HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM FOGGY CALIFORNIA

Well, as usual I have missed a few things, so first Happy Birthday to you Brent and I love that picture of you. Debbey, with Sandi and Jimmy in your family how do you stand all the fun they create. I can just see your mom fussing at them and laughing too. How do you and Jodi survive?? (the good kids right??haha) AND...Congrats to Julianne and Joe...what a great family he is marrying into. Wow, you guys all had a wonderful Christmas...what in the world are you doing for New Years???



We had a great Christmas too. Mom is feeling better (amazing). She was in the hospital a couple of weeks ago and I thought she wasn't going to make it, but now she's home and better than she has been in months. Vernon came for Christmas but Jerry couldn't make it because his daughter got that nasty flu bug, so he is here now for New Year's. After a wonderful Christmas with my kids we packed up and went to Oregon for 4 days to spend time with Francis' kids. It was the first time they were all together in several years. It was great...it snowed about 4 inches on Saturday and we just sat in the house and watched it snow (very peaceful). So things here are much better than last year!! I'm looking forward to having a GREAT 2009.



HAPPY NEW YEAR



Love you all so much



Evona & Francis

Happy New Year to All

It sounds as if ya'll had a wonderful time! I'da loved to have been there.

We had a nice quiet time with all my girls. Julaine and Joe came down from school the night before. And...... I can finally tell ya'll ... remember way back in September, I wanted to share some good news... but then I didn't, well actually I couldn't.

Ya see, back then, Joe asked me if he could ask Julaine to marry him. I was thrilled for them both!!! I haven't been able to tell anyone, except for my Deb, cuz I was afraid it might get back to Julaine. Anyway.... he finally asked her the week before Christmas! Whoohooooooo. They are a beautiful couple. They are busy making plans.... I'm busy wondering how to pay for it. LOL.

Alyx and her friend from Germany (our exchange student) are doing great. We all had a wonderful Holiday, even though Sofia was a bit home sick.

Let's see, Christmas was on Thursday, we had a nice day watching movies all day (our family tradition) and relaxed a bit more on Friday(except for Deb & Alyx who had to work), then due to wind storms, we lost power at 6:10 Saturday morning. I drug out my generator, (it is converted to run on propane), but the darned thing got all fussy on me and decided not to run. We went without lights or water until last night about 7:00. Fortunately, there is a gas fireplace in the basement so we didnt freeze. (there was also a little cuddlin goin on saturday night ... if ya know what I mean!!)

Merry Christmas to all

And a Happy New Year to you. Please be smart and be careful tomorrow night.

Love Orrin

Julaine and Joe

SO WHAT DID YOU DO FOR THE HOLIDAYS?

We all went to Earnie’s house on Christmas Eve and she (as always) had a great deal of food. Derrick (Brianne’s fiancé) smoked ham ,turkey, chicken and pork butt. Earnie made homemade chop suey, chocolate pie, coconut pie lemon pie and an ice cream cake roll. After the feast and after opening sparkly gifts we went in to clean the kitchen. Sandi was trying to put a bag of ice in the freezer when Jimmy came up behind her. Someone said he goosed her. All I know is he was trying to put her IN the freezer and she, for the first time in her life fought back! She was trying to put ice down his shirt and he had her upside down! Jimmy was laughing, Sandi was yelling and the rest of us were trying to get out of the way . Earnie came running in and made them stop. They were huffing and puffing as they crawled around the floor trying to pick up all the ice and Earnie was still fussing so Sandi started filling her ballerina house shoes with ice. Then Earnie was jumping and yelling. Meanwhile Cloud is out in the truck drinking-a LOT of Greygoose. Jack went out to sit with him and people started leaving. Cloud gets out of the truck and falls flat on his face in the gravel. Jack was trying to get him up and in the house. When he gets in we see he has a big mark on his forehead, his nose is skinned and his lip is cut. So we rolled him to the bedroom and we all went to bed and hoped Santa would remember which ones of us were good. Christmas Day is a whole new story. So what did you do?

Merry Christmas to all

Merry Christmas to all

I hope that this day finds:

your hearts full of love
your body strong and healthy
and your soul at peace

love,
Orrin

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRENT!!

Rumor has it that it's Brents birthday!

Looks like he's ready to party ! Hope you have a great day, Brent!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

I hope everyone is in the Christmas spirit-It seems like a lot of people are having trouble getting motivated this year. Bacon was a little cranky about her Christmas outfit but she'll get used to it. I have decided to use this Holiday as an escape from reality! No sadness, no worries, no eggnog without alcohol! I will sing Christmas carols whenever and wherever I want to. I will make up the words if I have to! I will smile when a store clerk is not cheerful and I will open every gift as if it was the best thing that ever happened to me. What about you guys? Want to join me or do you celebrate the pre-Christmas days differently? Orrin I bet you've got the spirit and Cory I bet you already bought something for yourself didn't you! Sandi, I know you wait until the last day for shopping (tsk tsk). We don't have any snow here but it's cold and raining so we pretend the rain is clear snow(that's when the eggnog kicks in).

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE JACK!!!

Happy Birthday to the guy who loves to argue politics and has managed to stay friends with everyone. We hope you have a great day and oh yeah Barack says "hay".

Okay Donna....

I went back and took a second, third and FOURTH look at that pic, and yeah, it does scare me!

Happy Thanksgiving to all

I hope that you all have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving.

We all so much for which to be thankful.

love,
Orrin

Francis had a GREAT Birthday

Hi everyone: I see we have all gotten back into our routine and we're not meeting here very often. I still think about you guys all thet ime and all the fun we had at the reunion but I just don't take the time to come in here and write someting. So here I am now!!

Francis said thank you all for the birthday wishes. He had a great time....he went on a drift boat fishing up north with one of his sons and caught a 24 lb salmon and an 8 lb steelhead (a record for that area). I was gone the entire week-end at a Mary Kay retreat, so he was on his own and fishing...what more could a man ask for?? No don't even go there.......lol

Mom isn't doing well...she was in the hospital last week. Now along with everything else, she has congestive heart failure (at early stage) so she only has to take lasix for that and she has an irregular heart beat (so more meds for that) but the worst right now is she has 2 huge ulcers that were bleeding and we have to try to restrict her diet. She hardly eats anything anyway. She has lost so much weight. She was at 188 in March and is now at 140.

Francis and I do manager to get away once in awhile. The lady that helps us is so good and my mom loves her. So we try to get away once a month for a week-end. Probably won't do that in December because everyone gets so busy but Jan I have a 4 day meeting in Phoenix and then the first of Feb., we're going on a cruise...can't wait. You guys all know how I love cruising. We're leaving out of Galvaston and going to some ports in the Western Caribbean.

okay, now that's my story, so would love to hear from all you!

Love ya all,
Evona

Happy Birthday toooooo------

Francis Stonebarger! It's your birthday! Hope you have something great planned!Just in case you didn't we thought we would party it up a little -on your behalf ,of course!So -hope you have a great day !

I just love Halloween!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DENNIS

Happy Birthday son-in-law.

I know you're having a great time

because you always do.

Luv Ya

Mama in law and Papa in law

THE BLOG CELEBRATES ITS FIRST ANNIVERSARY!

The blog originated on October 31, 2007...I can't believe it's been a year!

I know lives get busy and we all come and go, but I hope that we will all find a way back to each other and continue to keep in touch.

...soooo Happy Halloween and Happy Anniversary Bloggers!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DYLAN!

Hey Everybody, Saturday is Dylan's Birthday sooooo....

Hope ya have a great one kiddo!

Love,
Jodi

HI ALL

Just wanted to say hi and let you know that things are still okay here in Northern Calif. I'm pretty busy with working and taking care of mom and don't take the time to join in the blog very often, but sure do enjoy reading all your words of wisdom when I can. Mom (Aunt Tressie) isn't doing very well. She doesn't know where she is most of the time. She is 24 hour care now and Francis and I are about 18 of those hours every day plus all week-ends. Good thing I work at home huh. Thank you everyone that has emailed or called. I will get back to you soon. I love hearing from you and love you all so much.

Evona

HELLO LADD FAMILY

Hey guys! Hope you are all well! I was thinking about the next reunion and thought a cookbook handout would be great. Since we are all such wonderful cooks it's time to share some recipes! So if you can take a minute and email them to me at cloudndebbey@yahoo.com I will start putting it together. Orrin I know your recipes probably require hunting but we can work around it, Ain't Aud I know you make the best baked beans and Jodi said you have some desert recipes, Earnie-where do we start, you have enough recipes for your own cookbook. Sandi-we would like recipes that don't require a microwave. Lisa, we love Italian food and I think you can help us with that. EVERYONE has some special dish so let's get started!WOO HOO!!

??????????????

Well it's Friday and Orrin hasn't posted. Are you okay buddy? Where is everyone? Are you out of stories? Cory? Sandi? Jim, I haven't heard from you in awhile. Ain't Aud-tell us a story , I know you have a lot.

