MIND MEANDERINGS

It is so fascinating to ponder the Roderick verbiage in day to day life. Not only do we say the most outrageous words, but we say them at the most inappropriate moments.

"Your dog's butt smells" said Hope while riding in the car in Forks, WA. (Why were you smelling her behind?)

"I don't want to wait in this line" said Addison while we were stuck in traffic. (Did we have a choice?)

"Any seniors?" as asked by the ferry guard and directed toward me. (Seriously?)

"I haven't pooped yet" said Shae clear out of right field. (Maybe a little over sharing.)

"Oh, Shae, did you poop" as asked by one of the sisters. (Sisterly concern perhaps?)

"I'll sleep between beds" said Hope because she was tired of fighting for blankets. (Always the youngest.)

Now that I have put these phrases in print, they aren't as funny as they were at the time they occurred. Must be a Roderick thing. Your guess is as good as mine.

CHERYLYNN'S BOOTS

Today was a day like no other. I have lured my good friend Cherylynn to the dark side. We did some real damage shopping for Christmas and for ourselves. You must understand, Mrs. Hurdle is the mother of three strapping young boys. She is not acquainted with the art that is shopping.

Our morning started when we picked up Shae's senior pictures and looked at Nathan's. Cherylynn is still trying to decide what to get in the photo department with NEH. He took a lot of great shots and it's so hard to pick the best. But, alas, no time today. We had to begin the spending frenzy.

We hit South Coast Plaza. Nordstroms was our first hit, where we both purchased boots. I, one pair, Cherylynn, two pairs. We continued down through the mall to VS where I did some shopping for my girls. Cherylynn's eyes glazed over as she perused all the pink and pretty "things". Again, boys.

Off to several other stores, where Cherylynn purchased some much anticipated cheer. We enjoyed lunch at a small bistro and chatted it up some more. Buy, buy, buy. Shop, shop, shop. Spend, spend, spend. Did I mention I love Christmas? We ended up at Barnes & Noble in time to enjoy a nice cup of coffee.

It was a great day . . . started at 9:30am and we got home at about 4:00pm. What made it even better? Scott was dealing with carpet cleaners and Don was dealing with Isaac and school. Welcome to our world fellows.

I love the season and cooperative husbands.

DINNER TOGETHER

Scott and I rarely go out to dinner alone. There is always a someone else with us, which is great most of the time. But sometimes I just want to go out with him and no one else. Those times almost always occur at home. Not tonight.

I had scallops thawing on the counter and baked potatoes ready to go in the oven when Scott walked through the front door. Hope and Shae were both going to the Drive-Thru and Addison was baby sitting. Scott said "Put the scallops in the fridge. I'm taking you to dinner." No argument from me and we were out the door.

We went to a little Italian place near our home. Capone's was virtually empty and those who were there seemed a wee bit older that Scott and I. I noticed this fact right away and mentioned it to Scott. We glanced at the clock and it was 5:20pm and we started snickering. Of course, we were eating much earlier than is normal for us so that must explain the more mature crowd. As it got closer to 6:00pm the family type people started arriving and we felt much better. We finished at about 6:30pm, came home, showered and watched a recorded CSI when I glanced at the clock. It was 8:20pm. I hate regular time. It gets dark so early.

Scott said "Cindy, when you eat at 5:00pm, you generally are in bed by this time."

This is what I have to look forward to . . . bring on the early bird special.

COFFEE

Today in HB was gorgeous, albeit chilly, but gorgeous. It was also a scheduled walking day. Holly, Kim, Sue and I took off at our designated time and Kim was peeling off her sweat shirt a few steps down the road. She must run hot because when I got out of the car it was 57 degrees and I was freezing. I know that really isn't cold, but for those of us in sunny SoCal it is cool.

I have jacked up my left heel and knee, thus slowing my pace somewhat. I took a pit stop at Starbucks while my girls kept on walking out to the pier.

I love coffee. Not just coffee, Starbucks coffee. Even when Scott makes a pot of espresso at home it must be Starbucks. That's right, I am a coffee snob and proud of that fact. Special stops at Starbucks for coffee is in the family budget right up there with manicures and pedicures.

Scott is our family barista and he makes the best lattes at home and serves them up steaming. Chivalry is not dead in the Roderick domain. We have a Mr. Coffee espresso maker and it is awesome. Great Christmas gift for someone you love. Give a pound of Starbucks coffee as a compliment and you will have friends for life.

You have got to try the caramel brulee latte. You have not lived until that warm, frothy, sweet confection is running down the back of your throat soothingly. It's like a massage in a cup. Aromatherapy should be so good. I told my friends that they have got to try it. Holly got a frappacino and she said it was just as remarkable.

Coffee and friends. Not much in life is better than that.

LAUNDRY DOGS

As you can imagine, we have a weekly mountain of laundry at our house. I am responsible for the laundry. It is the bane of my chore list. The girls must bring their laundry down to the garage, where the appliances are located, and I load and empty the washer and dryer. They, in turn, are responsible for sorting, folding and putting away their personal items. This seems to be easily achievable in theory. Reality is a whole other tank of gas.

Things go wrong. Whites turn pink, laundered wool shrinks, rayon wrinkles, socks are never bright white after being run through the wash cycle and sometimes the unexpected occurs. For instance, puppies that everyone had to have two years ago. Don't get me wrong . . . we love our dogs, but they do take some added surveillance.

I do the laundry during the day while everyone is off and running in every direction. I have grown accustomed to having Diesel and Dakota with me. They watch my every move and follow me everywhere without missing a beat, including to the garage to do laundry. They enjoy a romp on the mountain, tunneling under the mountain, pulling treasures out of the mountain. A favorite discovery are panties.

It must be something in the human scent. They are obviously found of the Roderick aroma and have taken that to the next level. I can not tell you how many pairs they have utterly destroyed. Let's just say that VS has sent our little pooches thank you notes on several occasions. This canine activity infuriates the girls because their clothes budget takes a hit when they have to purchase new under garments and since no one sees said garments . . . well, you know.

Perhaps it's time for the girls to do their own laundry.

RAIN FOREST

We were able to visit the Hoh National Rain Forest while visiting Kelsey in northern Washington. It is the wettest place in the continental United States and it proved to be true as the skies opened up on us. Everything was damp. The tall trees capture all of the sun's rays.

While driving through foilage so dense it was like fog, the girls were trying to get a glimpse of wildlife. We saw remains of definite species. A beaver had started gnawing his way through a tree, expecting to finish the job later. Gamble sought out a new and wonderful scent, elk droppings. Scott, Kelsey and Hope hiked up to a stream and viewed coho salmon on their last journey of life.

We stopped at the ranger station and viewed a telephone booth covered in moss. Shae was intrigued. The sun did peek through and steam rose from the floor. It was ethereal. Chilly, and yet steam.

As we were leaving the forest, we were all in a state of contentment and appreciation for God's creation. The car was quiet. Then, without warning, Addison asks "Are their panthers in tropical rain forests? Do you think we'll see one?"

Hmm. Maybe if we were in a "tropical rain forest." Out of the mouths of Roderick's.

THE CLIMB

I usually miss my walks while on vacation. I just don't have time to do it all. This time, however, I had a great idea.

Seattle offers many items that we can not get here in Huntington Beach. For example, wool yarn, and I have a favorite shop in the Queen Anne district of the city.

The girls were all watching TV, using computers, showering and sleeping. It was our chance to have some alone time so off we went. Our walk began with a destination, my favorite fiber shop. It was about a mile away. The challenge was the "hill". Probably 1/2 mile up and very steep in comparison to HB standards.

I pride myself in being able to do a pretty fast walk, but this hill was kicking my behind. I had to stop and catch my breath every block. No kidding. I was knocked down a couple of pegs in the pride-o-meter.

After the climb everything else was cake including the gorgeous yarn I found. Colors, fibers, new patterns, needles, smiling faces, warm and cozy, bells on the door. It was very Louisa May Alcott, you know, "Little Women". I love that yarn cottage.

The walk back to out hotel was chilly and utterly amazing. Seattle city lights at night are breath taking and there are people out and about taking in the evening spendor.

I have a new appreciation for walking, knitting and holding the hand of the one I love.

SUBMARINE

We were driving on a two lane highway on the Olympic Peninsula and came to an abrupt halt. The line of traffic had no beginning that we could see and cars were piling up behind us. We sat in the Jeep and chatted. That's the thing about this vacation . . . no schedule, no place to be, no appointments, no stress.

All the cars in our lane were stationery and people actually started getting out of them and carrying on conversations with each other. We were fascinated. That does not happen at home, ever.

What is a Roderick to do? Get out and join in the fun, of course. Scott and the girls jumped out while I knitted in the hole. People were walking by me toward where they thought the event that was holding up traffic was occurring. I was enthralled with the feel of wool running through my fingers as the activity was enfolding around me.

Scott and the girls came back, got in the car and said, "You won't believe why we're stopped. It is a draw bridge and a U.S. submarine just went through. Not nuclear, but still cool. We missed seeing it by a few minutes. Traffic should be up and going shortly."

That's the Roderick's. A day late and a dollar short.

BAG O' POO

Kelsey's dog, Gamble, joined us on our Thanksgiving trip to Forks, Washington. She is an 8 month old Lab mix and is a complete hand full just as every Roderick aspires to be. Gamble is all legs and weighs the same as Dakota. She jumps, chases, licks, chews, eats, sleeps and generally does everything a puppy is expected to do.

Puppies must potty, so we stopped along the road to give her a walk and some private time. Of course, you must pick up after your dog and we certainly complied. The issue arose as what to do with the poo. No one wanted to transport it in the car, especially Adds, and there was not a trash can in sight. Kelsey solved the problem with her keen, college graduate mind.

We drove into Forks with the bright blue bag of poo clamped on the passenger side window and blowing lazily in breeze.

Ahh, the life of a Roderick pet.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING 2009

Normally on Sunday afternoon I take a nap. Normally on Sunday afternoon I catch up on some laundry. Normally on Sunday afternoon I watch soccer with Scott. Normally on Sunday afternoon I knit. This was not a normal Sunday afternoon.

