Ludka Life

Songs worth living

2010-08-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

After a busy year, many have noticed I have not updated my blog. Your requests are sweet and very appreciated...therefore, I shall continue to blog as much as I can!

Since a lot has happened in a year, I won't take the time now, instead I will save that for the "year on a page" Christmas card...yippee!

I will begin with my current thoughts on this present day, moment and second. I have been thinking so heavily about my Lord over the past month. I feel like a new Christian desiring to get "back the the basics". He has given me so many blessing in my life. I have so much to be thankful for. His grace continually proves his "Daddy-like" love for me.

The Lord loves to put songs in my head! I know it's His way of getting a "dumb sheeps" attention. I say that because I can sing a song all day without really realizing and by the end of the day, I realize the words were speaking to me! Well, this morning I was given a song and the words hit me before I even finished them....but I asked myself "can I sing this with confidence and passion?" I was afraid to answer. Why is it so easy to get cumbered (weighed down) with the things of this world? His burden is easy and He is always there to take the reigns, yet the song still left me silent. Is my life His and His alone?

My life is yours to control
I give you my heart and my soul
I'll seek your way never mine
Rich treasure to find
Give wisdom to choices I make
Along every path that I take
So when I complete life's race
"Well done", You will say

"Sigh" I pray today that my thoughts would be filled with my "best friend". The One that gives me my breath to breathe. The One that comforts me, The One that never changes...so I can sing this song with utmost sincerity...for this is truly a song my Lord deserves to hear from a pure heart and is certainly worth living!

There is much to be thankful for

2009-05-22T06:15:00.001-07:00

Today is the first day of summer break! I do enjoy having them home!
Last night was their school graduation. Each year they take time to give awards to the rest of the children in the school. Oh my aching arm from carrying all the awards home!! Ha
No seriously, we are so proud of our kiddos. They worked very hard this year and have all had a desire to excel in everything they do. Jonathan, Justin, Jacob and Jeffrey all achieved High Honors. This means they had straight A's all 4 quarters. All that Thursday night quizzing (that I so often dreaded) paid off! Jonathan also recieved a plaque for "Outstanding runner of the year" from his Cross Country team. Last year we were introduced to an award called the "Eagle" award. This award is the highest award given. Jacob earned this award last year and we were so proud to have our very own Eagle living in our home. This year we were proud of Jonathan to receive this high honor. Way to go guys!

Celebrating 18 Years!

2009-02-03T04:57:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe John and I have been married for 18 years. We have weathered a few storms, covered a lot of ground, at times exceeded our expectations, other times turned disappointment into opportunity. And through it all...we have mostly laughed and moved onward towards God's next great challenge. It has been the greatest ride I could ever want. John has been a constant support and friend. He truly is my best friend. He is a fabulous father to his boys. I can't thank him enough for making the last 18 years so amazing. Thank you for spoiling me!! Lets get going on the next 18 and see what the Lord brings us!
My day started with these lovely flowers on the front porch.

Then we headed about an hour away to Ruth's Chris Steak House. I know I looked scared in this picture but i really wasn't, i think I am concentrating on keeping the camera steady.

Here we are enjoying our time together...of peace and quiet. We both are glad we did Ruth's Chris once, but think we will do better next time!

Our Jacob is 12!

2009-01-31T18:56:00.000-08:00

Jacob celebrated his 12th birthday on January 30th. We had a great time with 9 of his friends and 6 brothers! Jake has been a wonderful boy and great example to his younger brothers. We couldn't be more proud of him!

The Cotton Head Game...what fun!

This video you will watch what happens to the birthday child every year! It is called the Greasy Barrel and is the highlight of every birthday...well maybe not the birthday boy! Jake's was VERY long this year!

Christmas Morning

2008-12-30T07:33:00.000-08:00

This was a cute scene on Christmas morning. Joel sat on the couch with his eyes fixed on the tree and all the goodies that lay beneath. He patiently waited for the moment to come

Dad reading the Christmas story and celebrating the Saviors Birth.

Joel was so excited! "I can be Santa this year because I can read now!"

Grandpa Santa has arrived!

Joel got his train!

Hit the Road, Jon

2008-12-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

It's official...Jon can drive! Not alone yet, but he is one happy guy!
Way to go Jon, you did it! Now if it stops snowing maybe you can actually get behind the wheel!

Why Can't He Just Like Bentley??

2008-12-08T06:54:00.000-08:00

John and Bentley have had this love/hate relationship since day one! I am just so confused as to why he doesn't like my sweet puppy!! Please someone...tell me why??

I just don't get it? He is so cute!