Ok, so I am a dummy

I will come back when I have time to figure it out... sheesh. I am technologically challenged (among other things.)

I love this photo of Alyx, after the dinner:

The homecoming court:

ok, so I got em in the wrong place.... I'm workin on it! LOL

Orrin

Alyx & Homecoming

Happy Monday to all!

Alyx wasn't the homecoming queen, we were mildly dissapointed, but what a great time we all had! It was an honor for her to be nominated. She is such an impressive young woman, in mind, body & heart. :-)

I will try to put some photos at snapfish... if this dummy can't figure it out, I'll come back and post a couple here

Orrin

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLOUD!

Today is Cloud's birthday and here is my toast to him:

To wish you joy on your birthday

And all the whole year through,

For all the best that life can hold

Is none too good for you.

That did not stink! It was a good one!

Okay-who can come up with a better one!

Happy Friday Ya'll

Hello everyone, I hope that this Friday finds you all feeling well and in good spirits. Not much new here, will get up my last cutting of hay on Saturday. We are excited for the homecoming parade this afternoon, won't know until half-time if Alyx is the homecoming queen. I have my fingers crossed. Hope to have some pictures to post next week of the parade. We have been having an awesome summer here. Nice sleeping weather at night- high 40's to low 50's and then 70-80 during the day. The trees are changing colors already, geese are flocking up, It may be an early winter.

Well, back to work for me. I'll post more when I can.

Orrin

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CATHI!!!

aka Carolyn Monroe! Happy Birthday Cuz! I hope you have a wonderful day, with many more to follow.

Love ya!
Sandi

p.s. I'm going to cut you a break and not reveal the things we've kept as kuzin secrets! (but I have prayed forgiveness for daboatovus!!!) lol! We DID have some great times tho didn't we??? I wouldn't change a thing. (um...Mom? Aint Aud? ...just kidding) Truth is, we were innocent of all those charges. Ask Donna. It wasn't our fault. We were forced to disobey. Honest. We were just trying to keep the mob from hurting our families. A big price to pay. Thank God we did it!!

For the Ladd men only; ladies, please do not read

Quote for the day, for all us Ladd men:

'Whatever you give a woman, she's going to multiply
If you give her a house, she'll give you a home
If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal
If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart
She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her
So - if you give her crap
you will receive more $hit than any one human being can handle

Hey Ya'll, it'f FRIDAY

Yehaw! It's Friday, so as ya'll have come to expect (sorta) it is time for me to check in and see how silly I can be!!

Ok, I am outta silly stuff, so I'll get on with the update....

I just learned that Alyx will be on the homecoming court this year!!! whoooooooooooohooooooo
I dont know yet if she is the Senior representative or the Queen... I am crossing my fingers and hoping she is the Queen... it am just so excitin!!!

Tomorrow, we will travel 40 miles or so for a volleyball tourny with Alyx, then as soon as that is over we will race on over to Big Rapids to watch Julaine's boyfriend play college football. They one by one point last Saturday, blocking the opponents field goal attempt as time expired... what a hoot!

We can rest up on Sunday :-), hopefully it'll rain all day and I can watch football without feeling guilty for not working in the yard.

Well, summer is almost over. I am hopeful that folks start posting more frequently. I'll try to do my share (now there's a surprise eh? lol)

well, be good & be safe

love ya'll

I'll let ya know more when I do

bye for now

me

Laddapalooza 2009!

Well, I thought I would talk about procrastination but let's do that later.

I think it's a great time to talk about a Ladd Reunion for 2009. Last year about this time, more or less, Jodi got this blog going and it really took off and brought us all together for the most wonderful time. It seemed to go so fast from the Fall to suddenly being July and the reunion.

Therefore, I am thinking we should start planning for the next one and have some thoughts on that. Since there are so many of us and life has a tendency of getting in the way right when you want to have some fun it's probably not realisitc to expect everyone to be able to show up every year. With that being said, I really believe we should try, with all of our hearts, to do this on an annual basis and who ever can make it will make it and we will look forward to the next year to see those who didn't make it.

What I loved about this past reunion was the simplicity and did not go over the top. It allowed us plenty of time just to talk and connect with each other and just fall in love all over again with this wonderful family of ours. The time of year seemed to be the easiest for people to schedule around and I loved that it was held at the old Ladd Cafe in Bay. It just seems like the perfect setting for a Ladd gathering. I really like the full kitchen in the back, all of the booths, the two large rooms that allowed people to meander from one side to the other. If it is at all possible I would love to see us have it there again in 2009. It just seems so appropriate to see so many Ladds come together in our "home" state. We have such rich history there. I live 1,823 miles away but I can't wait to do it again!

I think it would be great to put together a planning committee and get started on generating ideas for another fun filled time. I for one will volunteer to help with this effort in any way that I can. I've heard talk that a talent night might be a good theme and I think that is awesome. We have such a talented family this could be vastly entertaining and another way to get to see the diversity of the Ladd bunch. It just so happens that I can touch my nose with my tongue. But, then again, maybe all yaw can do that too so I'll think of something else. Orrin can fart the Star Spangled Banner and you really don't want to miss that! I can squirt Cheeze Whiz through that gap in my front teeth at least ten feet. Yeah, I know, it's hard to believe. I'm not braggin' here, I'm just sayin', America's got talent and you need to see this! (Don't forget appropriate eye protection)

So, let's hear from everyone and see if yaw think we can pull this together again!

I love you all, Sarah

Happy Belated Birthday to Aunt Shirley & Lil' Gail!

Happy Birthday Aunt Shirley, hope it was a good one!

Also, we missed Gail (Hutchison) on August 19. I am so sorry I overlooked it--shesh, she's my cousin AND my sister-in-law and still I forgot to post it.

It's Friday!!

Happy Friday to ya'll
Well, horse season is over. And it should be my last. Yippeeee!!!
Now, it is Volleyball season. Deb & I will be at a tournament all day Saturday. Alyx is co-captain this year. I hope that she learns to be a good leader and bring out the best in the younger girls. So far, it has been frustrating for them.

No surprises yet to report. I hope to have on in mid-September.

Hey Jack, did you hear the joke about the cowboy that went into this bar.....?
If ya forgot, I can tell ya again.

I miss all ya'll. Has anyone given much thought to when we will get together again? I was hoping that we could plan something for 2010. That will give us all time to rest up before starting plans for my 2nd Ladd Renuion. I'll be doing all that I can to bring the whole family next time.... I might have to leave some of the more colorful jokes for after the girls retire for the night.

How are you Floridians doing with the weather? I am hoping that Ike misses you and heads north before making landfall.

Well, back to work for me.

Love you all
Orrin

Hey yous guys in Florida & Texas

Are you all floatin' in Louisianna poop there yet? Seriously, get anything bad? Best I heard it missed your area and went back to N'orlins, and some of Texas and Mississippi. What about you Texans? Seeing bad storms or any floods from it? Hope everyone is okay.....and I hope the darn thing doesn't send any tornado activity our way. Let's get a head count now!
Love, Sandi

She finally joined in!

Well mah mah! Gail Shailee I'm so proud to see we haven't lost you! Good to see your post! Now let us all know how you're doing. We are all waiting you know!

There's a lot of you out there we haven't heard from in a while. If you're reading, drop a line!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIMMY! (LITTLE BRO!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Don't forget to come on over and get your half of the Popsicle! hmmmm...never realized I wasn't sure how to spell that word! (Popsicle). Any way, I had planned on coming over and putting a sign on the back of your truck so everyone at school could see it (something I learned from Debbey when I turned 40). I didn't do it tho cuz I never know how many dogs you got out there....and it's spooky out there at night!! Maybe I'll get to do it next year. You'll forget about it by then (you know...the aging process thing?) Hope you have a great day. I'll call you and sing to you just to be sure!
Love, Sandi

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GAIL!!

Happy Birthday Gail!!!! (Sequin from Michigan)

I hope that you have a wonderful day.
Pop on in here and say hello again!

We love you!

Orrin

My cross county trip

Hi everyone,

I thought I would share my trip experience as I headed east this summer for the reunion. It was an amazing experience to say the least and a major highlight of course was getting to go to the Ladd Reunion.

My roommate, Vicki, her boyfreind, Dan, and I left Ventura California on June 20th for the long trip. In order to avoid the violent rainstorms in the midwest we decided to go straight north and skip it all. First we went to Las Vegas for a few days and then continued north to Yellowstone Park. From there we went west across South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin where we took the ferry to cross Lake Michigan to Michigan. Dan is a mechanic in the Navy so he kept our motorcycles running. He had a family reunion in Michigan over the 4th of July.

As soon as I got to Michigan, Orrin, Gail and I headed to Arkansas. Now when I said "as soon as I got there" I mean literally. I arrived at 5:00 am in Orrins driveway and we left about 6:30 am for the trip south. It was the first roadtrip that Orrin, Gail and I ever took together, just the three of us.

After the reunion I spent a week with my mom before heading west for California. We got back home of July 19th. Almost exactly one month and 5,000 miles later. It is a trip that I will never forget and enjoyed thoroughly. The reunion of course was a great highlight for me and 2008. I sincerely hope that we continue to do this each year.

