Carmel Popcorn Sundays . . .

       Due to the current state in which I find myself(surrounded by Christmas loving individuals) I have been thinking lately about traditions and why they mean so much to so many people.  I have always been one of those people that loved Christmas but this year my attitude has been more afixed to that of that well known character of Scrooge.  There seems to be so many things to do and places to go because it's always been that way.  Many individuals have the tradition of going to see the lights at Temple Square, and I have done that from time to time, while others always get together for Gingerbread house making or Christmas caroling.  I guess it boils down to celebrating with the ones that you love.  This season is suppose to be a time of rejoicing for all that we have and giving thanks for the gift of the Savior Jesus Christ.  I know that he wasn't born on "December 25th", but as the Christian world has accepted it as the time to celebrate His sacrifice I need all to know that I KNOW that he is my Savior and Redeemer and that he sacrificed for me on an individual basis as well as for everyone else.

    I beleive that traditions are made from people coming together in a general love for one another and a hope that friendships will last for years.  I remember fondly a tradition that was created on my mission - carmel popcorn sundays.  I was with Hermana Bettger and we loved preperation days:), and so to celebrate that we had made it through another week and that we were on the eve of our favorite day we created this marvelous tradition.  We planned quickly so that we would have time to make the most fabulous popcorn ever - an old Bettger family recipie.  That became a time that helped us relieve the stresses of mission life and laugh and really get to know one another.  Since I have been home I have tried to carry that tradition on from time to time and I have to say that tonight has been one of the best carmel popcorn sundays - - - - I had one of the best helpers around - THE Samuel Chard . . .

"I don't wanna smile" - direct quote from Samu - so here we have a no smiling penguin wearing 4 year old - couldn't get cuter:)