The Ford's

Europe - here I come!

2012-02-04T21:03:00.000-08:00

I've been planning, preparing, & packing for weeks now - getting ready for the BIG trip to London & Paris, and ultimately getting Joe and bringing him back home.

It's going to be me & Mickey who are the lucky ones to go on this trip.

We leave Feb 7th - Mickey from SLC and me from San Diego - we'll meet up in Atlanta and then continue on to London Gatwick Airport - we arrive on the 8th at 7:00 am.

I'll try to update the blog as much as possible while we are there so I can post pictures & information about our journey -

Joe is OK!

2011-12-13T09:32:00.000-08:00

Today (Dec. 13, 2011) We got a short email from Joe who is serving his mission right now in Liege, Belgium, saying:

"Terrorist attack in my city happened today, no big deal we're safe and sound, a few people were killed but we are fine. Love you much."

I went online to find the details and here are some headlines:

Liege attack: Gunman kills three in Belgium

another says:

Belgium attack: grenades thrown at bus-stop in Liege - Tuesday 13 December 2011

We're SO grateful Joe & his companion and all the other missionaries are safe!

Christmas time again!

2011-12-13T09:07:00.000-08:00

So, I made my SNOWMAN CHRISTMAS TREE again this year -

I LOVE IT!

I did get a new topper for the tree - this one is SO cute!!

I found it at - of all places, Big Lots - $9.00

Here are some other decorations that are up in our house this year

And, of course, the "Paris France" Christmas tree

(in honor of Joe)

I love Christmas time!

It's the best time of the year!!

2011-10-16T20:29:00.000-07:00

I really like the website: Pinterest

Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the Internet.

People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, organize their recipes, etc...

You can also browse pinboards created by other people. This is a great way to find new things and get inspiration from other people who share similar interests.

Here is an example of what is on some of my boards (things I like):

These are just a few things that I like -

But I keep adding to my boards all the time -

There are so many ideas out there -

The End of our Trip

2011-09-09T17:45:00.000-07:00

After Manihi, we fly back to Papeete and have a

6 1/2 hour layover -

So we decide to go to the Tahiti Temple -

It is so Beautiful!

Our dinner on the way to the Temple -

All the restaurants & stores were closed at 5pm

We finally found a small store open and bought

this huge baguette - we split it & ate it for dinner.

After the Temple, we got back to the airport for our

10:55 pm flight back to Los Angeles.

Arrive back at LAX at 10:00 am the next day.

We had an INCREDIBLE time in French Polynesia -

Would LOVE to return some day.....

The Tuamotu Archipel

2011-09-09T14:32:00.000-07:00

We fly from Bora Bora to an atoll called: Manihi

Manihi is in a set of islands called the Tuamotu Archipels.

It is very small -

On the plane ride to Manihi, we flew

on a 66 passenger plane -

there were only 9 passengers aboard!

It was funny watching the airline employee

showing us how to use the

emergency flotation devices -

because there was hardly anyone on board!

We are staying at the Pearl Beach Resort - Manihi

We have an Overwater Beach Bungalow - very cool!

You eat your meals at the hotel because

there is nowhere else to go to -

in other words, your stuck!

But, our room and the resort are very nice!

At the airport, you are met by the hotel staff and

they take you to the hotel in a golf cart...

(its only 5 minutes away)

(they also give you flower lei's) nice touch!

The hotel even has a MINI GOLF -

Things we did in MANIHI:

We went on a MOTU Picnic

(a motu is a small island)

On our way to the Motu, we did

Hand Line Fishing -

The first fish caught was by this girl -

she caught a SHARK!

The man (his name is: VeeDee) let it go....

The second fish caught was by this girl -

She caught an Octopus -

It was also let go...

The man who let the Octopus go - did something

that was VERY STRANGE!

Watch the video and see for yourself -

I caught 2 fish - (just normal fish)

Bob caught 4 fish - normal fish also!

Then, Bob lost his "fishing pole" in the water -

He started to jump in after it,

but VeeDee said...no!

This is how many fish our group caught -

We snorkeled - it was good snorkeling!

This guy caught an octopus

that we're going to get to eat!

Yea!

The food that they cooked for us - YUMMY!

Then they caught a NICE SHARK!

We got to hold it!

Then he put it back where it belongs ...

The guys all get to open a coconut with their teeth!

Bob is the first one done!

GREAT DAY - the MOTU PICNIC.....

Hanging out at the pool -

I weaved my very own hat -

Went bike riding while chasing the sunset -

Went to a PEARL FARM

to learn all about Pearls -

The Food was very good at our hotel -

especially the dessert!

My Salad with WHITE asparagus !!

The airport was essentially nothing but a counter you walk up to

and they weigh your bags - there is no building to go into -

you sit on a bench (if you can find one).

This is the ticket agent at the airport...

He looked familiar to me.....

Where had I seen him before?

Oh yea ---- he was the guy that taught me how to weave my hat back at the resort....

Bora Bora

2011-09-09T12:40:00.000-07:00

We flew from Moorea to Bora Bora -

Staying in an OVERWATER VILLA at:

Intercontinental Thalasso Bora Bora

Our room is AWESOME! UNBELIEVABLE!