Here is a link to my online photo album of the pictures I took, mostly from the motorcycle, from start to finish.

http://s513.photobucket.com/albums/t331/sarahwilliamson2005/2008%20Motorcycle%20Trip/?albumview=slideshow

love to all!
Sarah

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JULAINE!

Happy Birthday! Hope you have a wonderful day and all your dreams come true! (I also hope I got the date right!!!) is it number 21? I think that's what I remember your Dad saying. If so, this is one of the best times of life--enjoy it before the next curve (babies, mortgages, husbands, credit cards, etc.--and not necessarily in that order!) Have a wonderful Day!
Love, Sandi

HURRICANE UPDATE

Well, Fay can't seem to make up her mind. Do I stay or do I go? (is that in a song?)
We faired ok. We had some water come through our front door. It rained so hard and the winds were crazy. They were at 65 mph. Hurricane's start at 74 mph for a cat 1. This is the first Tropical storm my new house has had to deal with, and she didn't like it real well. Besides the rain water in the front door, we lost a branch off an orange tree. That's not a real big deal though. We (Keith) has some minor clean up to do today. Our pool has to be drained. It can't take another drop. We didn't pool our patio furniture in it this time. Keith hauled it out to the shed.
We thought for a while we were going to have to head for the safe room. When you are on the east side of the storm, tornado's are really active. A little town just east of us had 51 homes damaged. Glad it missed us, but so sorry for them that lost so much. Anyway thanks for prayers, they kept us safe.
Love ya'll
Donna

Hurricane

Well Fay is on her way. Shouldn't be a bad one though. Hope my computer doesn't go down. I love reading the blog. Debbey, you gave me a teaser before I left Arkansas..........How is it standing now? Enquiring minds have got to know. Shall I get excited?

Love ya'll
Donna

Jodi's Wonderful Visit

Jodi just left our house about a half an hour ago. I just had to come here to tell everyone what a great time we had. She was such a pleasure to have. We did so much stuff and it was great.

The first night she got here at about 4:00, and we ordered pizza (the kind that we sent ya'll [the real one]). She loved that, we all ate leftovers until it was gone. Then we watched my bootleg of Jersey Boys. She liked that too. My mom colored her hair too! It turned out fun.

Friday we took a trip downtown. Heres a day full of stories! First, I got thirsty at the train station, so I went to go get a drink at the little cafe. My dad decided to go to the bathroom. When we passed the schedule, it said the train was going to be there in like 2 minutes. I said lets go back, he said "it's already late", not realizing that it wasn't. So I got my drink and when I got out, the train was coming right to our stop. I had to get to the other side of the tracks, so I had to run out in front of the train! That was scary. Then we all realized that my dad was still in the bathroom. He opened the bathroom door, and the train was right there in front of him. He didn't know how to get to the other side. He had to run to the train. That was a sight to see. Of course, nobody had a camera out.

So then we took the train to downtown. It took forever! I thought we were going to Arkansas it was so long! We walked around, got attacked by every hobo in Chicago, went to the top of the Sears Tower, and went to the Art Museum. This one guy selling a magazine to help the homeless was pointing out all of the historical things where we were. We saw the start of old Route 66. Then he told us that we could get in the museum free if we had went at 5:00. Jodi, of course, said "can't you get us some kind of connection". The guy screamed to these people leaving the musuem "Hey, are you using your ticket stub? Can these people borrow it?". Jodi was so embarrased!

The way home was a freak show. First, my dad didn't want to walk back, so he called us a taxi. Then a hobo opened the door of the taxi and was all nice, "don't forget your stuff..." then we got out "how bout a small tip, just a small tip". We walked away. Then at the food court in the train station (downtown) a hobo came asking for a dollar. He just kept asking. My dad instead of ignoring him said "beat it buddy!" to him. He walked away. Jodi and I had made fun of him the whole weekend for sayin "beat it buddy". Then on the train, this guy came buy with a combover, with a fohawk, with the middle slicked back. It was the weirdest thing we had ever seen. Then these drunk teen boys came on and sat next to Jodi. They were wrestling each other, and Jodi was scared to breathe! They got off, and then this one girl was talking really loud about her personal life. Jodi called her "Dina, the Train Whore". Then we got home.

Saturday, we went out shopping, and took Jodi to Cheeseburger in Paradise. She loved them. My mom stayed home. We went back home, I got a haircut, and then my parents took Jodi to a comedy club. I sat home. They saw some guy called Walt Willy, he plays Jackson Montgomery on All My Children. They met his son who has Ass Burger's Syndrome. If someone knows what that is, will they please share. I was so confused! (Still am!) The guy made fun of my dad's "pre-mature gray hair". I hear the guy loved my mom.

Sunday, we went to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. We have a vacation house with a boat there, so we all went on the boat. I was pulling out the boat, and nobody unhooked the boat from the dock, so we were pulling the dock with us! Then I almost ran over a tube rope because it was just sitting in our docking area blocking the entrance to the lake. That never happens for those who are scared to go on a boat with me driving now! My nani (grandma) made meatballs and pasta for dinner. Jodi loved it, she even took some home.

Today, Jodi left. It was sad. We wished that she could've stayed. Hopefully we will see everyone soon. It was so fun having Jodi hear. She told us the story of Cloud getting stuck inside a sports car. That was funny. I'd like to hear more about that!


I miss and love everyone and hope to see everyone soon.
:)

PS. Sandi, tell your granddaughters that I said hi!

BLOGGERS NEEDED!

Hi everyone! Hope you all had a good weekend. (I don't know all the details yet....but I know Jodi did!). Any way, we need some conversation here!!!!! I know several are still checking in to see if there is any news, but it seems like the lookers aren't talkin'! Soooo...I'll update everyone on my life. Lori and her pretend husband (who we refer to as "Sponge Bob") are now split, and I'm so glad I didn't break down and clean her (Lori's) bedroom while she was moved out-cuz she's back in it again. Altho it was hard moving her and the girls home, and the house is a wreck (worse than ever) we are glad to have the girls back. Jack and I have decided we are officially too old to be moving furniture any more.

Tomorrow is the first day of the new school year, and the girls are so excited. Olivia is going into the first grade, and Sophie the fourth. Lori may have a job soon....hold your breath Cory--if she gets it, she will be a tech rep for AT&T. That is if she makes it to the interview. (?)

Mom (aka Aunt Earnie) gets to see how the "state of the art new school cafeteria" will perform and she is excited about that. I don't know how she keeps up with all those ovens! Now she will have a larger group of elementary kids shouting the words to "Y.M.C.A."! She plays it for them when they have been good (and of course eaten their lunch). All the kids think it's just the coolest!

Brennah and Asa will be taking that monster step to college very soon, so let's all pray they ban all the frat parties!

Jack and I are wore out from moving furniture, and I would take the day off tomorrow except I'd have to sit here and look at the mess-so I'll go on to work for some peace and quiet!!! Now what are ya'll up to?

Congratulations to Breanne and Derrick

Congratulations to Breanne. She is engaged to Derrick (and I probably spelled both of these wrong!)

We wish them a long and happy life together.

Corey, Lisa & Dylan

Hey, heard about that bad storm. Everything okay there? News said Chicago had 94 mile/hour winds! That had to effect the burbs! Anyone else get caught in it? I didn't hear if it went further north. ??? Hope everyone is okay. You must have taken back a little piece of "Tornado Alley" home with you!! Let us know that yaw are all okay.....or anyone else that may have been in the path. (hopefully that would be no one!)
Love, Sandi

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALYX!!! SWEET 17

Happy Birthday Alyx! I know it's late....I should have taken out my calendar and checked it! Hope you had a wonderful day. We are all anxious to meet you. We need to get the "next" generation together so they don't wait as long as we did to get to know each other. We've heard a lot from your Dad about you and your sister and it was all good! Hope to meet you soon. ....HAPPY BIRTHDAY! p.s. be glad my sister didn't get a hold of a picture of you and "spice" it up--as she seems to enjoy doing those kinds of things! :) Love, Sandi

WHO'S GOT THE NEXT BIRTHDAY???

SURELY SOMEONE IS HAVING A BIRTHDAY SOON! .....BOY, YOU CAN TELL THE PARTY IS OVER. EVERYONE GOT SO QUIET! EVEN I DON'T CHECK IN AS OFTEN. :( SAME OL SAME OL HERE...IT'S HOT AS HECK DOWN HERE THO! IT WAS SO HOT TODAY, WE CLOSED CITY HALL AT 3:00 --WE ARE SERIOUSLY THINKING OF DOING A 4 DAY WORK WEEK-TRYING TO SAVE ON GAS FOR ALL THE VEHICLES AND UTILITY BILLS. THAT WOULD BE NICE. I KNOW I'D BE WORKING AT HOME ON FRIDAY, BUT IT'S STILL BETTER THAN PHONES RINGING AND PEOPLE COMING IN!! WELL THAT'S IT FOR ME. WHO'S NEXT??? WHAT'S GOING ON WITH EVERYONE?

