THE BIRTHDAY BOY!!!

If you haven't done it yet-it's time to tell Uncle Jack HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

YEEEEEA!!!!ANOTHER BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Hey Francis! We hope you have a GREAT day! We'll be thinking of you and toast your celebration! We love birthdays!

EVERYBODY SING!!!!!!

Happy birthday to yooouuu

Happy birthday to yooouuu

Happy birthday Dennis Farrrrrmerrrr!

Happy birthday to yoooooouuu!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday BLOG!

First let me begin with an apology for not being in touch more. I've missed lots of birthdays and I sincerely feel bad about that. Now it's time to say happy birthday to the blog.

The blog began Oct. 31, 2007 and it lead to one of the best times of my life. I am hoping that maybe this is a good day to ask everyone to come back to Arkansas for a second reunion this summer.

I miss you all so much--and we we had such a good time before! There are a lot of people who didn't get to make it the first time, it would just be a shame if we only got together once.

Please leave word if you're interested in a reunion this summer, and if so, what day works best for you.

I love you all so much! Please, please, please let's try for Ladd Reunion Part Deux!

Sincerely,
Jodi

Hello all,

I wanted to share this photo , taken yesterday, of 3 Ladd ladies that didnt make it to the reunion.

Alyx, my youngest, Debbie in the middle and Julaine, my oldest daughter on the right. I couldnt be more proud of them.

I have become way to lax at checking in on our blog. It was a bit of a rough summer for us. I hope that I do better over the winter.

Be well,

Love

Orrin

IT'S A CLOUDY DAY!!!

It's Cloud's birthday and you know he wants EVERYONE to celebrate! So in his honor I hope everyone has a great day!

YES-IT IS SOMEONE'S BIRTHDAY_AGAIN!

What a smile! What a pal!

Have a great day BIRTHDAY GAL!

We're thinking of you and hope you have a GREAT day!

Yeeeaaahh! Birthday Time!!!!!

Happy Birthday Aunt Shirl!!!!! We are all thinking of you---not that we aren't always thinking of you---but today we are thinking of you and craving CAKE! Have a GREAT DAY!!

LUV YA!

LET'S SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY ONE MORE TIME!!

Hey everyone it's Jim's birthday!!!He's always horsin' around! Come on Jim smile for the camera birthday boy!

Have a GREAT day ! We love Ya Bro!

BIRTHDAY TIME!!!!!!

Now it's the other Gail's birthday-YIPPEEEE! We miss you and hoping that today you have a GREAT DAY!!!

BIRTHDAY TIME!!!!!!

August 19th is one of the Gail's birthdays! Do you know which Gail? Who you gonna wish Happy Birthday to? I know and Gail I hope you have a great day! I think I'll have some cake in your honor!----One more thing -keep checking in this month we have more birthdays.

WHO'S ALWAYS---

READY TO PARTAAAAAAAY!!!

Happy Birthday Lisa!!! Great people deserve Great birthdays so we know

you are having a Great day!We miss ya girl!

Okay Jerry-Put your party pants on!!! We know Monday is your birthday!

We are always looking for a reason to celebrate and now we have one!

Hope you have a great day! By the way your party is Great wish you could be here!

HAPPY 4th!!!!

I just want to say that...

I MISS ALL OF YOU!!!!

Please, please, please...let's try to get together again next year. I don't think there will ever be another July 4th that I don't take a special moment to celebrate what an amazing, wonderful family we have.

Take care and I love you all soooo much!

Jodi

BOO HOO!

This time last year we were all gearing up for a great reunion. Sure doesn't seem that long ago. Will never forget it, and certainly hope it won't be the last one. I haven't got to write personal stuff on the net too much lately, so I thought I'd stop and just tell everyone to have a safe and wonderful July 4th. ....oh, and a couple of updates? Check out Dylan at his Jersy Boys web site. We just might have the next super star! Jimmie has a new hobby, he has been in 2 "sell out" plays. One was a church play, and just recently he landed a part in Beauty and the Beast at a theater downtown Jonesboro. His wife Charlotte and son Asa were also in the first play. Asa played the part of Jesus. Wow! Hard act to follow!! Also, we are all "tickled to death" that Asa and Brennah will be starting their 2nd year (grade 14 for all yaw that don't know) of college. Way to go kids! We are so proud.

