Pool Fun

Oh what do you do in the summertime? Go Swimming!





My kids just love it, even if the pool is a bit too cold at times. They splash, throw balls and most of all laugh. Isn't that what you want out of life, fun and laughter.

Jordan has finally gotten out of her ring.








Spencer is a bit of a fish, he loves it.

Kate and Leisl, having fun in the sun.

We have had the cousins over for a swim and they all love getting together.

Afternoon at the petting zoo

On a Sunday afternoon back in June we went to the petting zoo in Frankfort, and had a wonderful time. We saw a peacock, lambs, ducks, emu's and many other animals. The kids loved feeding them and my monkey girl Jordan also had fun climbing the fence. What a great day.

Kate Graduates!

I am so far behind in blogging.....that being said.....
Kate graduated from high school on June 13th, and we could not be more proud of her. She was in the National Honor Society, Key Club, and was ranked 15th in her class.
She just looked so beautiful as she walked in all smiles. It brings back a lot of memories of my own graduation so many years ago. Her boyfriend, Derek came up from Noblesville, and her mother came from Minnesota for the event.
Now Kate will be starting Purdue in the fall. Congratulations Kate, we sure do love you.

New cleaning method

My crazy husband... the other day the microwave was dirty so he in his infinite wisdom put the cat up there to clean it! She was more than happy to oblige and licked it clean.

Don't worry, we cleaned it for real after Callie was done.

What the heck happened to my counter, and country counter listing? All the visits have been erased!!! I loved seeing the different countries listed that have visited my blog. Arggghhhhh.

A taste of Americana

Back in the 1960's and 70's life was so different, and just a little bit slower. A time when kids could go outside and play until after dark without a fear. We all knew our neighbors, and we always smiled and waved when we passed them on the sidewalk. Or carried on conversations over a fence. The neighborhood was a part of a bigger family.

We also had drive in's, and on a Friday or Saturday night Dad and Mom would pack us up with snacks, Jammie's, and pillows and off we went. To exciting adventures on the big screen. As soon as Dad found the perfect spot to park, and put the speaker on the window, off we would go to the playground up front under the screen. Usually we would last through the first movie, then conk out for the second, which I am sure made it much better for Dad and Mom.

Last night, we enjoyed that same tradition. My sis-in-law Gigi called up and asked us to go with them to the drive in. It was so much fun, and still exciting as I prepped for the occasion. We packed snacks, blankets, Jammie's and chairs just like the old days. The playground equipment I played on is now gone, but all our kids had a great time playing, and we had a great time chatting while we waited for the movies to start. Now days, you listen on your car radio instead of a crackly speaker, and yes, we had a better time watching the second feature when the kids fell asleep and were finally quiet enough for us to hear something. What a wonderful time. It brings a bit of childhood back.

Kate's Prom

It's prom time again. You can tell when you and your hubby go out for dinner and there they are at the restaurant, teens dressed to the nines looking young, happy and beautiful. It reminds you of your own prom many, many years before and makes you smile.
Last Saturday was Kate's turn. She had her coral dress, a great guy and many smiles to be spread around. Derek came and in true fashion, Kate made him wait at least 30 minutes to finish getting ready, but when she was done and came down those stairs, she was beautiful!
They went to dinner with friends then on to Purdue where the prom was held. Of course the night was stars and magic and Kate came home all smiles.
Another right of passage has come and gone. Now we just have to make it through graduation next month.

Happy Birthday Kate!

Kate had her 18th birthday last week! I have been trying to find the pictures to post them, but can't so I'm not going to wait any longer.
Sunday was the big day, so we had a family bar-b-q. Kate's boyfriend and some friends were also here so we had a great time.
I made a cake that looked like a big 18. She loved it, and it was quickly devoured.

A Day at the Speedway

I had the coolest parents on earth growing up. Dad and Mom would take us out of school for the day and head down to the track. For those who are non-Hoosiers, that means the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Dad knew someone who raced cars so we would get passes into pit row and the garages. It was so great to see the cars and drivers up close and personal.