Now see, was it really all that bad?? Pray for my husband that he really learns how to forgive and forget....sheeeesh!

Thank you God for a fun family

2008-12-05T07:58:00.000-08:00

Here we are being our crazy selves. We had so much fun at Sears taking our family pictures. This would have been used in our Christmas Card this year, but John opposed the idea because my lovely face was covered by Jake's head. I think it would have been adorable. We'll try again next year.

After we took our photos we surprised the boys by taking them to see "A Christmas Carol" in Providence. The tickets were only $10 so we jumped on it. Of course we sat on benches so we have sore back ends...but it was worth it! Somewhere between Scrooge's ghost of Christmas past and Tiny Tim's "God Bless us, every one" the creeping crud got a hold of me. My head stuffed up, my throat tickled. I was hoping it was from being out late and in a crowd...wishful thinking!

Looking over the foyer balcony and the theater

A Very Typical Ludka Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T18:16:00.000-08:00

The boys started their day early with a scrumptious breakfast cooked by the queen B...(thats me). Then off to the annual Turkey Bowl with the guys from church. About 22 men killed each other in Christian love.

Then we headed to Grandpa Ludka's for our Thanksgiving meal. As we pulled in we were greeted by the friendly cows. I had to snap a shot of their cuteness.

Here are all the boys spread around the house devouring their turkey and all the fixin's

The next day we tried to enjoy a day together enjoying a game of "Guesstures".

Another day of the Portholes

2008-11-17T06:27:00.000-08:00

Today was an interesting day. I think it must have been a full moon. I used to take pride in that my boys could busy themselves and understand that Mom and Dad had work to be done. Today was NOT the case. I had to take the 3 younger ones plus a friend from church down to the building so I could work on a few portholes. The kids were crazy intense on bugging me to paint. Non-stop begging! So finally I gave in. I created very attractive trash bag painting attire. For the most part this worked well...unless you are six! Joel's trash bag garment was dragging on the ground and through the paint pan and all over his bod! The main reason for our trash bag ensemble was to protect the not so cheap school uniforms!! In less than a half a second Joel was stripped to his "grundies" and Mom was running out to the hose to see if the pants could be spared. Here are a few shots of our fun day...NOTE: Mom didn't get one thing done that day!

"Mom this is embarrassing!"

Joel drying his pants on the lamp.

Portholes in the Toddler Room. Possibly called "Little Tugs" We are open for suggestions to go with our boat theme.

The Never Ending Portholes

2008-11-14T05:07:00.000-08:00

Many of you have wanted to see all the painting that has been going on in our new church nursery.

If you can't tell, these are portholes looking into the deep blue sea. So much more has transpired, but I don't have current pictures. I will post those very soon!

Some of our artists....Me, Mrs. Kate, Mrs. Beth.

2 of the 3 portholes in the infant nursery.

The beginnings of our baby turtles.

Some Things Never Change

2008-11-06T06:43:00.001-08:00

Oh the chants of "CHANGE" ring through our ears and across the air waves. What all this means one will never really know until feet are put to those words and promises. But today I am thankful for things that will NEVER change:
The Bible still has ALL the answers.
God still answers prayer.
The Holy Spirit can still convict me to change.
God still loves to be praised.
We can still go to church and hear preaching
We can still sing
God still wants to bless us
Jesus still loves me
There is always room for one more soul
We will NEVER be alone no matter how bad it gets.
And the list goes on and on...what things won't change for you?

As the Deer Panteth for the Water...

2008-10-03T07:41:00.000-07:00

"As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God." Ps 41:1
Seeing animals in my yard is something I will never get over. John used to laugh at me when we first moved to CT because I would call everyone to the windows to see a squirrel. I guess I have gotten used to those creatures running up and down my trees and eating the seed out of the bird feeder, but every other animal is a breath taking experience for me...especially deer.

The kids ran up the stairs this morning to show me the wonderful surprise in our backyard. Oh it was a welcomed greeting. Here is a video off our deck.

"Run the Race with Patience"

2008-09-23T06:29:00.000-07:00

God has given our boys stamina! I am not a runner by any stretch of the imagination. I trained on my high school cross-country team with the hopes of loving it by the end of the summer then I would join the team...it never happened! John will only run if he has a ball in his hand...other than that it's just plain dumb.
Jon, Justin and Pasha had their first cross-country meet, running a 3 mile course. Their team did not beat the other school but our team did great! Jonathan had an excellent stride and stayed in first most of the time. At the last few minutes Christian Higley zoomed passed and won for the Eagles, Jon came in 2nd place (for our team) at 22.5 minutes. Justin came in at 24.3 and Pasha can't remember! :) GO EAGLES!

