72 Hour Kit

I've decided to build a 72 hour kit just incase something happens. Mother Nature happens. Build a Kit After a major disaster the usual services we take for granted, such as running water, refrigeration, and telephones, may be unavailable. Experts recommend that you should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least three days. Store your household disaster kit in an easily accessible location.  Put contents in a large, watertight container (e.g. a large plastic garbage can with a lid and wheels) that you can move easily.  Your basic emergency kit should include: Water* – one gallon per person per day Food* – ready to eat or requiring minimal water Manual can opener and other cooking supplies Plates, utensils and other feeding supplies First Aid kit* & instructions A copy of important documents & phone numbers Warm clothes and rain gear for each family member. Heavy work gloves Disposable camera Unscented liquid household bleach and an eyedropper for water purification* Personal hygiene items including toilet paper, feminine supplies, hand sanitizer and soap Plastic sheeting, duct tape and utility knife for covering broken windows Tools such as a crowbar, hammer & nails, staple gun, adjustable wrench and bungee cords. Blanket or sleeping bag Large heavy duty plastic bags and a plastic bucket for waste and sanitation Any special-needs items for children,seniors or people with disabilities*. Don’t forget water and supplies for your pets*. A component of your disaster kit is your Go-bag. Put the following items together in a backpack or another easy to carry container in case you must evacuate quickly.  Prepare one Go-bag for each family member and make sure each has an I.D. tag. You may not be at home when an emergency strikes so keep some additional supplies in your car and at work, considering what you would need for your immediate safety. Flashlight Radio – battery operated Batteries Whistle Dust mask Pocket knife Emergency cash in small denominations and quarters for phone calls Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, and a warm hat Local map Some water and food Permanent marker, paper and tape Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes List of emergency point-of -contact phone numbers List of allergies to any drug (especially antibiotics) or food Copy of health insurance and identification cards Extra prescription eye glasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items Prescription medications and first aid supplies Toothbrush and toothpaste Extra keys to your house and vehicle Any special-needs items for children,seniors or people with disabilities. Don’t forget to make a Go-bag for your pets. *Water In a disaster, water supplies may be cut off or contaminated. Store enough water for everyone in your family to last for at least 3 days. Store one gallon of water per person, per day. Three gallons per person per day will give you enough to drink and for limited cooking and personal hygiene. Remember to plan for pets. If you store tap water: Tap water from a municipal water system can be safely stored without additional treatment. Store water in food grade plastic containers, such as clean 2-liter soft drink bottles. Heavy duty, reusable plastic water containers are also available at sporting goods stores. Empty milk bottles are not recommended because their lids do not seal well and bottles may develop leaks. Label and store in a cool, dark place. Replace water at least once every six months. If you buy commercially bottled “spring” or “drinking” water: Keep water in its original container, and don’t re-store a bottle once it’s been opened. Store in a cool, dark place. If bottles are not marked with the manufacturer’s expiration date, label with the date and replace bottles at least once per year. Treating Water after Disaster: If you run out of stored drinking water, strain and treat water from your water heater or the toilet reservoir tank (except if you use toilet tank cleaners). Swimming pool or spa water should not be consumed but you can use it for flushing toilets or washing. Treatment Process: Strain any large particles of dirt by pouring the water through layers of paper towels or clean cloth. Next, purify the water one of two ways: Boil – bring to a rolling boil and maintain for 3-5 minutes. After the water cools, pour it back and forth between two clean containers to add oxygen back; this will improve its taste. Disinfect – If the water is clear, add 8 drops (1/8 teaspoon) of bleach per gallon of water. If it is cloudy, add 16 drops (1/4 teaspoon) per gallon. Make sure you are using regular bleach— 5.25% percent sodium hypochlorite— rather than the “ultra” or “color safe” bleaches. Shake or stir, then let stand 30 minutes. A slight chlorine taste and smell is normal. *Food When a disaster occurs, you might not have access to food, water and electricity for days, or even weeks. Store enough emergency food to provide for your family for at least 3 days. Store food items that are familiar, rather than buying special emergency food. Consider any dietary restrictions and preferences you may have. Ideal foods are: Shelf-stable (no refrigeration required), low in salt, and do not require cooking (e.g. canned fruit, vegetables, peanut butter, jam, low-salt crackers, cookies, cereals, nuts, dried fruit, canned soup or meats, juices and non-fat dry milk). Mark a rotation date on any food container that does not already have an expiration date on the package. Include baby food and formula or other diet items for infants or seniors. Store the food in airtight, pest-resistant containers in a cool, dark place. Most canned foods can safely be stored for at least 18 months. Low acid foods like meat products, fruits or vegetables will normally last at least 2 years. Use dry products, like boxed cereal, crackers, cookies, dried milk or dried fruit within six months. After a power outage, refrigerated food will stay cold longer if you keep the door closed. Food should generally be consumed within 4 hours. Food in the freezer will normally remain safe for 2 days. *First Aid In any emergency, you or a family member may be cut, burned or suffer other injuries. Keep the following basic first aid supplies so you are prepared to help when someone is hurt. Two pairs of disposable gloves Sterile dressings to stop bleeding Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection