On Behalf of a Grateful Nation

Today is July the 4th.  A day that is often filled with family gatherings, food, parades, and reflection.  This year is no different.

Although there will be no fireworks this year due to the extreme fire danger, there will be gatherings. But, in the case of veteran families, someone will be missing at the dinner table.  Someone who has served our country and laid their life on the line for yours....someone who served in the Military.

Recently, a family member passed away unexpectedly.  This family member came to us through the marriage between my son and his wife.  We knew of this   man's genius in software development, his kind and quiet side consistently providing service to others without fanfare, and his love for his sweet family.  However, it wasn't until his passing that I learned that he had also served 2 tours  in Vietnam.  I was sad that I did not know this until he had passed away.

At the grave site, the Honor Guard was present.  I was deeply touched by the deep tradition of reverence, and respect paid to this veteran.  In researching this tradition, I found the Following from the Department of Defense:

What can the family of an eligible veteran expect? The core elements of the funeral honors ceremony, which will be conducted are:
- Flag folding
- Flag presentation
- Playing of Taps

The veteran’s parent Service representative will present the flag. 

A member of the Honor Guard related a verse that appeared to include the following words...

On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, or Air Force), and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service

The flag is folded 13 times, and each fold has a meaning:

The first fold of our Flag is a symbol of life. 

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life. 

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world. 

The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance. 

The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong." 

The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 

The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of ourRepublic. 

The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day. 

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded. 

The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born. 

The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 

The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. 

When the Flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our Nation's motto, "In God We Trust." After the Flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.

We do live in a nation founded in Christian Beliefs.....as noted in the meaning of the folding of the flag.

On this Fourth of July, please reflect on the sacrifice and service of our men and women in the Military.  They deserve our respect and action.  It is an election year.....it is our right and responsibility to elect those who will protect our nation just as these brave individuals do.  

Read, reflect, become informed, thank a service member....and Act!

Outside my front door.....

Quail Fire in Alpine Utah

Yes, I actually took this photo outside of my front door at about 6:30 p.m.  This huge fire only started at 2:30 p.m.  Where was I at that 2:30 p.m......not home!  I was working at the hospital. The mother of one of my patients was talking about the Quail Fire...and I didn't put two and two together.  She then asked me where I lived and I told her.  She encouraged me to find out if we needed to evacuate.  

Yes, as soon as they left, I fired off a call to my husband....who was not home!  After checking the news online, our area wasn't evacuated yet, but just north of us 500 people were being evacuated.  I couldn't finish work fast enough, the drive home seemed even longer.

When I got home, I checked our 72 hour kits, our water cubes, our emergency 'pouch' of information that we would take and got ready to grab them, my photo albums, and my computer in case we were evacuated.  Luckily, we didn't need to leave our home, and I am grateful to the heroic Firefighters who are battling this and other blazes.

There have been around 400 fires in Utah alone this summer. We really didn't have much of a winter in regard to precipitation, and the same was true for the spring. The grounds and canyons are just so dry....and it is July Fourth today.  

Here is a view of the fire just now....but the trees are blocking much of the view.  It is red on the mountainside.

I was pleased to see the following notice emailed to my email by my city:

July 3, 2012 5:37 PMFIREWORKS RESTRICTION REQUESTED due to Quail Fire - EVACUATION INFORMATION updated on alpinecity.orgIt is requested that residents in Highland, Cedar Hills and Alpine refrain from lighting fireworks until further notice. All resources are currently being used to fight the Quail Fire.Due to the nature of the Quail Fire in Alpine City it is requested that residents in Highland, Cedar Hills and Alpine* refrain from lighting fireworks until further notice. All resources are currently being used to fight the Quail Fire. 
There have been no evacuations issued for Highland residents at this time. Residents are encouraged to utilize the City website (www.highlandcity.org) for up to date information. Subscribing to the "Notify Me" feature from the website will provide email updates as they are available.
FOR CURRENT EVACUATION INFORMATION, please visit the Alpine City website at www.alpinecity.org
(*NOTE: there is a mandatory ban on ALL fireworks in Alpine City)

Our Governor has been pleading with citizens of our State to use "common sense" and not put our lands or our people at risk.  Even with common sense, there are lightning strikes, and accidents (machinery, catalytic converters, etc)

Take home message for our family today:  

• Have everything backed up on our computers.....off site!  Had we not been able to get to our home, our important documents would have been protected.  I recently changed platforms with the purchase of a new computer.  I have been battling my back-up service to remember that I don't have a PC anymore. I will be calling to correct this asap.
• Keep my car kit current.  If I had to live out of the items I keep in my car, I would have been fine....except for the clothes and baby wipes thing.  Note to self....fix that!
• My 'pouch' of important info was at the house.  I need to scan the information to store off site.
• Keep at least a half of a tank of gas in our vehicles.  I am usually the one harping on this...and today my tank was nearly empty.  I need to do better!
• Notify the key, out of state person, that we are okay.  I had calls from family members inquiring as to our status.  If we were evacuating, I may not have been able to answer or would not have had the time to answer.  The out-of-state contact could have let everyone know we where we were and how we were.

If I were to grade our efforts today, I would give us a "B", but not an "A".  We could have survived and most of the information in the "Pouch" could have been replaced after a great deal of inconvenience.  Today was a wake-up call for us.  

Please pray for the safety of our brave Firefighters and Service men and women who answer the call to protect us all.

And.....Use Common Sense!!!!!

Natural Disasters.....how do your prepare for your area?

