Monday, August 31, 2009

OXFORD

It was a dark and dreary night . . . so intriguing, yes?

We were at Kelsey's house in Oxford, England getting ready to catch the bus for London town. Suitcases in tow, we were walking out the front door embarking on yet another Roderick adventure. Streets in England are very rough and unlit so you have to adjust you eyes to the lack of light and watch where you step very carefully, especially on a night like this. Very damp and oh so erie.

Oh my goodness . . . I have neglected a crucial part of my story.

I had arranged with one of Kelsey's housemates to hide in the trees along our route to the bus stop. He had a long black cloak, very similar to those worn in the "Harry Potter" movies or perhaps it was more like and Jedi Knights cape. No matter, it was perfect for what I had in my fiendish mind. He would lurk along the road watching us and at the critical moment jump out in front of the girls. I had thought out my plan well and anticipated it working perfectly.

The girls are chattering and very excited about, of course, shopping in London, and were paying no attention to their surroundings. My intensity level rose as I watched Luke do his lurking. My plan was playing out perfectly. A sudden crash through the trees and there he and his cloak were, in all there enormous glory.

Kelsey stood there and laughed hysterically because she was very familiar with Luke's cloak and obviously familiar with her mother's techniques at setting up a well thought scene.

Shae screamed and stood there frozen and shivering in her Welly's. Her face was priceless, frozen even after her screaming had ceased.

Addison and Meghan screamed in unison and took off running, their soccer training at it's best. They however, know the importance of always being prepared. Those two never dropped their luggage. They were racing down the road with the cases bumping and thumping right behind them. They looked as if the luggage was chasing them. It truly was my moment of greatness.

Tried and true OC girls are they.


Sunday, August 30, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BABY!

Today is Scott's birthday. He is fifty something. I've decided we're going to be fifty something for a long time and keeping people guessing .

I remember several of Scott's birthdays. But two of them hold very fond parcels in my soul.

We once traveled to State Line, Nevada for a birthday celebration. I had arranged for my mom and dad to take Kelsey and off we went for a fun filled weekend without our little darling.

He had no idea where I was taking him. I had arranged for some friends to be in our hotel room to video tape his face as we entered said room. They were going to party with us in this weekend of celebration.

As we walked in Scott grabbed me and pulled me out of the room and slammed the door. Seems he misinterpreted my surprise. When he saw the camera in a hotel room, he thought we were walking into some kind of porn movie that was in production! Fortunately, after the explanation, we had a great time.

Another one of Scott's birthdays was spent on the road traveling up the west coast to Mt. St. Helen's several years after it's eruption. The girls, Kelsey, Addison and Shae were all pretty young and we decided to camp our way on the trek. Not a vaca for ol' mom . . . no, no, no . . . camping with diapers and trying to keep little ones safe, dry, fed, happy, etc. etc. etc., was not dear to my heart. But Scott, at that time, was into the whole granola, outdoorsy, backpacking thing. So being a loving wife, I tried my best to support him and his love for nature.

We finally arrived home and drove onto our quiet, little cul-de-sac and I was so relieved to finally be able to sleep in my own bed. At last, the kids would be clean. I was so happy . . . but wait a minute . . . the date was September 1. Oh no, I had totally forgotten my husband's birthday . . . my children's father's birthday . . . who does that!

You know what . . . Scott didn't say one thing on the special day I had missed. He was just happy to spend it with his family. That's the man I married and love with all my heart.

Happy Birthday, honey. I love you forever and back.

A PURSE LEFT BEHIND

We just got back from a soccer game. A great one, LA Galaxy vs. Chivas USA. The Galaxy pulled out a 1-0 victory due to a fabulous goal from none other than David Beckham. I love Galaxy games. But one time, I remember, to experience the game was not the only thing on my mind.

Our seats were great and it was just Scott and I attending a US National Women's friendly game with Costa Rica. I had just got a new Coach wallet and was so excited. I tucked my purse under the seat and enjoyed the game. We went home, went to bed, got up the next morning to find my wallet was not in my purse. I was certain it had been stolen. I called the Home Depot Center right away and what do you know. It had been turned in to the office and I could pick it up. I was so happy, more so when I had found that nothing was missing.

We Roderick girls tend to lose things now and again. Kelsey lost her purse at the St. Simon and Jude's Fall Festival one year. She asked me to drive her over the next day to see if they had found it. She went into the school office and asked if any missing items had been turned in. She was told that it would be in the parish office if it had been located. She came back to the car with a scowl on her face. "What's wrong, didn't they find it" I asked almost certain that the answer was a resounding no. She said in a very serious tone, "No Mom I don't think they did. They told me to go to the parish office. I don't understand, I just lost my purse and they are sending me to the office concerning death."