Jon focusing...or daydreaming

Jon pullling ahead!

I think I am dying

I think I can, I think I can!

Almost Fall

2008-09-09T13:30:00.000-07:00

Part of me is not ready for fall because I know what comes after...burrrr!

But it is my favorite time of year. There is nothing more spectacular than New England in the Fall. I can remember shopping for a Ladies Banquet in CA and I saw some garland of fall leaves. I said "Those are so fake looking, nothing could be that bright"...it's true folks...they really get that bright!

I like the warm days and the crisp nights. I love to pull out the pumpkin scented candles and think about making a apple pie...notice I said "think"! I love to watch the kids jump in the leaves and beg to go to the corn maze...which takes 2 hours to find your way out! I have actually grown to love football season. I love a house full of boys, cheering and acting like idiots...then I walk in with a tray of buffalo wings, nachos and popcorn...and I am basically aaaaah, ummmm...WORSHIPPED! I love the smell of wood burning stoves. I love apple picking at Holmberg Orchards. I like to pull out sweaters I haven't seen for awhile. What do you love about fall? There is one thing I could do without...my fall allergies, but the shorter days means I home sooner to rest my bloodshot eyes!

Here are some pictures of the boys when we first moved to CT!! Oh how they have grown.

Labor Day

2008-09-02T08:09:00.001-07:00

I have come to realize that having the Ludka's over is no easy task! Thanks to the very crazy Henricks family...they not only had us but their son's (Todd Keith) 4th grade teacher and her family too...which happens to be our boys best friends. Tammy prepared the most amazing spread for everyone. She had fajitas (with homemade tortillas!) , steak kabobs and everything else under the sun! I won't even mention the desserts that she brought forth...from scratch of course!

The Barbosa's have been such a blessing to us in so many ways. Sometimes I wonder if Naomi was created just to lift my spirits and encourage me! My hubby attended their wedding when he was 16 and Manny was his first bus captain in Rhode Island. They have 3 boys...Manny Jr, Josh and Andrew. I think these guys will be life long friends!

The big 4 hour soccer game!

Playing goalie on their knees! Manny and Jon were so kind to give the little kids a better advantage!

Joel on the Green Machine

Me and Naomi (of course the wind blew her hair in her face!)

A Dear One Goes Home

2008-08-18T11:16:00.000-07:00

I received this article from a friend. Neither of us know who wrote it, nor could we ask permission to post it. After I dried my tears...or at least most of them, I thought it was to important to simply keep in my inbox. And for those at CBC who are praying for this family and remember their dear family singing in our church this past Feb. I knew you would find it dear to your heart as well.

Dear Friends,
Last night my Pastors firstborn son Tyler died in a car accident. Tyler was a godly 17 year old boy who played on the basketball team at the school affiliated with the church. Tyler just came back from church camp and said that God had encouraged his heart to make a commitment to reserve his body for the Lord. After Tyler was born my pastor and his wife had 7 miscarriages before any of their other 7 children were born. Tyler was a fine young man who honored his father and mother and loved the Lord. Tyler was very excited that God had used his evangelism to lead people to Christ. He wanted to go to Bible college and become a school teacher.
Today my pastor John Wilkerson, came to victory club, where we meet to go out soul winning, and with a smile on his face asked for them to play the song day by day. He then proceeded to thank God for his son, that he loved God, honored his parents and that he had been blessed with him for 17 years. He thanked God that he repented of his sins when he was 10 years old, and that he was born again and had assurance of eternal life through the word and promises of God. He thanked God that Tyler had such a good summer working at camp and growing in Christ. He assured us all that Tyler died at the right time, that it was not to soon but it was God’s perfect time. He said that he and his family would only visit one person today, a fellow who was terminally ill to comfort him. He said he and his wife needed to spend more time with the other children. But he said that he did not want any of us to slow down our service to Christ, he wanted us to increase it. He asked only that people might be willing to help house relative who would come for the funeral. He was not aware that the men in the church already decided to pay for hotel rooms for his family. At this point he wept, and thanked God again
I have learned alot from my pastor probably the thing that I have learned the most is to be thankful for what God gives us. Pastor is always thinking of things that he is thankful for and always desiring to give thanksgiving offerings to God. The church secretary told me that the family decided wear sweaters and sleep with bigger blankets so they could save money on the heating bill to give more money to missions as a way of saying thank you to God. I found out that he had worn a pair of shoes out to the point of having holes in the bottoms of them because he wanted to give more to God. His never talks as if he is making a sacrifice he is a cheerful person and a cheerful giver. Today he cheerfully gave his son back to God. I have met people who make sacrifices but fail to do it cheerfully or joyfully. I have met people who go through trials with strength knowing it is a part of life and God has the right to do as he sees fit, but I have met very few people who manage to do all this cheerfully with genuine thankfulness. Pastor John is not like that he gives to the Lord out of gratitude and cheerfully.
Those of you who know Jesus, please remember Pastor John Wilkerson of First Baptist Church of Long Beach and his family in prayer, but the truth is I think most of us need more prayer than they do. I know I should be more thankful for what God has given me. I should be a cheerful giver, who is always seeing the many reasons to be thankful and looking for more ways to give. He would regularly give offering to missions just to say thank you to God. He pointed out to me that in the OT when people worshipped they brought a sacrifice, including a thanksgiving offering. His view was that if he put his treasures in heaven they would be safe there, and more importantly his heart would be there. I pray that I could cheerfully accept the trials in my life that Pastor John and his family does, that I could be thankful always. In my trials sometimes I have complained I have felt sorry for myself, and I have focused on what I don’t have rather than what I God has given me. Many times I have not trusted God, I thak God for my pastor being a good example.
God Bless you,
Love Walter

