Wheat

So lately I have felt a strong desire to get our family's food storage in order. We are not completely unprepared in this department, but there's still A LOT we could do to be even more prepared.

So we've been working on a plan, which I am going to detail in a second. But first I must say that the events brought on by Hurricane Ike's visit to the good people in Houston really got me thinking about being prepared and following instruction.

For example, an evacuation order was given. There were thousands of people who ignored the warning and stayed. Not only did they put their lives in danger, but now they're stuck there without power and other necessities for weeks. Didn't anyone down there learn anything from Katrina, Rita or Gustav, which were all quite recent disasters?

I saw one story on the news where a father chose not to evacuate and when the storm was about to hit, his kids grabbed a marker and wrote their name and social security number on their arms in case they were lost or swept away by all of the water. It's one thing to ignore the warnings, it's another thing to ignore the warnings and NOT be prepared for what is to come.

In his Presidential address this morning, President Bush said the government was preparing one million meals PER DAY for those who are stranded or stayed behind. ONE MILLION meals.

That's a lot of food, people.

And we, the tax payers get the opportunity to now foot the bill for all these people who were not prepared.

So when Mount Rainier blows its top, an earthquake rocks the Sound and we get a double whammy with a tsunami as well, the Bore household will be prepared with flashlights, blankets, and yes, wheat. We will be prepared.

Why wheat, you say? Well, because it will store for up to 20 years and I've heard it's really healthy. My only problem is....I have no idea how to cook with wheat.

In fact, for a recent Enrichment Activity, our ward had some demonstrations with different ways to use wheat. My contribution and ...the ONLY way I know how to use wheat:

These darling Wheat Grass Flower Pots

Yes, this is the only way I know how to use my wheat in storage. It's cute and quite functional. I plant the wheat and let it grow. Then throw in a few flowers and it's an oh-so-cute gift for a friend, someone I visit teach, or a cute little table decoration or centerpiece.

Someday when our cell phones and Internet are down, there's mass chaos where we live, and our food supply is tainted, my little wheat grass flower pots could surely brighten up any mood and give me something "crafty" to focus on. But, they are NOT going to save my family in an emergency.

So, here is our family's Learning of the Wheat Plan:

1. Buy more wheat and add it to our food storage. (write the purchase date on the boxes.)

2. Buy a wheat grinder

3. Collect recipes that use wheat berries and wheat flour

4. Experiment with the recipes. Try and use at least one recipe a week

5. Use our wheat on a regular basis

6. Expand our long-term storage with other items and experiment with new recipes and learning how to incorporate those foods into our weekly menus.

Not only will we be eating healthier, but I'll feel much better knowing that we are truly following the counsel of the prophet and building a full year's supply of food to sustain our family so that we are prepared for any unexpected event that will come our way.

And for a mother who likes to be in control, and is an obsessive planner and organizer, having got a hold on the wheat situation will definitely make me sleep better at nights.

I'm pretty sure that Dr. Tom will not lose any sleep over this, but that's okay. I'll let him take his turn losing sleep when we have teenagers. :)

P.S. Congratuations is in order to my darling Mother, who has been working on her blog! Great job Mom, it's looking great and I can't wait to see what you put up next.