Happy Birthday Lisa Ladd!

Well ,with a Family this large we have another birthday. As you can see we have corrupted Lisa ( my apologies to Cory). She now has the BIG blonde hair and tube top, yep fitting right in! Happy Birthday Lisa! I know you had a good one!

Hey Ya'll

I am still basking in the afterglow. I find myself reliving so many moments from the reunion. What a feeling it is, to be blessed with so many new friends. My family is made up of wonderful people, with giving hearts and loving souls.

I love you all.

Orrin

pssst, I quit smoking again last Sunday ^__^
I am givin myself an ataboy

Snapfish!

I made us a Snapfish account so that we can upload pictures there, and then also order prints and other stuff with the photos on them. That way everyone can get copies. The link and log-in information is on the right.

Start uploading there, rather than on the photobucket. I will work on transfering the current photobucket photo's to the new Snapfish account.

PS: I MISS YA'LL!

(I got the ya'll down! Hillbilly is rubbing off on me already!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRENNAH!

Happy Birthday Brennah! The big 18! Now you're FREE...and legal for MOST things...including going to jail if you screw up! LOL! (just kidding Jodi, we know that would never happen). I do remember crying for that very reason when I turned 18 though!!! Hope you had a great day Brennah! Love you lots and have enjoyed watching you grow up. Seems like no time since we traveled to Jackson TN to see you born, and then visiting back and forth. We sure did enjoy making you say things that would make your Mom shiver with fear!!! You were always up for it too! Now you do it without our help!!!!
Enjoy LIFE!
Love, Aunt Sandi

C'MON CUZINS-AUNTS-UNCLES!

Okay everyone....I know the BIG meet is over, but we still want to hear from everyone! People hit this site all the time, but they are not writting! I want to know what everyone is up to!? Hey...someone needs to ask Jodi about her "goose" encounter! She seems to be taking over the kind of life situation I used to find myself in! (through no fault of my own of course).

Hope everyone is enjoying these hot summer days!

Post your pics!

Hey Sarah, when you get time, can you post your pics of the reunion in the photo bucket? Any one else that took pics, please get 'em in there! I'd love to see them all! Thanks.

hey

Hey, I heard you guys had a party......why didn't someone call me?

Dave

WE'RE ALL SO NICE!

It seems like a lot of you are using your phone list! How can our whole family be so nice? I feel like I'm in the twilight zone or maybe we should all be on a 1950's sitcom. Now THAT WOULD BE FUNNY!!!!Just imagine what that would be like! Jodi could be the sweet and likeable worrier, Sandi would be Lucy, Jimmy is the scary neighbor, Cathi gets that surprised look everytime Sandi is around, Donna just laughs all the time(everyone thinks she drinks) Vicki and Dennis are the proffessional couple, Mandi is the natural blonde,everyone wonders how Cory got the hot wife,Orrin is the philosopher,Gail never comes out because she is playing a game,Aud Shirl and Earnie wonder about this generation.Sarah just roams from house to house with that curious frown line,Evona and Francis call a lot (because they're in Ca.) and Cloud and I are the normal ones! Yeah! I like it!

Jodi makes scores again!

Jodi-thanks again for another great slide show! I got it to come up full screen, (still don't know how I did that), but it was really cool seeing everyone in costume! Thanks for working on that. I love it! .....and just in case someone else has viewed it, she didn't leave anyone out....she has to go back and see why it dropped some of the pics. So don't start counting yet. Thanks Jodi. I would help you if I could, but I don't know nuthin' bout birfin' no slide shows!
Love ya!

Amazing Family

Mom and I are home now. We talked about family for a long time on the way home. It is a 2 day trip. We both agree that are family is one in a million. I'm so thankful and proud to call you all, "my family". The stories I heard were generally funny and sometimes sad and sometimes just plain crazy. And yes Sandi, sometimes vague............we'll just let some of those r.i.p.
I think, I've not only rekindled relationships with family I grew up with, but also made some grand friendships with those I just got to know. I hope we all continue to grow our relationships, new and old. You all hold a huge place in my heart. And life is just too short to let them just lay stagnent. So I say "Let's get the next party rolling".
I miss you all already!

Donna

Memories, sweeten thru the ages just like wine

From an Elvis song:

"Memories, pressed between the pages of my mind
Memories, sweetened thru the ages just like wine...."

Tomorrow morning I leave Michigan and head back to California. I've had a wonderful visit with my mom and siblings here and got to share with them, the wonderful memories I have from the reunion.

What an amazing gathering we had! For many years I had hoped that this would happen and it finally pulled together with the persistance from some amazing ladies. Now that we've done it, it should be easier to make it happen year after year.

Living in California I am far away from my immediate family and it hasn't been easy to visit them over the years. There was a time I hadn't seen my mom and brothers and sisters for nearly six years. When I finally did I made a vow to myself to not let that much time go by again. I try to see them every year and I've come pretty close. After the visit I would cry and cry when it was time to go. The love in our family runs deep and pulls at the heart when we must tear apart. I would be so sad that my "vacation" was over and I had to return home to the routine things. Then one day my perspective changed. Instead of being sad that it was over, I realized how blessed I was to have the opportunity to visit. Since then, each time I get to visit my family my heart soars as I receive another blessing. Yes, I miss them dearly when we are apart but recognizing that blessing eases the pain a bit as I aniticpate the next blessing.

I am so thankful that we all got to spend a few days together. We laughed and we shared. It doesn't get any better than that! As we live our lives we work and do our best to live and accumulate the things that are important to each of us. The one thing that is unique to each person is the memory of the experience. Yes, we all went to the reunion and experienced it together, but the memory that each of us took away is unique to the person. And that makes it a masterpiece! The definition of "Sacred" is something who's value can not be measured. The gift that each of us is given is a period of time in this life. Once we spend that time it can not be taken back. When I spend "time" with someone I recognize that they are giving something to me that is in short supply and they can not take it back. I realize how Sacred and precious that time is and I am so thankful that I get to share in it.

I am not one to dwell in the past. I try not to pine over lost opportunities or regrets. The past I can not change, it's gone, therefore I focus on this moment and the moments to come. I have my memories to cherish and look forward to the memories to come. In the end our lives will be measured by the moments we touch others. We become part of someone's memories.

I have learned a lot in this life. I've had to go inward to understand the challenges presented to me and then dig up the strength to meet that challenge. It was extremely difficult but the single most important thing that gave me the courage and strength was my family. I thank God every night.

Our family is as solid as a mountain and I truly feel blessed to have each and every one. I love the memories that I have and look forward to the memories to come. So, let's all make a vow to do this again. Let's start planning for the next time that we can get together and make some beautiful memories!

I love each and every one of you and am so thankful to have you in my life.

Yeah, I can be ohhh so corny

I just caint help m'self

I hope Dennis & Jim will sing it next year!

THE BALLAD OF THE LADD CAFE

Come and listen to a story about a clan named Ladd
They wanted to get together, oh so bad
Then one day the girls put it all together
So we headed south in hot muggy weather
(Reunion that is, smiling faces, happy hearts)

Well the first ya know there’s a party goin on
Kin folk huggin & tellin stories till dawn
Said “Arkansas is the place ya oughta stay
Ya’ll load up yer trucks and move down to Bay”
(Arkansas that is, cotton fields and & Ladd’s Café)

Too soon it was time to say goodbye to the Ladds and all our kin
We just can’t thank you enough for letting us drop in
If we’re invited back again to this locality
We’ll need extra days, but that’s a formality
(Laddbillies, that’s what they call us now,
Great folks!!! Y’all come back now, ya hear?!?)

AGAIN!

So its all over. When are we going to do this again? I had such an amazing time, and can't believe what a great family was on my dad's side of the family. You all are such great people and I am so happy I got to meet you. Now all I can think about is when will it happen again. I had so much fun, and just wanna see everyone. I wish that we lived near everyone. Even my mom was shocked! I still wish everyone would've worn the hillbilly outfits to scare my mom!

Also,

Thanks to everyone who has helped in this reunion. It wouldn't have happened with out you. Everyone has made it seem like I knew them my entire life. It was an amazing experience, and I hope it can happen again. Asa and Brennah, thanks for taking me with you places. The fireworks were really fun. Now Brennah knows not to leave Asa in the car with her keys!!! You guys made me feel like you were my siblings. I had a great time and can't wait to see you again!

Thanks!!!!

FUN, FUN, FUN!!!!

We had so much fun!!! We just got back from our convention and are worn out but are so glad we got to come to Northeast Arkansas and see everyone! and I can't stop talking in exclamation points!! Let's do the next one at the beach or lake and just rent a big house and some condos so we can just hang out and stay up all night together!!!!

ATTENTION MISS JOODEEE!

Do you think you could put the little slide show on the side of the blog page so we don't loose it ??? I mean really...I've watched it about 20 times all ready! If you can't do that, can you keep it on top? I'm sure everyone would agree with that!