Shae and Addison used their silver tongues and hijacked me at one of my weak moments. Off we went to South Coast Plaza. Honestly, the mall was not crowded. We found a parking spot easily and were in Nordstrom's in half a minute. Headed straight for men's. Adds knew one of the sales associates, and he hooked us up with perfect Christmas gifts for Scott. Nice.

Then it was off to Steve Madden for boots for the two I was with, followed by a quick stop at VS. Somewhere along the way we were informed that if you spent a certain amount at the mall today, you could present your receipts and receive a beautiful gift from one of our favorite stores . . . Tiffany's.

We lined up and one of the associates checked our receipts, gave Shae and Adds the once over, and said we should have no problem redeeming our aqua bag. We continued to wait as others were turned away by the said associate. We stood for about 1/2 hour and then we were there. So close we could have grabbed the bag and ran. I presented my receipts with my ID and waited to get my hands on the coveted gift. Then the words every shopper fears "you don't qualify". NOOOOOOOOOO!

How do you not spend enough at the designated stores when shopping at South Coast Plaza?

Ask a Roderick.

CAR SEAT CHRISTMAS

Several years ago the car seat laws in California were increased to maximize the safety of our children. We, as Rodericks, try to follow the laws that govern us, thus, we purchased a new car seat for Hope. What we did not factor into the equation was that another Roderick daughter was also under the new car seat regulations.

The girls woke early, once again, on Christmas morning. We desire to see our happy children, on that blessed day, dancing down the stairs with twinkling eyes, wide yawns and stringy hair. We must burn the images into our minds as well as on celluloid. They are not permitted to come out of their rooms until we have the living room perfect. Christmas lights on, Mom has her coffee and is positioned on the couch, Dad has camera ready, Christmas music playing softly in the background. The stage is set. Action.

The girls walk down the stairs, youngest to oldest, searching for their pile of loot. Two car seats set under the tree with big, red velvet bows.

Merry Christmas. Hope and Addison were not amused.

A CHRISTMAS STORY

The following was shared with us over a lovely dinner at Stone Fire Grill with some very good friends.

We we're going to my husband's mother's house for Christmas dinner. Everyone in the family knows that everything she cooks has no taste. That's not exactly correct, everything she cooks tastes the same. Turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, it's all the same. No variety to awake the palate.

What is a family to do? Well our family makes a quick pit stop in Garden Grove on the way to Grandma's house. Just for a snack. We pulled up to a drive-thru "Taco Bell" to grab a fast bite. The truck in front of us appeared to have ordered and sped around the corner as we pulled up to the speaker box. We waited. "Probably a skeleton crew since it's Christmas, so we'll give them some extra time" said one. We chatted for a bit and then noticed people were intrigued by our behavior. You know, pointing and laughing. Ten minutes had passed before we realized that "Taco Bell" is not open on Christmas Day.

Guess who our very good friends are?

COMPUTERS & PEE

We get very bored, occasionally, on our long road trips. Everyone begins to get punchy. Some of us begin doing stuff that we normally would never do. Computers run out of battery power. People need to pee. Girls need to unfold and walk. This is the fine line we tread.

In the movie "ELF" Will Farrell makes up this little song for his his biological father. It goes something like "yada, yada, yada, and I found you and I love you, I love you, I love you."

Picture Addison in "The Hole" singing "I am so sad, my computer is bad, batteries not to be had, I don't feel rad, come on Dad, I am so mad". It was something close to that rendition. Now Picture Shae singing in the middle seat "I have to pee, I have to pee, I have to pee, woo is me, I am Shaebee, please stop for pee," etc. etc. etc. Neither of them can carry a tune in a bucket. They take after their father . . . and their mother.

At least, that's how I remember it.

CORVALLIS

Add another college to Shae's list of choices. She has visited the campuses of University of California, Santa Barbara, Westmont, Oregon State University, University of Oregon, University of Washington and University of California, Long Beach. She has applied to Westmon, Oregon State University, University of Oregon and University of California, Long Beach. She would still like to visit Point Loma University.

As of today, she is leaning towards Oregon State University. They are one of the top ten schools that have a science program in forensics. She would like to major in Chemistry which could lead to a career in a forensic lab. Maybe she had watched to much CSI.

Addison is also looking at University of California, Long Beach. She will be finishing up at Goldenwest College in the fall of 2010. She is still unsure of a major, but she has been thinking about being a walk on in their women's soccer program.

Don't even think about Hope yet. We're going to get her through a couple years of high school before getting on that bus.

One college graduate down, three to go . . . pray for us . . . next it's weddings!

JINGLE BELLS

We loved Oregon Christmases. We would go out in the woods, pick out the perfect tree, cut in down, tie it to the top of the car and bring it home for the decorating ritual. Remember the scene in "Christmas Vacation" when the Griswald's find the perfect tree? That was also the Roderick's tree, minus the roots.

Kelsey, Addison and Shae were very excited this year, 1993, because Grammy and Grandad had come to spend the holidays with us. We dressed in our finest and went to our church's Christmas Eve service and followed that event with dinner at home by the fire. The girls were very anxious about Santa Claus, and yes, we still do the man in red, and they were extremely hard to get settled down and into bed.

Finally, Grandad went into their bedroom and had a little talk with them. He told them that if they were very still they might be able to hear Santa and his sleigh as it landed on the neighbor's roof. They already understood that Santa could not come to their house until they were sound asleep. He tip toed out the their room, to add to the drama.

Grandad had rigged up some jingle bells outside the kids room, without their knowledge of course. He very quietly stole out the back door and stood by their window and gently shook the bells randomly, loud enough for the girls to hear. Very quickly he made his way back into the house in time to see the girls come running out of their room convinced Santa was almost here. Grandad hussled them back to bed with another caution to go to sleep and we did not hear a sound from them the rest of the night.

The next morning, after all the excitment, the girls found the jingle bells that Santa had dropped off the roof on Christmas Eve.

THE GREAT ESCAPE

Kelsey was five and Addison was two when we decided to meet friends from Alaska in Eugene, Oregon. They were coming down for a quick vacation and we thought it would be a fun to spend the weekend together. We made our hotel reservations and off we went on yet another Roderick adventure. Dan, Kathy and Andrea met us and we enjoyed a delightful dinner full of good food, lots of laughs and two drowsy little girls.

We said our good nights and looked forward to a good morning with our friends. The rest of the evening was uneventful as we bathed and tucked the girls into a "big girl" bed. They were asleep before our feet hit the floor. We enjoyed some quiet time in front of a TV with a remote. At the time, we were very old school and had not joined the technology of the eighties.

We slept very soundly that night. I awoke to complete quiet in our room. Absolute silence. No little girl noises at all. Through a hazy, dreamy state I was curious as to why that was and then I sat bolt upright in bed. Our girls were not in their bed. I jumped up to find that a trash can had been tipped upside down by the room door and the chain lock was unlatched, the door slightly ajar. How did I not hear this? I screamed at Scott and we both took off down the hall calling for the girls. My biggest fear was the pool. I was out the door in seconds and dashing towards the still water.

Scott was still searching the halls of the hotel as we met back up with no little girls. This all took place in probably about three minutes although it seemed as if time had stopped altogether and I did not know how to turn it back on. We were ready to dial 911 when our friends poked their heads out of their room and asked us if we had lost something very dear to us. Two little blondes were standing behind them. I felt such relief I can not begin to describe the emotion. We thanked Dan and Kathy and gathered up our skilled renegades and took them back to the room.

We sat them both down and explained that they must never leave us without our permission, especially when we were away from home in a strange place. Kelsey looked up at me with those big blue green eyes and said "You were sleeping and we didn't want to wake you up." Addison stood next to her shaking her head up and down in agreement.

Needless to say, to this day we hide the trash cans when we enter a hotel room.

THE HOLE

Teddy, Addi's Jeep Commander, was oiled, gassed up, tire pressure checked and good to go . . . we packed him up and headed north. There was room for one person in the back seat, three in the middle seat and two in the front. We called the one seat in the back "the hole" because luggage engulfed the person riding there. I have to admit it was a coveted spot, even roomy.

We had just made one of our many fueling stops and I volunteered to sit in "the hole". I climbed in and got cozy. The girls are always the last ones to get back in and buckle up, so I had time to formulate my plan. I was not surprised when Ads came over to sit in front of me. She grabbed the lever on her seat and pushed it back. I yelped in sordid pain, as if she had pinned my toes under the seat. All three girls jumped into action trying to get the seat off of me. Of course, I was faking it, and I started laughing at them. They were not amused. "Mom, I thought you were really hurt" said Ads as she started laughing with me.

No wonder our girls have trust issues. But we do laugh a lot . . . a whole lot.

AQUA BAGS

I made a huge error in judgement last Christmas. The gift was a good idea. It was the marketing that was the mistake.

It all started in September when I began shopping for charm bracelets for each of the girls. I wanted to get the charms for different events in their lives and I wanted to include the grand parents in on the giving. In my mind it played out perfectly and the girls were going to love it. After all, it states in the book "The 100" by Nina Garcia, that every stylish girl must have at least one charm bracelet. I had purchased a copy of that book for each of them the year before.

I was so excited on Christmas morning to see the girls faces when they opened their bracelets. I had saved a couple of gift bags from Tiffany's and I strategically placed each bracelet in a bag and carefully laid it under the sparkling Christmas tree. This was going to be great.

There was a grave tactical error in my plan. The girls assumed when they saw the "aqua bag" that I had spent oodles of money at Tiffany's for each of them. When they opened the pretty package, they were hugely disappointed and unhappy with me the rest of the day. "Mom, that was a cruel trick" and "Mom, how could you do that to us" and "Mom, don't ever try to be clever again" were some of the quotes that I suffered through on that day.

This year I am going to be smarter with my wrapping abilities. I am using only ribbon.