This year, Lee and Spencer went down with my Dad, brother and his son Logan. Of course we had to take Spencer out of school, but hey, that will give all the other kids a chance to catch up. They had a great time. Spencer loved watching the cars practice and all the activities. He was all smiles as he brought his coloring book and crayons home to show me.

Spencer and Logan in front of the fountain.

The McDonalds car. Pretty good picture for a car going 200 mph taken by a 6 year old.

5 little kittens have lost their mittens

A funny thing happened on the way to slumber land the other night. Our cat Callie came up at about 12:45 am and was very insistent that I come and help her have her babies. I'm not kidding, she jumped up on me and kept turning around in circles and making this weird noise that I have never heard a cat make before. When I wouldn't get up, she would go to the door, make her noise, meow a few times and jump back up on me and start over again until I got the message and followed her downstairs to the closet I had set up and she picked to deliver in.

















Callie labored and the first baby was born about 2:15 am, the last being born about 3:50. Five beautiful little kittens! I just sat there and petted her and kept talking to her, and helped where I could. She is a good mommy and of course we cant keep our hands off of the little cuties. It will definitely be hard to give them away in a couple of months, but I don't want to turn into crazy old cat lady for at least another 20 years.


2nd born.



























4th born



5th born

All of the little ones.

If you look closely you can see all five heads nuzzled together. We are having a lot of fun with this. What a great experience. By the way they were born on April 20th.

Time tends to repeat itself...

When my brother Craig and I were little, we thought we would trick our parents. We switched pajamas, put on hats and sunglasses so our parents could not tell the difference between our hair and eyes, and thought we were just so funny. Of course we did not fool anyone, but we had a good time.

Tonight, my little kids seem to be repeating history. I came up the stairs and here they were. She had on his Jammie's, slippers and hat and he had on her hat and shoes. What a funny sight they were. Of course, they also thought they were just too funny. The laughing and giggling that followed was good for the heart and mind.

Here they are being "teenager boys". I guess that means putting your arm in the air and giggling.

What a cute pair they are. I love it when they actually get along and play well together.

Missing our Missy Kitty

What's missing from the second picture?

Our dear sweet Missy Kitty was hit by a car on Saturday night. Thankfully she died instantly, but we are heartbroken.

She had just turned 2 years old in March, and had been with us for a year and a half, after following the kids home from the pond behind the house. Kitty was a funny little thing, who loved cat nip, and chased her tail like a dog. We called her a jaguar as she would get down and ready to spring on an unsuspecting leaf outside. We sure will miss her.

Going to the chapel and we're gonna get married.....

Look at this charming cute little face. It's a face you could just fall in love with, and that is what has happened, twice over.

If you read my post about Spencer's two girl friends then this will come as no surprise.
Stevie has given Spencer another two "love pictures". I can only find one, but I did take a picture of the envelope she made to put one of them in.

Let's face it, the girl has talent. Unfortunately, my boy is bound to be a heart breaker. Today he told me that Stevie is no longer his girlfriend. "He and Makenna have decided to get married." This said in all honesty and seriousness. It is just way too cute. I hope poor little Stevie can get over him, your first love is always the one you never forget.

It's all fun and games, until somebody gets hurt.

When I was about 12 or so, my grandparents gave me a pogo stick for Christmas. I had been wanting one and I loved that thing. I worked and worked until I could go like crazy. I eventually learned to jump with not only one hand, but then with no hands. Trust me, on a pogo stick, that takes real talent. My brother and I both had a ball on it. He was much braver than I and would go up and down stairs.

A few years ago, we got Kate one too. She did not really get into it, so Lee and I have spent some time on it having fun.

Well, last week the little kids and I went for a walk on a most beautiful of spring days. The sun was out it was warm yet still cool enough to enjoy a brisk walk. We were at it for about 45 min. When we got home, the kids wanted to have a try at the pogo stick. Of course they do not weight enough to be able to actually jump, so they wanted me to show them how it is done.

