August 2006 Ensign - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

LEFT: ILLUSTRATED BY JOE FLORES; RIGHT: ILLUSTRATED BY BETH WHITTAKER
I established guidelines but left the
details to them. For instance, I gave
them a set cash amount. They had
to first purchase healthy foods: milk,
fruits, vegetables, meat, and other
essentials. They also had to add to
our food storage. Only after the basics
were purchased could they buy treats.
Soon they realized that the money
didn’t go far, and they started scouring
the grocery store ads and clipping
coupons. With a planned list in hand,
one by one they accompanied me to
the store, ready to be in charge. As we
shopped, I explained unit pricing, and
they decided on the best value. I
would answer any questions they had,
but the actual purchase decision was
left to them, based on the budget and
our family’s needs. At the checkout
they proudly handed over their
coupons and the correct amount
from their cash envelopes.
Once I let my children plan the
grocery shopping, I seldom heard
them complain that there was nothing
to eat. Instead, they proved to be
smart shoppers—a skill they were
able to teach roommates when they
moved away from home.
Debbie VanDerwerken Schaffer, New York
Emergency
Water Storage
Do you have enough water
stored for your family in the
event of an emergency? If so,
is it stored properly? Adults need to
FAMILY HOME EVENING HELPS
Family Time Wheel
To better include our
two young children in our
nightly family prayers and
scripture study, we made a
wheel-shaped chart during
one family home evening.
Using cardstock, we cut a
circle and outlined four
equal, pie-shaped sections—one
for each
member of our family.
We then attached a
spinning paper arrow
to the center of the wheel
with a brad. Next we
labeled each section with
an activity we wanted to
accomplish every night:
prayer, scripture study,
drink at least two quarts of water each
day. Children, nursing mothers, and ill
people may need more. Additional
water is needed for food preparation
and hygiene—for a total of one gallon
per adult per day. The Church recommends
storing a two-week supply as
a minimum. For an adult, that’s 14
gallons (53 liters).
According to providentliving.org,
water storage containers should be
thoroughly washed and should be
airtight and resistant to breakage.
Plastic soda bottles are commonly
used. If the water has been treated
with chlorine by a water utility, you
do not need to add anything before
storing it. If the water is not chlorinated
and is clear, add eight drops of
bedtime story, and love.
Whoever spins and lands
on “love” gets to tell each
family member one thing he
or she loves about them.
This simple nightly routine
has enhanced our family’s
communication and unity.
Now when it’s time for
nightly scripture study, my
children race to our chart
on the refrigerator to see
what their part is during this
special time of night.
Stephanie Johnson, Utah
household bleach (5 percent sodium
hypochlorite) per gallon. If the water
is not chlorinated and is cloudy, add
16 drops per gallon. Seal the containers
tightly, date them, and store them
in a cool, dark place. Since many
containers are clear, and light can permeate
them, you may want to cover
them or store them in dark plastic
bags. Replace water every six months.
Other water sources in your home
include the water heater and water
remaining in the pipes, but in the
event of contamination, this water
would need to be purified. Having
ready, potable water available for
immediate use is one of the most
important ways to help your family
be prepared for an emergency.
ENSIGN AUGUST 2006 71