ROSA PARKS

We were in Portland, Oregon on our continuing trek north to Seattle. There, before us, was an exit for Rosa Parks Blvd. That triggered a fond memory.

We were watching the news and Rosa Parks, the lady who would not give up her seat on the bus, was being discussed. Addison walked in during the segment and she said "Wait, I know her . . . what happened . . . who is she?" She was sure Rosa was one of her many friends, she just couldn't nail it down. Finally, Addison realized, she did know her . . . from a history class.

Addison Roderick . . . gotta love her!

LOCKED OUT

We made our first stop after leaving Kelsey and Seattle behind under a thick cloud cover. I always have a sad heart when I have to leave one of my babies. It never gets easier.

Starbucks, once again, was calling me and we have them all scoped out up and down the 5 freeway. This one was right by a gas station. Scott dropped the girls and I off for our craved coffee and he went on to fuel up the Jeep.

It was a busy morning at this normally slow Starbucks, so I got in line and waited for about 10 minutes until our coffees came up. The girls were sitting at a table and chatting as I walked over to serve them their toasty drinks. I only do this coffee delivery thing when we go out of town. Most of the time the kids are on their own and must grab their own beverages. I joined them as we waited for Scott, and waited, and waited, for almost 45 minutes. What could he be doing? The girls saw him at the station . . . what was taking so long?

Yes, he'd done it again. He had locked the keys in the car with his phone and his wallet. The station attendant told him to call the local fire department. He explained that this sort of thing happened all the time and the firefighters in the area didn't have anything else to do so they like to come out and lend a hand when needed. Another lock guy was in the station and he gave the firefighters a tutorial on a new tool that would help with locked car doors. Everyone was happy that Scott had made a mistake because the community could now benefit from the new found knowledge the firefighters had gained.

Scott got a cool coffee and we laughed all the way down the road.

What can I say . . . we're Roderick's . . . it's what we do.

BETHLEHEM

We were coming back down from Seattle and were searching a hotel room. We had stopped and looked at several and we just weren't finding what we wanted. As we were leaving one of the hotels Shae said "I feel just like Mary and Joseph while they were seeking a room in Bethlehem."

The car became still as we all thought about that night so long ago. We sighed and continued our search in the cold, damp Oregon mountains.

Shae has a gift for putting our spiritual minds in perspective.

RODERICK GIRLS WISH LIST FOR CHRISTMAS

We thought it would be interesting to let you enter the domain of the Roderick girls twisted Christmas wish list. Our concern is that you will feel sympathy for the parents of this family of unrealistic children. We do not want your sympathy, however, we would covet your prayers. The list is a compilation of all their requests in lieu of singling them out.

Tiffany's jewelry
Any kind of boots
Airline ticket vouchers
Clothes
Gift Cards
Perfumes
Designer jeans, actually designer anything
Anything organic
Anything that gives back to the community
Shopping with unlimited use of parents credit card
Season tickets to Galaxy games
iPod anything
iMac notebook
Camera
Flip video camera
Wet suit
Surfboard
Gas card
Wheels and tires

This doesn't begin to cover the requests that have been tossed around the house in passing. Only at the Roderick's.

FORKS HIGH SCHOOL

We went to Forks, Washington while on our Thanksgiving holiday. It was interesting, to say the least. We had to see all the "Twilight" stuff in that small town and it didn't take us long, I assure you.

We happened upon Forks High School on Thanksgiving morning and all was quiet on the small street where it was located. The girls jumped out of the car and started setting up photo opportunities. There was a large sign indicating where they were and we had to plan our pictures perfectly for the Roderick ladies. Jumping, smiling, pouting, etc. was all included in their "Twilight" menagerie.

They were posing and I saw an older Ford explorer coming down the road towards us at a leisurely pace and thought nothing of it until I heard the girls scream and Addison yelling "You live in Forks." Scott was shaking his head and laughing. Hope had covered her face, Shae was gaping and smiling. Addison ran out in the street to get a better look. Kelsey and I stared at each other with blank expressions.

That's right. The Roderick girls were "new" mooned in Forks.

SHEEP FARM

As many of you know I am an avid knitter, especially so during the chilly winter months. It gets down in the 60's here in SoCal and I am all about the cozy knitting in front of the TV or fire. I love quick, small projects that include beanies, socks, scarves, hair bands, flowers and I also enjoy the occasional sweater. Natural fibers are my favorite.

We were driving up the 5 on our way to Seattle for Thanksgiving. Just outside of Eugene, Oregon there are the most gorgeous sheep farms I have ever seen. My idea of retiring some day may include living on a small piece of land similar to those observed along that stretch of freeway. So green you got lost in the color with sheep so wooly you could feel their warmth.

Once we got to Seattle, I was able to share my observations with Kelsey and she was all over the idea. She said "Mom, I could buy a farm and raise the sheep for you. I could have dogs and chickens, too. I could write and take care of the whole venture. You could come up and stay during the sheering and lambing months and we could spin the wool and knit up garments and market them. We could do a start to finish business and it could totally be organic. That would be so cool, huh? I am going to research it and I will let you know how hard it would be, but I think it would be a piece of cake if we can find the right fit, a perfect farm for us, right?"

Yes, Kels, it would be cool, but I get tired just thinking about it. Perhaps we can revisit this idea once your sisters are out and on their own like you. For now, my feet are firmly planted in California. And there would be the matter of convincing your father of moving to a colder climate. He loves the tropical heat.

Keep the dream alive, Kelsey, just keep it alive.

GERSEY

I never thought I would meet another dog like our own pampered pooches. We did, and her name is Gersey. The cutest little beagle you will ever encounter and she lives on about 75 acres in Medford, Oregon. She belongs to the Pearson family and she is like no other canine you will ever have the pleasure to make company with and enjoy.

Gersey loves to beg at the dinner table, chew up shoes, run over, under and around the furniture, jump up on visitors and into their cars. She is generally a happy young lady. Not so when other creatures invade her perceived space.

You can hear Gersey baying from everywhere on the property. The Pearson's have a trail cam (a camera placed on the trail to catch glimpses of wildlife) and Gersey is the star. She has treed bears, raccoons and any number of roaming creatures. She is, after all a hunting dog, barely a year old and has learned her job well.

In all the years we have known the Pearson's, they have always had some sort of domesticated pet. Forgive me, if I've forgotten any. Their was Aspen, Bailey, Checkers(cat), Derby, Eddie(cat), Fresca and now, Gersey.

Last Tuesday morning, November 24th, Hope came drowsily down the stairs, at the Peason homestead, and neglected to take care of her slippers. Gersey got a tight hold and took off like a shot out of a .38. Hope chased her around the house until Marybeth explained she would never catch Gersey by mowing her down. Hope had to come up with better tactical moves. So she just stopped. Gersey dropped the slipper and all was right with the universe once again.

Love and best wishes to Gersey and her family for keeping up with the Roderick's and their crazy road trip.

SOME OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

While lying wide awake after a long day, I just wanted to write down several thoughts to put everything into perspective.

Late at night or early in the morning . . . quiet time.
Stepping into any Starbucks and breathing deeply.
Visiting Ebay and finding the elusive Starbucks gift card.
Laughter and giggles from our fabulous blond beauties.
Natural fibers knitted up into wearable treasures.
Rain all night long joined with the sound of gentle thrumming on the roof.
Warm, tight hugs from my guy.
Revisiting friends after a long separation and feeling like you never missed a beat.
The Books of the New Testament as recited by K-2nd graders.
Frequent walking days with truly cherished friends.
Shopping and spending with my four favorite daughters.
Nights alone with Scott in a hotel room.
Eating off the table with no tableware.
Watching TV with Diesel and Dakota snoring next to me.
Waking up to a sparkling, clean sink.
Catching totally up on the laundry.
Jane Austin movies while eating a bowl of black walnut ice cream.
Long road trips with the family.
A book that I can't seem to put down.

Many more . . . they will have to wait for another blog.

DINNER IN FORKS

We arrived in Forks, WA at about 7:00pm and the sky had sprung a leak and it was pouring. We did a couple of rounds in a couple of "Twilight" stores and then ducked into a little diner called "The Forks Coffee Cafe." It was just what you would expect in the town of Forks.

I ran to use the bathroom and while I was gone, my loving family threw me under a huge bus. They told the server that I was the reason we were visiting the small town and I guess he found that quite amusing. When I returned to the table he boldly said "You girls didn't tell me your mom looked like Bella." Yea, right.

We had a great meal and the best coconut cream pie anywhere. Scott paid the bill and herded the girls out the front door. I found our server, smiled and asked "Could I buy a dozen forks from you?" He looked at me, grinned and said "That is the first time anyone has asked me that. Sure. How about $5.00 for the dozen?" I immediately accepted and walked out with my treasure.

Our girls crawled into the car in disbelief.

Hey, you only live once and I may never get back to Forks, WA.

BATTERY

Last night, Shae went out to her car, only to find that it would not turn over. She was a little angry, but we calmed her down and called AAA. They came over within 30 minutes and the crisis was averted. Shae went on to complete her evening plans without a hitch.

Today was a late start day, so the girls sauntered out the door at about 8:00am only to come back in with smoke emitting from their ears. The car would not start. Scott was immediately contacted and raced home to chauffeur our two chickadees to school.

The family was home for lunch and a new strategy was compiled. I would call AAA again to get yet another jump. I would then proceed to take Shae's car directly to the dealership for a new battery. Shae would use the Highlander to do drop offs and pick ups of Hope and Scott. Averted crisis, part deux.

I arrived at the dealership without interruption and left the car running with the door open, avoiding another dead battery incident. Mike, my assigned service guy, said that was great and I could wait in the hospitality room. While waiting, I gave Scott a quick call to say everything was good. I also asked if I should have them look at the quirky little thing Shae's car does. It locks it's own car doors and turns on it's hazard lights randomly, with no provocation. He gave me a very stern negatory and we left it at that.

I was knitting when Mike came to chat with me. He said "The guys shut the car door. Do you have an extra key with you?" I did not. The extra key was at home. "No problem," he said, " they'll make another." I would only be able to use that key in the door, not the ignition. That would set off a different bunch of grief.