Things we did on Bora Bora:

Using the paddleboard at the hotel -

Buffet Dinner/Tahitian Dance Show

Dinner at "Bloody Marys" on the Main Island -

One of the first things you do at Bloody Mary's is

get introduced to the meat/fish

decide which you'd like to eat -

then, they cook it for you...

"Shark Observer" tour --

OUR HOTEL - it's SOOOO Awesome!!

A view of our hotel from the air:

Our 30th Anniversary - TAHITI!

2011-09-09T11:33:00.000-07:00

Well, we finally made the big 3-0!

30 wonderful years together -

A 30 year anniversary is "Pearls" so we went on a trip to

"French Polynesia" (Tahiti)

where they have black pearls -

(the only place in the world that gets black pearls from oysters).

We spent 11 absolutely wonderful nights on

Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, & Manihi.

It was a MAGICAL trip with so many unique oportunities -

First thing we did there ...

We drove to Teahupoo and watched the Billabong Surf Contest

(Kelly Slater won!!)

Then we took a FERRY to MOOREA for the next 4 nights -

on the 29th - (our anniversary) we had an incredibly delicious dinner

at: "Te Honu Iti"

While eating dinner you watch the Sting Rays playing in the water -

waiting to be fed -

Our Server went out and fed the Sting Rays

(we made sure he washed his hands afterwards!)

Bob surprised me with a beautiful black/green Pearl Necklace!!!

WOW!!! I'm such a lucky girl!!

And, our kids each wrote us a letter - very special!!

(which we read at dinner while waiting for our food).

The HOTEL we stayed in on MOOREA:

The VIEW from our back porch -

Things we did on Moorea:

Watched the Dolphins at the "Dolphin Encounter" (at our hotel)

I made my very own Pareo

Went on a 4x4 jeep safari tour -

We played with the Sting Rays -

Snorkeled with Black Tip Sharks --

SWAM with HUMP BACK WHALES --

& Watched the INCREDIBLE sunset every night!

Still Lovin' my Crocheting -

2011-08-16T09:34:00.000-07:00

So I thought I would post my latest (and greatest) crochet projects

that i've just completed.

This first one turned out so well - I LOVE IT!

It's called: Woven Lacy Ribbons -

The next 2 are just baby blankets I made using just one

great big "Granny Square" -

I am really enjoying this "crochet" hobby I just started in January -

SO FUN!

2011-06-10T09:01:00.000-07:00

Ryan and Alex are getting Married!!

August 20th 2011

Newport Beach Temple

Now that's one happy couple!

Addicted to Crocheting!

2011-03-24T17:20:00.000-07:00

Just ask Bob and he'll tell you - I love to crochet! If I'm at JoAnn's Fabrics you'll find me in the yarn aisle. Yep - I'm addicted to Granny Squares. Since January, I've made 3 afghans already - and i'm getting ready to start my next one. Here are pictures of what I've created....

So, I'm ready to start my next project, I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet, just looking for something new....

Weather is Beautiful in D.C. this time of year!!

2011-03-21T18:40:00.000-07:00

We got tickets to the Washington Monument - it was awesome - you take an elevator all the way to the TOP! Then you look out all around Washington D.C. (there is nothing taller than the Washington Monument). It was beautiful - we even saw the Washington Temple far off in the distance.

Next on the agenda - Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and the Vietnam Memorial.

After all those memorials we thought we'd have time to see the Air & Space museum (which we did) and we also saw an IMAX movie of the Hubble Telescope. (some of us slept through it - not to mention any names).

The Washington D.C. Zoo

2011-03-21T18:16:00.000-07:00

We took Kiley & Ashton to the Zoo and gave their parents a rest for the afternoon - We loved it! We saw all kinds of animals; panda bears, elephants, zebras, gorillas, and Ashton's favorite, the Elephant Shrew.

I think the Dippin' Dots Ice Cream might have been their favorite thing of the day....

Well, judging by the pictures - it certainly was Kiley's!

WASHINGTON D.C. TRIP WITH THE FAMILY + ALEX

2011-03-21T17:51:00.000-07:00

"THE WINNERS"

So, yeah, we just got back from a really cool trip to D.C. with the Family + Ryan's girlfriend, Alex Safford. We stayed in Dupont Circle at Embassy Suites - we had 3 suites - so, Ryan stayed in a room with Mickey, Shawn, and Kiley. And, Alex stayed in a room with Melissa, Mark, and Ashton. Me & Bob had our own suite - which we liked to refer to as "Headquarters."

First day there, was St. Patrick's day - and we were having a contest to see who could come up with the best costume - everyone participated and had Great Costumes.

But, Ryan & Alex went a little bit beyond the rest. They made their own shirts (a rainbow which when put together was complete), they bought shoes and decorated them, even. So, they were the winners. But, everyone was very cute!!

We had a tour of the Capital today which was very Cool!

Did you know that Brigham Young is in the Capital?

We were lucky enough to get into the white house - and take a tour - (self guided, of course)

Because it was St. Patrick's Day - they turned the fountain at the white house GREEN!

Going to Washington DC

2011-03-07T13:29:00.000-08:00

We're going to Washington DC to see Ryan's Mission -

can't wait to go!

We got tickets to have a tour of the WHITE HOUSE - AWESOME!