Jack is recovering from vacation, (and all the other little kids in Hot Springs AR), and I am trying to catch up on work. Mom (Aunt Earnie) and Aint Aud are going to spend a couple days together while Uncle Bob is out of town. We gotta keep on eye on those two fiesty gals!

Jodi is stayin' busy like always, and Debbey stays busy looking for crazy pictures to post on this blog. Lawdy! as Jodi said, WHO gave her that photo software?????!!!

Hope everyone is doing well. Don't be shy to give us an update. There are lots of peekers on here, and it's always nice to read about what everyone is up to!
Love, Sandi

A BIRTHDAY QUIZ

She's all grown up now but maybe you can guess her age by her surroundings. Is that a T.V.? I think I saw that table at Target-what are they calling it now? Oh, yeah retro-Who is this charmer with a birthday today? She's sweet and bubbly-- likes a good laugh and is always busy with one thing or another-

Happy Birthday Kid We Luvs Ya!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Happy Father's Day to all you wonderful Ladd Dad's!!!

IF IT'S JUNE 18TH -THERE'S A PARTY SOMEWHERE

Hey! It's Hot Donna's birthday and she 's got her dancing shoes on and she's ready to party!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

SANDI AND JACK'S BIG ADVENTURE

Well here's something interesting-and Donna you may want to remember this when you think about a family cruise. Sandi and Jack finally got out of Bay and took the grandkids to Hot Springs for vacation.

Day One- They went to the hotel pool Jack kicked off the side of the pool and lost his pants. I'm sure small children cried and old women screamed as he tried to retrieve his pants and cover his white booty.

Day Two-They went to a theme park and Jacks legs started hurting. They couldn't find a motorized wheel chair (because the park only has one and the woman who used it never returned it) but the Red Cross had a manual chair. Hot Springs is very-very hilly. Sandi was pushing Jack in the chair -downhill-and lost control. Now Sandi runs like Forest Gump (in his youthful years of course) . She tried to slow Jack's chair but as she was sweating and flailing behind him Jack thought she was being funny and was getting scared. Poor guy burnt three fingers trying to stop the chair.

It is now day three and I am sure they will have something new to report ----

Charlotte's Big Day!

Yes boys and girls, Charlotte is a little older tomorrow. The one hit wonder has made her way a little closer to retirement. Just think Charlotte--this is one memory we have forever! Thanks for the laughs and have a GREAT DAY!

We Luvs Ya!

Summer Plans

I want to apologize for being MIA so often this year. Sometimes time gets away from me before I realize it. I can't believe July 4 is less than a month away--I'm still recovering from Christmas.

Following up on what Sandi wrote earlier, does anyone think they might be coming down this year? I have heard (either directly or through the grape vine) that several people have weddings or other things going on this summer and can't come. The door is still open for anyone who is still able to make the trip. Even though we haven't made a lot of formal plans, all our family really needs is a place to gather...and maybe a stage :). There are a couple of new hotels in Jonesboro, and plenty of family to stay with for those who would rather not go to a hotel. Just let us know.

And for the record...my doors are always open any old time any of you want to come and visit!

Love,
Jodi

Everyone needs a Birthday Pic!

Well I don't know, but I've been told
someone here is gettin old.
sound off
55, OMG Sandi, when did that happen to you. I'm so sorry.
And you thought 55 was only a speed limit. Didn't realize how fast 55 really is.
I know I'm right behind you. Let me know how painful it really is.
Here's to 55 years of lovin' Sandi.
Happy 1 day of still being 54.
Love ya Sandi, I never seen 55 look so good.
Donna

Great White Hunter

Here is Orrin on the hunt for the elusive Morrel. He is a gun toting Wepubwiccan, after all!