About an hour later, out came Mike. He asked "Does your car just automatically lock the car doors?" I replied "Frequently. It has been dubbed Megatron." He rolled his eyes and said "We had to make another key. You now have two extra keys that will only work on the car doors." I felt like the woman who knows nothing about cars and was treated as such. I was fuming. I had asked Scott about that and now I was the dumb blonde with brown hair.

Sometimes I just want to . . . well, you know.

A LITTLE SLOW OVER THE HOLIDAYS

I must let all of you know that I may be a little slow now and again over the coming holidays. I strive to write everyday in our family blog. Sometimes life just gets in the way.

My goal is to be able to write one blog every day for a year. I started on August 19, 2009 and I am ahead of schedule at the point. I am going for a similar concept as in the movie "Julia & Julie". So far I have plenty of fodder for many Roderick tales, it is finding the time to sit down and write them in a manner that they all deserve that is my challenge.

So my plea to you is to be patient. Tales will continue to come but at a random pace until after the holidays.

Roderick's seem to be busy at this time of year more than any other. Figure that one out.

GERMAPHOBE

We had just finished a horse drawn sleigh ride in the mountains of Utah and we were all extra hungry. You use up a bunch of carbohydrates keeping warm on a clear and snowy night whose temperatures dip below freezing.

We pulled into a McDonald's in Heber City, Utah. Now, as a general rule we do not usually eat at the golden arches, however we made an exception for Anna Grace, our three year old niece. It was a treat for her and brother and sister. My sister likes to eat healthy most of the time.

We ordered and the kids headed for the ball pit. You must understand that my sister and I are polar opposites. Shelly is very strict and has many rules that I just do not adhere too. One of them being NO BALL PIT in a public establishment. She is a bit of a germaphobe and tries to keep her kids away from any activity that may put them at risk for some dastardly disease.

My kids look at me and I shook my head and laughed at my sister and she just rolls her eyes at me. We usually don't push her past her breaking point, so I told the girls to sit down and eat and they could talk to their cousins without going to the ball pit.

Shelly continues to organize her kids by spreading a paper napkin in front of each of them and telling them their hands and food belong on the napkin, never the bare table. My girls just stared at them in total disbelief. My kids have been known to lick spills off bare tables at home as well at restaurants. I know, what a terrible parent I am, but sometimes I simply loose track of what they are doing. Everyone makes mistakes and I have made my share, believe me.

We all watched Anna Grace as she gingerly touched the table without her mother's knowledge. As she got braver and braver and touched farther and farther away from the safety of the napkin, our girls laughed harder and harder. Shelly never did catch Anna Grace and the girls told her all about the incident on the way home.

Roderick's love to tell stories on someone else and they are always up for a tale on their Aunt Shelly.

TWILIGHT

The Twilight Saga is the hottest thing in a teenage girl's mind these days. I am not ashamed that it is also on my mind as I loved the books and suspect I will love all the movies. I remember last year Shae and I went to the 12:01 am showing. And yes, we were in line at 4:00 pm.

I took my knitting and listened in on conversations in the line. Shae and I chatted about the books, her friends, Christmas ideas and school. Shae waited in line while I went to grab a cup of coffee at Starbucks. I waited in line while she went to visit with her friends. It was a very special time that the two of us got to enjoy together.

I also wanted her to remember the time we spent with one another. I gave her a bracelet similar to the one Edward and Jacob gave to Bella. Two charms, a crystal (couldn't afford the diamond) and a sterling silver wolf (couldn't carve a wooden wolf) was attached to the links on the bracelet. As time goes on, perhaps I will add other memories to that charm bracelet that she will hold close to her heart.

This year while waiting in line for "New Moon" I gave each of the girls a bookmark with the characters from the movie we were about to see etched on them. Shae and Hope were able to share the experience with their mother. I cherish the time with our girls. Each of them brings a special sparkle to my life.

Perhaps when "Eclipse" and "Breaking Dawn" come out, Addison and Kelsey will be able to join us. I would love for that to happen. I shall see if I can arrange that on their social calendar.

I am so happy they are all Roderick's.

KELSEY'S FIRST WEDDING

Our girls talk about the weddings they hope to have some day. I know it's a total girl thing, but they do have many ideas, wishes, plans and styles already in their bright minds. All we have to do is come up with the cash.

Kelsey came up with her first idea when she was in middle school. This is what she shared with me.

"Mom, I want to get married in Las Vegas in the Venetian Hotel. I want to ride with my groom on a gondola and have people on the bridges throwing rose petals down on us. The gondolier will be singing to us in Italian and we will be staring into each other's eyes and holding hands. As we come to the last bridge I want the Pope to be standing on it and wearing that big hat he wears when he does Mass. He will do the ceremony and we will continue floating until we are tired."

I tried to explain to Kelsey that first and foremost you must be Catholic to have the Pope do such a ceremony and second I don't think he does weddings. She was disappointed. Her first wedding had been whisked away from her imagination.

We Roderick's think big.

MATERNITY FASHION SHOW

When I was pregnant with Hope we were involved in a very active small group of eight families. The kids would go to our house for baby sitting and our small group met at another families home for our study time. My good friend, Mary Beth, was farther along than I, with her third son. I decided our group needed to throw her and Greg a baby shower. Not just any baby shower would do. It had to be great. It was.

We decided all the husbands would do the best fashion show Medford had ever seen. Each of them would model maternity clothes. Evening, athletic, casual, sleep, jeans, shorts, etc. You name it, the guys did it. They all used the same basket ball and they all sported lovely wigs. I am going to find the pictures and post them some day.

When Sean was born, Mary Beth decided to see what he would look like if he had been a girl. She had been saving an outfit just in case a female graced the Pearson home. She dressed him up in the pinkest girl outfit ever and took a picture. See what happens when the father dresses in drag. I'm going to find that picture, too, and post it.

The Roderick's should never be allowed to throw a baby shower.

SHOTZY'S BASKET

Scott's mom and dad live in Carlsbad and have had two dogs named Shotzy . . . interesting, huh? We call them Shotzy 1 and Shotzy 2.

Shotzy 1 was a puppy at the same time Kelsey was about 18 months old. Kelsey and Shotzy grew up together although we lived far away in Salt Lake City. When we went to Carlsbad they played with the same toys, they sat on Nana and Grandpa's laps and they both loved popcorn, although Kelsey was not as good as Shotzy 1 at catching it in her mouth.

One day while we were visiting, we lost track of Kelsey. We looked everywhere and could not find her. Shotzy finally saved our worry by finding our little girl. She was curled up, sound asleep, in Shotzy's dog basket.

Again, Roderick.

BROOM CHASE

Sometimes the boys coming around the Roderick abode are just so overwhelming for our estrogen intensity. Frankly, we just don't understand some of the testosterone tendencies and many times we just don't know how to react. For instance, sagging jeans with boxers hanging out was the deal back in Kelsey junior and senior high school days.

Charlie, one of Kelsey's early heartthrobs, would come over with sagging pants. We decided that a guideline would be instated about sagging and boxers. It would not be acceptable at our house. No big deal, right?

Charlie came over on his bike to visit Kelsey and Scott was out in the driveway sweeping all the old dirt, trash and dead weeds, just general yard maintenance. Once again, there was sagging and boxers. Scott asked Charlie to pull up his pants. Kelsey and Charlie laughed. "Dad are you serious?" Kelsey asked. Scott said that he was and Charlie let out a laugh that said I am not doing that. Lots of attitude.

Scott chased Charlie down the street with the broom he was using to sweep that said he was very serious. Charlie didn't come back to the Roderick's again with sagging drawers.

I 'M ALL RIGHT

Shae is not known for her graceful, athletic style. She is more of a Jane Austen kind of gal. She loves to be pampered and looked after and simply adores fashion and all that entails. She is the girly girl.

When we lived in Medford, Oregon we had a counter that the girls would eat breakfast at every morning. They had wooden stools that they would climb up on and I had the high chair for Hope at the end of the counter. I could serve them right from the kitchen. It was the perfect set-up for our family.

The kids would wake up, come tumbling into the kitchen, climb up on their designated stool and start clamoring for their cereal. All except Shae. She would be so sleepy and drowsy that she would stumble in, climb up on her stool and promptly fall off of it onto the carpeted floor.

When this first started occuring, we would dash to her rescue, fearful of injury. After a great while, we became immune to Shae's quirky habit. She would fall off and simply jump up and say "I'm all right" and climb back up on her perch, ready for breakfast.

Of course, she's a Roderick.

BEAR CUB

We were visiting an Animal Reserve on the coast of Oregon. It was full of all kinds of species that were indiginous to that area. What intrigued us the most was the variety of baby animals who had been orphaned for one reason or another.

Kelsey and Shae loved it. They had a petting corral that you could go in and sit with the babies and a Reserve employee would give you the run down and history of each little one.

The family favorite was the bear cub. Scott and Kelsey were totally engrossed. They held the wiggly little guy, they fed him a bottle, they rough housed with him. He was a brown bear whose momma couldn't be found.

Addison, on the other hand, was not fond of him at all. She stood on her tip toes on the bench beside Scott with a very fearful look in her eye. We tried to get her to pet the little bear and she would only touch it with one finger and then pull away. Kelsey and Scott romped for about fifteen minutes. It was so fun watching them. Addison was happier behind the fence with Shae and I.

Shae was a little small for the bear cub, but she delighted in the baby possum. She would touch noses with him and nuzzle him while he sat snug in an old knitted beanie. She was very interested in his tiny little teeth. I guess she figured he was just her size.

I wonder what happened to those pictures? If I ever dig them out I'll have to post them.

That day was a memory that the girls and their parents will cherish.

DO THE MATH

Kelsey and her friend were in a very difficult math class when she was in 8th grade. Not only was the class hard, it was taught by a very dry and unexciting teacher.

Their classroom was in a loft in the old school, when it was on the FCC campus. It had one window and Danny and Kelsey sat by it. Having the creative minds of middle schoolers, they came up with a plan.