WE WERE DEFINATELY NOTICED!!!

Just had to let you all know that I wore my "Glad to be a Ladd" T Shirt to church tonight. Would you believe 2 women saw my shirt and said they wondered what was going on uptown! They said they drove by and saw a group of guys dressed like gangsters, drove by again, and saw the gals in slinky dresses and feathers....went back to get their kids, and drove by to look at us FOUR times! The officer on duty said he drove by all night long just to look (I told the Chief not to even think of bothering us!) Then I had two calls at home tonight asking me who all those people were and why were they dressed like that?! Any way, after I was approached at church about it, everyone gathered around and wanted me to tell them all about it, and wanted to know who all was there. (most of the old timers could make the connection to everyone). One lady started describing the way we were dressed better than I could!! Then several said they wished they had been invited! Too funny!

Back home in CA

Francis and I finally made it home about 3:00a.m. this morning. Many things to do today to catch up on work, but I just can't get all you guys off my mind. Yes, Debbey, I know how you feel, sad and happy at the same time...it's crazy. I just don't know the words either to say right now. My heart is so full, but I will try. This was a dream come true for me! I will never ever forget it. We shared so many memories and yes I do love all the stories and the history of our family. I kept thinking, if only my dad were here, he would share some stories, but for those who did know him, they can tell you that he would have shared the same stories over and over again! lol...but he did love all his family soooo much.

First I want to say, thank you again to all those that worked so hard on this event. It was perfect. I love that we were able to sit in the "Ladd Cafe" as long as wanted and to share our lives with each other. Where else could we have been that comfortable. Yes, the mosquitoes were hungry and I'm not sure who got the most bites me or Lisa...I think I counted about 10 on each leg!!

Jodi, Brent, Brennah & Kelsie, thank you so much for sharing your home with us and for picking us up at the airport. You went above and beyond and we thank you. Jodi, I watched you work so hard getting all this together and I know it took much planning before we all got there...you are awesome.

Debbey & Cloud, what a wonderful job you did on the Mystery Dinner. We enjoyed that so much. Debbey, thank you too for all the work you did putting this together and for the thoughtful gifts you gave us. It's great to have all the names & addresses of everyone. Vicki and Mandi so glad to see you again too and Mandi's sons. Also was very nice to meet Dennis. Loved his singing, kinda got us all stirred up "Hell No" lol.

Sandi, what can I say, you are the life of the party, what would we have talked about if you didn't have so many interesting stories. Thanks for making me laugh so much that my sides hurt. And Jack, thanks for marrying her 4 or 5 times, it made for such a great story. Lori, it was wonderful to see you and your beautiful daughters again too.

Jim & Charlotte, loved your singing and who would have thunk it....Charlotte can really shake that thing! Asa, what a handsome guy you are and Breann it was so good to see you and Ransom again too.

Sarah so good to see you again and hear more family history, Orrin and Gail Shailee, I can't believe I finally met you after all these years. Orrin, you're so handsome but when you cross your eyes you look a little scary lol and Gail, yes you do look so much like Gabby. It was so much fun getting to know you both.

Cory you were only 3 when I met you and look at you now. Loved visiting with you and Lisa and Dylan. You guys are so much fun can't wait to party with you again.

Donna & Cathi, so glad I got to see you both again. We've been together a few times over the years, but it's just so fun to get to know you better. It was nice to finally meet Louis also.

Gabby, Arlene & Gail so nice to see you again and to meet Kendall. Gabby, you look so much like my dad now I didn't know whether to hug you or cry, so I did both. Can't wait to see you all again.

Bob, thank you for driving us back to the airport and for all you did.
Aunt Aud...thanks for being our fearless leader...you look great in your tiara. Thanks for dinner our last day there.
Aunt Shirley....thanks for driving all the way from Fla. It would't have been the same without you.
Aunt Earnie....thanks for the family history stories, and the great food you prepared for us.

I love you all so much and I hope I didn't forget anyone, cause you all made this so special for me. And this is only a little of how I feel. Okay, I'll stop now, cause you probably already quit reading it anyway. lol...

I just love you all too much to know how to put it into words.

Thank you all for the memories, for the laughter...and for the love.

We have the most wonderful family in the world...and I wish you all the best life has to offer.

Jodi

Ladd Reunion: We're back in U.S. of Texas

Ladd Reunion: We're back in U.S. of Texas

We're back in U.S. of Texas

Howdy all,We got in last night around midnight.We stopped in on Gails (and Jodi's)in-laws before we left.Everything went smooth.We want to thank all ya'll for everything and making this first re-union everything we thought it would be.Sure was good seeing everyone.I'm especially glad to see Dylan.It was like looking back into the past and seeing Cory as a thirteen year old. Well just remember that just because we are winding down,doesnt mean we have to let this thing go obsolete.It wont be hard to come in and make a small entry from time to time and let us all know whats up.Jim,I enjoyed sitting in with ya'll.Maybe next time I can remember the words .LOL.And Ernie,thanks for taking me off my diet with that breakfast.Good seeing Aud & Family & Cathi & Lew, Shirl& Donna again as well as Sarah,Orrin and Gail S...Cory & Lisa,I think we will be up there around Christmas so I'll get the address to your place and maybe I can spend a couple of days with you..Evonna,tell Jerry & Vernon that we expect them here on the blog some too.Jodi,Deb,Sandi and all the add-ons (kids) it wouldnt have happened without your hard work.Ok,I'm outta here before I spoil my image,so I'll catch ya'll later...:)

THOSE WHO CAN'T MAKE IT :(

For those of you who can't make it in....we will be talkin' bout ya! It will all be nice tho. Maybe we can post some pics afterwards and we can try this whole thing again some time. It would be so wonderful if the whole clan could make it in, but for those of you that can't....start thinking of the next time!
We will be thinking of yaw.
Love, Sandi

phone numbers

Here are some numbers you may need when you get to Jonesboro:
Jodi-home 870-9315315
cell 870-243-4740
Sandi- 870-919-6036
A.Aud 870-931-2151
A.Earnie h.870-781-3520
c.870-243-1917
hol.inn 870-935-2030

Thanks Everyone!

The T-shirts are here, the food has been ordered and the big event is almost here. I just want to thank everyone for staying in touch and helping this become an actuality. It's still hard for me to imagine what it's going to be like when we're all together.

For the folks about to make the journey to Arkansas, please drive safely--I just can't wait to see ya!

For everyone locally who has worked so hard to help bring this together...thanks from the bottom of my heart. I'd be lost without you.

Love you guys so much!
Jodi

READY?

Start packing! It's almost time!

Where is Everyone?

Where are all of you? Are you out shopping so you look your best?

7 DAYS!!!

IS EVERYONE READY?

Getting close now,,

BTW,Pam,You signed in to the blog but we havent heard from you.Where are you living? Are you married? or are you still about 10-12 years old? It seems like forever since we have heard from the Hubel side of the family ( I know,I know,ya'll are saying ,look whos talking)Anyway,are you gonna make the re-union?Arlene and I would sure like to see ya....

NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU

Hi Everyone,

It's coming down to the wire now, and I am going to need to place an order for food on Thursday. I'm getting a little nervous because I have a list of a little over 50 people who have said they are coming, and 35 of those folks still haven't sent money. Believe me, I'd cover it all in a heartbeat if I could, but I simply can't.

Please send your confirmation and checks to me as soon as possible if you're planning on attending. I really belive this is going to be a wonderful time and I look forward to seeing you all soon!!!

Love,
Jodi

Another One!!!!!

Oh my Gosh!!!!Is Jodi really FORTY!!!!Happy Birthday Little Sister! We Love Ya!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJFEyjfoTuM

Info Needed

I'm back to pester some of you again! There is a birthday calendar in place but I don't have everyone on it. If you could email your birthday-and those of your spouse, children and grandchildren to cloudndebbey@yahoo.com they will be added. I have those that were on the forms or posted on the blog or that I know personally but birthday greetings are a good way to keep in touch so please forward your info.
Thanks
Deb

Saturday Night's Murder Mystery Dinner

Debbey has been working really, really hard planning the mystery dinner--thanks Deb!

The premise for the event and the list of characters for the people who have returned their forms to definitely say they are coming are listed below. If you aren't on the list and you know that you are coming, please send your form so we can assign your part.

THE PREMISE:
It's the roaring 20s and Don Wannabe is hosting a Grand Opening celebration for his lavish new speakeasy, The Four Deuces, and you are cordially invited to attend. There will be gangsters, hit men, politicians and many other interesting guests in attendance.

Dress will be typical 1920s style--flapper and gangster type clothing (Aunt Aud has her gown and tiara ready to go).

There will be prizes including:
-Best Costume
-Best Sleuth (for the person who figures out who the murderer is)
-Best Actor

Here are the players, if you haven't received a detailed e-mail about your part please let either Debbey or me know.

Don Wannabe (CLOUD) is Don "Big Jim" Ravioli's chief lieutenant. When he met his wife, Madam MeMe, it was love at first sight. They own a chain of houses of ill repute.