To the Blueberry Patch

2008-08-12T18:54:00.000-07:00

A family in our church have an amazing home..."The Teel Farm". We have so much fun when we go there. Yesterday we took the kids to teen camp (which is at the Teel Farm) and decided to hop in the gator and go blueberry picking.

My Chariot awaits

Mom and Jake working hard picking blueberries...

and Daddy....well, ahh...he ate them!

Actually, we all ate more than we picked. You've never had blueberries until you have had them off of Mrs. Sharon's bushes! There are plenty so just let me know when anyone is coming to CT...you can even stay at BB&B's (Bonnie's Bed & Breakfast.

This is the way we do our work

2008-08-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

This is the way we do our work, do our work, do our work. This is the way we do our work, all the live long day!

Does he look happy to share the church blueprints with Taz? I think NO, but Taz sure looks content.

My dear honey puts up with our animals only because he loves me. Although I think Bentley is on his last nerve! Pray for my Beagle.

Then there is of course my Pet Care business!

It has been a busy month for vacationers, which means mula for me!

Please meet Bentley the beagle (he's mine) Jack, Honey and Kuda...yes Kuda could eat you in one bite, but he is the sweetest one ever!

I told you John was a patient man!!

The Power of Love, The Power of the Unknown, and the Power of Deja Vu

2008-07-24T11:46:00.000-07:00

As I said goodbye to our oldest kids and John today for their Men’s Camping Trip I could only be reminded of how life changes at a moments notice. God is the author of our steps, He guides our ways and he shows us the impossible. He takes our life and He gives us the incomprehensible, he takes the things that have never entered our minds and he brings them to us. Then He takes His grace and before we know it we are accomplishing the very thing we thought we could never do.

Today is an emotional day for me. Not bad emotion, not good emotion…just emotion. You see it is exactly one year ago to the very moment when Pasha came to be with us. The circumstances that are in motion today are the exact circumstances one year ago. I was home with the 3 little ones when we got the call that Pasha ran away. John was away at the camping trip, the skies were dark with rain clouds and I was dog sitting for a lab named Jack. As I write this, (in the dim room because of the rain coming) Jack is here laying at my feet. the similarities are scary...I better go get some Chinese or Dunkin Donuts to change it up a bit! I think I am experiencing deja vu…or maybe just maybe God is revealing to me what good can happen in a year, a crazy year, an adjusting year, a tearful year…but a God orchestrated year. Thank you all for your prayers over the last year…keep sending the “up”!

So, until next year….

I Think I May Be in Mourning

2008-07-15T05:51:00.000-07:00

About 7 years ago my husband brought something into our lives that has been revolutionary. It's life changing effect in our home has been overwhelming.
You see, once you share the good and bad with something, once you experience unending faithfulness, it's ability to bring joy, it's ability to serve without complaint, it's humility to handle praise, it's strength to handle criticism, it's welcoming hospitality at a moments notice, it's steadfast unchanging ways, it's morning song, it's desire to please...you realize the thought of losing something magnificent will only take part of your heart with it.
I am about to verbalize something I have known for at least 3 days now, but did not have the gumption to admit...our beloved coffee pot, our BUNN is dying. Yes, that is right. For those of you who have enjoyed it's brew over and over at our home you will understand...for you too, have found a spot in your heart for our BUNN. This machine has served the greatest to the meekest. It has pulled us through our happiest times to our saddest. Now it sits surrounded by dish towels, catching the water it can hardly contain. It struggles to keep the pot warm...but i will tell you this, if we couldn't witness it's suffering, if we didn't see it struggling, you would never know because the coffee tastes as good as it did 7 years ago! Please send your regards to our blog and pray that our pain will ease quickly.