"Be vewwy vewwy qwiet, I'm hunting that wascally mushwoom! Heh, heh"

ANYBODY?

Any one planning to come down for the 4th or did we decide something else? I haven't heard from anyone ...(maybe yaw r keeping it a secret from me?) C'mon--where's the meetin' place? Seriously tho, I need to know since I have the cafe booked. If we are going to make other plans, I need to know so I can open up the reservation for someone else. I would LOVE to see everyone again, but I know it's hard for everyone to get off, and spend the money too (especially now) If we don't get together this 4th, I think we should all meet at Orrin & Deb's and crash the wedding!! But if anyone plans on coming this summer, please sound off!! Thanks. Love and miss you all. It's gonna be hard to beat last years meeting. Wasn't it great seeing everyone? As time goes on, it gets even more precious to me. PLEASE RESPOND!!!

Addendum to previous post: In case you wonder... this is a nice white morel mushroom, (with Debbie holding her prize) great stuffed with crab, popcorn shrimp, cream cheese, shredded cheese and a little mayo, roll em in eggs, batter and deep fry. Top it all off with some fresh homemade cocktail sauce that makes your eyes water. mmmmmmmmm

Happy Friday to all

Hey y'all! TGIF

Deb & Julaine headed up north Thursday morning. Alyx and I will head up after work today. We'll be pickin those morel mushrooms again! Yummy.

I hope that everyone is doing well, I think of you often. Are there plans for this summer?

Orrin

Guess Who's Having a Birthday!

Hey everyone it's Orrrin's birthday!!!

Orrin our wish for you is to have a GREAT DAY!!! Sorry we can't celebrate with you but maybe those special mushrooms will give the illusion that we are celebrating with you!

Luv Ya Cuzzin O!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Friday to all!!

I will be up north for the weekend, hiking through the woods in search of the elusive morel mushroom. Yummy wild ones!

I wont be around to wish all the wonderful mom's a Happy Mother's Day, so I will take this opportunity to do so early! (unlike most of my birthday well wishing)

I love you all, and think of you often. I am looking forward to our next get together.

Alyx will graduate high school at the end of next week. Her open house is June 20 if anyone is in the neighborhood and wants to stop in :-)

Julaine graduates from Ferris State University tonight, a bachelor's degree in Biology. She will go on for four more years and become a Podiatrist. whooooooohoooooooo a doctor in the family. You can only imagine how proude Deb & I are of her. She has been bustin her butt for a long time and has a lot of work yet to do. Did I say how proud of her we are???

Take care all, and be well

Love,
Orrin

One More April Birthday!

Well, today is Cindy Widby's birthday! So, Happy Birthday Cindy! Have GREAT day!!

Arkansas wives

Arkansas Wives

Three men married wives from different states

The first man married a woman from California . He told her that she was to do the dishes and house cleaning. He said it took a couple of days, but on the third day, he came home to see a clean house, dishes washed and put away and he met Maria, the new maid.

The second man married a woman from Wisconsin . He gave his wife orders that she was to do all the cleaning, dishes and the cooking. He said the first day he didn't see any results, but the next day he saw it was better. By the third day, he saw his house was clean, the dishes were done and there was a huge dinner on the table.

The third man married a girl from Arkansas. He ordered her to keep the house cleaned, dishes washed, lawn mowed, laundry washed, and hot meals on the table for every meal, and a cold beer waiting when he got home from work. He said the first day he didn't see anything, the second day he didn't see anything but by the third day, some of the swelling had gone down and he could see a little out of his left eye, and his arm was healed enough that he could fix himself a sandwich and load the dishwasher even while standing on crutches.

ANOTHER BIRTHDAY!!!

Yes, it's another April birthday! Everyone join me in wishing my Mom, your Aunt or your sister in law,-the one and only fiesty Earnestine-a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VICKI!!!!!!

Vicki hopped into our life one Easter and she has been a joy to have around. We wish you happiness and love.