Ryan's going to take us all around and show us all the great places in D.C.

it's going to be really great to have our own personal

"tour guide."

DID YOU KNOW THE ZOO IS FREE???

Bob & I are planning to take Kiley & Ashton to the Zoo -

They have monkey, gorillas, elephants, pandas,

and a bunch of other animals we can't wait to see!

When we get back - I'll give a full report --

with so many people going it's hard to stay on an itinerary

(or time schedule)

we'd rather be free to go where the wind blows us....

Biking the Kapaa Ocean Trail

2011-01-12T23:01:00.001-08:00

So, on Tuesday, Bob got the GREAT idea to rent bikes and go for a bike ride along the coast in Kapaa. (Great idea Bob!)

We rented single bikes and one tandem bike that Chris and Shari hogged most of the time.

Bob enjoyed scaring us in this picture...

A sign we saw along the way...

After all that biking, a shaved ice at "Ono Shaved Ice" really hits the spot!

Macadamia nut ice cream inside! Yummy!

The Marriott Kauai Beach Club - Lihue, Kauai

2011-01-12T00:57:00.001-08:00

This is a great hotel. I went for a morning walk today with Shari and took my camera to take photos of all the beautiful things we saw along the way.

These are inside the actual hotel lobby grounds:

These were taken along our walk...

This is the view from our room:

Aaaah the life!

2011-01-10T20:22:00.001-08:00

We love Kauai! It is so beautiful! On Sunday we went to church...then sat by the pool of our hotel (it was such a warm, sunny day).
In the evening Chris and Shari arrived -

We went to dinner at their favorite place to eat...Kauai Pasta.

Monday...the boys golfed Poipu in the rain in the morning. Yuck!
We girls all got 90 minute massages in the afternoon. Yea!
While we were getting our massages, the boys went back out to golf...this time in the beautiful sunshine and at our hotel and at discount rates...can't beat that!!

Zip n Dip

2011-01-09T09:50:00.001-08:00

Still waiting for the Cralls to arrive...we drove to the other side of the island today to Princeville for a zip n dip tour (a total BLAST!).

It consisted of 9 zip lines, lunch, and a secret waterhole which only John went swimming in.

There was also a rickety wooden bridge we had to cross. For some of us that was not very fun!!

Here are some self portraits I took and Bob took....

At the very end, the 9th zip was "King Kong" at 1200 feet long.
King kong is a tandem zip ... Very fun!

John and Julie were the first to go. And they didn't make it all the way to the ramp ... To grab hold of the brake rope. So, they backed up about 400 feet back up onto the zip and had to get rescued.....so sad....

This is me and Bob right before we took off on King Kong... We didn't want the same thing to happen to us! And it didn't! We made it all the way!!

Kauai -1st day

2011-01-08T10:14:00.001-08:00

Kayak Adventure

This year we are with John and Julie Gleason in Kauai. The Cralls will arrive soon. In the mean time we are not sitting around twiddling our thumbs. As you know we maximize our vacations!

We used the company Kayak Adventure to kayak up the Wailua river then we hiked up to a waterfall and had lunch.

The hike was very muddy as you can see.

On the way back we found a tree
swing and everyone in the group swang from the tree and into the water! It was a blast!

"FROSTY THE SNOWMAN"

2010-11-30T19:50:00.000-08:00

"FROSTY THE SNOWMAN was a jolly happy soul......."

I've always loved snowmen & have collected snowmen for many years. So, when it came time to decorate my tree, my sister Sue came over to help (she's a great decorator)! She looked at all my snowmen and said lets put all those snowmen in the tree and make a snowman tree!

She didn't stop with snowmen though - she started putting books in the tree too!

Since Joe is in France, I had a "Paris" tree all done up -

Oh, how I love CHRISTMAS! I love the Decorations, the smells, and the excitement all around.

And what about GIFTS?

Someone once said that he could never figure out what to give for CHRISTMAS

as everyone already had everything they needed.

The next day in the mail he received a suggested list which said:

"Give to your enemy forgiveness, to your opponent tolerance, to your friend your heart,

to a customer service, to all men charity, to every child a good example,

and to yourself respect."

CALAIS, FRANCE

2010-10-04T10:37:00.000-07:00

Joe has been transferred once again -
this time his transfer has taken him on a very long train ride (3 hours - via Paris) to "CALAIS" a city that is furthest North in France.

I did some investigative work on Calais and this is what I found:

CALAIS is less than 40km from Dover – the Channel's shortest crossing – and is by far the busiest French passenger port. The port (and its accompanying petrochemical works) dominates the town; in fact, there's not much else here. In the last war the British destroyed it to prevent it being used as a base for a German invasion, but the French still refer to it as "the most English town in France", an influence that began after the battle of Crécy in 1346, when Edward III seized it for use as a beachhead in the Hundred Years War. It remained in English hands until 1558, when its loss caused Mary Tudor famously to say: "When I am dead and opened, you shall find Calais lying in my heart." The association has been maintained by various Brits across the centuries: Lady Emma Hamilton, Lord Nelson's mistress; Oscar Wilde on his uppers; Nottingham lacemakers who set up business in the early nineteenth century; and, nowadays, nine million British travellers per year, plus another million-odd day-trippers.