As people strode around campus they were met with a sign in that one classroom window that said "HELP US".

Kelsey's dad was made aware of that incident quite quickly.

MAMMOGRAM

I had the last appointment of the day for my annual mammogram. My name was called and I followed the technician to the changing room and put on the lovely, functional robe they give you for examinations. I have had many mammograms so I am familiar with the drill. I went straight to the room with the big machine and sat down to read "People" magazine while waiting for the technician.

She lightly tapped on the door and popped into the room all perky and ready to slap my breast on glass. This is not a painful proceedure for me but it is uncomfortable and chilly.

She did my right breast without event. We moved to the left breast, horizontal position. The glass came down and compressed my tiny little boob. My right arm is comfortably hanging at my side while my left arm is slightly above my head grasping a handle. I hear the buzz of the mammography machine and then silence as my technician says "I'll be right back". This is odd I thought but I tried to be patient and understanding.

I waited. Five minutes, ten minutes, fifteen minutes. Now I was getting unhappy. Where had that girl gone? Did she forget about me? Maybe her shift was over and she went home. I was the last appointment. If she didn't come back soon I was really going to panic.

I heard the door open and I relaxed. Finally. From my peripheral vision I saw a hispanic gentleman with a vacuum cleaner enter the room. I was mortified. What is going on?

You must understand you are trapped by a machine that has grabbed your breast and will not let go. There is no chance of escape.

I gave a weak smile and said "Ola". He started laughing hysterically and took out his cell phone and took a picture of me in my precarious position. I could feel my whole body flushing with anger and embarrassment, but I had no verbal response. My voice had been stolen from me as well as my dignity. I was frozen.

He then dialed a number. Speaking in spanish, while still laughing, he paused and put his phone to my ear. There was all kinds of guffawing, laughing and spanish on the other end of the line. All I could say was "Ola". He removed the phone from my ear, hung up, turned on the vacuum and continued his duty as a janitor still chuckling. I tried to explain to him that I needed the technician, but he continued to vacuum around me as I stood there dumbstruck. I didn't speak spanish and he spoke no english. He completed his job and exited the room waving to me over his shoulder.

I suddenly woke up with a feeling of great violation and relief. This could only happen in the mind of a Roderick.

HOME GROWN TURKEY

In honor of the upcoming holiday, I will share a tale of turkey that occured in Medford, Oregon about 16 years ago.

Our friends from church lived on a farm and they agreed to raise a turkey for us if we would supply the feed. We agreed and the turkey was purchased and fed natural corn and all the organic stuff that turkeys love to eat. Our turkey was healthy, free range and a good size bird in time for Thanksgiving dinner.

Dan, our friend, invited the boys to come on over and pick it up the day before the big event so Scott, my dad and brother-in-law all jumped in the car and headed for the Tillotson homestead.

They arrived and Dan took them out to the back forty. There was our turkey out in the barnyard alive and well. The fearsome three did not know what they had gotten themselves into.

My dad had done his share of butchering fowl when he lived on a farm, but it had been a long time. Dan handed him the axe. Dad noticed the axe was a bit dull so he took a swing and rendered the bird unconscious and then decapitated the tom and proceeded to pull out all the feathers. Scott and Russ stood back totally speechless as the scene played out in front of them.

Needless to say it was a traumatic experience for our city guys and they did not enjoy the butchering process in the least. Scott decided then and there that the new Roderick tradition was to go to an organic grocery store and purchase the poultry all ready to be placed in the oven.

I do have to say that bird was the fattest and tastiest turkey that was ever placed in a Roderick mouth and the best ever trimmings.

Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving from all us city Roderick's.

NEW MOON

Last night we went to the opening of "New Moon". There were about 10 of us girls and we had a rip roaring time. We took breaks now and then because we got in line at 3:30 in the afternoon for the 12:01 in the morning movie.

Kim and I left for a little while to go to dinner and grab a Starbucks. I made a stop at the restroom. I walked in and as I was entering an empty stall I noticed what appeared to be a pair of male tennis shoes attached to a male body in an adjoining stall. I didn't know what to do . . . so I went ahead and tinkled.

While I was busy I heard very manly noises coming from that peculiar stall. I must say I was befuddled. Did I go in the wrong restroom, I didn't observe urinals? Was the person next to me a male who perhaps had made a wrong turn somewhere? Or was it a female making those man sounds?

I hesitated before exiting the stall and when I did there was only one girl left washing her hands and her shoes were not the pair I had seen under the door. What a mystery.

I left the restroom and shared my story with Kim. She relayed that she had not seen anyone exit before me. We went to dinner and discussed all the possibilities and decided this could only happen to a Roderick.

DOVES

Doves are not known as the smartest of God's creatures. Case in point.

I was driving up Beach Blvd. after picking up Scott and some of our friends from an afternoon at the beach. Kelsey and Kendra were in the middle seat and Scott and Mike were in the back and one of the other Roderick girls was in the passenger seat.

There were two doves sitting in the middle lane as we were zipping up the road. I kept thinking they were going to take flight. As I heard the thump, thump I realized that did not happen and I checked my rear view mirror to see hundreds of feathers flying out the back of the expedition. I had never hit any animal before and I felt bad but there was absolutely nothing I could have done. Traffic on Beach was congested that day and at that time.

Everyone in the back seats had turned around and were checking out the view because they realized that the birds were now history. Scott and Mike were busting a gut laughing. Kelsey and Kendra had burst into tears and were reading me the riot act for committing murder. I couldn't believe those dumb birds did not fly away. The lone Roderick in the passenger seat was dead silent.

We are Roderick's . . . it is, once again, what we do.

TALES FROM THE TREEHOUSE

The kids in the Treehouse make me laugh so much I thought I would share a tale or two with you . . . enjoy!

One day we were talking about colleges and what college the kids would like to attend some day. I asked them about UCLA and one little girl said "Miss Cindy, UCLA is not a college, it is a football team."

Saturday night the kids were reciting the books of the New Testament for me. I give out beanies, scarves, stockings and headbands when they have memorized the whole thing. One little boy came up and wanted to give it a go. He started out by saying "Matthew, Mark, Luke John, Ass and Romans."

Occasionally I review the church staff in the Treehouse so the kids are familiar with different people and the jobs they are responsible for at the church. I asked "Who is in charge of the Lighthouse?" One little boy replied "Barack Obama."

Out of the mouths of babes . . . and they weren't even Rodericks.

ECLIPSE

Lake Powell, in the summer, is an enchanted water wonderland. We rented a houseboat for a week one hot summer and had the time of our lives. Full of sun, fun and laughter.

We had finished dinner, put all the kids to bed and sat out on the patio to enjoy a cold drink and some quiet discussions of our adventure. It was a full moon and totally gorgeous and our conversations were unequalled. As we watched the summer sky we realized we were observing a lunar eclipse with no obstructions. It was miraculous to witness one of God's creations in such an austere environment. As we continued to converse, one of our friends ran out of the houseboat exclaiming "Don't look at it without eye protection!"

We all looked at her in disbelief and then we burst into silent, but hearty, laughter.

A lunar eclipse, not solar, we were finally able to share with her.

By the way, she was not a Roderick.

SO WRONG

I saw something the other day that was so wrong on so many levels it is hard to believe what my eyes were actually seeing.

I was driving down Main St. by Seacliff Village and HBHS and I saw a lady waiting at the bus stop. This in itself is not unusual. What happened next was unusual. Please understand that this event took seconds to occur, but it takes a little more time to write in black and white and for you to read it.

The woman had turned around and was bending over the bus stop bench. Keep in mind that she was in her sixties, had long waist length grey hair and was wearing a very short skirt. I could not believe it, but she had on a thong and her skirt was so short that nothing was left to my imagination. She may as well have been commando. I was so shocked I had to keep staring to make sure I was actually seeing what I was seeing.

I like to think of myself as being pretty tolerant of one's clothing choices. This, however, was beyond my ability to accept. What was this woman thinking? Couldn't she feel the breeze up her back? Didn't she realize that you can not bend over while wearing a short skirt bare legged? Did she forget how old she was? I spent many hours pondering these questions and evaluating my own choices for attire.

Please, if I ever wear anything inappropriate, for the love of God, inform me quickly before I meet the same fate as that woman at the bus stop.

TINKLE IN THE SNOW

The Roderick's love to take road trips. We have always jumped in the car with kids in tow, taking on an interstate for a 12-14 hour adventure. We could tell story after story, but this one is so typical.

We had driven to SLC for Christmas and we were loading up and getting out of there so that we could beat the snow storm that was headed our way. We did pretty well until we hit the Nevada desert on our way back to Medford, Oregon. Nothing for miles and miles and we didn't see sand, we encountered snow. We had to slow down to a crawl and Scott had been holding his soda for a very long time and it was necessary to pull over and take a break, so to speak.

Of course, the girls were very curious as to why Dad had to get out of the car in the snow. Now I made a very basic parental error of being totally honest and truthful with our girls. I told them that Dad had to piddle and there wasn't anywhere to go so he was going along side the road.

Scott, in the mean time, was behind the van going and going and going (big soda, remember). The second I had explained this to the girls, they were out of their seat belts, hurdling over the back seat, peering out the back window, eyes wide with anticipation. All that commotion just to catch a glimpse of their father relieving himself.

Scott smiled and waved with his free hand and the girls were thrilled. They still bring that tale up every once in a while.

Just another Roderick day.

6:30AM

Scott and I awoke this morning to a tremendous ruckus going on outside our bedroom door. Girls jumping out of bed and hitting the floor sounding like a herd of elephants running through the savannah. They had slept in and had five minutes to get ready. It was on.

Suddenly, we heard Hope giggling and Shae telling her it's not funny. Then, Shae screaming that she is so mad at Hope, so mad at her life and so mad at anything else that gets in the way. Following that rampage, she is yelling at Hope to just go get in the car. I was going to investigate this tirade further when they got home from school, for sure.

