Now where I live being in town it would not work to have livestock but I can meat and you can buy canned meat as well.

As you store food remember if your family dislikes certain foods steer clear of them. Store what you like or you might have lima beans that no one will eat. Store only what you eat.

Learning to cook from scratch is a skill that saves us money but it also helps us in what to store as well. So if you make oatmeal bread from scratch, you would need to store flour, oatmeal, salt, sugar, shortening and yeast but with these items in storage you can make many items including oatmeal, so scratch ingredients are frugal and go farther as well.

So storing food is frugal, cooking from scratch is frugal and is a very important skill we should have. Work on having several meals that are a quick fix for days you’re worn out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jjmk5TgtFU - this is very helpful, I like this gal.

We all need to stick to our budget. If possible, live below your means. Like if you make X amount of money, live on less and bank the rest.

There are several podcasts I watch where they are picking a word for the year. If I would pick one I think kindness would be what I would pick.

A bunch of people set goals for the new year but half will fail to keep the goal so I wanted to share what a friend once said - goals are the stars to steer by, not sticks to beat ourselves with.

We need to continue to stay safe.

We wear our masks whenever we go out. We only hang with those in our bubble (like these gals who are always so cheerful).

We never ever tire of antics by these two...

I think we all should be learning skills. With a sad winter upon us, let’s learn things that bring us joy as well.

Monday Message

"Start now to create a plan if you don’t already have one, or update your present plan. Watch for best buys that will fit into your year’s supply. We are not in a situation that requires panic buying, but we do need to be careful in purchasing and rotating the storage that we’re putting away. The instability in the world today makes it imperative that we take heed of the counsel and prepare for the future." (L. Tom Perry)

As we enter 2021 we can continue with preparing. We saw what 2020 brought us and now we know what can happen and we should prepare for what we do not know that may be coming.

I can tell you that as I am writing this a big winter storm is coming, it is nice I won't have to go out in it. Makes me think I want to hibernate for the rest of winter.

What are you planning to learn this year?

Here is a picture list of what I want to do and learn more in this new year...

Gus and Missy both say it's more important than ever to do the things that will keep us safe like wearing a mask and staying home! 

Monday Message

"Most of us cannot afford to store a year’s supply of luxury items, but find it more practical to store staples that might keep us from starving in case of emergency." (James E. Faust)

It looks like we need to stay the course. I know it is hard but we have done it this far we just need to keep doing it. What will they say about this in the history books I wonder? My thought is we all are glad to see 2020 go.

We are heading into the darkest part of winter and we will need to stay in so we need to find fun things to do inside our four walls.

Keeping this in mind, I started a little knitted ornament about four times now. Never give up! I have it tucked in a small knitting bag. When I am not working on it I have it in the bag, that is when I get a cross look from Missy and when I have it out and working on it, this happens...

Do you spy the bag? I will give you a clue - look under Missy. Yep, she claims it and that is that! I guess I better put it in another bag.

So looking for stuff to work on, I got out some yarn if nothing more than to be inspired but I am pretty sure I will figure out what I can make with it.

I have a list of what I want to do. I want to teach myself...

Free motion applique and writing my name with a regular sewing machine

Chalkboard art

Needle felting, I do know how but want to learn more

More bobbin lace

I want to do more dyeing of fiber

I want to weave more and spin more, sew more, read more, knit more...I think you see what I am saying. I want to find more time to learn and then when this pandemic is over at last, I look forward to being around people once again but for now I choose to stay away and wash hands and wear a mask to help do my part to stop the spread.

I find my thoughts have gone back to a story in the Bible where the poisonous snakes were biting and killing people but all the people needed to do was look upon a staff and be healed but some thought that won't work, it is too easy...wearing masks is easy and works and yet many won't.

I am so sad at the loss of life, sad for their loved ones.

I think we need to find happy things now more than ever.

https://lauragraceweldon.com/2016/02/03/45-cures-for-cabin-fever/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/149674387589656254/ - I love these ideas.

Yes, we need to go above and beyond to make fun. Even when we are tired, we must make fun for our families. I for one love the pom-pom shooter.

https://www.pinterest.com/whynotmom/indoor-activities-for-cabin-fever/ - I love that castle from the box, I would love to do these things.

The key is to play as well as the kids, playing together brings much more fun and memories.

https://www.todaysparent.com/family/activities/fun-things-to-do-at-home/

I think there are a ton of ideas with these sites, if you have older kids have them help make some as well.

A tip as well you know how fast you tire of Christmas snacking, freeze some and bring it out in a very dull part of winter.