You can also see the white cliffs of Dover from the shores!

Says Joe: "We can see england from the beach here which is crazy! I just wanna catch a ferry over and go speak in English with everyone but I would probably get into trouble for that one so i'll just stay here!"

If you want to write to Joe, this is his new address: Elder Joe Ford

Les Missionaires

95 blvd Jacquard N°125

62100 Calais

France

He also had this to say:

"Don't hesistate to write or anything i'll be here everyday opening my mailbox everyday at 12:30 - Ha - just kidding. But seriously i do."

I think he loves getting letters ......

IMPORTANCE OF SEPTEMBER 15th

2010-09-14T15:36:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW.....

on 9-15-1254, Marco Polo, the Italian Explorer, was born?

on 9-15-1890, Agathie Christie, the English Writer, was born?

on 9-15-1961, Rebecca Ford, the self-proclaimed-travel agent was born?

on 9-15-1885, Jumbo (P.T. Barnum's circus elephant) was hit by a train and died?

on 9-15-2007, Brett Somers, American actress and Match Game Panelist died.

(sorry, no picture available)

So to honor this date and these fine people ....

at 8pm at Becky's house a Party's going on!

A Survivor Kickoff Night - YEAH!!!!

Followed by the Season Finale of "BIG BROTHER" oh yeah!!

(this calls for some Texas Egg Rolls from Road House Grill)

(Melissa - I bet you wish you were here!)

PARTY TIME!!!

Our Town at the 127 Yard Sale

2010-08-13T15:39:00.000-07:00

We were interviewed for the evening news and I finally found the clip.

Here it is: (go to 23:40 for the man with the funny goose hat - we are right after him)

Our Town at the 127 Yard Sale

A lucky start at the Yard Sale

2010-08-06T22:31:00.001-07:00

Well it didn't take me long to get my 2nd and 3rd FREE items today!! Yea for me!! Are you wondering how I'm so darn lucky? I'm going to tell you my secret. I just go up to the vendor and ask how much they want for the item....they just tell me it's " free". It's as easy as that. I don't know why Sue has such a hard time getting free items. Maybe she doesn't smile enough..or use charm..or maybe she didn't use her deodorant... Who knows?

Funny signs we saw today.....

It got sooooo hot we found ourselves suddenly Inside of some sort of ice cream shoppe where we were forced to sample some ice cream for them. It passed our standards.

We were just standing around treasure hunting when all of a sudden, we look up and lo and behold, there right before our eyes is a news crew interviewing important people about the yard sale. Of course he came right over to us and started up a conversation - he asked us questions about the yard sale and then filmed us right then and there. Wow! Can you believe that!!
We didn't believe we would really be on t.v. But it was fun anyways.
Later on during the day, some people came up and said they recognized us from t.v. - they said we were on the 5:00 news!
That's right everyone! We are famous! There were many others who also recognized us. We were having a hard time just walking around without getting bombarded by all of our many fans.

At the end of the day, it finally happened! Sue got her 1st free item ever at the yard sale!! Yea for her!! Let's all give her a great big hand!!

This was a great end to our yard sale / treasure hunt 2010. We found great items. My favorite thing was finding the glasses that match my green plates (although the glasses happen to be clear).
Sues favorites thing is the Fenton ruffled edge jelly set with a glass spoon. (sorry no pictures).

We loved coming this year it was fun. We made friends and saw many people from last year that remembered us. As for 2011.....

Location:Cumberland City,United States

Junk or Treasure?

2010-08-05T21:37:00.001-07:00

After leaving chatanooga we drove up Signal Mountain towards the yard sale route. As we came around the bend, lo and behold we saw this house - crazy.

This is my first purchase of the day - "Stretchy the Ostritch" I got him for a mere $1.00. What a great deal.

Sue's first purchase of the day is a 1971 original pillsbury doughboy.

Look who we saw while we were treasure hunting - HGTV filming their segment for the 2010 longest yard sale show. Of course they asked us to be in the show, but we declined because we simply don't have time for their shenanigans because we need to move on to more yard sales and more treasure hunts!

As you all remember last year I received 2 free items and Sue received none. Well, today I received my first free item. That's right. You heard correctly. Cindy my new best friend (sorry Shari) was kind enough to give me my first free item of the week.
.....Sue...better luck tomorrow....

If you know Sue then you know that Sue sometimes loses things. Well, today she lost her cell phone. That's right. But, good thing - she remembered very quickly - and found it after about 7 minutes! Hurray! Tomorrow she promises not to lose her phone. And I believe her.

My newest best friend (sorry Shari and Cindy)- I really like her because she let's me do all the talking.

Due to a surprise storm we were FORCED into this establishment...while inside 2 nail technicians massaged our feet and painted our toenails...the things we have to endure while we wait out the stormy Tennessee weather....

Once we endured this Nice nails establishment we were on our way again. Crossville was our destination for the night.
We decided to eat at Cracker Barrel. While waiting for our table we noticed the entire porch covered with rockers which we took advantage of (nice). The food at cracker barrel is great - home cooked food - just like at home (except not like at our homes). Sorry Bob and Darren.

Well, good night y'all -

Location:Starview Ln,Chattanooga,United States

The Yard Sale Again....Yep that's right!