Madam MeMe (DEBBEY) is a very successful madam who has been married to Don Wannabe for 15 years. With their combined head for business, they have amassed a fortune. Tonight, they open their newest venture, The Four Deuces Speakeasy.

Capo "Toto" Tequila (BOB) is the self-proclaimed Boss of Bosses. He will be visiting us from New York. Speculation is running rampant on why he is coming here tonight. When it involves the Capo, it just has to be something big.

Al Capone (ORRIN)was brought in from New York by Don Wannabe to work in his club. While his job title is bouncer, everyone knows he is a hit man for The Family.

Don "Big Jim" Ravioli (DENNIS) is the well-known father of the Chicago mob or "The Family." The Don just recently divorced Vicky, his wife of 22 years to marry the much younger Carrie Crooner. They have only been married for a week.

Carrie Crooner-Ravioli (VICKI) was a jazz singer in one of Big Jim's clubs when he fell in love with her. He divorced his wife Vicky to marry her. She is attending tonight to do a special performance. People speculate that she only married Big Jim so that she could use his connections to be discovered as the star she is.

Vicky Ravioli (DONNA) is the ex-wife of Don "Big Jim" Ravioli. While she is older than he is, she was still surprised when he demanded a divorce to marry that tart, Carrie Crooner. When the divorce came through on March 20th, Vicky was overheard saying, "I raised my husband from a boy to a man for another woman." She received a $50,000 settlement from the divorce.

Rebecca Ravioli (BRENNAH)is the daughter of Big Jim and Vicky Ravioli. Rebecca has been telling everyone that she is engaged to marry Rhett Bumbler. Her father refuses to allow the marriage.

Cash Steal (CORY) No one knows anything about this man. Not why he is here or where he comes from.

Cassandra Steal (LISA) is the wife of Cash Steal.

Rhett Bumbler (ASA) is a gambler who blew into town six months ago. No one knows much about him, except that he is not very good at cards or dice. His attempts to cheat are so laughable that most people tend to overlook it. What could Rebecca see in him? Big Jim would never tolerate this buffoon as a son-in-law.

Baroness Ravioli (AUNT AUD) is the mother of Don "Big Jim" Ravioli. Of course, she is not a real baroness, but being the Don's mother does tend to keep people from saying anything different. The baroness loves to wear tiaras and lord it over anyone she considers "beneath" her, which happens to be most people.

Lucky Lucy (SANDI) wants to become an actress like Donna Wannabe, Al Capone is looking for her husband who has been missing for a couple of days now.

Inspector Neville "The Nose" Nutella (BRENT) will be attending the function to investigate the murder of the Black Hand Gang two nights ago.

Donna Wannabe (JODI) is Don Wannabe's little sister. Donna has become quite popular with the movie picture actors. She was secretly seeing Big Jim on and off for the last few years. Lately, she has been seen making a play for Rhett Bumbler's attention. Some speculate that she has always been jealous of the attention Big Jim lathered on his daughter, and this is her way of getting back at her.

U.S. Congressman Darrin Toosteal (JIM) Some say Darrin's rise to fame was a result of his close friendship with Don Big Jim Ravioli. He could very possibly become the next President of the United States. You have to wonder how he could hope to become the next president, when it is well known that he has such a close affiliation with a man of Big Jim's reputation.

Mary Toosteal (CHARLOTTE) is the wife of U.S. Congressman, Darrin Toosteal. Mary is the perfect political wife. Elegant, dignified and she turns a blind eye to her husband's escapades. She comes from old money and powerful connections.

Sly Sleaze (DYLAN) runs the horse race ring for Don Big Jim Ravioli. He made an agreement with the new Telegraph Company to be the only person able to receive the live horse race results immediately in the Chicago area. He then sells these results to local bookies for half of their take. In exchange for all his work, the Don gives him 5% of the earnings. Some say he is not happy with this percentage and feels that he deserves a full partnership in the venture. He and Rebecca Ravioli have been good friends for years.

Vanessa Crooner (AUNT SHIRLEY) is the mother of Carrie, "Big Jim" Ravioli's new wife. She chaperoned Carrie and Big Jim everywhere they went before the marriage. She does not approve of Big Jim. After they were married, she moved into the new house with them just to make sure that Big Jim treats her baby right.

Mayor "Big Bill" Bumpkin (JACK) is the mayor of Chicago. He is friendly and honest, which is why people do not believe the rumor that city funds have been vanishing. He and Don "Big Jim" Ravioli have been good friends for many years.

Jack "Greasy Thumbs" Guiseppi (MICHAEL, MANDI'S HUSBAND) is Don "Big Jim" Ravioli's accountant.

Guilda Guiseppi (MANDI) is the wife of Jack Guiseppi.

Carolyn Monroe (CATHI) is a sex goddess, blond and beautiful but not very educated.

Mrs. Smith (EVONA) is an assassin for hire. A master of disguise, she had her real identity removed from existence and she owns "Soul Reaper, Inc."

Mr. Smith (FRANCIS) is suffering from a case of total amnesia. He can't even recall his real name and he makes up wild stories about his past.

Kikki Kickit (GAIL SHAILEE) is a freelance body guard, one of the best in the business.

Vera Leigh (SARAH) is an artist known as one of the best forgers in the business, but she got out of the business because the law was coming after her.

Antoher Birthday Gal!

Happy Birthday Charlotte! Sorry this is a few days late. Hope having THREE hard headed sisters-in-law hasn't been too hard on ya-but hey...we know you can hold your own with the best of 'em! Thanks for putting up with our brother. Can't be easy!!!
Happy Birthday!
Love, Sandi

Final Call for T-Shirt Orders

I have to make the T-Shirt order tomorrow around 2 p.m. central time. If you want a shirt but haven't sent in a form, please let me know before then.

Thanks,
Jodi

P.S. Gabby I got your order.

WE MISSED ORRIN'S 50th BIRTHDAY!!!

I come to the blog today with my hat in my hands and head hung low. As I was going through the reunion forms I discovered that we overlooked a very, very special day.

Mr. Orrin Newton Ladd turned the big Five-Oh on May 11, and it passed right by without a happy birthday from all of us.

So Orrin, Happy Belated Birthday! You're a wonderful guy, we all love ya and hope your day was just the best!

Debbey found the following for you...

ANOTHER BIRTHDAY FOR DONNA!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DONNA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

we're listening!

Only a few days left to tell stories without facing the victim!Who wants to go first? Orrin I know you have some. Cory won't tell on himself but Lisa or Dylan might tell a few. Jerry got anything on Evonna? Donna, you need to share a few. You know they will come out sooner or later. Mom and Aunt Aud I know you have plenty!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!

Happy Father's Day to all you Ladd Dad's (and the Dad's married to Ladds)!

I have been away too long!

I have been away too long! I missed Sandi's birthday - but did send belated best wishes. Hope she forgives me. What else have I missed? I will try to catch up over the next weekend. I have been out running a project - building 10 miles of bicycle trail. I love getting out of the office again for weeks at a time! (except for missing out on allyaws posts)

The wildest thing happened while constructing the subbase for the bike trail. I had a bulldozer cutting subgrade down this old abandoned railroad right of way, when we found this subterranean cavity.... kinda like a cave. Anyway, the dozer broke thru and a big hole was uncovered. After shining a light into the hole, I got some rope, tied it off to the heavy equipment and then climbed down into the hole. Yes, of course I checked the air quality first and took all of the appropriate safety precautions, including standby Scott air pacs, lights, ventilation fans, hard hat, steel toed boots, safety glasses, goggles, fluorescent vest, safety harness, fire extinguishers were on standby just in case and of course ... two days rations of food and water.

Anyways, after I climbed down into this huge cavernous (is that redundant?) hole, I saw these weird shapes moving around. But they weren't actually there. Well not physically anyhow. But you could see them. And they moved around a lot. They were kinda dark, and shaped sorta like humans, but oddly distorted. Their faces had no features, but you could tell that they were of a human origin. They didnt seem to be clothed, but were kinda bulky looking at times. Then again sometimes they were long a skinny. We took a lot of measurements and tests were performed. We had to quit that part when it started getting dark, as they just disappeared and our testing equipment couldnt detect them anymore.

The next morning, we all gathered around the top of the hole again, and the shapes were back! With the sun shining so brightly, the shapes were very easy to see! They just kinda danced across the bottom of the pit, waving their arms and stuff. At times, it seemed as if they were imitating the guys that were standing around on top of the hole, looking down. I swear it was just like monkey see... monkey do. . . . . or shadow boxing... go figure

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SANDI!!!!!

Happy Birthday Sandi!

Hi Folks...just a friendly reminder that next Friday is the deadline to turn in forms and money for the reunion.

Even though we aren't planning a lot of fancy stuff, we still have to get numbers so that we can order food, T-shirts and plan activities.

Also, the Holiday Inn is filling up fast. If you want to stay there and haven't reserved a room yet, please do so as soon as possible.

