Please Pass the Popcorn

Last Christmas Rachel gave us a Popco microwave popcorn popper.  We love it!  She got the gift idea from Mel's Kitchen Cafe post titled:  "Mel's Holiday Gift Guide..."

This is what Mel said about the gift:

 Microwave Popcorn Popper {aff. link}:  after many years, my last microwave popcorn popper went kaput. Enter this new fun popper! It works exactly how it should, and it means my kids make popcorn for after school snack 4/5 days of the week.  

This is what I say about the gift:

After years of not eating popcorn very often, we are now regular popcorn eaters thanks to this new way to make popcorn.  It is also fun to make a popcorn snack for our grandkids.  When I was in Idaho helping with the arrival of Janelle's new baby, every day at 4:00 we paused what ever we were doing and had a popcorn popping and eating break.  The grandkids loved it.

I also give this away as wedding gift along with a jar of Orville Redenbacher's Popcorn  whenever I get the chance to.  This is the note I include with the gift:

I know it is a gift that is appreciated because of this thank you note I received written by a newlywed husband who was the recipient of the popcorn maker:  

"Thank you so much for your kind wedding gift.  *Susie has frequently said she used the popcorn maker more than any wedding gift we've received.  She loves it, as do l..."

*the name has been changed.  

Please pass the popcorn!  

Entertaining Toddlers

Several years ago, my daughter observed a toddler playing with a version of the two middle containers and told me about this brilliant, entertaining, free toy.  I've been collecting milk jug lids and containers ever since.

Just unscrew the lid of your homemade toy, dump out the milk lids and watch your toddler entertain himself by putting the lids back into the container.  You can also review color names as he/she adds them to the container.

Here is another view of the tops of the container. 

Have fun!  

Wise Words from Elder Holland

This great advice from Elder Jeffery Holland was posted on his Facebook page this morning.  I have highlighted the parts of his message that stood out to me.

During this COVID-19 pandemic, it has been interesting for me to have so many meetings, trips, and public speaking assignments canceled and to spend more time with myself. That is something that I don’t get a lot of opportunity to do.

For any of us, it’s an interesting experience to be the only person in the room and ask yourself whether you like the company. Personally, I’d say that there are some things I like about Jeff Holland, but some other things need work and improvement. I like to call this time alone with yourself “character time.” It’s a good exercise to ask hard questions and hope you like what you’re able to answer.

In my normal life, I would have a few moments each day to pray and be in the scriptures. Now, I’ve had day after day where I can spend hours praying and being in the scriptures. That is a luxury that I didn’t know I’d ever have again. I hope when things go back to normal—whatever normal is going to be—that I don’t forget the feelings and experiences I’ve had during these months of reflection and solitude.

The scriptures testify of God’s hope that we will turn to him voluntarily—His hope that we will choose to be reflective, righteous, and contemplative in a way that will all lead to His grand purpose and to our improvement. There are many ways that we can learn to be more careful, more thoughtful, more grateful, more spiritual—and I believe that for many of us, the COVID-19 pandemic is one of those ways. We would be foolish to miss out on this sacred opportunity to search our souls, do a little repenting, and look for how we can be better and kinder.

This picture with Elder Holland was taken in 2006 during the Arcadia Stake Conference

Entertainment during the COVID-19 Quarantine Season

Here's some great entertainment to watch during the COVID-19 quarantine season. This is music that I call truly Americana because it is so unique to the backcountry of the U.S.A. This particular number, The Orange Blossom Special, actually mimics the sounds, rhythm, and pace of an old-time locomotive train... can you hear it?

Click onto the arrow to watch the performance. 

You can also get to the video by clicking here.  

This is what the Kempter's youtube page says about the video:

Chris (with all his twins...or are they?) battles it out for a place in the band. Song of choice is The Orange Blossom Special. Hope you enjoy! If you would like to purchase this song or look into our other music, please click on the link below! https://thekempters.com/new-products-1/ Chris Kempter - Fiddle, Chaz Kempter - Guitar Nathan Kempter - Bass, Danielle Kempter - Keys JoAnna Kempter - Mandolin Website - https://thekempters.net FB - The Kempters - https://www.facebook.com/TheKempterFa... Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thekempters/

Here's a seasoned band playing the same song.  I'd say they are ready to shake the barn down with the help of the clog dancer at the end.

The Eric Tackett Productions youtube channel said this about the video:

I filmed this awesome video live, on the front row, during the Museum of Appalachia Fall Homecoming. Close to the end of the performance, we didn't know what was coming when a talented clog dancer started shaking the whole barn. He almost danced the barn down...literally! (buck dancing)