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.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
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!
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!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
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.
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.
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.
Monday, October 26, 2009
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!
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!
Friday, October 23, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
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?"
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?"
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, October 19, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, October 16, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
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.
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.
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.
Monday, October 12, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
A MOMENT
I'm having a moment. I had to work tonight so I missed all the hustle and bustle of preparing for Homecoming. I did get home for lunch and was able to do their manicures and pedicures. Nicely done, Mom, if I do say so myself.
I kept in contact over the phone while Addison and Michelle were doing make-up and hair. Dresses fit perfectly, shoes matched exactly, skin color was translucent and those two young women were gorgeous. I was able to make it home early so I could see the results myself. I was not disappointed.
Shae and Hope have just left for the Homecoming dance and they were stunning. How did Scott and I make such heart achingly beautiful daughters? I know they will enjoy themselves and have a great time. Shae's last Homecoming and Hope's very first.
I am afraid there will be a line to dance with the ministers daughters this evening and no young man will ever come close to deserving any of our girls. But the joy is in the challenge and as long as they make our girls happy, that will be the means to the end. God bless them, they have a big job ahead.
Enjoy your evening, girls. We love you.
I kept in contact over the phone while Addison and Michelle were doing make-up and hair. Dresses fit perfectly, shoes matched exactly, skin color was translucent and those two young women were gorgeous. I was able to make it home early so I could see the results myself. I was not disappointed.
Shae and Hope have just left for the Homecoming dance and they were stunning. How did Scott and I make such heart achingly beautiful daughters? I know they will enjoy themselves and have a great time. Shae's last Homecoming and Hope's very first.
I am afraid there will be a line to dance with the ministers daughters this evening and no young man will ever come close to deserving any of our girls. But the joy is in the challenge and as long as they make our girls happy, that will be the means to the end. God bless them, they have a big job ahead.
Enjoy your evening, girls. We love you.
HEART
Our "lost boys" struck several summers ago with an added zeal. In the midst of the garage sale season, Mike and Cheyne were always searching and calculating for that perfect item(s). They are very clever and it never ceases to amaze me, but also creative and bold.
Apparently, Addison and the boys had a bit of a tussle and she was not happy with them, as a matter of fact, they were on her naughty list. So what were our boys to do?
Sometime in the middle of the night, Mike and Cheyne had gone through neighborhoods and picked up old garage sale gear. That, in itself, was not unusual, them being who they are. What was unusual was what they did with said gear.
We awoke the next morning to a yard full of stuff. Yep, right in our front yard was an outline of a huge heart, done in the latest garage sale motif, with Mike and Cheyne's initials in the center. An apology perhaps? Must have been, because Addison was elated until she realized she had to clean it up.
What will they think of next . . . be afraid, be very afraid.
Apparently, Addison and the boys had a bit of a tussle and she was not happy with them, as a matter of fact, they were on her naughty list. So what were our boys to do?
Sometime in the middle of the night, Mike and Cheyne had gone through neighborhoods and picked up old garage sale gear. That, in itself, was not unusual, them being who they are. What was unusual was what they did with said gear.
We awoke the next morning to a yard full of stuff. Yep, right in our front yard was an outline of a huge heart, done in the latest garage sale motif, with Mike and Cheyne's initials in the center. An apology perhaps? Must have been, because Addison was elated until she realized she had to clean it up.
What will they think of next . . . be afraid, be very afraid.
Friday, October 9, 2009
SILKIES
We had just moved to Medford, Oregon and Scott was introducing his family to our new home church. My dad and mom had arrived the day before with Kelsey and Addison. Scott and I were already there and moved in to our temporary apartment and couldn't wait to see our girls. They had stayed with grammy and grandad until we were settled into our new surroundings.
We all woke very early on Sunday morning and went out for a hearty breakfast. I had the girls styled out in the cutest baby blue dresses that complemented their crystal blue eyes. Their blonde hair was curled including the trademark Roderick fountain right on top and adorned with a big white bow. Adorable little white socks with ruffles and black mary janes completed the ensemble. They were the cutest pair of Roderick's every to grace the halls of that church (until there were four).