Our Family Reunion

2008-06-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

What a family! My Mom organized a family reunion to her hometown, Oglesby, Ill. This will be in our hearts forever. Mom flew in from CA. Nancy (my OLDER sis) and her honey flew in from GA. They were the lucky ducks, because we had to drive! What an adventure! John took an evening nap on June 5 so he could be well rested to drive through the night. We pulled out of our driveway around 10pm. As you can imagine, 6 boys can bring some pretty heavy excitement to a small space. We drove about 12 hours and arrived in Kentucky at the Creation Museum. What a day! It was so nice to be in a place that felt Christian from the moment you walked in. The boys were in awe, surrounded by Noah's Ark, dinosaurs and so much more. We arrived in Ill. the next day around 4pm. As we checked in to the hotel we heard squeeks, screams of "Cool, No Way!, Is this all for us!" There was an actual Waterpark and Amusement Park IN the hotel! For kids that pretty much play baseball all day, everyday in the backyard as their big life of entertainment, they couldn't believe their eyes! We tortured the children by telling them "there is no time to enjoy the parks today AND tomorrow was the family reunion" What mean parents! The next day we headed to my cousins house. They live on a beautiful lake in Henry IL near their 4,000 acre farm! The boys were amazed at the size of the tractors and combines. In fact Joel could stand up in the rim of one of the wheels!Jane planed a "Hawaiin Luau" for our reuniting. It was great to have our family together and meeting cousins that have grown into successful people. I think the thrill for me was to just watch and listen to my Uncle Howard. So sharp and whitty. FINALLY, the long awaited day came...WATERPARK! It was quite amazing to see this structure of fun under one roof. I think John and my brother in law, Ramiro had as much fun as the kids! As you can imagine the waterpark became the daily event. The men took the kids to Starved Rock one day while the ladies went shopping in Princeton. We ended our time with family at a wonderful Chinese buffet. It was a great reunion that will always be treasure. I can't thank my Mom enough for planning, helping and organizing such a dream vacation. It was great having my sis next door to laugh with, cook with and play games with. The kids are still talking about what a great time they had!!

A Special Day

2008-06-02T17:39:00.000-07:00

The Ludka's have much to be proud of. Joel started our day off with his kindergarten graduation. He was so excited to participate in all the days activities. His class had been practicing the play The Little Red Hen. Joel was the pig....and a very good pig was he! I personally loved his costume that was so creatively made by his Mother out of her old pink sweatsuit. He also was awarded the Good Attitude Award. It is hard to believe Joel will be a big first grader next year!

That evening the boys school puts on the Awards Ceremony for all the other classes. Here are a few awards...(blogs are a safe place to brag, right?)

Jonathan: Sports - Best base-runner, Best hitter, Best out-fielder,

High Honors in Academics, Biology, Speech, Citizenship (I have no idea what that award is...maybe he helped little old ladies across the street)

Justin: High Honors in academics, Cross-country running award

Jacob: Honors in Academics, Great Student and the EAGLE Award

Jeffrey: High Honors in Academics, Joyful Disposition and Good Attitude, Hard Worker Award

Joel: Good Attitude

Pasha: Diligence Award and Most Improved in every area.

The High Honors Award means you had staight A's for at least 3 quarters in a row. Are these our children???

Now, the Eagle award is the greatest most honorable award that is granted to a student. There are only 2 kids that can get this award. One is for the entire elementary and the other for Jr and Sr. High. There are a lot reasons for this award, but in short...you are basically the best in every area!! We are very proud of our Eagle!!

Ladies Lunch - Grounded in Christ

2008-05-23T05:38:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite things to do in life if put on a fanfair of fun for the ladies at our church. I love every part of it, especially the decorating. This year was great! Our theme was a coffee theme. Who wouldn't love coffee - okay there are a few, but we don't talk to them...ha! We had "stations" around the room, such as the coffee bar, the brunch area, the coffee house entry and more. Here are a few pictures of the day.(They are small so you may want to click on them)