2010-08-04T15:34:00.000-07:00

(This is last years brochure)

Well, here we are again at the longest yard sale in the world at 675 miles! That's right, you read that correctly! 675 miles!!
Last year it was only 654 miles but they decided to increase it because it wasn't long enough - people were complaining. So, now it's just right!

Well we certainly hope this year we don't get lost. I've brought a brand NEW GPS that's fool proof.

Well we've got to go... Mile 1 is calling our names....
Check back tomorrow and see what kind of shenanigans we've been up to and what treasures we've found.

Location:Starview Ln,Chattanooga,United States

Weekend at the Cabin with Bob's Mom

2010-07-25T15:41:00.000-07:00

We decided to take Bob's mom to the cabin this weekend. When we asked if she wanted to go, she jumped on the chance and seemed excited to get some fresh air in the country.

We had Jean Ann Herschell come up and visit us on Saturday.

One thing we did that was really different was go to Thanksgiving Point. It was me, Teri, Grandma, and Ashton. We first went to look at the flower gardens because we know how much Grandma loves flowers.

Grandma was such a great asset to have at the flower gardens because she knew the name of almost every flower!

Gerber Daisy

Brown Eyed Susan
These were some of my favorites.

At the cabin we were favored by the local moose who decided to make an appearance for Grandma...

Melissa decided to put out some food so maybe the deer would come up close to the cabin...

Melissa is so smart!

We had a great time at the cabin. But, now we're on our way home...all good things must come to an end. You can quote me on that!

Location:W 774 N,Salt Lake City,United States

SUMAVEL DOSEPRO

2010-07-14T17:24:00.000-07:00

This Drug has saved my life!

I have been getting migraines for a long long time -

The pill I've been taking (zomig) has slowly been losing its effectiveness.

And, with the frequency of my headaches, I decided to go and see a Headache Specialist (Neurologist) down at Scripps Hospital in Encinitas.

That was the best thing I could have done!!

This doctor introduced me to: SUMAVEL DOSEPRO a needlefree injection system.

It takes away my headaches within 10 minutes!!

I can literally watch the clock and my headache is always gone within 10 minutes - it's amazing!!

It's an injection in the Stomache or the thigh -

you get to choose!!

And this is what the needlefree injection looks like -

All I know is that - I LOVE IT - and I wish I could get my hands on more of them.

As it is, my insurance is ANTHEM, BLUE CROSS and they only allow 4 per month. So, in other words, according to them, I am only allowed to have 4 headaches a month.

Is there something wrong with this?????

I wish I could be a spokesman for SUMAVEL and they could just pay me in a life time supply of these injections - that would make me very happy.....

Spectacular 4th of July!

2010-07-09T17:21:00.001-07:00

We had a GREAT 4th of JULY at our cabin in HEBER.

Here are some pictures I just have to post because I think Kiley & Ashton look adorable and I want to show everyone my beautiful grandchildren!

For the fireworks show - we drove down the mountain and into the next town - (MIDWAY)

and watched their fireworks show -

Mr. Party himself (Mr. Ashton) wasn't able to keep himself awake for the festivities (as you will notice in the photos - But, Kiley was able to have fun with Sparklers and enjoyed the firework show.

THE END

Joe's "MAIL FAST"

2010-06-14T17:16:00.000-07:00

UPDATE:

I guess Joe hasn't been getting any mail since being in his new area of Vannes because his address has been incorrect.

But don't blame us - The Mission Home gave us his address when he got transferred - (They left out just one teeny tiny little number - the number 4)

If you want to send Joe mail and (PLEASE DO) here is his correct address:

Elder J. Ford
Les Missionaires
49 Rue des 4 Frères Créach
56000, Vannes
France

The reason I say please do is because he is "MAIL STARVED"

here is part of his email from today:

"Contrary to popular belief, I have not been recieving much mail, very little in-fact. My companion has suggested that I start a mail fast. I will be starting my mail fast Sunday June 20th, 2010 and it will last until Saturday June 26th, 2010. I will not look in the mailbox at my apartment for a week in hopes that after my sacrifice that Saturday, I will go to my mailbox and it will be overwhelmed with mail.

I know that with prayer this will become possible. I will be praying for all who can find time in their busy schedules that can bring happiness to me. I wish you all good luck and the best of success. Now might I remind you this is no contest who can send me the most amount of mail, but if a contest breaks out here, I don't want to be involved, I'm merely a middle man."

With Much Love ~
Elder Ford

VANNES FRANCE

2010-05-26T20:15:00.000-07:00

Joe got transferred this week~

His new address is:

Elder Ford

Les Missionaires

49, Rue des 4 Frères Créach

56000, VANNES

France

(the picture above is Sister Rachel Kagwe - she was Baptized by Elder Maxfield - she is an African woman from Kenya~)

The area he had been in was great and he really loved being in NANTES ~

He has been with 3 other missionaries ~ and really had no complaints - he especially enjoyed and really loved his companion, Elder Maxfield. (Elder Maxfield went home this week).

But, like all good things - they do come to an end - and Joe was transferred.

TO VANNES - a city by the SEA!! (No temptation for Joe)

He just wrote and said "I will need some extra money for a wetsuit." hmmmmmm.......