Burn ointment Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant Scissors Over-the-counter medicines such as Aspirin or other pain reliever, laxative, anti-diarrhea medication Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine, or asthma inhaler Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose monitoring equipment or blood pressure monitors *Water In a disaster, water supplies may be cut off or contaminated. Store enough water for everyone in your family to last for at least 3 days. Store one gallon of water per person, per day. Three gallons per person per day will give you enough to drink and for limited cooking and personal hygiene. Remember to plan for pets. If you store tap water: Tap water from a municipal water system can be safely stored without additional treatment. Store water in food grade plastic containers, such as clean 2-liter soft drink bottles. Heavy duty, reusable plastic water containers are also available at sporting goods stores. Empty milk bottles are not recommended because their lids do not seal well and bottles may develop leaks. Label and store in a cool, dark place. Replace water at least once every six months. If you buy commercially bottled “spring” or “drinking” water: Keep water in its original container, and don’t re-store a bottle once it’s been opened. Store in a cool, dark place. If bottles are not marked with the manufacturer’s expiration date, label with the date and replace bottles at least once per year. Treating Water after Disaster: If you run out of stored drinking water, strain and treat water from your water heater or the toilet reservoir tank (except if you use toilet tank cleaners). Swimming pool or spa water should not be consumed but you can use it for flushing toilets or washing. Treatment Process: Strain any large particles of dirt by pouring the water through layers of paper towels or clean cloth. Next, purify the water one of two ways: Boil – bring to a rolling boil and maintain for 3-5 minutes. After the water cools, pour it back and forth between two clean containers to add oxygen back; this will improve its taste. Disinfect – If the water is clear, add 8 drops (1/8 teaspoon) of bleach per gallon of water. If it is cloudy, add 16 drops (1/4 teaspoon) per gallon. Make sure you are using regular bleach— 5.25% percent sodium hypochlorite— rather than the “ultra” or “color safe” bleaches. Shake or stir, then let stand 30 minutes. A slight chlorine taste and smell is normal. *Children Plan: Include your children in family discussions and planning for emergency safety. Teach your children their basic personal information so they can identify themselves and get help if they become separated from a parent or guardian. Prepare an emergency card with information for each child, including his/her full name, address, phone number, parent’s work number and out of state contact. Know the policies of the school or daycare center your children attend. Make plans to have someone pick them up if you are unable to get to them. Regularly update your child’s school with current emergency contact information and persons authorized to pick up your child from school. Make sure each child knows the family’s alternate meeting sites if you are separated in a disaster and cannot return to your home. Make sure each child knows how to reach your family’s out-of-state contact person. Teach children to dial their home telephone number and Emergency 9-1-1. Teach children what gas smells like and advise them to tell an adult if they smell gas after an emergency. Warn children never to touch wires on poles or lying on the ground. Role-play with children to help them remain calm in emergencies and to practice basic emergency responses such as evacuation routes, Drop, Cover & Hold and Stop, Drop & Roll. Role-play with children as to what they should do if a parent is suddenly sick or injured. Role-play with children on what to say when calling Emergency 9-1-1. Kit: Include a family picture and a favorite toy, game or book for each child in his/her Go-bag. Include your child’s emergency card and include information on reunification locations and out-of-area contact. Provide comfort food and treats for each child in your family disaster supplies kit. Keep a recent photo of your children in your Go-bag. *Pets Plan Keep a collar, current license and up-to date ID tags on your pet at all times. Consider having your pet micro-chipped. Make sure your pet is comfortable being in a crate, box, cage, or carrier for transport. Keep an updated list of trusted neighbors who could assist your animals in case of an emergency. Tighten and secure latches on birdcages. Fasten down aquariums on low stands or tables. Kit Make a Go-bag for each pet. Include: Sturdy leashes and pet carriers. A pillowcase is a good option for transporting cats and other small animals. Muzzles for dogs. Food, potable water and medicine for at least one week Non-spill bowls, manual can opener and plastic lid Plastic bags, litter box and litter Recent photo of each pet Names and phone numbers of your emergency contact, emergency veterinary hospitals and animal shelters Copy of your pet’s vaccination history and any medical problems Portable fencing or baby gates Respond Remember that animals react differently under stress. Keep dogs securely leashed and transport cats in carriers or pillowcases. If your pet is lost, contact the nearest animal shelter to report your pet missing. When it is safe, return to your neighborhood to search and distribute “Lost Pet” posters; include a current picture of your pet. Evacuation Locate all your animals and keep them with you. Be aware that shelters will only allow service animals. In a large-scale disaster, animal shelters will be set up when possible. Animal Care and Control’s (ACC) facility at 15th and Harrison will be an animal sheltering resource. If you must leave your pets behind: Inform animal rescue workers of your pets’ status: On your front door or in a highly visible window, use chalk, paint or marker to write the number and types of pets in your residence. Include their location in your home and the date that you evacuated. Leave plenty of water in a large, open container that cannot be tipped over. Leave plenty of food in timed feeders to prevent your pet from overeating. Do not tie up your pet in your home. Source: 72.org