I Love Being the Mom of Boys

2008-05-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

I must say I am especially thrilled to be the Mom of a bundle of boys. I have enjoyed them so much lately. Each has contributed to much laughter and learning, as each personality is so different. I spoke at a Ladies Lunch the other week and was reminded of one of our best boy stories ever. John was trying to calm my nerves and he said "if you are worried about your speech, just tell the booger story, they will love you." As I reflected back on that day, I was overcome with emotion...that i am truly outnumbered! This amazing story is very typical of the nature of a household of boys...oh help me! For those of you at CBC you know this story from the day it happened (it was shared from the pulpit on Sunday morning!) but what you don't know is that the story carried on and only got better once we got home!
THE BOOGER STORY: While getting the house ready for church Sunday morning, two of the boys ran upstairs stating that someone had wiped a boogie on the pole in the basement. There was an overwhelming agreement that it had to be Joel. Joel became upset and insisted that it was NOT him. The accusations continued as we piled in the van...finally Joel's voice was raised to carry over the boys statements, he yells, "no it was not me!! I don't wipe my booogers on the pole, I wipe them under the bench!" There was silence...then an uproar of laughter! (it gets better) Of course John had to share this story...who knows if it fit as an illustration to the message, it was just too good to pass up. WELL, as we all arrived home for lunch, I teased the boys that Dad told the booger story in church. Someone says, "well, we still don't know who put the booger on the pole. I think it was Jake" Round two began of accusations. Jake pipes up "i don't wipe my boogers anywhere guys, I EAT mine!" Oh help me Jesus! Welcome to my world of snails and puppy dog tails! Just thought you would enjoy a good laugh!

The BIG DADDY has arrived

2008-04-16T06:21:00.000-07:00

It is interesting how things shrink, to bad it's not bills, messes and hips... but definitely vans. Our big van has gotten smaller and smaller over the past 6 months. We have struggled to put anything in it other than children. We took our trip to NH and realized we were peeking through luggage, sleeping bags and food items just to see the road. It was time to investigate bigger options. We hunted and researched for 2 months until the Lord directed us to an awesome deal…you know He always does when we are patient! We had to drive to Philly to find our “Big Bertha” our Ford Excursion, but the drive was worth this blessing. We had to trade in John’s truck (which was a sad moment, but he is over it) then with savings and our wonderful tax return we were able to pay cash for this gorgeous vehicle! It really is a gift from God. The boys fit in and actually have shoulder room. We don’t hear “he’s touching me” anymore! The trunk is huge and will hold all our belongings when we go away. The interior is leather…which is fun because I have never had a leather car! There is one disguised blessing though…it’s a diesel. We did the math and as gas prices rise we will save about $20 a fill-up, even though diesel costs more it runs longer and the engine has less parts to repair. But let me tell you…you know when the Ludka’s are coming! We won’t be T.P.-ing any houses in the middle of the night with this baby!

The Haircut Wars

2008-03-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

It is so time for a haircut. The never ending question...what should I do? My hair is so limp at the moment. I don't have the thickest hair. I need to have bangs. Hubby likes it long (of course, what man doesn't) I would love any of your ideas for a new me...or the same me, just a little fixed up!

Put That Empty Box Away!

2008-03-22T17:29:00.000-07:00

There is nothing funnier than hearing about the differences between men and woman! You will enjoy this guys take on the male and female brain. I think he is right on!

Time away In New Hampshire

2008-03-20T09:18:00.000-07:00

If anyone has ever doubted the beauty of our country...just come to New Hampshire! Trees are dead there is dirty snow on the ground, but it is still so awesome! There are mountains and lakes everytime you turn around. I can only imagine what it is like here in the spring.

The best part of our trip have been the relaxation and the accomodations. The condo is perfect for a family our size. The boys have had their fill of the indoor pool and ping pong. I have had my fill of home shows!! yeah!! The bad part about our trip is that I will have no pictures to show for it. On day 2 of our vacation we visited the Sulpizio's over an hour away. I left my camera! I sadly can't stop thinking about my camera being there and all the precious pictures I am missing. I am trying to convince myself that the memories in my head will be just as great...I am not very convincing. We will pick up the camera on our way back to CT.

We are heading home tomorrow to be greeted by our very lonely Kitty and Doggie. See you then!

Just Hangin' Around

2008-02-26T05:27:00.000-08:00

February brings us to our annual ski trip. This year was not quite the same experience we have enjoyed in the past. One might say "well, it's an adventure that will be remembered". Grandpa Ludka bought us lift tickets this year for Christmas...which is a huge savings! So, we thought "Lets head up early and stay the night, we can take the kids tubing because it's only $10 for 3 hours. Then we will get a hotel and get a good nights sleep before the rest of the church arrives." Ah good idea! Think again. We headed out Friday in the worst storm CT has had this year...it was slow going! The wind shield wipers on the drivers side were not working well. About every 15 minutes John had to reach around the front of the van and knock the snow off the wipers...yes, while driving! Joel was pretty cranky most of the trip. About 45 minutes upon our arrival we found out why...thank God for fast moving hands and an empty coffee cup to catch his lunch! Yuck! Of course this led to more traumatic behavior "I want to go home, I want my bed!" We arrived at the hotel. Joel went straight to bed, but wouldn't settle until he had me in his vice...of two arms and two legs clamped around my body. John decided to take the boys sledding on our great $10 deal...to find out it was double the price! Why did we come up early? Oh yes, the great adventure that will be remembered...must keep reminding myself.