I think he was kidding.....

So, a little about Vannes:

VANNES is a market town and linked to the ocean. It is right next to the Gulf of Morbihan, which boasts of getting more that 2,000 hours of sunshine per year.

You can get to Paris in 3 hours by high speed train.

Right before leaving NANTES they set another baptism date for June 26th and he won't be able to return for that. But he has high hopes for his new area.

We are so proud of Elder Ford -

Joe - in France

2010-04-16T14:13:00.000-07:00

Joe is now in France!!
Joe left the MTC on Monday and got to Paris on Tuesday -
After the long flight to Paris - he was met by his Mission President - President Staheli.
We received a letter via email from his mission President and part of it said this, " He, (Joe) and his MTC companions were enthusiastic and all arrived in good health. He spent his first day eating some home cooked food, napping, visiting with me, contacting non-members in the heart of Paris, and sharing testimonies in our home. We enjoyed his spirit.

The next morning, after a mission orientation, Joe, left for his first assignment to work in the Nantes Area. The following is his address where you can write to him:

Elder J. Joshua Ford
Les Missionnaires
8, rue Lamoricière -Villa Lamoricière
44100 NANTES
FRANCE

Here are a few guidelines when sending things to France:

Never send cash in the post. This is against French law.
Shipping with UPS or FedEx will require your missionary to pay a tax upon reception. Shipping with these providers is strongly discouraged.
Remember not to send anything that would distract your missionary from his work such as inappropriate music, literature, posters, etc..

Always ensure that sufficient postage is attached to the article.

THANKS FOR YOUR LOVE & UNDERSTANDING -
THE FRANCE-PARIS MISSION

CIRCUS VARGAS

2010-03-30T15:16:00.000-07:00

Last weekend CIRCUS VARGAS came to town. So, Mickey invited me and Bob to go along with her, Shawn, and Kiley. Bob asked if there were going to be animals at the circus (the answer was no) so he said "What kind of a circus doesn't have animals?" And then he decided not to go. I was very glad they didn't have any animals in the show. I went so I could watch the clowns, jugglers, trapeeze artists, balancing acts, and to be entertained!

Not to watch some animals do some tricks - knowing that behind the scenes they are beaten and tortured and who knows what else~

And I will say that I sure was entertained!
Kiley and I both got light up Swords - they were fun!
I think Kiley's favorite thing was the popcorn -

She ate a lot of it!!

I think Bob was sorry he missed it - after all!

Our Sports Day

2010-03-11T19:27:00.000-08:00

One of our activities was to rent a bike (which I did) and Bob's was to run. I was his companion and water girl. We went on the Kapaa coastal bike path that stretches along the water for 4.1 miles each way. So, I rented the bike and Bob ran the whole 8.2 miles. That was a fun day (for me anyways).

Along the way, I saw this guy that had no shirt on - WOW!!!
What a HOTTIE!!! I know what you're thinking!! That's right - he's in such great shape!!
Well, what do you expect - running like that?

He'll be all ready for the 1/2 marathon in April!!
I just biked alongside him with my backpack - it had water in it for him - (I was the water girl)

It was such a beautiful day!

Those Funny Hawaiian's

2010-03-11T19:11:00.000-08:00

So, if you know Bob, you know that he has many great qualities - poem writing, speaking in public, being friendly to people & dogs, (just to name a few). But, I can honestly say that being a speller is not his strong suit.

So, we are staying at the Marriott Kauai Beach Club and they are doing a lot of work in the front of their building - right as you come in - the valet area is all torn up.

Well, anyways, he did catch this faux pas - that I'm sure Marriott wasn't too pleased with!

He just had to take a picture of the sign because he knew that it wouldn't be up there too long. And sure enough - he was right - two days later we were walking past the same sign and we noticed it was changed.....

I think someone might have gotten into some trouble -

KAUAI

2010-03-10T09:59:00.000-08:00

We're taking a little vacation right now - a little "R & R" on the beautiful island of Kauai.

It's one of our favorite places to travel to.
We've been here several times and hiked many trails.
We've hiked the famous Kalalau Trail along the Napali Coast, we've hiked the Nounou trail also known as "Sleeping Giant", we've come across many different waterfalls on these trails that have been beautiful. But on this trip we took a different hike and stumbled across a different type of waterfall altogether!
The hike was called: the Kilauea waterfall hike.

We also decided to go somewhere that we've never gone before - the Kilauea Lighthouse.
One thing is for sure - it is windy at the lighthouse!

All along the side of the cliffs, there are birds. Kilauea is not only a lighthouse but it is also a National wildlife refuge.

Joe at the MTC

2010-02-16T15:20:00.000-08:00

Joe is now at the MTC (Missionary Training Center in Provo Utah. He reported on February 10th. It was a sad day for us, but a happy day for him.