Both girls walked in the front door at lunch and I was ready for them. I did get the whole story.

Apparently, the girls were scrimmaging for the bathroom once they were awake. In and out, in and out. Shae got caught on the toilet paper and ran to her room with it still on the roll stuck to her pants and basically toilet papered the hall and her bedroom. Everywhere she walked, TP followed. Hope got tickled with that scene and started laughing. Shae was furious because she didn't have time for this nonsense and told Hope to go to the car.

When they arrived at school, Shae was still checking with Hope about the toilet paper stuck to her pants. Sure enough, there was a small remnant under her jacket that wasn't completely removed. Poor Shae.

Don't you wish you were a Roderick girl?

RAINY DAY BIKE RIDE

Phyllis and I have walked together for many years. Some years we were better about it than others, but I am not here to judge, just to state facts. One year we really stepped it up and we were riding bikes and walking. I know, it's hard for me to believe too, but it is true. Let me share one of our many adventures.

We planned to meet at the church and ride our bikes to the beach and then decide our destination from that point. It was a little cloudy but I told Phyllis that my Grammy used to say "if there is enough blue sky to make a pair of pants it won't rain." Sort of an abstract way to predict the weather, but we were on our bikes and riding away without a care about the climate.

It started to pour before we reached PCH. What are two gals, soaking wet, to do? We made a quick decision and stopped to go through some open houses in the Boardwalk track, a brand new development. We rode up, parked our bikes and raced up to the first house. We wiped our feet, we may have even taken off our shoes, and pranced through the gorgeous home. We did take notice of the large ceramic pear on the kitchen counter. Interesting designer. We went through three models that morning and all of them had those same pears on the kitchen counter, some of them in a group of three or four. Were we missing something? Do we need to purchase pears for our kitchens as well? We thought they were hideous, but we aren't designers.

We never did figure that one out, but we did have fun touring those houses. We even came away with a few ideas for our own homes.

It never did stop raining, so we rode back to the church with a memory in our hearts. Sorry, Grammy, your little quote did not serve us well on that soggy day.

Anyone want to take a bike ride with a Roderick?

NOXEMA

Way back when, I used Noxema to clean my face. For some reason Kelsey loved the smell, texture and the blue jar. I would give her a little dab to use while she was observing me performing my evening ritual. She would copy my every move and enjoyed herself whole heartedly.

One afternoon my friend, Betsy and her little boy Dylan, stopped by to play. Betsy and I have known each other for years so it was natural for our kids to grow up and play together. Kelsey and Dylan would trot down to her room and play with all the toys and Betsy and I would enjoy a cup of coffee and chat. Our kids were great together and fighting and arguing was rare.

We were deep in conversation when we realized there was silence in the house. This is a bad sign when you have kids. We went to check on the two amigos and were stunned at what we found. They had apparently left Kelsey's room and had entered the master bath and all the toiletries. Dylan had been covered head to toe in Noxema. In his hair, in his ears, up his nose and all over his arms. Kelsey looked a little better because, hey, she had had lessons and knew how to correctly apply the cream.

The two Noxema kids just smiled and we had them in the bathtub in a flash. I was surprised they were not able to get any in each others eyes. That would have been bad and I was happy not to have to fight that battle. We soaked them for about half an hour in warm water. FYI - Noxema is not easy to get out of hair.

Ahhh, the house of Roderick.

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

This will be our 28th Christmas together. That's right, it's hard for me to believe, but it is. Twenty-eight years ago I did the Twelve Days of Christmas for Scott. Let me share what I did with you.

I started on December 11, 1981 (started it early because he was leaving for Lancaster, CA for Christmas Day with his family).

Day 1 - One picture of me
Day 2 - Two movie tickets
Day 3 - Three wooden spoon ornaments
Day 4 - Four crocheted stockings
Day 5 - Five course meal (beverage, salad, soup, main course, dessert)
Day 6 - Six chocolate chip cookies
Day 7 - Seven quilted ball ornaments
Day 8 - Eight knitted bell ornaments
Day 9 - Nine crocheted wreath ornaments
Day 10- Ten pop top Santa ornaments
Day 11- Eleven pieces of home made fudge
Day 12- Twelve hours spent making a quilt (he still has it)

Shae did the same thing for her boyfriend last year. She started on December 13, 2008. Notice the difference in the lists and how much our lives have changed.

Day 1 - One fleece Batman blanket
Day 2 - Two V-necks
Day 3 - Three sweaters
Day 4 - Four movie tickets
Day 5 - Five piece Batman sheet set
Day 6 - Six Sprinkles cupcakes
Day 7 - Seven DVD's
Day 8 - Eight pieces of fudge
Day 9 - Nine comic books
Day 10- Ten home made cookies
Day 11- Eleven Batman tatoos
Day 12- a Batman tee shirt

Start planning now for the one you love . . . it's never too soon!

ESCAPE FROM A PARKING LOT

As many of you are aware, the Home Depot Center parking lot is horrible to get out of after a soccer game. Cars are everywhere and you simply must wait patiently.

We Roderick's have been known to be impatient occasionally and we were itching for something to do during our wait. This particular soccer game was great and we were riding high. Mr. Beckham had scored a goal from half field and the Galaxy had beaten the Wizards without regret.

Addison and her friend Kristin, had taken Adds car to the game so they could leave quickly (haha) and we were in the family Highlander. We were following them out of the parking lot fiasco and were momentarily in gridlock. We could see Addi and Kristin swaying to the music, laughing and talking.

Now was my chance and I told the family to watch my plan unfold. I carefully got out of the car, ducking so as not to be detected and crepted up behind Adds on the passenger side. I jumped up, smacked the passenger side window and screamed at the girls.

The look on their faces was priceless. With utter terror in their eyes, Kristin leaped into Adds lap and they both were shrieking hyserically. It finally registered that it was me and they both started laughing without sound.

My family, still in the car, saw the whole thing from behind and they were laughing as well, as I got back in our car.

Just another soccer game with the Roderick's.

HOCKEY

Call me ignorant, but I didn't realize what a brutal sport hockey is. We were fortunate enough to attend an Anaheim Mighty Ducks game last week and boy did I get schooled.

The game was going, maybe one minute, and a fight broke out. Helmets were flying, gloves were tossed, bare fisted punches were being thrown and I was aghast. I have never seen anything quite like it before. There was no finesse, no glamour, no pin point accuracy . . . just bare boned, down and dirty brute strength. I could have missed something, but I was appalled.

Other sports have penalties for such behavior as I witnessed. Hockey referees seemed to let it happen right before their star struck eyes. Fans are screaming and yelling for bloodied and battered bodies to be flung across the ice. Little kids are declaring that they knock teeth out with the little rubber puck. "Break a stick, slice the ice, pop him between the eyes", were some of the chants I heard being hurled at the teams.

Then the period was over and these girls skate onto the ice in scant black jumpsuits and sweep/shovel ice shavings to the side of the arena while fans yell at them. I would not want my daughters participating in an activity so crude and unrefined.

Three periods and I was so done. God gave me girls for a reason and I thank Him daily.

My nephew plays hockey in Utah. I wonder if the rules are different there because I have seen several of his games and he does not behave the way I saw the "professionals" behave on Monday night. Perhaps he is still young enough that he has not picked up the "hockey habits" yet. Please, Shelly, keep a sharp eye on him!

I think I'll stick with soccer . . . so much safer for a Roderick girl.

HALLOWEEN 1996

It was a dark and dreary night at the Roderick house. One little goblin had come down with the chicken pox.

Scary, yes. Happy, no.

All the wee Roderick's were different colors of fairies that fateful year. One purple, one black, one pink, one hot pink. Wands, wings, ballet slippers and tights all fit perfectly. Trick or treat bags in hand, out the door they pranced with their faithful father leading the way. Off to the church for the Harvest Carnival. All except a small one who was left behind with her mother, dressed in her Halloween finery.

Covered head to toe in pox, she was none to happy. She felt fine and was lamenting missing all the extreme fun to be had on Halloween. There's always next year sweet one. That held no solice for this Roderick.

Who knew that the next week the other three Roderick girls would come down with the pox at the same time? Those three missed several pizza parties and a boat load of other activities.

Addison had her Halloween revenge!

DOGGIE SPA

Dakota and Diesel are the most pampered of all the pets in the Roderick kingdom. Our prince and princess will be two years old in February and they demand our utmost attention. Of course, we adore them and have learned to respond to their every need. Case in point. D. & D. get a spa treatment once a week.

They are first brushed on the patio with the sea breezes tickling their skin. This is followed by a brisk run up the stairs to the waiting shower. The water temperature is just right for our two little K-9's. All the jets are turned on so they may enjoy a tingling hydro-massage. Once completed, they are graced with a scrubbing using jasmine scented soap, followed by a relaxing rest on the cool tile of the shower stall. Now they are ready for their intimate drying needs, before being whisked off to their kennel for the shake, rub and roll on the finest scented bath towels.

After being released from their kennel, they dine on left-overs from the refrigerator, always warmed up in the microwave. They feast on a dessert fit for kings, chicken jerky strips, all accompanied by a never ending bowl of water.

Now it's time for their romp in the back yard. They are accustomed to balls of every size, sticks, stuffed toys and any debris that may be discovered. This activity does not include the general roll in the dirt. They are only permitted on the grass at this time. They are generously spritzed with doggie perfume as they wait patiently at the sliding glass door.

Once they are back in the confines of the house they are escorted to the couch where they receive a full body massage. This is so relaxing that they fall completely and utterly sound asleep. In this final spa ritual, they are singularly carried to their kennel for a solid nights rest.

Doggie Spa information can be obtained by contacting any of the Roderick family.

SCREAMING HURDLE

So, we went to a Galaxy game the other night and we took our friends the Hurdles with us. Scott and I love soccer. We were thrust into the game by the girls and AYSO has been part of our vernacular for at least 20 years.

The Galaxy dominated (2-0 over San Jose) and we watched some of the after game activity on the field. I think soccer players are entertaining. They are, so lean, so strong, so humorous. Not to mentioned being able to see David Beckham live, but I digress.