Ahhh Saturday has arrived...a new day and everyone is rested and healthy. We'll skip over the story about the 1000's of people that were at the ski lodge because Bonnie forgot it was Winter Break for school kids. After a looooong time in line and hearing "is it our turn yet" we finally got our skis and snowboards. We refreshed Joel's skills on the Bunny Slope. John says "he's ready, I'm taking him up the mountain" Is it possible to forget everything you ever knew from the Bunny slope to the mountain?? Well Joel completely went brain dead on us. Poor John had to inch down the mountain picking Joel up every 5 minutes all morning. He didn't mind, but i am sure he was itching to zoom down the mountain by this time. So after lunch I said "I'll take him, you go ski!" By this time, I told Joel we were turning his snowboard in for skis...thinking he would be more balanced. Nope, lets just say my arm was burning in pain from having to hold him while trying to get down the mountain. I decided we would find John and let him know "Joel is DONE!" After waiting at least 30 minutes at the bottom, there was still no John. He should have been down by now! But then again it was his first run of the day...maybe he's a little slow. I noticed out of the corner of my eye that the same people were sitting on the chair lift when i arrived. Hmmm wouldn't it be funny if John was on it? Well, as time ticked on...it wasn't funny anymore! He was stuck on the broken chair lift with Jonathan for an hour and 15 minutes! He said his legs went numb in the first 15, then the side of his face then his hands. They had to rescue them with a rope to get them down! At least he got a free lift ticket and a cup of hot chocolate. By the time he made it down, it was time to go home...the man didn't ski one time this day! Why did we come..."oh yes, to have an adventure to always be remembered!"

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

2008-02-15T06:01:00.000-08:00

YYY What fun we had. You see, Valentine's Day comes at a very busy time for our family. We celebrate 3 birthdays and an anniversary this month, so V-Day has never been a day for John and me. We have always made it a fun day for the family. Last night we made heart shaped, chocolate chip pancakes, served up with eggs and pink milk (red food coloring). Jacob asked if the milk was going bad because it looks pink...he is my blond for sure! Then Joel and Jeffrey made Valentine cards for their friends at school. YYY

Little Old Men

2008-02-07T05:36:00.000-08:00

What's that you say, Sonny Boy? Today was the boys "100th Day of School". Each year on the 100th day the entire school dresses up like they are 100 years old. They love this event, and quite frankly, I end up cracking up the most. When Pasha walked out of his room with pants too short, suspenders and all bent over I thought I would lose it...and I did! Justin, being the creative one that he is, was decked out in a robe and a homemade oxygen tank. You will notice Joel is teary eyed in his pictures. Let's just say, his old man costume bit the dust and it was of his own doing. Why is it that kids always want your help and input and when you come up with a great plan, they want to change it? The glasses that Justin is wearing were really for Joel, but during his complaining that they make him sneeze, he ripped of an eyebrow and was moving towards the mustache. I figured he didn't want them and handed them to Justin....needless to say, we landed in meltdown mode. Such the mean Mother that I am, i told him to "move on and realize where complaining will get you." I am sure the day will be a blast...after they take their Geritol of course!

Happy Groundhog's Day!

2008-02-04T06:36:00.000-08:00

We are probably the only couple that get Happy Groundhog's Day wishes from family and friends, oddly enough...that is our anniversary. It is hard to believe that John and I just celebrated 17 years. It has been such a great time learning each other, enjoying the ups and downs...but mostly the laughter. I am so glad I married a man with a sense of humor...he keeps me on my toes! After 17 years I am still learning about this man. Last night I learned (and about 60 other people) all about carpet sharks! The man's brain is a facinating organ! Well, it hasn't been a dull 17 years that is for sure. Thank you dear for all your love, support, transparency, counsel, consistancy and even all the teasing I have received all these years! You are my rock and I will always love you! (By the way, if you want to learn about carpet sharks you will have to buy the CD from church!)

Jacob's 11th Birthday

2008-02-04T06:20:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Jake. We celebrated at Pizza Hut...this is quite a treat for a family our size. Jake was thrilled when Dad even ordered him a plate of buffalo wings and breadsticks to go along with the pizza. Then we came home for cake and ice cream and watch the thrill of opening Madden 2007 for the X-box. Grandma and Grandpa picked Jacob up for his weekend with them. This is a new thing they have started with each of the boys. The weekend around their birthday, they take the birthday boy for some one on one with Gramps. Grandpa took Jake to breakfast Saturday morning, did some shopping for a cool Patriots football then to an Agatha Christie Play. He had a blast.