Deb & I had a nice dinner Tuesday to celebrate our anniversary. 31 and still tickin!

Orrin

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEBBEY

Today is DEBBEY'S Birthday! Please join me in sending lots of good wishes and fun to the person who makes a point to always remember each of us on our birthdays.

Thanks for your warmth, consideration and tons of laughter...and for keeping this blog going. You're the best and I love ya!

Jodi

Yes, It's another Birthday!

Woo Hoo! It's finally here! It's everyone's favorite cuzzin Cory's birthday! Hope you enjoy the day Cory! We're all thinking of you!

http://www.hallmark.com/ECardWeb/ECV.jsp?a=EG4620641135167M21170008Y&product_id=

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Hey everyone it's cuzzin Dave's birthday!!!Poor guy he's down in Florida with all the sunny weather he probably needs a big birthday hug from everyone today! So here's to you Dave! Have a GREAT day!

http://www.hallmark.com/ECardWeb/ECV.jsp?a=EG0920901132101M21082897Y&product_id=

Hey Ya'll!

Happy Birthday Sarah & Mandi! I trust that you both had a wonderful day.
Glad that you are feeling better Aint Aud :-)

I will try to catch up next week.... where do all the time go?
love,
Orrin

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH!

Here's a silly question-Sarah are you ready to party!?Hope you have a great birthday!

Crazy Sandi O'Graddy

When my sister say she's not stressing about work any more, she means it. This is Sandi...AT WORK...on St. Patrick's Day!

PEEKERS START YOUR ENGINES!!!

Okay yous guys...if your sneakin' in to take a peek, please give us an up-date on what is going on with you! I know everyone is busy trying to figure out "face book", but hey, this is MUCH easier! How still want to get together again this July 4th? Jodi and I were talking and would like to open it up (at least one day) for extended family. Heck, everyone bring people how just act like family! Show 'em off! LOL!! Jimmy brings people home to Mom all the time that are now like family!

As for an up date on moi and mine..it's been a tough few weeks of all kinds of sicknesses and virus' bugs. I think we may have to fumigate to get rid of all this. Little Sophie has been running fever over 102 for 5 days now. She is going to "sick call" tomorrow. It's hard missing that much school. She is way ahead of her school work, but you know how "they" are about missing more days than their handbook offers. Hmmmm, good thing her Uncle Jimmy is school board president. Maybe we can put the squeeze on him.

I'm learning not to stress as much over work. (yeah, right). But really, since I got sick, I could care less what needed to be done. Now that I'm back to work, I work really hard thru the day, and stay over time, and am trying really hard not to bring any of the work home with me. (maybe I'll be impeached and live happily ever after!)

Haven't got to see A.Aud yet, but hear she is much better. Maybe we can get HER to drop a line.

Jack is coaching Olivia's church basketball team. (5-7 yrs old). He has his hands full. It's co-ed, which is even worse. He has one little girl that just wanders off the court and you can usually find her at the concession stand....then wanders back on the court with her hot dog! He loves it tho. Everyone tells me they can't believe how patient he is.

Even tho it's after 11pm, we are trying real hard to go to bed earlier. We are both night people, so it's really hard....especially with the time change, but we're trying! I wish I was one of those morning people that wake up all happy and sweet. (never gonna happen).

Okay...I've up dated, let's hear from someone else. Need some feed back about the 4th of July. I know it's hard to make the trip, but would love to see everyone. Sarah...??? Where are you? I thought you were going to take care of this part!!!!

Love to all,
Sandi

p.s. I'm not doing spell check so all you spelling bee winners--put a sock in it!!!

Happy Birthday Mandi!!

Today Mandi is twenty thirteen !! Could that be right? That would make me about ten when I had her. Oh well, could be, we are from Arkansas!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MANDI!!!!!We love ya!!

HEY YOU GUUUUYYYSSS!!