Still being a teenager at heart I of course was happy to comply. I had the best time, jumping in circles, being a cowboy with my arm flying around like I was on a bucking broncho. I felt young again. The kids were smiling and laughing, and so was I.......

Until later that night when I realized that I re injured my ankle/foot. My friend who is a nurse said that I probably pulled a tendon loose taking with it a chip of the bone. OUCH! I have spent a while on crushes, and am now down to a cane. I hate this my kids were on spring break last week, and I couldn't do anything.
I realize that I am no a teenager anymore. I am a full grown adult who has to start watching what I do.

I don't think I like this aging thing.

Guess who can ride a bike without training wheels!........

SPENCER!!!!!!!!

The other night his cousin Logan called up to say that "Spencer was a slacker because he,(Logan) can ride a bike without training wheels."
Well, not to be outdone, Spencer said that he wanted to learn. FINALLY! We have been trying to get him to learn, but he has been to afraid. I guess a little competitive nature can do wonders. Yesterday, we went out and tried and within 5 min. he was up and going. He needs some more practice to be really comfortable, and he still has a hard time getting going, but he is and that is what is so important. Spencer could not be more proud of himself, and I am of him. Hey Logan, it only took 5 min, not an hour that it took you! ha ha ha

Spencer, such a ladies man.......a boy.

Last year in pre-school Spencer hooked up with a little girl from almost the first day. They were best chum's from that point on. Her name is Kaitlin, and they played together every day. It did not matter who joined their little group, they welcomed others, but they were never separated. Close to the end of the year, she drew him a picture with just her and him and some hearts. I knew what was coming..... yes, in a few days she asked Spencer to be her boyfriend. I must say that I was thrilled that my little boy had a little girls heart. It was cute and innocent so I wasn't worried about it.
Now that he is in kindergarten he still seems to have the charm, looks and grace to capture a little girls heart.......or two, or three. At the first of the school year, he liked Madeline, now however it seems that a little girl named Stevie likes him. Once again evidenced by her picture to him. Stevie drew this first picture of my little ladies man and herself. A pretty good drawing if you ask me. Note the hearts once again, and.......


they are each thinking loving thoughts. this is so gosh darn cute. I can say that, it is only kindergarten.

The other day, he brought home yet another picture by yet another little girl. Brisa is her name and yes, there are hearts in her picture too, along with a frog. I guess she knows what little boys like. Other girls have been giving him heart shaped candy and gum. This is really getting humorous. I just hope he can get a good girl to date when he is older.

Happy Birthday Lee!

Last Thursday was my dear sweet husband's birthday. Unfortunately, he was up in Chicago working all day long. So Sunday we had a part surprise birthday party for him. I say part, because he knew I was having a party with the family invited, but he did not know I also invited everyone else from church.

I made "horse duvers".....stuffed mushrooms, spinach dip in a sour dough bowl, pretzels, queso and chips. And for the sweet tooth, two kinds of cupcakes, cherry pie, and chocolate pie. One dear lady from church made Lee an apple pie knowing it is his favorite.

We sang Happy Birthday over cupcakes with sparkler candles in them which re-lit themselves. What an extra surprise. Lee was so happy and had a wonderful time. And as you can see, the "force" was with us. We just had so much fun. Happy birthday honey, I sure do love you.

Pay It Forward

Something fun to do. Pay it forward, and here's how it works. The first three people to leave a comment and say they want to participate will receive some time in the next year a gift from me. You have to commit to send three people gifts from you within the next year, and follow through. It's easy, fun and what a way to brighten some one's day.
Now there is no guarantee that you will like my gift to you, but I will try to make it something everyone would like.
So sign up, and watch your mailbox.