He wrote his first email on Saturday. This is what some of it said:
*******
Hey whats going~ just so you know I am alive and I got your package. But ya mtc is pretty cool. long days, today is not going to be my real p-day but next week we start our real schedule. um so i already wrote you a letter its in the mail right now.
when i left you guys i went through a bunch of different processing things and got my lunch card and dropped my bags off at the room and stuff. I then went to my class room where I met up with my district and my comp.
They're eight of us in the district and they are all pretty cool for the most part my companion lives in norcal and he and I have the same birthday and same year. Weird, i know. But there were 29 new missionaries going French speaking, some to Africa, some to Montreal, some to Tahiti and us to Paris.
So check this out... i walk up to my room and we live right by the ironing board and low and behold is Cort Trejo ironing his t-shirt. he lives just a few doors down from me so thats funny. also i saw Steven Smith and i talked to him for a minute and i saw Sister Connors who works in the mtc and i talked to her for a moment too.
So i got a couple letters already which definitely boost spirtits.
I haven't learned too much French yet. It all begins on Monday, and actually everyone in my district already has taken at least 2 years French, one kid was in French emersion for 7 years. So i'm a lil bit behind the rest of the group. hahaha.
So ya we are in the classrooms alot of the times and we watch all these different videos on people who tell about their life. It is on you tube called "6 billion others" I feel like a therapist or something.
Well i don't really have any other cool stories yet.
I guess the week before we came in President Oochdorf was there greeting all the new missionaries and unfortunately we got stuck with a greeting by the relief society president. haha just kidding but we did meet her.
They limit my time for email to 30 mins which is plenty of time but today I had to register and make an account so my time was cut way short so i'm about done here.
Love ya, Elder Ford!

Ward Ugly Sweater Party

2010-01-17T08:21:00.000-08:00

We had a really fun party in the ward on Friday night. It was called: the "Souper Ugly Sweater Party."

We had a Soup "Cook-Off" and a Ugly Sweater Contest. I went to Goodwill and bought a sweater that I got for $2.50. After I put it on Friday night - it wasn't all that bad! We got Bob's outfit at Salvation Army Thursday night when they were having their 1/2 off night. So, we got his outfit on sale (i'm such a bargain shopper)!

As you can see it was a crowded cultural hall - I think we had over 150 people there.
We even put a smile on Joe's face - now that's success!

"GOING TO THE NORTH POLE"

2009-12-23T09:51:00.000-08:00

THE POLAR EXPRESS

LAST NIGHT we Braved the HARSH COLD conditions here in Heber Utah and took a train ride all the way to the NORTH POLE so we could meet MR. & MRS. SANTA CLAUS. Almost all of us were there - Ryan & Joe went... Melissa, Mark, and Ashton also made the trek.....

Teri & James were there and Bob and I went along -- we couldn't miss out on visiting the North pole - or seeing the excitement as Mr. Ashton laid eyes on Santa for the very first time -

He was a bit shy for sure! But he didn't cry - Santa handed him the first gift of christmas -

During the train ride, we heard the story of "The Polar Express." Ashton really liked hearing the story read to him.

They also fed us cookies (made by Mrs. Claus) and hot cocoa. It wasn't mama mooses' but it sure did hit the spot!

Mrs. Claus was a big hit! Everyone Loved her including the boys!!

When the TRAIN RIDE was over, we were going to our cars and I don't know what happened exactly - but all of a sudden - things were out of control - (I think Ryan started it) snowballs were flying everywhere - innocent people were getting bombed - I was saying sorry to people I didn't even know (apologizing for my adult children) they were having an all-out-war in the parking lot!! EMBARASSING!!! I JUST WENT TO THE CAR!! Of course, Bob was right there in the middle of the war with the rest of them, taking the pictures to document this - and i'm sure egging them on!

Joe took this picture of Ashton - it's probably the cutest picture ever!!

What is Ryan telling Mark? "Hey Mark Look...There's.......

I love this picture of Joe and me - so, since this is my blog......

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

CHRISTMAS TIME

2009-12-12T14:06:00.000-08:00

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more. ~Dr. Seuss

...and here are some pictures I found in the Ford Archives..... from 2004....

Aaaaahhhhh......the good times.....Family.......

HALLOWEEN TIME!!

2009-10-26T19:25:00.000-07:00

We took Kiley to our Ward's Trunk or Treat on Saturday Night at the Park.
She was dressed up as a very scary skeleton. She had so much fun playing at the park.

When it got dark, she went around to all the cars and collected candy in her pumpkin bucket. She even got to eat a few pieces of candy that night.
Kiley had a blast in her skeleton costume collecting candy & saying "thank you"
to everyone.

Reef's 4th Birthday Party

2009-10-22T21:00:00.000-07:00

Reef's birthday was today - she is a BIG 4year old. We didn't invite any other dogs to the party but it was quite a celebration. Gift opening took hours - of course she got her favorite gift of all- Squirrely.
We also got her a pink skirt to wear for fun (you will notice it in the pictures).

HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY REEF!!

ALMOST DONE!

2009-09-23T18:55:00.000-07:00

BOB'S HOME!!

Today - Wednesday September 23rd- we finished most of the painting of the furniture - the only thing not finished is the Hope Chest. But that is going to be done differently - it's going to be painted some sort of green.

It's been a very busy day - I've been putting the hardware on the dressers, cleaning the drawers and measuring them for the drawer liners, then putting the clothes back in them (nice & neatly).

Since I've been in the cleaning mode, I decided to put the kitchen cabinets in order also. I've been a clean freak - organizing the plates, cups, glasses, bowls, all the china, and glassware. I don't know what's gotten a hold of me - but when Bob got home - he said that he's going to go out of town alot more! (not because I changed the furniture to black - but because I cleaned the cabinets!)