I was sure to cover them from head to toe during breakfast so that no mishaps could possibly occur. Spilt milk, soggy cereal, sticky jelly were the enemy until lunch. We talked, laughed, ate and we were on our way out the double doors not wanting to be late on our very first Sunday.
We all were adjusting getting into the car, buckling up and putting kids in car seats. Kelsey was being her usual hop around the car self when she flipped over the front seat. All of a sudden my mother shrieked. To my utter horror, in all my haste to dress Kelsey to the nines, I had neglected to put her panties on and that little white bottom was there for all to see.
Wonder how RVCC would have felt about that mistake from their newest staff family? One will never know, because I immediately remedied that situation by returning home and grabbing a brand new pair of white ruffled silkies intended for such an occasion.
God is so good!
We all woke very early on Sunday morning and went out for a hearty breakfast. I had the girls styled out in the cutest baby blue dresses that complemented their crystal blue eyes. Their blonde hair was curled including the trademark Roderick fountain right on top and adorned with a big white bow. Adorable little white socks with ruffles and black mary janes completed the ensemble. They were the cutest pair of Roderick's every to grace the halls of that church (until there were four).
I was sure to cover them from head to toe during breakfast so that no mishaps could possibly occur. Spilt milk, soggy cereal, sticky jelly were the enemy until lunch. We talked, laughed, ate and we were on our way out the double doors not wanting to be late on our very first Sunday.
We all were adjusting getting into the car, buckling up and putting kids in car seats. Kelsey was being her usual hop around the car self when she flipped over the front seat. All of a sudden my mother shrieked. To my utter horror, in all my haste to dress Kelsey to the nines, I had neglected to put her panties on and that little white bottom was there for all to see.
Wonder how RVCC would have felt about that mistake from their newest staff family? One will never know, because I immediately remedied that situation by returning home and grabbing a brand new pair of white ruffled silkies intended for such an occasion.
God is so good!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
AMISH DAY
Our kids always seemed to be extremely irritable on Sunday afternoons. And no wonder. The life of a minister culminates on Sundays so it was always a crazy day, especially when you choose to own one car.
I would get the girls up and get them dressed, hair combed and teeth brushed while Scott was getting dressed. He, in turn, would feed them breakfast while I got dressed and then we would head out the door for church. It was hectic, but that was life. As they got older it was still crazy on weekends, having now added the Saturday evening worship.
So we decided to implement a family opportunity that would allow us to all relax on Sunday afternoons. We called our designated event Amish day and it took place about once a month. The object of the day, once we arrived home from church, was to adopt the Amish way of life. No electricity, no batteries, no computers, no cell phones. We played board games, the girls took up reading, we sat down and actually carried on conversations. We didn't go anywhere unless we walked or road our bikes. We sat outside and watched the kids hang out. It was a great time to spend with the girls and we all started enjoying Amish day.
Life has since gotten crazy again. Amish day anyone?
I would get the girls up and get them dressed, hair combed and teeth brushed while Scott was getting dressed. He, in turn, would feed them breakfast while I got dressed and then we would head out the door for church. It was hectic, but that was life. As they got older it was still crazy on weekends, having now added the Saturday evening worship.
So we decided to implement a family opportunity that would allow us to all relax on Sunday afternoons. We called our designated event Amish day and it took place about once a month. The object of the day, once we arrived home from church, was to adopt the Amish way of life. No electricity, no batteries, no computers, no cell phones. We played board games, the girls took up reading, we sat down and actually carried on conversations. We didn't go anywhere unless we walked or road our bikes. We sat outside and watched the kids hang out. It was a great time to spend with the girls and we all started enjoying Amish day.
Life has since gotten crazy again. Amish day anyone?
CRAP
When we visit family in Illinois the trip is not complete without a down home wiener roast. Bonfire, sticks, hot dogs and all the trimmings. We love it.
One particular time tends to stand out in our minds. Addison was about 6 years old and was sitting by Uncle Jack, eating her hot dog. They both had paper plates and napkins and were just chatting away. Now, birds in this part of the country eat a lot of mulberries during harvest season. Mulberries are a cross between blackberries and raspberries and grow on trees. Addi and Uncle Jack were sitting under a mulberry tree.