Weight Loss Tip

Drink 2 cups* of water before each meal.

I know this sounds crazy but I've been doing it and I feel fuller much faster than before. Not that I overate before but I wasn't always full. I like feeling full because I feel done. Try it! You'll skip on tons of calories, AND you get almost all of your daily water intake. 

*Also I didn't know a cup of water was a 1 C measuring size cup. I thought it was a huge glass.

(I just drink out of a small glass, I don't measure an actual cup when I go to drink water.)

Source: Oxygen Mag

Splash Park

A couple months ago I was researching activities to do with the boys here in CA. I stumbled across a website called Meetup.com and found many Mommy groups. You can also find book clubs, groups that like to run, and pretty much any hobby. There's groups out there that just like meeting new people and hanging out. Not really a group based on a common hobby. Anyway, they accepted us and we finally met up with a couple of the moms today. The group is based out in Palm Springs which is BEAUTIFUL. Not as beautiful as San Diego though. ;] It is an hour drive from JT but well worth it to meet people.

Today the meet up was at La Quinta Park. It has a play ground and a splash section. D loved every minute of it. T slept most the time and towards the end enjoyed some time there.

 D can't get enough of the swings. He didn't want anything to do with the water at first. He knows how to keep me on my toes. There's never a dull moment. He's unpredictable.

 This dog was HUGE. I mean, look! D could ride it like a horse if he wanted. He was very good with the kids. I can't wait to get a dog. ;] Maybe I should surprise the Hubs? Ha j/p

My Love's Farewell

My Love left September 16, 2011

Please keep him in your prayers. Thank you!

We love and miss you! Stay safe!

D's 3rd Birthday- Cars Theme

This post is a few weeks late but we celebrated D's birthday early, on September 10th.  So posting now, with his actual birthday coming up seems like a perfect idea.

We decided to celebrate early because My Love had pre-deployment leave and throw the shin dig at the park since the weather was nice. (besides the wind) D also loves the park so I tried to incorporate all of his likes into his day.

His birthday was Cars themed. I'm fairly new at blogging so I apologize for the pictures and lack thereof. I tried taking some of family but I totally missed people AND most of the decor! That was one of  favorite parts. Having a creative outlet. My most favorite part was seeing how excited D was about everything.

We had a pot luck, orange frosted #3, car, and trophy cookies, brownies, Smore's cupcakes since D LOVES marshmallows, chocolate and cookies! We had black and white flag table runners, a big red 3 balloon along with black and white flag balloons. The party favors were in little black boxes that had flags to go along with those. Also little cars, Cars themed candy, a sticker, maze game, whistle, and a milk chocolate trophy lollipop. I really went all out. Probably a little overboard! ;] I had little Car tags made that said "Thank you" tied to them. He loved his Mator cakes.

