Cookie Exchange

My Grandpa Sus with Joel at Checkers for the adult Christmas dinner

Sister-in-law Victoria, my little brother Arturo, and my husband Dustin, who I might add is the hottest man alive!!

My step dad David, and step brother Jack

my dad Frank, step mom Loraine, and Grandpa Sus

My little brother Ricky, and his girlfriend Smithy

Outside of Raleys ringing the bell

A Little of This & That

The Ford family has been quite busy this past month. I'm sure everyone as well has been quite busy. We would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and safe and happy new year. Here is what we have been up to this month.

The kids and Dustin were "bell ringers" outside of Raley's as part of the Oroville Rotary Club Dutin belongs to. That was fun for them, but cold. So you could imagine how surprised I was to see them come home with ice creams!!! Dustin wanted to get them something for helping out those families in Oroville that need the extra help this time of year. Who can pass up two little children ringing bells and not drop in $100 bill....yea right.

We had an adult Christmas party. Every year my mom and David take just the couples out for a nice dinner. This year we went to Checkers. Afterwords we had a fun "white elephant" game and dessert. It is always nice to have all of the kids around so they can play with their cousins, but it's a nice break to have just the adults......and Ricky.

My sister has started an annual cookie exchange. It was fun and had amazing cookies. There was a rule that all of the cookies had to be homemade. You had to bring enough cookies for everyone to take home, with the recipe included. I will not say who, but someone brought some cookies, and on a bag of cookies the recipe read," go to costco, buy cookies", they were good anyway.

Joseph and Sophie also had their school Christmas programs, but I took the pictures with our camera that is on our video camera, and me being....me.... I have no idea how to get those onto our computer, so just picture Joseph with a green elf hat on singing songs, and Sophie standing next to her freind Zack giggling.

Merry Christmas!!!!

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree.....Where Are You?

Our first family photo with little Joel

Joseph helping cut our tree down

Sophie tried too

Mommy Daughter Duo

Loading up the trees.

For the Ford family, the day after Thanksgiving means it's up to the woods to find the our Christmas Tree. This year it was us, Cami, Derek, along with Grandma and Grandpa Meyer. Now if you know me, you know that I have to be prepared for anything to happen. So when Dustin was cleaning out the bed of his truck, I packed water and extra food just in case something were to happen and we were stuck up in some mountain for a period of time. Dustin thought I was crazy, but hey, isn't he the boyscout...(does be prepared ring a bell!) I also called my dad to let him know that we were leaving and that if he didn't hear from us by evening, to come and find us. My dad asked me where abouts we would be and I told him," Hmmmm...I don't know." So dad told me he was just up near Bucks Lake and that right off the road was "The Disneyland" of Christmas Trees. So that is where we headed. We drove and drove, but never found Disneyland. Then it came to my attention....has my dad ever been to Disneyland??? Thanks Dad! We did find Christmas trees and had a wonderful time. In town you can find a Christmas Tree for between $30 to $100. Or you can get a $10 permit, and spend the day walking in the woods with your family making memories. It was a fun day even if we didn't find Disneyland!

Ps. My dad called us at 9:30 pm that night....I forgot to call him and let him know we were home. He asked if we found a tree and I told him yes, but we couldn't find his spot. Well Dad failed to mention that when we got to the very small dirt road, continue about another 5 miles. (Due to the windy road, it would have taken a half hour to drive 5 miles.) We only drove about 10 minutes on that windy road before we stopped the cars to hunt for the our tree. Who knew Disneyland was so close. Here are some pictures from our hunt. Hope you enjoy.

I'VE BEEN TAGGED!!

I have been tagged by on of my childhood friends Emily. I am so glad she did tag me because it is nice to reflect on something like this, and share it with others during this time of year.

Five things I am thankful for........

1). I am ever so thankful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints!! The knowledge I have of why I am here, and where I came from. I wonder what life would be like without that understanding.

2). I am thankful for my Family. I am so in love with my husband and love my kids to death. I have been truly blessed to have so much extended family near by to help during the last 10 weeks of the pregnancy with Joel. Without the help of Family, and friends, life would of been so much harder.

3). I am thankful for the power of the Priesthood, and for a husband who honors it.

4). I am ever so thankful for the Atonement. When ever you feel down, upset, hurt, sad, and that nobody understands what you are going through, remember what YOUR SAVIOUR did for you, and know that He knows how you feel, and that he will never leave you, but will be there to comfort you when you feel all is lost. Believe me, Ive been there, and I felt His love for me, and I knew I wasn't alone.

5). I am thankful for Music. What would the world be like without music? Have you ever put in a CD, and just belted out your favorite song? I have, and believe me, you have to try it. just make sure your windows are closed and your neighbor isn't outside watering their lawn.

Thanks Emily, that was fun. I encourage everyone else to blog 5 things your thankful for. Keep it going!