One bird went flying over and dumped a present right on Uncle Jack's paper plate. Uncle Jack yelled "oh crap". Addison jerked her little head up and looked on the plate and then looked at Uncle Jack.
Now crap was a word that we never used at our house and Addison was quite surprised at the sudden outburst. She turned her big blue eyes towards me and said "Mom, he said a bad word". I acknowledged the word and continued to watch Addi. She kept her eye on Uncle Jack the rest of night and a hand covered her plate at all times.
By the way, Uncle Jack threw his paper plate away and went ahead and finished his hot dog.
One particular time tends to stand out in our minds. Addison was about 6 years old and was sitting by Uncle Jack, eating her hot dog. They both had paper plates and napkins and were just chatting away. Now, birds in this part of the country eat a lot of mulberries during harvest season. Mulberries are a cross between blackberries and raspberries and grow on trees. Addi and Uncle Jack were sitting under a mulberry tree.
One bird went flying over and dumped a present right on Uncle Jack's paper plate. Uncle Jack yelled "oh crap". Addison jerked her little head up and looked on the plate and then looked at Uncle Jack.
Now crap was a word that we never used at our house and Addison was quite surprised at the sudden outburst. She turned her big blue eyes towards me and said "Mom, he said a bad word". I acknowledged the word and continued to watch Addi. She kept her eye on Uncle Jack the rest of night and a hand covered her plate at all times.
By the way, Uncle Jack threw his paper plate away and went ahead and finished his hot dog.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
SKYLER
One of Addison's friends from her HBHS days now plays football for the University of Washington. We go up to Seattle to see Kelsey and always try to sneak in a visit with Skyler. One of these days we'll go up and see him play, but for now Kelsey is the only Roderick representing on the "Dawgs" gridiron.
The last time we were in Seattle was for Kelsey's graduation in June 2009. Our good friends, the Hurdle's, joined the family, including grandparents, at the momentous event. The boys bonded with Skyler immediately because, well, he's a football guy. You know, 6'7" and about 300 lbs. He took all of us to the stadium, the practice building (because it's Seattle and rains a lot, a huge indoor field was built with every environmental control you would ever need), viewed the general campus and of course, we're Roderick's, we stopped at the bookstore to shop. Skyler, Addison and Kelsey hung out a few nights together and he also joined us for Kelsey's graduation ceremony. Dinner followed that at a yummy seafood establishment on the sound.
After eating, we were enjoying dessert and coffee, the boys grabbed their t-shirts that were purchased at the bookstore and asked Skyler to autograph them, which he was very happy to do, although he teased Kyle, (Isaac's friend) who is a USC fan.
D.N. Hurdle was none to happy with Cherylynn for not purchasing a coveted t-shirt for him. He decided he would not let that hamper him from obtaining an autograph as well from this big dawg. He walked right up to Skyler and said "Will you sign my chest?" Skyler grinned a sickly grin and said "Really?" We all busted up laughing. Poor Skyler was the recipient of Don's tainted humor.
Truth be told, I think Don had a man crush on Skyler.
(Skyler is a medical red shirt this season because of an ankle injury. He will be back next season and plays an offensive lineman position, #67. Catch him on TV or he's going to be a special guest in the Treehouse one of these days).
The last time we were in Seattle was for Kelsey's graduation in June 2009. Our good friends, the Hurdle's, joined the family, including grandparents, at the momentous event. The boys bonded with Skyler immediately because, well, he's a football guy. You know, 6'7" and about 300 lbs. He took all of us to the stadium, the practice building (because it's Seattle and rains a lot, a huge indoor field was built with every environmental control you would ever need), viewed the general campus and of course, we're Roderick's, we stopped at the bookstore to shop. Skyler, Addison and Kelsey hung out a few nights together and he also joined us for Kelsey's graduation ceremony. Dinner followed that at a yummy seafood establishment on the sound.
After eating, we were enjoying dessert and coffee, the boys grabbed their t-shirts that were purchased at the bookstore and asked Skyler to autograph them, which he was very happy to do, although he teased Kyle, (Isaac's friend) who is a USC fan.