Here are the Before and After pictures:

Doing this kind of work sure is messy!! You get really dirty!!!!!

I like to paint the sides of the dresser drawers to give them that "finished" look!

On these 2 nightstands, we used the same hardware - we just painted it black -
now that's economical!!

A Good First Day

2009-09-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

WE GOT MORE DONE THAN I THOUGHT WE WOULD!

Sue really gets down to business!! We started with the bed and worked our way through the 2 nightstands before lunch. By that time, there wasn't enough shade to work any more. So, we decided to wait until evening when it was cooler.

Around 5pm, Sue came back and we finished the bed and started on the 2 dressers.

We are very happy with the way the bed looks - we tried some new technique combined with the distressed look and wala! - magic! Just like I said! Sue definitely has the touch - the magic touch!!

Tomorrow we will finish the 2 dressers and figure out what we are going to do with the hope chest. We are considering painting it a green color. We just have to find the right color green and that's not always an easy thing to do.

As for now - I just took a shower and noticed that I had black paint all over my arms and legs. It was really a funny thing to see!! I should have taken a picture - oh well.
Maybe next time -

OUR DECORATING DEAL -

2009-09-21T06:54:00.000-07:00

OH - DID I MENTION THAT BOB AND I HAD A DEAL? He could decorate the cabin any way he wanted and I could redecorate the bedroom at home. YIPEE!! HOORAY!! YEA!! Does that describe my feelings? Let me paint you a picture - we have a very beautiful bedroom at home, with a king size bed, 1 tall dresser, 1 long dresser, 1 very big armoire, and 1 hope chest all in OAK.

Now that is fine and dandy if you like honey stained Oak. Bob happens to really like Honey Stained Oak. We have lived with that bedroom set for a number of years and to put it quite frankly, I am getting sick of it. I need a change! We had pillows, chairs, and curtains to match a million years ago in maroon colors & you can only live with those colors for so long! I am SO ready for a change! I think I've lived with those colors long enough -

So, when he really wanted to decorate the cabin, I saw my chance. Sue, refinishes furniture and I've seen what she can do. She has the touch - the magic touch! She just waves her magic wand and - poof - MAGIC!!

The first time we went to the cabin in Heber, Sue took a small table from our Bedroom and (just as an experiment) painted it black to see how it would look. She distressed it and it came out just beautiful!! You would never even know that it was once a piece of that nasty looking honey stained oak. It looks so beautiful now.

Well, Bob went to Heber for a few days so, for the next few days Sue and I will be painting as much furniture as we can. The most important project is the bed. I spent yesterday afternoon getting it ready to move & last night the missionaries came by & moved it for me into the backyard. (those guys are so wonderful - always willing to do a service project!)

So, check back tomorrow - there will be some MAGIC going on at my house - this ugly oak bed will be transformed into a BEAUTIFUL work of art!!
Bob WILL love it - he just doesn't know it yet!

Our New Cabin in Heber Utah

2009-09-08T21:45:00.000-07:00

Well Bob finally got his cabin in the mountains - Heber Utah to be exact!
It is a beautiful area and a cozy place for us to come and relax -

We have views of a small lake below us: the lake is called "Clyde Lake"

We love being able to spend more time with our grandson Ashton - who lives in Lehi, Utah.

Bob is the Interior Decorator of our Cabin - and is doing a fabulous job!
He has Incredible taste and an eye for rustic cabin design.

But, we will be going to the cabin for Bob to work.......

And for us to be together.......

And for the family to be together.......

BUT WE ARE MISSING:
MICHELLE, SHAWN, KILEY,
AND JOE.......

The Ford's

Europe - here I come!

Joe is OK!

Christmas time again!

PINTEREST

The End of our Trip

The Tuamotu Archipel

Bora Bora

Our 30th Anniversary - TAHITI!

Still Lovin' my Crocheting -

Addicted to Crocheting!

Weather is Beautiful in D.C. this time of year!!

The Washington D.C. Zoo

WASHINGTON D.C. TRIP WITH THE FAMILY + ALEX

Going to Washington DC

Biking the Kapaa Ocean Trail

The Marriott Kauai Beach Club - Lihue, Kauai

Aaaah the life!

Zip n Dip

Kauai -1st day

"FROSTY THE SNOWMAN"

CALAIS, FRANCE

IMPORTANCE OF SEPTEMBER 15th

Our Town at the 127 Yard Sale

A lucky start at the Yard Sale

Junk or Treasure?

The Yard Sale Again....Yep that's right!

Weekend at the Cabin with Bob's Mom

SUMAVEL DOSEPRO

Spectacular 4th of July!

Joe's "MAIL FAST"

VANNES FRANCE

Joe - in France

CIRCUS VARGAS

Our Sports Day

Those Funny Hawaiian's

KAUAI

Joe at the MTC

Ward Ugly Sweater Party

"GOING TO THE NORTH POLE"

CHRISTMAS TIME

HALLOWEEN TIME!!

Reef's 4th Birthday Party

ALMOST DONE!

A Good First Day

OUR DECORATING DEAL -

Our New Cabin in Heber Utah