A VERY Bad Evening

Yesterday evening started out very badly, and got worse. First, as I was trying to open a bag of chicken for dinner, I sliced open my finger. I applied pressure to it but it would just not stop bleeding. After grossing my kids out, I called a friend who is a nurse, and she said if it did not stop bleeding after a half hour of pressure, to go and get it stitched. Well, 30 minutes later, I was off to the hospital for a stitch or two.
Of course when I got there the emergency room parking lot was full, and to avoid an extremely long, complicated story, let me just say that in order to avoid the ambulance that was parked there, I totally missed the BRICK WALL, and crunched the bumper of the van. I was already shaky and that sure did not help. Now I'm shaky x2 and very upset as well.
I finally made it to the ER, and of course, by that point the bleeding had stopped, and the triage nurse and I agreed that I did not need stitches and it would be better to avoid a big ER bill. She was so kind, and gave me a snoopy band aid as a consolation prize, and I went back home and cryed. Not one of my better days.
And she was right, my finger is good and sore. Oh, and you're welcome for not taking a picture of the actual injury, it is not pretty.

Jordan's new glasses

My little girl seems to have taken after me in the eye department. She needs glasses, and today we were able to pick them up. Jordan is so happy to be able to see, and I am hoping it will stop her daily headaches. Let's hope she wears them this time and doesn't lose them.

Spelling- Kindergarten style

My dear sweet son is in kindergarten, and is learning to sound out words and read. However, I don't think they are quite teaching to spell yet. Sunday he was given a hand out on the creation of the earth, and he promptly brought it home and colored the pictures and labeled some of the backs. Here are his spellings.

oring moon-- orange moon
prite flawr--pretty flower
gray mantin--gray mountain
goldin stars-- golden stars
green tun--green tongue (this is how he colored the dog's tongue)
Atum and E-- Adam and Eve

He actually spelled them phonetically. I think this is really cute, he has plenty of time to get the spelling down.

100th Post Give Away

I did not realize this, but I have hit the 100th POST!
So, to celebrate, I will do the usual give away. Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will be giving away a copy of The Princess Bride. One of my favorite books. Now, you are probably asking yourself "Why in the heck is she giving that away?" Well, I'll tell ya. Being as our last name is Roberts, the last name of the pirate in the book, we started a joke about us being the Dread Pirate Roberts. That brought about the name of my blog, the dread family Roberts. See, it's all intertwined.
Here's how you enter. Leave me a message and let me know which blog entry is your favorite. For another entry, you can always become a follower, and for yet another mention my little give away in your blog. Good luck to all. Thanks for reading.

Some day his wife will thank me.

As I was doing dishes after dinner tonight, the kids really wanted to help. What kind of mom would I be if I said "No"? Have at it guys, Jordan did a little, but when she had the dishes loaded she was done. Spencer however, loaded, then started in on the sink on all the places "I missed". He loves doing this kind of thing. I'm happy to think he may be ready for a mission some day, and farther down the road, ready for a happy wife.

Thoughts of Spring

There is a hope of Spring in the air. The robins have come back and sing their sweet song, geese fill the pond behind our house, and warmer air occasionally breezes past. It brings hope. Hope of all things new, sweet and innocent. It also brings with it feelings of happiness. Of those beautiful crocus' that pop their heads up through the snow to show us how determined they are to hurry the season along. Red bud tree's, tulips and lily's all bloom showering us with colors after a dreary mono-chromatic season of cold. We are happy to spread our wings, and be outside again. To feel the warmth on our skin, breathe in the freshness and just live. Spring makes you happy to be alive. I am thankful for a wonderful Heavenly Father who gives the earth such a beauty, and brings with it more hope for life than anything else possibly can.

Happy Valentine's Day

Lee is out of town this Valentine's Day, and I am sad, but I don't need a day on the calendar to define my love for my husband. We try to show it to each other every day.
That being said, I got up this morning and made a very hearty (get it) breakfast for the kiddos. I made our usual Saturday morning pancakes, but made them into hearts, pink one's no less. I let the kid's put sprinkles on them, which they thought was just the best thing in the world. They were mighty tasty with the blueberry syrup I made this last summer.