What happened to my family??? No news - No stories-No fun? I guess everyone has the winter blues. There's nothing going on here either unless you count the two pounds of powdered sugar a dumped across the kitchen floor right before company was coming. I got it cleaned up but it stayed sticky for a week. Sandi has puppies at her house and Brianne got married February 28th-which was my tenth wedding anniversary. So what's up with you?

The Warren Ladd book - 1890

I've just learned that this book was scanned and is available for download at Google Books. The book was written by Warren Ladd in 1890 and has over 400 pages of Ladd geneological history. I've had a hard copy of the book for years and it is very interesting to read. There are over 5,000 Ladds listed in the book. Although I've never been able to tie our family line into this book, I think that someday we just might. Anyway, it is an interesting book and at this moment you can get your very own electronic (pdf) version for free! If the link below does not work for you then just go to Google Books and do a search for "The Ladd Family" and it will pop up. The download link is in the upper right corner. The file is about 11 MB in size.

http://books.google.com/books?id=bWQtAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=the+ladd+family


love to all, Sarah

Orrin Must be BZEEE

Well Orrin we depend on you for amusing stories and every day updates. What's up? You don't have any more hay to roll so what's keeping you off line? Tell us all about it on Friday. We always check in just to see what you are up to!

Aunt Aud Update

Debbey just talked to Lou and he said Aunt Aud is being given heavy duty IV antibiotics and is doing, much better. She's had a really tough weekend (as have Cathi, Bob and Lou) and they could all use your continued prayers.

Love,
Jodi

Calling all Ladd Prayer Warriors

Please stop what you are doing and say a prayer for A. Aud. She is very sick, in the hospital and needs your prayers. They are not sure what is going on with her right now. I don't know all the details. Cathi, Lou & Bob have all been with her. We are all on pins and needles waiting to find out what's going on, so for the right now we need your continued prayers. I will up-date as soon as I hear.
Love, Sandi

Boy what a loss our family has experienced. How sadden I've been, thinking of Uncle Gabby, since hearing of his death. Seems so unfair in some ways. Yet such a blessing in other ways. He was so young to be taken from us. But when God wants us home, we go. His passing in his sleep means no long term suffering. I will continue to pray for all of us that have been touched by the heart of Gabby. I'm sure the fun stories will come out soon. I've a few of my own. I just don't feel like telling them yet. He loved us all so much. And we love him.
Donna

Dad

Arlene, and my entire family, you are all in my heart and in my prayers. I was so very fortunate to be able to see my Dad again to be able to hug him and say Hi Dad how are you. For soooo many years I just wanted to see Gabby to tell him I loved him no matter what. And by george knowing how much I look like my Dad was amazing. I need to thank all of my family for getting us off our rear ends and getting together in one spot. I thank you!!!!! You not only gave me a family but you gave me my Dad. I will always treasure 4th of July and Bay Ar in my heart forever. My time with my Dad was short but very precious. Love you Dad

Gabby

By now most of you know the sad news that Uncle Gabby passed away last night. I wish to convey my sincere condolences to Aunt Arlene during this very difficult time, you’re a special person and I’m so sorry for your loss. Aunt Aud and Aunt Shirley, you are so precious to us all and my heart goes out to both of you as well.

Uncle Gabby blessed this family so much by helping to bring his children and grandchildren into this world—you are all, without question, some of the most beautiful, sweet, funny, brilliant, wonderful people I have ever known. Sincere sympathy, love, prayers and a heartfelt hug to each of you.

Thanks for the music Uncle G--we’ll miss you…

As I understand it, funeral arrangements are as follows:

Wake: Sunday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cooper Sorrells Funeral Home in Bonham, TX www.coopersorrells.com (903) 583-5555.