Ahhh, we Roderick women are so blonde sometimes.

Friday, August 28, 2009

THE SINGER

Each of the Roderick girls are assigned a flower bed to take care of . . . weed it, pick trash out of it, make sure it's watered . . . those types of things. It is a chore that each Roderick must endure.

This morning, Hope returned home from a sleep over and went out in the back yard to start her weeding. I was upstairs eavesdropping on all the chaos out in the yard.

Hope is the Roderick talker. She will talk to anyone who will listen and she will keep talking until you end the interaction. She and her Dad were having a rather heated discussion about the proper way to pull weeds. He was explaining the importance of pulling the weeds out from their roots and she was having none of it. Ah, they will have this conversation again in a few weeks.

She also carried on quite a conversation with the dogs. "It's just water", "No bark" and "Where's your ball" are just a few phrases I heard. I heard ball kicking followed by barking. Dogs growling during a rowdy wrestling match. All the while Hope jabbering away at them.

She continued weeding as the humming began, at a very high pitch I might add. Neighbors dogs began to bark as well as our own and she was completely oblivious. But I won't complain. Her weeding was done and her father was satisfied and I love having her where I know what she's up too.

We do our showering at night, generally, and Hope had had a day similar to the one described above. Scott and I were watching TV and Hope got into the shower to clean the day away. All of a sudden, our very verbal girl began singing at the top of her lungs. The Star Spangled Banner rang throughout our house at a high decibel.

Scott and I looked at each other, stood, and put our right hands over our hearts.

We are a patriotic family, after all.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

READ

Well it had to happen . . . it was truly inevitable . . . time to put the summer reading away. Begin to pull out the big guns for the upcoming school year and the shorter days, longer nights.

Kelsey was always an avid reader. We rarely had to push her into her room to finish a book. She loves literature . . . so her bachelor's degree in English was not a surprise. The rest of the family is another story, no pun intended.

Scott doesn't particularly enjoy reading. He reads because he loves research and thus he reads non-fiction. In his mind fiction is a total waste of time. End of story. I don't think I have seen him read a novel in our whole married life. Interesting . . .

Addison hates to read anything, except a "People" magazine now and again. I have made a deal with her that if she reads "Twilight" and "New Moon" I will take her to the midnight movie showing of "New Moon" in November including dinner and tickets. She said "no" without even blinking. The only book I can even remember Addison trying to get through was "The 100" by Nina Garcia and that book is about what every girl needs in her wardrobe.

Shae is an avid reader . . . always has some sort of book going . . . biographies, romance, historical literature. She recommends books to me. She adores a series. She's into Gossip Girl, Harry Potter, Twilight, etc. etc. etc. Periodicals are another favorite. One of our favorite girl dates is to go and browse through Barnes & Noble, pick out several books, have a latte at Starbucks and start deciding which of our choices we're going to read first.

Hope is another one who doesn't care to read. Although she is not as resistant as Addison, she still can think of many activities she would rather be doing. I have made the same movie deal with her as Addison. She is about half way through "Twilight". We shall see what the outcome is for her.

I enjoy a good mystery along with many of the selections of the girls. Don't care for non-fiction. I will read a how too book now and again, but it has to be a good one. My current special authors are Laura Childs, Cleo Coyle, Joanne Fluke, Betty Hechtman and Maggie Sefton. They write murder mysteries with baking, knitting, crocheting and coffee. Do you see a pattern here?

There are several books that were required reading in school for all of us. I loved "Gone With the Wind". Scott loved "Moby Dick". Kelsey and Shae didn't mind any of their required reading and Addison and Hope . . . well, you know.

Finish summer strong . . . finish a book.


Wednesday, August 26, 2009

$$$

This evening's activity is always a favorite . . . a friends and family sale at Jack's Surfboards with our own personal shopper, Addison.  We always find something we just can't live without.  Too make things a little more interesting, Lauren and Rachel joined us for the spending extravaganza.

We arrived at 9:30p and the store would be closing at 10:00p.  No time to spare.  We were serious the moment we entered the establishment.  Shae and Lauren headed immediately for coats and jackets.  Hope and Rachel sprinted for the shirts.  Scott took off for T-shirts and board shorts.  I found Addison at the front counter where she had already selected her items and had a section ready for us to begin adding ours.

"I love this" and "that is adorable" and "it's so you" were echoing off the thin walls of Jack's in Newport Beach.  I saw clothes of every color and fabric jumping off racks and into arms.  Shoes were popping off shelves I had no idea existed.

Dressing rooms were unlocked and girls were sliding into them with way more than the alloted amount (a perk of having a personal shopper).  We had several other sales people helping us as well. " To small", "to dark", "to skanky", "to low" were a few of the phrases I intercepted as I watched the scene unfold.  Clothes began to appear above dressing room doors as decisions were made.  Addison bolted into action and was firing orders off to various people as the employees scurried about trying to please the Roderick clan.  And suddenly, it was over.

