Elder L. Tom Perry

I found another great talk from Elder L. Tom Perry on becoming prepared. I like this quote because following his suggestion would not only help with finances but it would teach our children how to work towards a goal. Elder L. Tom Perry said:

I am convinced that in many backyards, a crop of corn, raspberries, or tomatoes, planted and harvested by your children each year and sold to your neighbors, will in time yield enough to make a major contribution to a mission or a college education fund.

He also shares four ways to prepare for the future. Click here to read the article.

Mark Your Calendars

Sister Audra Hudnall is organizing a blood drive. It is set for April 16th at the Tarleton Building. Contact Audra, 661-7797 for more information. Please mark your calendars so we can all help out.

LDS Talks

Do you like to listen to LDS talks? Maybe something from BYU education week or the LDS Women's Conference? Well, you can do that for free by clicking on one of these links (LDS VOICES or BYU RADIO) and selecting a talk. I can almost enjoy folding laundry if I have something like this to listen to!

Checklists for Everything

I recently found a website that offers email assignments to help you get all of your food storage and 72 hour kits, etc. done in one year! It is a free service and they say:

If you follow our checklists for one year you will have your 72 hour kits, water storage, 3 month supply of normal foods, and your entire one year supply of long-term foods as well as some critical non-food items.

I'm not sure how affordable their program is to follow- because I haven't tried it yet. But it looks like they have some really wonderful ideas. And how easy would it be to get your assignment in the mail and "do it"! Click here for more info.

More Dave Ramsey

Okay, I forgot to give a link to his website when I mentioned Dave Ramsey's book. Here it is. He will give you some GREAT budgeting ideas and he truly motivates you to want to get out of debt. Our neighbors 30 year old son followed Dave's plan and is completely out of debt (including his home)!

FYI- If you have some money management skills already then it is financially smarter to pay your highest interest debt off first. If you are discouraged, haven't had success with money in the past and need to stay motivated then you may want to pay off your smallest debt first...

Odessa First Ward

picture from lds.org
Sister Sanders from Odessa First Ward just called to tell me about their upcoming preparedness fair on March 21. Wow, they are really on top of things! They will be having a use-your-food-storage potluck dinner as well as some mini classes and display tables. Every organization is getting involved. For example the Young Men will have a display table showing ways to purify your water, etc. Every group has a topic and it sounds wonderful! If you'd like to share what your ward is doing- just let us know!

Penny's Sugar Cookies

(picture from the web, not my baking)

Here is a recipe from Penny Brown in Midland 2nd Ward- Thanks for sharing!!

Sugar Cookies
(We mostly use this one. It makes crisp, delicate cookies)
1 cup butter (not margarine), softened
1 cup sugar, divided
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder

Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add 3/4 cup sugar, beating well. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine flour and baking powder; add to butter mixture, beating at low till blended.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls; place on greased baking sheet. Dip a smooth-bottomed glass into remaining 1/4 cup sugar and flatten balls into 1/4-inch thickenness. Sprinkle sugar over cookies. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly browned; transfer to wire rack to cool.

Kansas Anyone?

We have found a farmer in Kansas that will sell members of our stake hard white wheat for an awesome deal! However, we haven't found an affordable way to transport it from there to here. Does anyone out there have an empty semi (or pick up truck) and a trip to Kansas on the books? If you do, send us an email- PLEASE. THANKS!

Getting Out of Debt A Spiritual Matter

In July 2002 the Ensign shared an article where a few members shared how they were helped spiritually to be able to get out of debt. Click on the red words to read the article. It is a short article with some very good ideas! The article also shares some of Pres. Hinckley's quotes on the same topic.

Great Travel Deals

I'm sure some of you out there have been bitten by the travel bug. If you are looking for great deals you might try Travel Zoo Top Twenty. They post the best travel deals from off of the internet. A few weeks ago they offered round trip tickets to London for $320.

March Ensign

Just a tip: The March Ensign has lots of tips and articles about getting out of debt and putting together your food storage.

Crafty Coupons

Do you like to make crafts? Or are you an artist? Do you like to shop at Hobby Lobby and Michaels?

Well, you can sign up for their emails and they will send you a weekly coupon. Often for 40% off of one regularly priced item. If you are taking an art class at Midland College this can save you a bundle!

Sometimes you can get the coupons by visiting their websites, too.

Just click on the store below to sign up:

Hobby Lobby
Michaels

Yummy Salsa

My daughter offered to share her favorite salsa recipe:

Arizona Mild Salsa

3 yellow chili peppers
5 long green chili peppers
1-5 jalapeno peppers( for mild salsa use 3).
2 cloves of garlic peeled
2 bunches green onions
1 bunch fresh cilantro
2 Tbs olive oil
1 gal canned whole tomatoes

Wash and deseed all peppers. Clean green onions and leaves 2-3 inches of stalk on them. Take any larger or course stems from cilantro.

Put in blender a few tomatoes and add while pulsing all ingredients. Put in large gallon container add remaining tomato juice.

Add to taste:
1-2 tsp ground cumin
1/2-1 tsp red chili powder
1/4 cup lime juice
A little ground pepper

Recipe lasts 3-4 weeks.