Thank you to EVERYONE for coming! It was so great seeing everyone and thanks to everyone that helped in anyway. It is greatly appreciated!

1. What is your favorite color? Blue

2. What is your favorite toy? Markers

3. What is your favorite fruit? Apples and Bananas

4. What is your favorite tv show? Elmo

5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Apples

6. What is your favorite outfit? My costume + my pumkin

7. What is your favorite game? Soccer

8. What is your favorite snack? Turkey

9. What is your favorite animal? Bats

10. What is your favorite song? Mi mi mi mi (what they sing in school)

11. What is your favorite book? The one Gma Sharon reads to me

12. Who is your best friend? Gma Sharon

13. What is your favorite cereal? Chocolate ones

14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play + go to the park+ play with/in water

15. What is your favorite drink? Chocolate Milk

16. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas

17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? My blankey

18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Chocolate chip pancakes

19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? M&M’s

20. What do you want to be when you grow up? Ask Gma Sharon

Trophy lollipops here
Cars Happy Birthday Banner here
Cars Door Sign here
Cars Cupcake Toppers here
Cars Favor Tags here
Big '3' balloon at a party store
Birthday pin on his shirt from Walmart
Tow Mater Cupcakes here
The flag table cloth, flags, flag balloons, black treat boxes and party favors came from Oriental Trading.

How to Make Your Eyes POP

(source)

Our Week Long Activities

Park Play

Luckie Park. This is the only park here (that I know of currently) that has grass. They also have a pool.

 He never tires of the park.

Car Garage

Finally bought D some matchbox cars! Going to get him a little track soon!

Since he had some pretty awesome cars, I figured he needed a pretty awesome garage to put them in. We made one out of a shoe box. He even pretends to push the button to open and close the garage door. Sound effects included. :]

Ice Cube Bags
Items Needed:
Ice cube tray
Water
Red, Yellow, and Blue food coloring
3 Ziploc bags 

Mix water and food coloring and pour into ice cube tray. Once frozen, place red and yellow together in a bag, red and blue into another, and yellow and blue in the last bag.
  

 We made these the evening before...

 BEFORE

 Playing with them and showing him the different colors...

 Showing him the new colors...

AFTER

He had some fun with this one. Pretty cool science activity.

Craft Box

This is the boys' craft box. It contains a number of things. Pom Poms, styrofoam cups, toilet paper/paper towel tubes, stickers, markers, tape, aluminum pie plates, construction paper, sponges, paint brushes, etc. D loves that we have a craft box now. Everything is in one spot!

Pom Pom Fun!

Here we just pass the pom poms from one cup to the other. (Thanks Shelley, Curtis, And Hunter for the idea!) 

P.S. My son has graduated in the art program of self expression. Literally.

Bubble Blowing

Wish I could of taken of pic of the bubble blowing however, I was the one blowing the bubbles! D was cracking up SO hard when they'd blow onto him. I LOVE when he laughs like that. He's so happy.

Package from Grandma Sharon

It contained a photo album from D's visit to MN. I absolutely LOVE when I can see him in her photos. 2 Sesame Street movies, a hat and some pj's. Thanks Grandma Sharon! D LOVES everything! 

Old School Stain Solutions!

Stain Solutions


These techniques are safe on most fabrics, but do not use alkaline materials (borax or soap) on wool or silk; these fabrics only tolerate acids like vinegar or lemon juice. Spot-test first to make sure the remedy is compatible with the dyes. These basic minerals and acids need time to work their magic; most treatments should be left on the stains for at least half an hour, in some cases longer. After treating the fabric, launder as appropriate.

Stain: Berries


Natural Solution: White vinegar or lemon juice; washing soda

Instructions: Soak stains in white vinegar or lemon juice for one hour; rinse. If there is some remaining stain, dampen the area with water, make a paste of equal parts washing soda and water, and rub it in gently.

Stain: Blood


Natural Solution: Cold water; hydrogen peroxide; corn starch


Instructions: Soak in cold water. For stubborn stains, soak in hydrogen peroxide (a natural bleach; spot-test to make sure it won't affect the fabric). Or use a paste of equal parts corn starch and cold water.