The mountain of clothes were charged, of course, and the amount appeared on the cash register.  Roughly the same as rent for a small apartment.  Not bad for only having 1/2 hour.

What did Scott and Cindy buy?  We were denied.  Nothing tickled our fancy this time . . . but we know there will always be another friends and family sale at Christmas.  


Tuesday, August 25, 2009

FOOTBALL

Well I just experienced my first Pop Warner football practice.  Shae was babysitting and wanted me to go to the field with her so I said why not . . . could be fun.  So I grabbed my wallet and shades and off we went.

Once we got to the field, which was a fairly long walk, I discovered an inner sanctum that I never knew existed.  Football coaches were screaming and yelling at children that didn't even reach their waists.  Kids were all over the place pushing, pulling, tackling and probably pinching, but I didn't see that particular activity.

Dads on the sidelines, that weren't coaching, were hawking up loogies, spitting on the pavement, burping, coughing and sneezing without covering . . . ewwww.  I'm telling you, gross.  God blessed me with girls for a reason.  I just stood there, stunned.

And the story doesn't end there . . . no, no, no.  It was after practice when the scene took on a whole new dimension.  I have never seen so many little boys doing the things that I've heard little boys do.  They are running around, while parents are chatting and paying no attention to their spawn, when I observed the following.  Mind you, this was all happening simultaneously.

Two young ones were using their private parts as punching bags and taunting each other with "you hit me in the wiener" and "I'm gonna hit you in the nuts".  One little fellow never stopped scratching his crouch.  Boys running into each other and crying, boys sliding across the field into other boys, boys chasing each other using words they shouldn't use . . . it was frightening.

And then the most shocking of all . . . a particular piece of football equipment, called a blocking sled, was being used in a most unflattering manner.  They jumped up on it as if sitting on someone's shoulders and began the humping mambo . . . you know, masturbating on the dummy.  I was horrified.  Shae was splitting a gut laughing at her poor mother.  She said "Mom, boys will be boys".

I think I need to get out more.


THE GAME ANSWERS

Shae
Kelsey
Hope
Addison

THE GAME

Some confusion on my part . . . each paragraph is a different daughter . . . sorry :)

THE GAME

The answers to yesterday's blog will be posted this evening . . . I know you are all waiting with baited breath.

Monday, August 24, 2009

THE GAME

Today we're playing a game. I will share a story about one of our wee ones and you will have to guess which one it was about. Post your guesses in the comment section of the blog.

This little girl was in junior kindergarten at a Christian preschool. As in most Christian preschools, students are encouraged to memorize specific scriptures and passages. She memorized the Lord's Prayer with vim and vigor. Her father came home from work and she was very excited to share with him the great feat she had accomplished. With much pomp and circumstance she seated him on the couch and began her recitation: "Our Father, who art in heaven, Hollywood is you name".

During potty training, this gal was very stubborn. She did not like to stop and potty until the very last minute, which made it very hard to make it to the toilet in time. One lazy afternoon, while visiting Grandad and Grammy, she jumped up on her favorite living room chair. After a few moments, she announced she would be sitting in the chair for a long time. Scott realized she had piddled in the chair. She thought she was very tricky. Now every time we go to the grandparents, we encourage her to sit in that chair.

This little one did not enjoy pooping in the potty. She would run to a corner and squat down and make an odd little face. We, of course, knew the look and would run over and ask "what are you doing". She would reply in a desperate voice "go away, go away".

We would read to the girls when they were little almost every night. One daughter just didn't get into the books like the others. She would run around taking food orders during the reading time and then deliver what had been ordered. You would think she wouldn't have heard a word that was read, however she could tell you exactly what the story was about.

Sometimes, late at night, I lament the years that are gone and the daughters that have grown into young women. I love you.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

FLAT SCREEN

Grandpa and Nana Roderick came up today from Carlsbad to take Hope shopping for her birthday. After the shopping trip they came back to the house for a short visit and chat.

Scott and his dad were talking about purchasing a new flat screen and the conversation went something like this:

Grandpa: We're looking into getting a new flat screen for the loft.
Scott: Great . . . what are you looking for?
Grandpa: Maybe a Sony or Vizio. Costco and Best Buy have good prices.
Scott: You know that you only get the screen for those prices . . . you'll have to buy the extras.
Grandpa: What extras?
Scott: Brackets, cable, speakers.
Grandpa: Brackets and cable we already have.
Scott: How about speakers?
Grandpa: It comes with everything else we need.
Scott: Check on that . . . I think you have to buy speakers separate.
Grandpa: What? We have everything in the flat screen package.
Scott: Dad, I think you have to buy speakers in a different package, a sound system.
Grandpa: It's with the flat screen.
Scott: Just check on speakers, you know sound.
Grandpa: I'll talk to the salesman about other stuff . . . I think it's all with the package.
Scott: Yea, yea . . . just check.

