The BIG DADDY has arrived

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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!