Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Tornado Preparation

This past week we've all seen  tornado destruction all over the news and some have even been in it.  It's so devastating and heart wrenching!!  This past week our family was started by an tornado warning that happened late at night.  We were, sadly, very unprepared!  Thankfully, nothing became of it and we eventually were able to go back to bed.  In the past, when there was a tornado warning I've been able to just quickly grab what I need and scurry downstairs.  But now it's a lot more difficult to do anything quick when you have two small children. I was so frustrated with myself for not being more prepared! I decided it wouldn't happen again.  So when, a few days later, we were in another warning, I was prepared and I felt so much better about it.  What do you need to be prepared for a tornado?  Here is a list of things that I always take with me and a few things I hope to add to our emergency kit. It may seem like a long list but I can only imagine how grateful you would be that you have all those things if you ever have to use it!

1. Radio - weather radios are the best! Get a crank radio or battery radio with lots of extra batteries.
2. Flashlight - Either crank or battery with lots of extra batteries.
3. Glow Sticks - Don't use candles. Gas leaks could be present.
4. Copy of the contents of your wallet. Credit cards, medical ID cards, etc. In case your wallet doesn't make it, you have a record of everything in it.
5. Extra cash, credit card or traveler's checks.
6. Small power converter to turn vehicle power into AC household power.
7. Cell phone charger.
8. Extra car keys.
9. Empty medicine bottles so you have the prescription number to get filled.
10. Small can opener.
11. Extra shoes and socks in case you don't have time to put yours on.
12. Spare glasses. Better to have an old prescription than none.
13. List of emergency contacts.
14. Police whistle to sound for help.
15. Garbage bags with ties - personal sanitation.
16. Toilet paper and toiletries/hygiene products.
17. Complete change of clothing including long sleeves and long pants.
18. Food - bottled water, granola bars, energy bars, cheese and crackers, canned meat.

Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_would_be_in_a_tornado_emergency_kit#ixzz1NQFXij54

Monday, May 23, 2011

Best Fruit EVER!!

Want a power breakfast, lunch or supper or even a snack?  What has every essential vitamin and mineral in it? What fruit is probably one of the BEST first foods for a baby not to mention the cheapest? An avacado!! I love avacados for everything that I can possible use them for.  For both of my sons, they were their first foods and they mix so well with other foods.  Avacados are also probably one of the easiest foods to peel and cut.  When you buy an avacado and want to use it right away, make sure it's somewhat soft when you pick it out at the store, otherwise you won't be able to do anything with it.  If you know you won't need it for awhile you can pick a harder one and keep it on your counter, or if you want it to ripen slower, in the refigerator.  To peel an avacado, simply cut it in half with a knife and seperate the halves.  Then with the knife cut slices in the avacado and, if desired, cut them in small diced cubes.  Then take a spoon and scoop it out of the skin. Avacado is good with salt if you want a little extra flavor.  It's also great just all on it's own.  It can be mashed up for a chip dip and even seasoned for guacamole dip.  It goes great on sandwiches, tacos, salads, burgers, chicken, the list is endless!!

Friday, May 20, 2011

Loving Orphans

Did you know there are 143 million to 210 million orphans in this world!?! And every 15 seconds another child becomes and orphan in Africa. 
"Learn to do good. Seek justice. Arrest oppressors. Defend orphans. Plead the case of widows." Isaiah 1:17

Many of these children are orphaned because of the AIDS epidemic in Africa, or because they have a special need such as a cleft palate and the family can't take care of them or don't want them because of the stigma that a special needs child has in some cultures.  It breaks my heart every day when I read about orphanages and what those children have to go through.  They all need a forever home!!  Christ calls us the care for orphans and for some the thought of taking an orphan home with them is daunting, pricey and not for them.  But have you ever thought of helping someone who does want to take an orphan home?

In the US, we are so close minded and shut off from reality.  Sure we give our $10 a year to a charity or when a disaster strikes we donate another $10 and mark that off as all we need to do.  I say this because I'm know I'm very guilty of it!!  We are suppose to serve orphans, and serving often takes sacrifice!  What are you willing to sacrifice? Even if you're not serving orphans, what have sacrificed for someone recently? For anyone who has sacrificed, you quickly learn what you get in return is far greater than anything you could have imagined!!

There are so many organizations that are geared to help families adopt orphans, check it out!!

Friday, May 13, 2011

The Scoot

Well Deacon officially scoots.  It's so cute and I know that it's only a matter of time before he's crawling and into everything.  He's been rocking and almost crawling for almost a month now, but I hold him so much he doesn't get much practice, which doesn't bother me!! I have a lot of baby proofing to do!! My poor ivy, all the cords that are out, etc. Here's a video for all those who haven't seen Deacon in a while (and for those who have).

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

I'm on the Band Wagon

Recently, I've jumped on the blogging band wagon and after a little bit of encouragement from a friend, I decided to try it out for myself. I've really enjoyed reading Happybottomus blog, which is also a cloth diapering store in the KC area, they blog about lots more than cloth diapering, they have some great ideas and advice for everyday living!  I also have enjoyed reading HappyFamily's blog, you recognize them from the American Express commercial that features them.  I've also read some posts from The Cloth Diaper Whisperer and hope to keep reading many more.  Like I said, my blog reading adventures has just begun and my blog writing too.  If you've never read a blog, now's a great time to start!  There's a blog for everyone!  Here are a few blogs written by friends that I also recommend, Kyan's Fight, Adventures in Diapering and Beyond, Living a Full Life, and Faith and Family Man.  If you have any blogs you liked to suggest I'd love to hear them!! 

I hope to use this blog to stay connected with family and friends who living long distances away, and to write about some of my passions and share general information.