I love the idea of the plastic plates taped to a tongue depressor and bat a balloon back and forth.

Find a corner designated for Legoland. Put masking tape down showing that Legos have to stay inside the space but don't have to be put up all the time, just kept in that space. Maybe write on a piece of paper something like, house or castle or boat and that is the item they need to build but the Legos stay in the taped off area and their creations can stay as long as they like having a place they can just go in and create.

www.freereadfeed.com - I have shared before has free books daily and you can find a free children's book and read one a day. 

You can do a search for what you want to learn and have a free class right there. Also, you could learn it with your kids.

But the main thing I want to stress is find fun, find joy to get you through the darkest time of winter.  Remember “me” time is good too so you can recharge your batteries.

Missy says her “me” time means my bag.

Gus says to stay safe and asks if there's something on his back?? :p

Monday Message

"A cardinal principle of the gospel is to prepare for the day of scarcity. Work, industry, frugality are part of the royal order of life." (Bishop Keith B. McMullin)

There are so many who are suffering right now, keep them in your prayers and help if you can.

And so winter begins...

Winter is cold, long, and dark. It will be harder for us all to keep our spirits up with all that is going on. Look for things to make us smile...

These little houses I had gathered as I saw them. The one on the left is a music box, it plays Edelweiss, one of my favorite songs, and the water wheel goes around. The one on the right is like for a desk, it holds tape which is in the water wheel and has a place for pens. The one in the center and the one on right have a thermometer that tells the temp and given the humidity level, either the woman or the man comes out. At the time I’m writing this we had lots of snow (shown above) and both have the ladies out. These make me smile. If you look behind them you can see the Psych DVD's. I love them, they make me laugh. Gus is named after Gus in those shows, so I pull those out when winter seems darkest. They were a gift from our daughter though one I had found at a yardsale. We have only the one Monk first season I found used and behind the music box house is Gilligan's Island, so look for cheerful things you have.

In the picture at the top, the bunny is two inches tall. I thought I would use this picture to say that sometimes our worries can get out of control when really they are smaller than we think. Take a step back and get a different perspective.

Another thing I did was a lot of work but I moved around things in the sewing area so the sewing machines would be in front of the window to give more light. Behind the machines I folded a rug so the cats would have a good view...

Missy was first up there, her tail wagging, she loves it… Now Gus thinks he is the boss of everything and never hesitates letting Missy know but in this one thing she let him know it was her perch and he had to share.

What things will you do to cheer up in the dark days of winter??

When I asked Gus and Missy, they said this was their first idea...

https://www.vogue.in/wellness/content/ways-to-cheer-up-a-stressed-out-friend-while-social-distancing - this has some ideas.

What if you buy some twinkies and send some money with directions for the parents of your grandkids to get a box of twinkies with the groceries and hide the box with clues to find it. You can be skyping with them during this. When they find it everyone gets twinkies, even you, Have them hand you one and as they do you act like you are taking one and there you go fun for everyone.

https://mashable.com/article/cheer-up-loved-ones-social-distancing/ - I like the book reading together, one of my daughters reads a book with me every once in a while. It is fun to do. We actually are reading a who-dunnit now.

www.freereadfeed.com is a site that posts free books daily. When I run across a book I know someone will like I forward it on. We have three books ready to read together that were free.

https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/health/info-2020/boost-morale-during-coronavirus.html - I like the puzzle idea of your family or child's artwork.

Gus and Missy remind you to continue to stay safe and even after getting the vaccine, continue to do the safe things till we are given the all-clear signal.

Monday Message

"We encourage members worldwide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings. We ask that you be wise, and do not go to extremes. With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve." (All is Safely Gathered In)

I think slow and steady as I have said, just get an extra item when you do a regular grocery store trip. This works best with our budgets as well.

We should plan that things will still be hard for a while yet. We can do hard things! I think we all have shown that. Also, I am ever amazed with all the ingenuity that people come up with...we can make life fun for those we live with.

I watch a podcast where she set a goal of learning and also carving time out of her day every day to learn and/or do what she would like. I call it recharging your batteries. I know life is a lot harder now and if we ever needed our batteries charged it would be now.

We still are living our life just doing different things, so you cannot go out and do fun things but what fun can you do inside..?

I remember when the grandkids would stay overnight. Trying to get them to settle down for bedtime, I would crack out the flashlights and we would shine them on the ceiling and do shadow figures. Anything can be made fun, even dish washing. I had a friend who would wash and one of her kids would dry, whoever was assigned, now she said if they caught up to her they could quit. The race was on.