Funeral: Monday at the Dallas Military Cemetery in Dallas, TX http://www.cem.va.gov/CEMs/nchp/dallasftworth.asp

Love,
Jodi

Howdy folks,I havent been around for awhile so I thought I would bring ya'll up to date.Well,a couple of months back I went to work as usual,but didnt feel too well so I came home and Arlene took me to the VA hospital here in town.Well we went thru some tests and xrays and they found Colon cancer.Then I went in for surgery and it was a pretty good success in that they removed app 90% of it.Well today I went in again and they implanted a "port" in my shoulder and starting tomorrow,I will receive a chemo session every other week for 12 weeks.As I progress along I'll try to keep ya'll up to date as to how it goes.Enough of that.I hope ya'll had a great Christmas and everyone got the toys they wanted.Looks like aint Aud did.Congrats Sis on becoming a Gr.Granny.Congrats to you to Cathy.........Gonna go lay down awhile,not feeling too frisky right now.:)

Hey!

Hey Orrin -it's FRIDAY!!!

The Storm-BRRRRR!

Some of you may not know the Jonesboro area was hit hard by an ice storm this week. Bay has been without power for several days and a relief shelter was set up at the school. Mom,Sandi and Jodi have been cooking and serving meals in the "soup line"as Sandi called it. Jodi says she has power now but no phone, cable or computer service. Trees are covered in ice and many have broken in half. The news estimated between 2500 and 3000 power line poles were snapped in half and it is unknown as to when full power will be restored. Jodi has a houseful but at least they are warm and she has opened her home to any friend or family member that needs shelter. It is difficult to get through to them on cell phones too so if anyone has been trying to call don't give up. Sarah this is also why Aint Aud's line was busy. Today the people in the Bay shelter were moved to Jonesboro. Maybe we could all say a little prayer tonight for all the cold and powerless people in that area.

Happy Birthday Aint Aud!!

Here's to Aint Aud

She has guided us

been a friend to us

but most of all

loved all of us!

because of this we have grown

to be better people.

I know if we were all together today we

would party hard!

Happy Birthday-I love you Aint Aud!

Congratulations!

We all know that Ain't Aud is a great Aunt but now she can boast on being a GREAT GRANDMOTHER! Michael and Louise Barker had a boy, Oliver Henry, last week! It's about time we get to call Cathi "Granny"!

WHO'S IN???

Hi Everybody,

First, I apologize for not writing more, it seems like the holidays were just one big blur. Second, HUGE congratulations to Julaine and Joe--what a beautiful couple!

Debbie thanks so much for remembering everyone's birthday...with visuals. And Orrin, every Friday I look forward to your posts.

Now for the big question...Sandi has the diner in Bay reserved for the Fourth of July weekend, so what do you guys say? Can we talk any of you into coming back this summer for Ladapalooza Part Deux? We were thinking music on Friday, a talent show on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday. That's just a general starting point, so if anyone has any suggestions or would like to do something different please chime in.

Let's get things rolling...July will be here before you know it!

Tons of love and hope to hear from you all soon.

Jodi

Happy Friday Y'all

Howdy Hey! Happy Friday to y'all

BRRRRRRRRRR -10 yesterday morning and again this morning. It was 22 below zero on the west side of the state where Julaine is at school. That's freakin c o l d <---- see it's so cold my keyboard is freezin up.

All is well here, 2009 is up and running without too many blips. WOW, how about that pilot in New York! WTG.

Nuttin too awfully exciting going on here, unless you can count plowing my drive way over and over... as the snow keeps blowing around. Gee Whiz.... New Years Eve day I had to do it 4 times so people that came over to party didnt get stuck.... and as it was.... 2 did.

I think that I am ready for spring.... it is great that the days are getting longer. I really like that... come late April and thru May, we head up north for weekends in the woods, looking for wild mushrooms.... mmmm Morels! It is my favorite time of year, an explosion of life. Is nice to have something to look forward to.

Well, back to work. I hope everyone is healthy and you didn't get that nasty flu bug that tore us up.

Be well,
Love
Orrin

In Loving Memory

It's been a year since we said good-bye to you and I miss you every day. Our world is not as bright since you left us, but we know we will see you again one day. You loved all your family with all your heart and you made a difference in our lives. Thank you for all the beautiful memories and stories you told. We will remember them all. I love you!!



January 28, 1921 - January 2, 2008

Cleatus Vernon (Pete) Ladd