Stain: Chocolate


Natural Solution: Vegetable-based detergent or soap; digestive enzymes


Instructions: Mix 1 teaspoon liquid soap or detergent with 1 cup of water, and soak the stained area. To remove the dairy component, buy digestive-enzyme tablets at a natural-foods store, grind up three or four tablets, and add equal parts water to make a damp paste. Gently rub the solution into the stain. Leave for at least one hour.

Stain: Coffee and Tea


Natural Solution: White vinegar or lemon juice; cream of tartar


Instructions: Soak the stain in straight white vinegar or lemon juice for one hour. If there was milk in the tea or coffee, follow directions for removing dairy protein under "Chocolate." Alternatively, clean with a paste made of cream of tartar and water.

Stain: Egg


Natural Solution: Cold water; digestive enzymes


Instructions: Soak the garment in cold water. If some egg remains, follow directions for using enzymes under "Chocolate."

Stain: Grass


Natural Solution: White vinegar


Instructions: Soak the area in white vinegar for one hour. Alternatively, use an enzyme paste (see "Chocolate."

Stain: Grease


Natural Solution: Vegetable-based detergent or soap; washing soda


Instructions: Sometimes just blotting the stain with detergent is all you need. If the stain remains, make a paste of equal parts washing soda and water and gently rub it in. Leave for at least one hour.

Stain: Gum


Natural Solution: Ice


Instructions: Freeze with a wrapped ice cube, then peel off the frozen gum.

Stain: Ink


Natural Solution: White vinegar; milk


Instructions: Soak in milk or white vinegar.

Stain: Paint


Natural Solution: Citrus solvent


Instructions: Soak the area in citrus solvent for 10 minutes.

Stain: Perspiration


Natural Solution: Shampoo


Instructions: Saturate the area with shampoo, then launder as usual. If the perspiration stains remain, use an enzyme paste (see "Chocolate.")

Stain: Tomato Sauce


Natural Solution: White vinegar; washing soda; borax


Instructions: Soak in white vinegar. Alternatively, make a paste of equal parts washing soda or borax and water and rub in gently.

Stain: Wax


Natural Solution: Hot iron


Instructions: Place a clean cotton rag over the wax and iron, making sure not to overheat the fabric. Blot the melted wax with an absorbent rag as you go to remove the residue.

Stain: Wine


Natural Solution: Boiling water; club soda


Instructions: Stretch the fabric over a bowl, then pour boiling water from a height of two to three feet. Or rinse the stain with club soda.

More Natural Stain Fighters

Lemon Juice: A natural bleach, acidic lemon juice help with alkaline stains such as grass, tarnish, and minerals.

Borax: This alkaline mineral is good for acid and protein stains.

Corn Starch: Made from corn, corn starch is very absorbent. Works well on protein stains. Diluted and sprayed on clothes, it's a natural starch.

Vegetable-Based Soap: Better for the environment than petroleum-based detergents, vegetable soaps help with greasy stains. Castile soap, made primarily from olive oil, may be the easiest to find.

Cream of Tartar: A natural by-product of winemaking, cream of tartar is good for stains like tea or coffee. Generally color-safe.

Citrus Solvent: A less-toxic alternative to solvents like acetone, citrus solvent is available online or at some hardware stores. It's used for paint, rust, and nail polish.

Club Soda: The water and bubbles help lift acidic stains like wine and berries.

For permanent marker I've used Goo Gone. Found it at Home Depot but now there is Goof Off also.

(source)

100 Pushups Challenge

Today I started the 100 pushups challenge. I'm always looking to challenge myself and why not do something that will help my quality of life?

Pushups are great for your chest and help define your abs, triceps, shoulders, and torso. And they're FREE. Basically in 6 weeks I should be able to do 100 good-form pushups. I'll let you know when it's finished!

* I couldn't finish the challenge because it started to hurt my wrists, however, I still do them and I'd like to try again!

Candy Cravings!

Today the boys and I ventured off to Candy Cravings in Yucca Valley. D has reached his first line on his "Reward" jar and this was his reward for good behavior. I'll go more into detail about the jar in a later post. The Reward Jar post.

You just pick up a basket and fill it up...

This is what he chose out of everything...

Him enjoying his CANDY!

Mama is so pround of you Bugga.

They also have Mommy and Me classes every Monday so we'll have to check the next one out!