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1ZKTG_enUS908US908&sxsrf=ALeKk00-phXR9LFqC5jBrGKPV4Wcykchqw:1607197702489&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=how+to+do+shadow+puppets&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj9xo-BzrftAhWvAp0JHe6LAy0Q7Al6BAgBECc&biw=1200&bih=690 - look at these different things for shadow puppets just using hands. Also paper and straws.

https://cheqdin.com/playful-storytelling-with-story-box-and-shadow-puppets/ - you could print off silhouettes and tape them to straws or sticks, shine light on a wall and tell the story.

You could bake cupcakes or cookies then have everyone decorate them.

You could have a backwards day… Have the kids teach you how to draw and paint. 

These can be done when everyone gets chores done. You can work chores into the fun.

Play Yahtzee over Skype with grandparents or any game for that matter.

Teach your kids some of the games you grew up with.

https://lauragraceweldon.com/2016/02/03/45-cures-for-cabin-fever/ - I like the snowball fight with scrunched up paper.

Have a baking day, make family favorites.

Gus says don't forget to read...you can read and learn or read to escape to far away places and more.

Stay safe and keep your spirits up! Let us know in the comments below what you're doing to have some holiday cheer!

Monday Message

"Let us be in a position so we are able to not only feed ourselves through the home production and storage, but others as well." (President Ezra Taft Benson)

I think we all have seen the pictures of miles-long lines of people in food lines. There are so many people hurting right now...my heart goes out to them and I am praying for everyone as well.

With Thanksgiving behind us we are now looking to Christmas, unfortunately new case counts of Covid are rising rapidly.

We need to stay the course that will make all safe.

We need to carry the wonderful feeling we get at Christmas time, love for others all year long. We can hold that feeling, we can promote this feeling we can. Our world needs that now more than ever.

This is a busy year with needing to stay home and cooking from scratch everything is harder so find time to rest and find things that will recharge your batteries.

https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/tips/g645/crafty-christmas-presents-ideas/?slide=5 - this has some homemade Christmas ideas, just keep hitting that arrow at the right.

https://www.pinterest.com/mamasmiles/handmade-christmas/ this has lots and lots of ideas, I like the cootie catcher in Christmas theme, scroll down till you find it.

https://maravilhasdocroche.blogspot.com/2007/09/passo-passo.html...cute ornament

https://coolcreativity.com/crochet/santa-ornament-free-crochet-pattern/ - how cute is this?

https://www.frugalfamily.co.uk/36-simple-homemade-ornaments-for-kids/ - ideas for ornaments for kids to make, be sure to scroll down near the bottom - cute ideas!

https://budgetingisachallenge.com/no-money-to-spend-at-christmas-how-i-survived/ this is a good read, great ideas when things are tight.

One year I made this Angry Birds set for my grandson. Check out the post about it HERE.

The most important thing is not to feel sorry for yourself, these are trying times for many. Steer clear of guilt at not having the money to purchase gifts for the kids, there are things you can do...

My grandma had six littles during the depression...She once told me that out of an orange crate she made a little cupboard for my mom when she was little.

Try to tell the kids that this year we are having hard times, ask them for input like what can we do to make a happy Christmas? I think you will be surprised at their ideas. This will be a team effort and so long as you do things that bring fond memories that will be what they remember most.

https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/12-days-of-pancakes/ - cute ideas, yum!

https://kitchenfunwithmy3sons.com/christmas-santa-pancakes/ - too cute, I love pancakes.

https://www.popsugar.com/family/Christmas-Breakfast-Pancakes-Kids-20981531 - yum!

https://www.theidearoom.net/reindeer-pancakes-christmas-breakfast/ - yum, yum!

We may not have money but fun costs very little. I am sure if you had a different pancake each day fun would be had.

Write on a piece of paper the games you have, cut them apart and fold them in half. Then when things like this are needed, someone can draw and all play that one pick. I think having that could go all year as fun for all.

For young kids, go through your clothing, toss in a box, wild socks, jewelry, hats, shoes, and fun will be at your house as they dress up.

One time I was watching the grandkids, I always had a dress up box, always. Well we were all dressed up and going on a safari to find certain stuffed animals when the doorbell rang. I thought it was their mom, Grandpa answered the door and it wasn't her but someone from church. There we were in pith helmets and weird clothes as we were on a safari and looked like it. So with that pic in your head, remember it didn't cost anything and we had lots of fun.

I guess what I am saying is, think outside the box and be surprised what you come up with.

Times are hard, especially hard but make memories.