Contact me any time with questions or concerns.
Thanks!
Jodi

T Shirts

LOVE the Tee's! They look great. I hope everyone gets one.

Dylan Sings at a School Talent Show--You Guys Will Love This!

Blog Changes

I made a few changes to the blog that I hope everyone will like.

First, anyone who wants to access the previously posted photos can do so at http://s261.photobucket.com/albums/ii75/laddreunion/ and any new photos can be posted on photobucket.com with username: laddpics and password: laddpics.

You'll also notice a "count-down clock" in the right column. Also in that column, I've removed a lot of the long details and placed it into Google Documents--you can access the information in this by using the sign on: j.hutchison@suddenlink.net and password: laddreunion.

Finally...and I hope this works...there's a messenger at the very bottom of the blog page. You can sign into it and invite relatives using their email addresses (listed in everyone's profile). So maybe we can catch each other and have a few real-time conversations.

What happened to the Photobucket?

Are we all not able to get to the photobucket? I got questionable pictures of Sandi I need to post.

Family history help please

Sandi, myself, and others have put in a lot of effort in keeping the family history. Some of my favorite memories are the adventures Sandi and I got into a few years ago while tracking down our ancestors (can you hear the banjo's in the background?). I've been diligent in keeping all of the information in my Family tree software. However, I know I am still missing names of 2nd and 3rd cousins. It would be very helpful if each of you would send me an email with your immediate family's information. I only need the basic information and of course anything extra you would like to add would be awesome. Something like this:

Sarah LaVaughn Williamson
b. 3/19/1957 in Nurnberg, Germany
married: Mr. Right on 6/1/2005 at Ventura, CA
Children: the same info would follow

my email address is: sarahwilliamson2005@yahoo.com

I will add this all to my software and try to have something nifty for the reunion.

thanks!
Sarah

Another Grad!

Asa, Jim and Charlottes son, graduated Friday. I didn't get to go but Mom (Aunt Earnie) raved about him. Asa is a good kid and we know he will do well. He's more than a good ball player he has a great personality and everyone loves him. Jim and Charlotte you have done a great job on raising him and we wish him only the best. So Asa remember- a good education IS important, there is karma in life because you recieve what you have given, family will always be there for you in good and bad times, and you are never to big to get a swift kick in the pants from your Dad.
Good Luck-we love you.
Aunt Deb

Story from Aint Shirl

I just wanted to get in here and tell a couple of stories about Aint Aud.
Firstly……… Gabby should remember this one. Gabby had been playing baseball one afternoon, many (many) years ago. When he broke his collar bone. I can’t imagine what pain he must have been in. Anyway, he ended up in a hospital that should never have even been allowed to practice. It was so dirty and the people were so rude. Somehow, our Aint Aud was notified (I think by Uncle Jim) of Gabby’s where abouts. So she proceeds to go and check the situation out for herself. She found him in the basement (ground floor) of the hospital. Well this just set her off. The conditions were horrible. They had not cleaned him up or given anything for pain. She got hold of someone and said she was taking him out of there, but they said she couldn’t. Well have any of you told her she couldn’t do something? I didn’t think so! But she left and took Gabby with her and to another hospital.
Don’t mess with her family!

Then there’s the story a little closer to my heart. About 40+ years ago, I had been working in a Salon for a woman named Rose Petite. I had not been having a very good time lately. My mother (Grandma Ladd) had passed away in July and it’s now 6 months later, January 1966. My husband, Ken, had just been diagnosed with Tuberculosis, and we just had the biggest snow storm in history. So I’m already teetering on going crazy. When out of the blue, my boss, Rose, tells me that I’m trying to steal this other employee from her. Now let me explain…….This young girl was very sweet but Rose thought I wanted to adopt her. First of all the girl already had a family, so why on earth would I even consider something like that. But Rose was a little “Touched” if you know what I mean. Down right scary at times. Anyway, my sensitivity level at an all time high, the passing of my Mother, and my husband about to go into a TB sanitarium for 6 months to a year. And did I mention, I had small children to raise. Well when she told me I was trying to steal this girl from her, I lost it. I didn’t say anything to her, I just went home crying. When Aud came home and asked what my problem was, I told her my story.
In a way only Aud can do, she told me in no uncertain terms, what I was going to do. There was an empty salon in the neighborhood that I was going to take over and build a business of my own. Of course looking at no Husband and no money, she took care of that too! She just picked me up by my collar, brushed me off, and got me going again.
So there Rose Petite, take that.
Again, don’t mess with her family.

These are just 2 stories. There are so many instances that she has come to the aide of her family. I’m sure that many of you can also come up with some wonderful stories. I just wanted you all to know that my sister is one of the most caring and generous people in the world. And yes, she had definitely earned the right to be the Godmother of the family. I love her so.

Love,
Aint Shirley

The Mystery Dinner!

The Mystery Dinner : It is the Roaring twenties and the grand opening of the new speakeasy is the talk of the town! Everyone knows the “Family” will be attending. The “Boss” will be there and security will be set at high. This is a murder mystery and the object is to have fun and to find out who the murderer is. You will be given clues throughout the evening. Everyone will be sent a character booklet so you will know your background and you can work on your character and costume. Some of you will be given additional information at the dinner because no one will know if they are murdered or if they are a killer until that night. We will have a sit down dinner and at that time you can vote on costumes, best performer, and of course the “who dunnit award”.
The characters have been assigned and we tried to match personalities with characters. However, you will not know who you are until you have paid Ms. Jodi. So you need to fill out your form and send it along with your check. Some of you have already been to this type of party and I’m sure you had fun. We did-when was the last time you got to play dress up and ‘pretend to be someone else’? No Cory and Lisa, it’s not that kind of dress up and pretend. Orrin I’m sure you have done some crazy things. Donna-I don’t even want to know! And A. Aud, how did you know they had costumes/porn at that store? Anyway here are some sites you can check out.
http://dinnerandamurder.com/themes/20s/20scostumes.htm
http://dinnerandamurder.com/themes/1920s.htm
http://dinnerandamurder.com/themes/20s/1920slangdictionary.pdf

Please fill out you forms and checks and get them to Jodi so we can GET THIS PARTY STARTED!!!!

I CAN'T SEE!!!

Help! I always go to the photo bucket and watch the slide show (it relaxes me and makes me smile) BUT....I can't get in it anymore. Whazzup with that? Says I don't have the right password. Did you guys change it and not tell me or did I miss a post???? Or maybe I've been tossed to a new family??? Anyone else have a problem getting in there????

Reunion Registration Form

please copy and paste this form into a word document, fill it out and return it to me...thanks, Jodi

Ladd Family Reunion July 4-6 2008

Registration Form

Due Friday, June 13, 2008

Name_______________________________________________________________________

Immediate Family Members Attending

Name____________________ Birthday____________________

Name____________________ Birthday____________________

Name____________________ Birthday____________________

Name____________________ Birthday____________________

Name____________________ Birthday____________________

Name____________________ Birthday____________________

# Attending Friday (July 4)Reception and Dinner _____ x $7.50 = ______

# Attending Saturday (July 5) Mystery Dinner _____ x $12.50 = _____

#Attending Sunday (July 6) Morning Donuts & Coffee ___x $5.00 =______

TOTAL_____________

T-Shirts (please indicate # needed by size)

Adult Small _____ x $15.00 Kids XS (2-4) _____ x $15.00

Adult Medium_____ x $15.00 Kids Small (6-8) _____ x $15.00

Adult Large _____ x $15.00 Kids Med (10-12)_____ x $15.00

Adult XL _____ x $15.00 Kids Lg (12-14) _____ x $15.00

Adult 2XL _____ x $15.00 Kids XL (14-16) _____ x $15.00

Adult 3XL _____ x $15.00

Adult 4XL _____ x $15.00

TOTAL_______________

Address_______________________________________________________________

City____________________________State___________Zip____________________

E-mail_______________________________

Phone #_______________________________ Cell #___________________________

Room Reservations at Holiday Inn, Jonesboro 870-935-2030

BYOB & Musical Instruments Friday & Saturday Night Events

Please Return Form and Payment To:

Jodi Hutchison

3405 Preakness Dr.

Jonesboro, AR 72404

Call any time with questions or concerns 870-931-5315 or 870-243-4740

Reunion Itinerary

The final reunion plans are posted to the right, along with costs. Prices are assigned to individual events so that nobody has to pay for something they aren't taking part in.

Money will be due no later than June 13, so that we can order the food and T-shirts.

Debbey will be posting the details of the Who Dunnit dinner, and she is having so much planning that thing that it's starting to scare me!

Here we go folks…July 4 will be here before you know it!!!!!

Congratulations to Brennah!

Tonight Jodi and Brent's daughter Brennah graduated from high school!She is talented and very bright and we wish her all the best. We sat around and told embarassing stories from her childhood, looked through her paintings and read her poetry. We were impressed and proud.So congratulations to Brennah and also to Jodi and Brent for raising such a great young lady.

Here's to Friendship

I hope you will all forgive me if I’m a bit melancholy for a moment, but there’s something that I want to share.

