What I Did To Prep Today

Originally posted on July 5, 2011

Today was a somewhat productive day, unfortunately most of what I did today just reminded me of all the things I have yet to do. Some days it seems that the more educated I become and the more I prep, the more I realize I need to do to get my family ready for whatever may come. I suppose all I can do is set short term goals and meet them as efficiently and productively as possible so that they all get me closer to my long term goal of a safe and sustainable lifestyle for me and my family.

So here’s what we did today:

1. I started a family binder with all of the important documents and information that we should be able to pick up at a moment’s notice and leave with in case of fire, crisis, etc.

2. We washed, dried, sorted through, vacuum sealed, and froze 6 pints of blueberries that I got on sale this weekend.

3. We blanched, cut off the cob, vacuum packed, and froze two pounds of corn from some very yummy (and cheap) ears of corn that we bought this weekend.

4. I went through and sorted, re-organized, and took inventory of the kitchen cabinets to see what we had, what we needed, and what could maybe be gotten rid of to make room for something more practical. This was probably the best thing I did all day because I found 3 large containers of baby formula that I had put aside after my son finished with it in case we had another baby. Well, we did have another baby, and my 3-month old daughter just happens to be on the same formula as my son was! Yay! Finding that formula was pretty much the equivalent of finding $60 dollars in the cabinet!

Up for tomorrow? Oh boy, I don’t know if I want to think about it…….but, I’ve got to finish the binder- which means I have to locate my marriage license, and order copies of the kids’ birth certificates, and find my missing passport- among other things. I should also can the chicken that I got for .99 cents a pound on Sunday- although I must admit that I am a little afraid of the pressure canner  That should make for an interesting post when I’m done. And I have some peaches that are just dying to be canned as well. If I can get those things accomplished tomorrow I will feel good.

For now, the babies are in bed, the house is quiet, and I’m going to catch up on some much needed reading and sleep!

Oh! I almost forgot! Yesterday we had a little gathering at our house, and I was talking to my brother about how I am going to can the chicken that I got on sale because I am almost out of room in the freezer. Thank God we had this conversation because…..he offered me a FREE chest freezer! That’s one of the larger items that my husband and I had on our list of preps, and I am very happy and thankful to be able to cross it off without having had to spend any money! That money can definitely be used elsewhere to help get our family ready. Gotta love free prepping supplies!

Happy Prepping!