We try to stick around and hang out while the parking lot empties. The Home Depot Center has terrible parking issues and rather than fight it, we avoid it.

We are walking out chatting with one another and we hear this blood curdling scream from none other than D. Norman Hurdle. What is wrong with him? We don't know until Cherylynn sneaks up behind us and is laughing hysterically. You must understand, Cherylynn laughs like this quite often at Don's expense.

Apparently, Don saw a rather frightful sight while leaving the stadium. A lady with long, grey, stringy hair and black attire, floated by him. As she passed she smiled directly at him and she was in need of dental care. He was taken aback and let out the startled shriek.

Perhaps it was the lady who screamed when she saw Don . . . we will never know for sure.

It could only happen to the Roderick's while they were with the Hurdle's.

UGLY BABY

Sometimes your kids just embarrass you beyond compare. This happened when Kelsey was just under two years old and was becoming very verbal, although, still slightly difficult to understand, unless you were her mama.

We were grocery shopping and Kelsey was happily sitting in the cart enjoying the ride. I noticed she was giving the stink eye to a man pushing his baby in a cart heading straight for us. As we passed by him, Kelsey yelled out in the most distinct vocalization of her young years, "Mama that baby is ugly!" I was mortified.

First of all, where did she learn that word? We never used it in our home. Secondly, how did she know what was and was not beautiful? Thirdly, what could I say?

I just anxiously laughed and told Hope that the baby was gorgeous and she shouldn't say things like that. The father looked at me forlornly, but alas, I had no more to say.

We are well aware of the Roderick mouth . . . we just don't know how to react to it!

GUN CLUB

I know. This title seems so very out of place for the Roderick's since we are overwelmingly female. However, I must say we are pretty dang good shots. Let me elaborate.

My dad belongs to the Cottonwood Gun Club in Salt Lake City and he and my nephew go up and target shoot quite frequently. When we are there visiting we also join them on the mountain as gun club guests. Dad brings his rifles, shot guns and pistols and we start shooting. Some day we may try clay pigeons but for now we use bull's eye targets.

I myself am pretty good with the 22 rifle. I don't care for the pistol, it has a little kick and it makes me lose concentration. Scott is good with them all. The last time we went we had Dad, RJ, Jeff, Addison, Shae, Scott and myself, so we took up a lot of target space at the club. Dad gave us all our gun safety training refresher course and we got started. The noise gets you at first, but then you acclimate and just start firing.

Addison and Jeff did their fair share of arguing while RJ was very intent on his target. Shae is very intense about her target practice. Dad was busy loading and I was trying to take pictures of everybody. Scott, as he sometimes does, just watches the chaos surrounding him. After we finish every round we put down our weaponery and go get our targets.

Shae cleans up on the targets. She is very good. Now we line up the cans and all go back to take a shot or two at those. Everyone is ready, we all say clear, and the shooting begins all over again.

Shae is the best shot in the Roderick family. Cans are flying, ammunition is pinging and RJ and Jeff can't believe a girl is out shooting them.

Ah, the life of a Roderick girl.

JESUS LOVES ME

We Roderick's are not known for our fabulous musical talents. In fact, I think not one of us can carry a tune in a tin can. That being said, it does not stop us from trying to use that particular gift that God did not grace us with . . . we do attempt to sing occasionally. At least, the young ones do try.

I was grocery shopping at Harmon's, a popular store in Utah, when Kelsey had just started to put sentences together and was quickly becoming very verbal. We were wandering up and down the produce aisle, meandering through cereals, strolling through frozen foods, just taking our time. Kelsey was sitting in the cart and kicking her little feet and looking cute as a button, when suddenly, with no warning, she started singing at the top of her lungs. "Jesus loves me this I know . . .". I tried to encourage her to sing softly, but she was having no part of that thought. She didn't stop, she continued singing through out the store. People were turning corners and skipping our aisle. People were peeking through merchandise to see who was singing. People were lining up at check out to make a hasty escape.

You see, we were pegged at that point, as a "non-mormon" because "Jesus Loves Me" is not a song that mormons would sing. Not in their hymnals, not in their ward, not ever. I was trying to blend in, being in the minority, so that was a dead give away as to my spiritual persuasion. Not that being a Christian is bad in Utah, it is just a little difficult.

I hate to admit that I was embarrassed, but I was and Kelsey was not at all. She kept singing all the way out to the parking lot, unloading groceries, plugging her into her car seat. She finally fell asleep singing on the way home.

Any one looking for a 24 year soloist who is very good at "Jesus Loves Me?"

GO CART

One of our favorite things about going to Utah in the summer is the infamous go cart. My dad's good friend built this racing machine years ago and it is a real treat for us to be able to take it out and lay down some speed. Seriously, we all love it . . . even Scott and I, even my dad has taken that baby on a few spins!

We load it up in my dad's 1972 red Ford pick-up truck and take it to the church parking lot. It is then unloaded and the race is on. We set up lawn chairs and watch the kids tear around the large black top makeshift race track. It goes pretty fast, at least I think it does. The kids say they want it to go faster. They have been known to two wheel around corners and up curbs, laughing all the way. It's real close to the ground so not much danger of flipping, at least that is my prayer.

We all wear the appropriate head gear while driving and we all have a passenger with us while we make our laps around the "track". It is really fun to be there on the fourth of July when we pull out the fireworks and run over smoke bombs.

Care to guess who is the most daring on the track? If you guessed Addison, you would be wrong. Shae is a demon in the go cart. None of us can touch her. She is a maniac . . . fishtaling, spinning, fast. We can't believe her and she is so intense in her driving abilities. Hope is the cautious one and I haven't seen Kelsey drive it in a while . . . maybe this summer.

Dad's friend, Paul, passed away a few weeks ago. We will always remember how he made our summers just a little more fun by letting us use his go cart. Thanks, Paul.

Go burn some rubber with the Roderick Racing Team.

CELEBRATE

When our girls were little we would celebrate their birthdays by appreciating other individuals who had made a contribution to their young lives in the last year. We would sit down and talk about people who they thought made their life better, someone who had taught them something special, someone who had given them a piece of their time, someone who had done something that they would remember the rest of their lives. We would come up with a special gift for that person in honor of our particular daughters birthday.

We were trying to teach the girls to reach out of themselves and think of others. We were trying to teach the girls about the community where they lived. We were trying to teach the girls that giving is almost always better than receiving. We were trying to teach the girls about Jesus on a real level that they could easily understand. We were trying to teach the girls to reach out of themselves and into the lives of others.

For several years we did this with our girls and for whatever reason, we discontinued the practice at some point. I am not sure we accomplished the goal we set for ourselves. I don't know how you measure success on an abstract level. I do know that our girls have made us proud of their accomplishments up to now and I know they will continue to grow into the young women that God has ordained them to be.

Perhaps they will take up our challenge and start celebrating their birthdays again by celebrating others that have contributed to the women they have become. There are so many of you that have enhanced their individual lives that it would take years for them to honor you all.

Please know that we as a family appreciate each of you that have touched our lives. You do not go unnoticed in our hearts.

We love being parents of Roderick girls.

TINKLING & TEETH

Our first trip to the beach with Kelsey was quite eventful. I sat her in the sand and kept a wary eye on her. She proceeded to grab, as only babies can, a handful of sand and put it in her mouth with the speed of a vampire. The truly abhorring thing was that the handful of sand also included an old cigarette butt. I washed her mouth out and brushed her little gums and her two teeth for a good five minutes.

Our next trip to the beach with Kelsey was just as entertaining. She was now walking and moving and shaking all over the sand and in the water, not venturing to far from Scott. She was enjoying chasing the waves. She would pick up and sling sand. She would squat down and just dig. She would look for shells. She loved feeling the wind blow through her little pig tales. She loved laying in the sun on her big beach towel.

She was skipping into the wet sand and waiting for another wave when she froze. And then I saw her little head bend over and look between her legs as a little stream was drizzling into the sand. She watched until she was finished, standing on her tiny toes, and then resumed her frolic on the Carlsbad beach.

The freedom of enjoying the birthright of a Roderick.

SAY WHAT YOU MEAN

I am going to share with you one of my many failures as a Mom. I do this as a cautionary tale for when you are undeniably frustrated beyond the human realm and you have no words to describe the emotional roller coaster that you have boarded.

All Roderick girls were present and accounted for and we were driving to a city far, far away. I must share with you that we were in our mini van, not the expedition. Had we been in the expedition, I am certain this tale would not be told.

Rumbles were beginning to break out in the back seat. One child was teasing another child, one child was yelling at another child, one child was kicking the driver's seat, one child was changing radio channels. This Mom was to her limit.

I don't know what happened. I thought I was in control of my emotions. No PMS, not on period, no peri menopause. Suddenly, without explanation, I screamed at the top of my lungs "I AM GOING TO KILL YOU KIDS!"

As soon as the words exited my mouth, I felt great remorse. How could I have said this horrible statement to the children that I achingly love? Even more profound . . . the car was silent.

Good, or not so good. I felt exposed. I felt guilt. I felt failure. What kind of parent was I? I immediately experienced the need to fix this faux pau, so I pulled over and told my kids "I am so sorry. I did not say what I meant to say with the right words. I meant to say that while I am driving you must not distract me by fussing in the back seat. Please forgive me." And they did.

Understand that forgiving is not the same as forgeting as my girls let me know quite frequently . . . "Mom remember when you said you were going to kill us?"

I still love being a Roderick.

SUGAR GLIDERS

Please have the sense to say "no" if your son or daughter ever asks you if they can have a sugar glider. Sugar gliders are noisy, smelly and freak people out. They live part time in a pouch that is carried around your neck so you can "bond" with the creature. They look like a hybrid cross between a rat and a bat.

Kelsey called me several years ago, while on a trip to Utah. She wanted to bring home sugar gliders, two to be exact. She had everything she needed, the cage, the pouch, their food and a tent. All she wanted was our permission and stupidly, without much thought, we gave it.