My sister Sandi has been going through a difficult time recently. For the last couple of years she has supported her best friend, Helen, through a very brave battle with pancreatic cancer. Helen’s long struggle ended earlier this week, and her wake was held this evening.

Sandi and Helen were so much more than friends…they were family. Truth be told, it was their individual craziness made them fit together so perfectly—their behavior amused (and sometimes alarmed) the rest of us. When Sandi called earlier today to tell me that she was going to the funeral home to fix Helen’s hair and makeup, I was concerned. Really, that just ain’t normal—but Helen would have wanted that and Sandi took care of her…like I said, they’re a couple of crazies.

I think maybe that’s what real friendship is though…the place where you check inhibitions at the door and carry life’s heavy baggage right on through.

So here’s a toast to my amazing sister, her big heart and generosity of spirit—and to good friends that become family…and family that become good friends.

Plans, Plans, Plans

Well folks, I had hoped to have some final details by today, but I'm still trying to get a few final figures together. Everyone here is working to make things just right, and we can't wait for July!

Debbey is putting the murder mystery dinner together. I just spoke with her, and she is assigning everyone's characters--Debbey has really been working hard the entire reunion preparations, right down to her list of spreadsheets (she has an unnatural attention to detail). Vicki is looking into some last minute details and lending her expert advice, Mom (Aunt Earnie) is putting the pencil to some figures to help us create an affordable menu that everyone will enjoy, Aunt Aud and Bob are working on Saturday's golf outing and advising on other things, Sandi is taking care of getting Mom and Dad's old diner ready to go and it seems brother Jim is setting the stage for all the talented Ladd musicians to umm what's the term for it?...have a jam session?

I'll post a final per-person figure soon, along with the finalized itinerary. It's getting close...I can't wait!!!

Happy Mother's Day

I wont be online over the weekend, as I will be up north opening up my mother-in-laws house for the summer. All of the pipes are drained, pump is off, hopefully nothing froze up and broke over the winter. Time to fire up the place, put in the dock, rake leaves and then get out into the woods hunting morel mushrooms, hopefully for at least for a few hours Sat & Sunday.

I dont want to miss out on wishing all of the wonderful Ladd ladies a Happy Mother's Day. We all love you, and know that we would not be the men and women that we have grown to be without the love and guidance with which we have been so blessed.
Happy Mother's Day

From us all

The More The Merrier!

Nita, (I call her my "naughter"-which is short for niece/daughter) just called. She has been slackin on her email, and after she got rid of all the spam had over 800 messages. Any way, I sent her one about the reunion, and she is real excited, and especially over the "whodunnit" dinner. She said to count her family in! So there's four (4) more!

The Real Plan

Plans Oh the hell with that, how about beer and music until we fall asleep, wake up and golf, eat and drink some more beer, take a nap, get up eat and drink some more beer and more music, Eat a big breakfast, eat and drink some more beer. Now that is a plan! Oh and tell Donna that the cost is $2,000.00 that will pay for all of the food, beer and golf!

Cost of Reunion

Has anyone been able to put a price on all of the goings on. I'm sure we all need to put in something for this little swaray! The hotel expense is on the individual, but what about the dinner at the diner? And the trip to Memphis? I just want to make sure I pay for my part. Just don't want to be Beholdin'. I was Beholdin' one time, but that's another story I just don't want to talk about.
Donna

Gabby

Gabby is that you? E-mail me at jladd00@msn.com. I would love to talk to you. It has been years and a lot has happened.

Ladd Reunion: Welcome Gabby

Ladd Reunion: Welcome Gabby

An Aint Aud tale

Heres a lil story about Aint Aud. When I lived in Ca.Aint Aud came out on some business trip of sorts,and I was to pick her up and take her to her plant in ( I think) City of Industry,Ca. Anyway I ran my pick-up truck thru the car wash and I picked her up in it and she had an incredulous look on her face as I drove up to get her.She asked where my car was and I said I left it at home.By the time we arrived at her plant she was just finishing up explaining to me that under NO circumstance(sp?) was I EVER to pick her up again in a truck ! (boy I sure did love that ole truck too)Well we parked and as we were walking in we both noticed her plant manager (Oriental I think)leaning back with his hands folded behind his head and his feet on the desk and he glanced at us then turned away,and instantly jerked his head back to us and recognized her ,and he got outta that chair in a speed that you could only admire and ran over to us and said;Ms Hoey,we werent expecting to see you here today.She said ,apparently not.Any way he gave me/us the grand tour and she spoke with him in his office a few minutes and we left.Let me say that I never did pick her up again in my truck,altho I really DID enjoy driving that ole thing and just cant understand why anyone wouldnt want a ride in it.:)

To all of you turning 40 this year -hears something to think about:
>>> Did you ever notice: The Roman Numerals for forty (40) are " XL."

Reunion Plan Update

Well folks, July 4th is getting closer so it's time to get down to the nitty gritty and we really need a head count for those who are planning to be here so that we can make arrangements for food, accommodations, meeting venues and so we can organize the mystery dinner game.

Here is a list of the people I have so far and where they are staying--if you are coming and don't have a place to stay yet please let me know and I'll help you any way I can. If you aren't on the list below, but plan to come, please drop me a line. I want to see everyone so badly...I wish I had a private jet to pick everyone up, and a mansion where we could all stay in one place! Oh well, maybe next reunion.

Local Folks:
-Sandi, Jack, Lori, Sophie, Olivia
-Jim, Charlotte, Asa
-Jodi, Brent, Brennah, Kelsea
-Aunt Earnie
-Aunt Aud and Uncle Bob
-Cathi and Louis
-Mandi, Mike, Seth, Night

Family staying at the Holiday Inn:
-Debbey and Cloud
-Cory, Lisa and Dylan
-Vicki and Dennis
-Orrin

Folks planning on staying with local family members:
-Evona (staying with Jodi)
-Aunt Shirley and Donna (staying with Aunt Aud)
-Gail Shailee (staying with her son)
-Sarah (staying with Sandi)
-*Corey, schedule permitting (staying with Cathi)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KELSEA!

Hi everyone! April 27th is Kelsea's birthday (Jodi's youngest dgtr). so "Happy Birthday Kelsea!" Jodi: I'll be at your house tomorrow to sing her my special birthday song! I'm sure she can't wait! So many April birthdays. Hope we didn't miss anyone. If so, happy Birthday! I'll let everyone know when it's MY turn...I always do. Even sweeter this year, cuz I can remind MANY more family members! I don't know about you guys, but I love MY birthday. Mostly because my family makes it important whether I want them to or not!

Hope you are all enjoying this beautiful weekend! I want to work in the yard soooo bad, but just haven't got around tuit. I thought I'd wait til Sarah gets here to clean house and do yard work....you are coming early, right Sarah? LOL!

I don't know about up north, but we had beautiful weather here today. I was crazy enough to do my WalMart shopping today..(Debbey teaches to NEVER shop on the weekend), but I did, and it was so amazing. I don't know if it was the weather or what, but I ran into so many nice people. Even the gal at the checkout told me my meat and strawberries were on special at another store and just rang them up at the sale price instead of making me show her sale papers! (doesn't take much to make me happy these days!)

Our days are so full of softball games and grandkid things that sometimes I start to feel my age. I'm even beginning to dream about retirement and that just seems weird. Time seems to go so fast....and that is exactly why all yaw need to try your best to be here in July! We may never get this chance again, and it would be so wonderful just to see and get to know everyone just a little more! See your kids, grandkids, heck, bring your neighbors if you want too! We have several friends that Mom feeds regularly that think they ARE family, and that's just okay to all of us!

Some of you that are pretending to be too busy to make a post need to get off your butts and chime in! Show that ol smart a*# Ladd spirit! Hope you are are having a wonderful weekend!
Love to all, Sandi

A note from Vicki

So I haven't been around for awhile, sorry. We bought a house and gutted the kitchen - everything was great until the countertop people kept screwing up - we went with concrete countertops that look really cool - except the apoxy that went on the top kept bubbling and they had to re-do them 3 times -- we've been without a kitchen for 4 weeks now and living in the house. It's finished now and we should have a kitchen sink this weekend (yeah!).

Then of course during all of this work has been crazy - I took a group of my members to D.C. to a congressional conference of Optometrists and everything there went great until we walked out of the restaurant and I got really sick and puked, yes I said PUKED, right on the sidewalk in front of about 6 of my members and their wives. And... I had to see them all the very next week at our convention - hooray. it was announced at the board meeting about throwing up, although there was no table top dancing as was also announced (believe it or not, I only had one glass of wine with dinner that night!)

So, now that convention is over, and we will have a kitchen soon, hopefully I can check in more. Hope this finds you all with stories of your own to tell and much sympathy for me and my embarrassment - oh, and Dennis would want me to tell you that I just didn't get sick, but it was everywhere and I had to use my suit jacket to clean myself up, out of my hair, off my face, etc.

PS - Jodi came to take pics at my convention -- ask her about her room!