I don't know why they need speakers. Grandpas hearing aid is always turned off when he comes to visit us.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

A PASTA MACHINE

The Roderick family has a pasta machine that we seldom use. Not because we don't like fresh pasta . . . of course, we do . . . but I am lazy and hate cleaning it. Too many little parts . . . too many nooks and crannies . . . to much stuff gets stuck . . . it reminds me of changing messy diapers, but I digress.

There is one part that is interesting. It is called an extruder and it pushes the dough through a very small template and it shapes the pasta. Gnochi, spaghetti, penne, etc . . . whatever is your pasta pleasure.

That is all background and has set you up for my story. Scott and I have a routine . . . I go to bed and read . . . Scott does his hygiene thing . . . brushes teeth, shaves, bathroom . . . you get the picture.

So I hear him in the bathroom, making his manly sounds, and he is more verbal than usual. I ask the obvious question, "What are you doing?" His reply, "I'm extruding". My reply, "What shape are you trying to make?"

I love my husband.

SICK

This morning was very crazy . . . had to get up to take Scott to a soccer field at 7:30a . . . the Roderick family has one car for 3 drivers . . . ok, I know, but we're Roderick's, it's what we do.

Anyway, I came home and did some picking up and was getting ready to go to the office when the dogs started barking . . . someone at the door.

It's Addison, who's home from her work very early. She comes in and is a pale green . . . not kidding . . . and heads for her room. Minutes, no seconds later she is heaving in the girls bathroom . . . we label our bathrooms, girls, guest, master . . . again, Roderick.

I bring her a towel and go grab the Lysol spray. No fever . . . no aches . . . bad sushi . . . maybe. I get her all tucked into bed with a bucket and hot tea.

I make my regular stop at Starbucks, love a venti skinny vanilla latte in the morning and head on into work. I am here, maybe 5 minutes and my cell rings . . . Shae.

"Where are you?" At work Shae, Saturday, remember. She responds, "Where is everyone, the house is so quiet?

OK . . . Dad's at the soccer field all day . . . Hope and Drew are sleeping in the guest room . . . Addison is sick in her room . . . gave dogs a dose of benadryl and they are in their kennel . . . Kelsey is in Seattle and you are in your room calling me.

I love being a Roderick . . . seriously!

Friday, August 21, 2009

A YOUNG, OLD FRIEND

Just had a conversation with an old friend on facebook.

Truth be told, I really am not a fan of technology . . . however, I do make the occasional exception when I get to converse with someone who I have not conversed with in a very long time. I guess I have a simple mind that can not wrap itself around the fact that information can be exchanged through circuits and hardware.

This particular friend baby sat for us when we lived in Oregon . . . Shae and Hope were born in Oregon so this gal saw them through many diapers, car seats, cereal, etc. etc. etc. Now she has kids of her own, 3 little boys, and she gets to do it all over again.

What goes around comes around.

THE HOUNDS OF INTELLIGENCE

We own two of the most brilliant canines in HB. I can say this with all sincerity because I have witnessed their incredible intelligence.

While cleaning, I decided to move their beloved kennel. This kennel is where they stay while we Roderick's are all out of the house doing whatever it is we all do. The kennel is also the cozy bed they sleep in at night. They love their kennel for one simple reason . . . it is where they go to receive the coveted "treats".

This is how we have trained them . . . I know . . . it may seem unusual and unconventional, but we're Roderick's . . . it's what we do. So we tell them "Go get in your kennel and you'll get a treat" and of course it is a mad dash to the kennel. I have given you all this background information so that I may continue my story . . .

Remember . . . the kennel has been moved . . . I call the dogs . . . they run to where the kennel used to be, sliding across the tile, all the while looking at me with eyes that say "You wouldn't move our kennel, would you". Yes I would and I did.

They do this every time, everyday . . . the kennel was moved 3 weeks ago . . . gives new meaning to the old cliche "You can't teach an old dog new tricks".

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

AN INTRODUCTION

Welcome to our family blog. I am sure you will enjoy some of the stories we share, the adventures we have and the memories we make. So sit back, put your reading glasses on and let's get started as I introduce you to the family . . .

Scott is our dad.
Cindy is our mom.
Kelsey is the oldest sister.
Addison is the next sister.
Then comes sister Shae.
And the youngest sister is Hope.
Two dogs round out the family, Dakota and Desiel.

Let the journey begin . . .