Our Latest Member

2008-01-10T07:37:00.000-08:00

Please welcome the newest member of our family. Joel and I took Bentley to the vet for his regular check up and to see if there is a reason for his rotund bod. As we walked in we saw a large cage with a note attached "8 week old kitten, free to good home" Well, Joel of course says "I have always wanted a kitten!" I agreed to try it over the weekend and see how we all do. John is known quite well for his jokes about cats, such as: Cats should all me named Target, The only good cat is a dead cat...you know the drill. To our suprise, when we walked in he only shook his head and laughed. I asked John to name him. He said "Cat". So please give a warm welcome to "Cat". He is very sweet and very patient with Bentley. He hasn't hissed or swatted once at him...i think he knows who is king in the house! This were pretty wild there for a few days with Bentley the Cat hunter on the loose, but as you can see...we are find now. If fact they may be partners in crime...I came home yesterday to find them both munching on a tipped over cat food container!

Home for the Holidays

2007-12-27T13:10:00.000-08:00

Home was especially inviting this year. It seemed this upcoming Christmas season crept in the back door and was almost overlooked until it was sitting on my lap! I hit the ground running when I realized "What? Only 14 days left!" Not much had been done. So from that moment on it was all hussle and bussle. Needless to say, being home on December 25th was a welcomed day! The kids slept in until 8:30 (phew!). We started with John opening up the Bible and reading the Christmas story and thanking the Lord for sending His son to be the Savior of the world. Jeffrey and Joel passed out the presents. It was a grand time. John helped me with all the food before his Dad and Marian arrived. We spent the day relaxing and chatting while the kids enjoyed the day with their new treasures. Grandpa put on his "Santa" suit...which is really red pj's with the drop drawer in the back. The kids got a good laugh as he passed out their gift of $50 each for a family ski trip. We are all so excited. Grandma Bailey got the boys a computer, which of course was quite a thrill, now lets just pray it is used for school and not just games. We are a blessed family and thank God everyday for his generosity and goodness to us.

Happy Birthday Jon

2007-12-13T16:55:00.000-08:00

Jonathan turned 15! This is so hard to believe. We had a nice evening with just family...a request from the birthday boy. We had Pizza Hut and an ice cream cake. Jonathan was thrilled with his Red Sox paraphernalia. The Red Sox ball is officially signed by 3rd baseman Mike Lowell. If you look closely at the picture of Jon and his 6' 2" father you will notice he is not to far behind. But as Dad says "...you will NEVER be stronger!" We'll see won't we!

Yummy cookies for our sailors

2007-12-13T15:47:00.000-08:00

Every year our church bakes literally thousands of cookies to hand out to our single sailors living in the barracks. It is always a fun time for our family to bake and bake the Saturday before they are handed out. This year was extra special because the boys wanted to do the baking all by themselves. I was a little nervous about letting them fly solo but I must admit they were yummy! While we were waiting for each batch to finish we watched White Christmas together. On that following Monday some of our Navy families handed out over 500 cookie bags to the sailors. They were so thankful and pleasantly surprised to be handed free cookies and an invitation to church.

Gobble Gobble

2007-11-23T11:35:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving has come and gone until next year! Ours started early as usual. Our church holds a fantastic Tuesday Thanksgiving meal for our church family and our sailors from the Navy Base. It is always a great time of eating and hearing testimonies of God's goodness in peoples lives. We fed over 90 people in our small church. I don't think anyone cared how packed in we were...just thankful to be together. Next year we will have room to spread our wings in our new building, but sad to have our last dinner in this meeting place.

On Thursday, we traveled to Grandpa's for a wonderful time with family. We stuffed ourselves! All the boys cared about was getting outside for some football! Thankfully this New England day was 65 degrees. Marian did all the cooking! I had to beg to bring something. She knew I would welcome a break from the kitchen, as I cook for 9 everyday! Grandma and Grandpa wanted to keep the boys until Saturday. What a treat for John and me to have some alone time.

That alone time turned into waking early and entering the crazy world of Black Friday! My first time...and I think the last! I walked into Target and was ready to call it a day after 5 minutes. About 3 stores later, the funny thing is, we found ourselves purchasing nothing but a cart full of groceries from BJ's! Typical! So home we went to enjoy an oddly quiet house. Although the quiet is wonderful, it makes me all the more thankful for my wonderful children.