The minute she walked through the front door of the house we knew we had made a terrible error in judgement. The cage was huge and the sugar gliders were scary. They had bulging eyes and brown fur and moved in jerks and twitches. They made a screeching sound followed by a gurgle. These animals were wild and you had to put them in a tent with you to play with them. They would run around and jump from person to person in the tent. They really freaked me out.

One of the foods they ate were mealy worms. Kelsey would feed them the worms and they would gobble them up. One time, only once, one of the worms got away and slithered into Addison's room. You can't imagine the screams that were heard bouncing off those walls.

They stayed in Kelsey's room and they made a complete mess of everything. They had a distinct odor that was not pleasant. They would climb on the side of the cage and poop which would then be slung on the walls. They were nocturnal and you could hear them jumping around in their cage in the dead of night. I would go in to check on Kelsey late in the evening and they would jump at me against the cage with wide, bulging eyes and send me into shock. I am begging you not to let your children bring home pets that you have not observed in action.

Only Roderick's make those kinds of mistakes.

GAS IN VEGAS

During one of our many road trips home from Salt Lake City, we passed through a small town in Arizona, Glendale, along the Interstate 15. I mentioned to Scott we were low on fuel and he assured me we would make it to Vegas where gas was much cheaper. Being the trusting wife I am, I whole hearted supported his decision.

We were about 20 miles from Las Vegas and you can guess what happened . . . out of petrol. Now this was before cell phones were readily available and we suddenly found ourselves in a bit of a bind. How could we reach AAA?

My dad had been playing with the girls and using an old phone that plugged into the cigarette lighter. It was ancient, had the cord and everything. Addison insisted on bringing it home with her. She pulled in out and suggested we plug it in and give it a go. Scott raised his eyebrows and I reminded him why we were in this fix in the first place and he plugged it in and dialed 911. Believe it or not, it worked and they connected him to AAA and they said they would send a truck right away from the town that we did not stop in for gas. It was going to take about 45 minutes. Now it gets interesting.

We are pulled off to the side of the freeway, it's getting dark and we've got four little girls that are bored. Hope is yelling because Kelsey has told her the Baba Yaga's have changed her into a worm. Addison wants to call her friends on the phone. Shae is singing to her tape player. They are invading each other's space as well as mine. I have a splitting headache and at this point I am so frustrated I don't care what Scott is doing.

Fortunately, the truck arrives before we tear each others faces off. It was actually early and gave us enough fuel to really get us to Las Vegas and we are once again on our way towards the OC.

By the way, the gas we bought from the tow truck was twice as much as we would have paid in that little town.

R.J.'s DEER

This is a favorite story about my nephew. He wrote it all up for me so I wouldn't forget it. They live in Salt Lake City on the side of a mountain just below a small canyon. Lot's of exploring goes on at my sister's house.

My mom's friend found a big buck up the canyon that a bobcat killed. So up the mountain my friend and I went to see for ourselves. My friend's big dog came with us because you do not want to mess with bobcats and we didn't know if one was still prowling around.

We found the deer and it was pretty tore up and it was a big four point buck. I knew I might be able to make some money selling the antlers, so my friend and I started to drag is down the mountain. We tried to saw off the antlers, but it was getting dark and my sister came up to get us. She and my mother were not happy about a dead deer being dragged towards our house. We decided to stash the deer behind a big rock and headed home.

I dreamed all night about my deer and how I would spend the money I was going to make. During the evening my mom had shared the story with my grandad. He was excited, but was concerned as well. It seems in Utah it's not legal to move an animal that has been killed and/or move body parts of said animal.

Grandad gave me a call the next morning to give me the bad news. I was a little worried because I had already moved the deer, so we just left it where it was and we'll go back someday and see what we can find. Better still, maybe grandad will take me hunting and I can bag my own four point buck.

See, adventure runs in our family.

LOVE GARDEN

We have a flower garden in our backyard that has been unkept since Kelsey and the boy who shall not be named broke up. It used to be very relaxing. A little fish pond and small trickling water fall, lots of green foilage, flowers, some strawberries. It was nice.

They had a plan that worked and they worked hard on the plan. Problem was once the plan was in place, there was no maintenance.

We added fish to the pond, they died. We put little turtles in the pond, they were eaten by a racoon (no kidding). The sprinklers stopped working, everything green died. Kelsey never weeded, nobody else weeded and the weeds took over. The rest of us did not want to do the maintenance.

I guess we should have known this was going to happen. As it was being constructed there was much fussing and fighting. Arguing and yelling at one another was the standard. "It's to heavy" and "Just pick it up" and "Not there, right there" were just a few of the phrases being tossed around. Stomping through the house, slamming doors, weeping, grinding teeth, swearing under ones breath. I watched it all play out and knew this was not good and I could see the writing on the wall.

The "Love Garden" only lasted as long as the relationship was maintained.

AIRPORT

We still lived in Medford, Oregon and occasionally the girls and I would fly to Salt Lake City to visit my parents. Kelsey was five and Addison was two and there were no direct flights out of Medford.

We stopped in San Francisco for about two hours, so I took the girls and we took a walk, had a snack, used the restroom and were walking back to the gate. Addison squirmed away from me and ran straight into the mens restroom.

Now, I had to ponder this for a moment. I didn't think it would be good for me to run in after her, although truly that is what I wanted to do. But I thought if I was arrested for some sort of crime that wouldn't be good either and I still had Kelsey to worry about.

So I choose to wait by the door and call for her. She walked out hand in hand with a dapper young business man who was smiling as if he understood the whole scenerio. Addison looked like she had observed sights that dazed and dazzeled her and would continue to do so for a long time.

I thanked the man for bringing her out and he was very kind and gracious. I bent down and looked into Addison's eyes and explained to her she must never run away from me in an airport again. I explained that it scares mommy when she runs away.

Those big blue eyes stared back at me and I knew there would be more to come in her young life. So much more.

THE BOY WHO SHALL NOT BE NAMED

We have a very important list in the Roderick house. You do not, under any circumstances, want to be on the "list". It is akin to Santa's naughty list, and oh, you must be a male to be placed on it.

One young man broke many Roderick house rules. He knew them, but assumed since he hung out with us quite frequently, the rules no longer applied to him. He was relegated to street boy, no longer welcome in our home until he was ready to respect our guidelines. Yep, he's on the "list".

Another male dated our oldest daughter for a couple years. They were quite fond of each other until they weren't. Kelsey left for England and this young man was placed on the "list" by her, his name no longer uttered in her presence. We still don't mention his name when she's home. She has trained us well. And, yea, he's still on the "list".

Several of the young males who have hung around in the past have obtained "list" status. Names I can not reveal, names that would shock you, names that are well known and some that are not, names that the girls have vowed never to murmur again, names that we as Roderick parents have taken liberty to place on the "list".

Many former suitors are on our "list". I am sure you know who you are and if I were you I would try to fix the situation as soon as possible. Believe me, you do not want to remain on the "list".

Once on it, all is not lost, if you are able to attain grace from the daughter you wronged. Believe me, though, it will not be an easy feat. Once a Roderick girl has been disrespected, woe to the male who crosses her again, or worse, does nothing.

The boy who shall not be named could be you.

BEAUTIFUL GAME

As submitted by Scott -

When it comes to sports the Roderick family is into SOCCER. In our BK life (before kids) we were diehard wrestling and football fans; we even had season tickets for the University of Utah football games. What brought on this drastic change, you ask? Kids, daughters to be exact.

Our little girls started out with the usual gymnastics and dance classes, but when the kids showed interest in soccer it took Cindy and I two seconds to realize how much we could be saving with youth soccer so we readily encouraged this new athletic output.

After watching the girls have so much fun with the sport, I also decided I'd like to have a go at it so I signed up to coach Kelsey's team, and then Addison's and then Shae's and then Hope's... I was hooked! I loved the sport and I especially loved the extra quality time I got to spend with the girls. Over the 15 years I've coached everything from U6-U16.

But what about Cindy? What drives her to the ‘beautiful game’? I have asked myself this for quite some time but now I think I finally have the answer. Occasionally we attend LA Galaxy games. Sometimes it is a family event, sometimes it’s just the two of us but the last two games were with other couples. During the game I watched Cindy enjoy the refreshments and cheer for the goals and when the game was over, when most people were trying to rush out of the stadium in order to avoid the parking lot traffic jam, Cindy stood up and intently watched the field. She watched the team handshakes, and the camera crew’s postgame interviews, but her eyes continued to search the field. All of a sudden she called out to her female friends ‘Cherlyn’, ‘Kelley”, ‘there he goes, he is taking his shirt off NOW!’ And then I see it: the #23 jersey flies through the air as a frantic fan grabs at it, leaving only a sculpted, tatted and now shirtless David Beckham leaving the field. And now the game is really over. "Time to go," grins Cindy. And now I know why Cindy loves her soccer.

BOOGERS

I know, not a subject one usually discusses in a public forum. However, we are who we are. After all, we all have them at one time or another, so it must be addressed as to the proper care and disposal.

Kelsey was probably 5 or 6 when this little party in her nose took place. I was always the mom who couldn't stand snotty, runny, gross, boogery noses, inside or out. I was known to take my little finger and dig boogers out frequently. I'm sorry, I just couldn't stand it. I would actually get physically sick seeing those little nostrils full of who knows what. Don't be concerned for your children. It was only mine who received the sanitary nose cleaning.

I was getting Kelsey dressed for the day and of course, I spied a booger just a little way up her nose. So I went to digging with my little finger and scored. As I removed my finger I was unable to believe my own eyes. It was the biggest mass I had ever seen. Kelsey and I just stared at each other. How could such a little child create such a huge nose nugget? I placed the object on a tissue. I know, this is gross, but I saved it to show Scott when he came home. He has no stomach for this sort of thing so he wouldn't even look at it. As I think about the event I probably should have taken a picture of Kelsey holding it and smiling. It would have been great.

From that day on we referred to the incident as "the day I pulled a tree out of Kelsey's nose".

Only in the Roderick house.