I have this very same map of Texas on my refrigerator.  I put it up weeks before my Son left to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saint in the South Houston Mission.  I look at it everyday and think of my son, who I greatly miss, and pray for his safety and success.  When Hurricane Season comes, I find that I am very aware of the weather in the Houston area.  It was the same when our other sons served in other areas of the world.  It seems that I get super-sensitive to the news stories about the places my children are living.  It's kind of like a type of radar I guess.

The same was true recently when we traveled to....of all places......Alaska.  We actually met a family who lives in my son's mission.  We exchanged information and they promised to look out for my son.  When I heard that they were from Houston....Mommy-radar took over.  I had a lot of questions and asked for suggestions of things to tell/send to my son.  

Well, today, I came across an article about a Stake in Houston who are practicing and preparing for the upcoming Hurricane Season.  I LOVE THIS!  Please go here to read about the Richmond Texas Stake in Houston.  

Having lived through a huge Hurricane when I lived in the South a number of years ago, I am grateful to good people who are preparing for the natural disasters in their own areas.  I am hoping that they would put my missionary son under their wing if he is found to serve in an area that becomes affected by a big natural disaster.  He is not without skills...his parents have exposed him to emergency preparedness skills throughout his life.

So, the question becomes this....what are the natural disasters in your area?  What are you doing to learn what to do in your area,  as well as what are you doing to have the needed supplies available to your family? This isn't a scare tactic...this is ensuring as much peace for your family as possible in the face of an emergency.  

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends the following:

Disaster-proof your home
Try to learn about the building where you live. Is it safe and able to withstand
disaster? Search for danger, and remember, in a severe storm, ordinary items in
the home can cause injury and damage. Anything that can move, fall, break, or
cause a fire is a potential hazard. To minimize damage to your home in a
disaster,
· Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections.
· Fasten shelves securely and brace overhead light fixtures.
· Avoid placing beds in front of windows. Hang pictures and mirrors away from
beds.
· Secure water heater and oil tank to wall studs.
· Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products away from heat sources.
· Place oily polishing rags or waste in covered metal cans.
· Clean, repair, and maintain chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors, and gas vents.
· Repair cracks in ceilings or foundations.
· Anchor heavy appliances, bookcases, and furniture to wall studs or floor.
· Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves.
· Keep hanging plants to a minimum. Use plastic pots instead of ceramic, and
close or tie hooks and hangers shut.
· Store dishes, glassware, and pots in closed, latched cabinets instead of hanging or displaying them.
· Check hallways, exits, doors, and windows for hazards and obstructions. Keep
the key easily accessible near locked doors or passages. Do not permanently bar, nail, or paint windows or doors shut.

Create an emergency plan
The best defense from any disaster is good preparation. Once you are aware of
what types of disasters might affect your community, you may want to hold a
family meeting to discuss the need for preparation. Explain the dangers of3   Preparing for Natural Disasters: Floods, Hurricanes, Tornadoes, and Earthquakes floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes to children in terms they can understand. Explain that planning ensures that the family will stay together in case of an emergency. Plan to share responsibilities and work as a team.
· Meet with household members to discuss the types of emergencies that may
affect your area. Explain how to respond, and find safe spots in the home for
each type of disaster.
· Discuss what to do about power outages and personal injuries.
· Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark two escape routes from each room.
· Show family members how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at main
switches when necessary.
· Post emergency phone numbers near phones. Teach children how and when to
call 911, police, and fire.
· Instruct household members to turn on the radio for emergency information.
· Pick one out-of-state and one local friend or relative for family members to call if separated during a disaster (it is often easier to call out-of-state than within the disaster area). Teach these phone numbers to each family member, including children and older adults.
· Pick two emergency meeting places
- a place near the home in case of fire
- a place outside the neighborhood in case family members can’t return home
· Take a basic first aid and CPR class.
· Keep family records in a waterproof and fireproof container.
· Create a Disaster Supplies Kit. Include a flotation vest for each member of the
family if the area is prone to floods.
· Keep fuel in your car at all times and stock it with a Car Emergency Supplies
Kit.

So, please take some time to review the above suggestions.  Preparation promotes peace and comfort if and when the time comes that these skills/supplies are needed.

Happy Father's Day.....

Today, we have the honor and opportunity to reflect upon the influence that our Father's have had upon our very lives.  The examples, the teaching, the love that we have been offered at their knee.  Sometimes, even forgiveness to and from our Father is a needed opportunity and blessing.  May you find the time and opportunity to thank those who have are or have become Father's to us all.

I "heart" organizing....Food Storage Style....#2

A few days ago, I blogged about my sister's kitchen organization.  Well, her organizing skills also spill over into her long-term storage.  Believe it or not....she is this organized all the time. 

I think I could find what I was looking for on these shelves that their family built.  

Here is a side view of the shelves they build out of 2x4's and the corner hardware.  I think even I could do this.  But...I am very spoiled....I have a Trim Carpenter in the house that makes lovely things for me if I just ask:)

Notice how she uses different shelf heights.  She has allowed for her 55-gallon barrels, and also tubs above to organize and protect her food storage staples from humidity and rodents.  Each box (from the LDS Home Storage Center) is clearly labeled with contents inside, so you always know what you have on hand.

She allows for store purchased foods, and home canned foods in her storage room.  I find it interesting that plastic items are near the top and glass near the bottom.  There is wisdom in her choice just in case her shelves were shaken....for whatever reason.

She keeps her Mylar bags in boxes.  If you have an issue with rodents, you may want to consider a tub for these.

It's pretty funny when you look at someone else's Storage room......and see it as a thing of beauty.  Do you ever do that?

How do you organize your storage area?