D.N. Hurdle was none to happy with Cherylynn for not purchasing a coveted t-shirt for him. He decided he would not let that hamper him from obtaining an autograph as well from this big dawg. He walked right up to Skyler and said "Will you sign my chest?" Skyler grinned a sickly grin and said "Really?" We all busted up laughing. Poor Skyler was the recipient of Don's tainted humor.
Truth be told, I think Don had a man crush on Skyler.
(Skyler is a medical red shirt this season because of an ankle injury. He will be back next season and plays an offensive lineman position, #67. Catch him on TV or he's going to be a special guest in the Treehouse one of these days).
CAMPER SLIDE
Back when we were much younger, we enjoyed camping, backpacking and all that outdoor stuff that I can no longer tolerate. We would borrow my dad and mom's camper and go off into the wild, blue yonder, wherever that yonder might have been. We had a small group that also enjoyed all that outdoor stuff as well, so we planned a Memorial Day family camp out.
In Utah rain usually accompanies Memorial Day, but we were not going to let that dampen our hearts for the great outdoors. We hit a rutted, dirt road and started climbing in our 4-wheel drives up the mountain to our campsite. Kelsey was about 16 months old and this was going to be a great challenge for her momma . . . you know, all that dirt. That's why we had the camper. We usually were tent people but I insisted on something a little more civilized if I was introducing Kelsey to camping.
We had all kinds of memory making incidents. Kelsey had her first time digging in dirt, eating toasted marshmallows, falling asleep around the campfire safely tucked in daddy's arms and of course the most exciting thunderstorm ever to have rocked that old camper.
Our friends, who had no kids at the time, brought their faithful dog up the mountain with us and that dog stole our steaks right off the grill and enjoyed a very tasty doggie meal. We laughed so hard we all cried. Don't worry, we didn't starve, we just had hamburgers.
Sadly, the time came to pack up and go home. We all started down the mountain, in a haphazard caravan with the Roderick's in the lead. After the light show during the night everything was wet and very slick, slippery and slimey. We were heading down hill to a "T" in the dirt road and the camper started sliding. All we could do was pray and slide. Kelsey was safely tucked in her car seat and we were all buckled as we continued to slide for what seemed like hours. The "T" in the road was beside and huge drop off so if we didn't make the turn left or right we were heading over the side.
God is good and we stopped gently hitting the first tree past the turn options. We all sat there silently for a moment . . . and Kelsey burst into laughter.
I thank God every day for her sense of humor.
In Utah rain usually accompanies Memorial Day, but we were not going to let that dampen our hearts for the great outdoors. We hit a rutted, dirt road and started climbing in our 4-wheel drives up the mountain to our campsite. Kelsey was about 16 months old and this was going to be a great challenge for her momma . . . you know, all that dirt. That's why we had the camper. We usually were tent people but I insisted on something a little more civilized if I was introducing Kelsey to camping.
We had all kinds of memory making incidents. Kelsey had her first time digging in dirt, eating toasted marshmallows, falling asleep around the campfire safely tucked in daddy's arms and of course the most exciting thunderstorm ever to have rocked that old camper.
Our friends, who had no kids at the time, brought their faithful dog up the mountain with us and that dog stole our steaks right off the grill and enjoyed a very tasty doggie meal. We laughed so hard we all cried. Don't worry, we didn't starve, we just had hamburgers.
Sadly, the time came to pack up and go home. We all started down the mountain, in a haphazard caravan with the Roderick's in the lead. After the light show during the night everything was wet and very slick, slippery and slimey. We were heading down hill to a "T" in the dirt road and the camper started sliding. All we could do was pray and slide. Kelsey was safely tucked in her car seat and we were all buckled as we continued to slide for what seemed like hours. The "T" in the road was beside and huge drop off so if we didn't make the turn left or right we were heading over the side.
God is good and we stopped gently hitting the first tree past the turn options. We all sat there silently for a moment . . . and Kelsey burst into laughter.
I thank God every day for her sense of humor.
GIRLFRIENDS
Today I returned to MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). Several of those of us who were active in MOPS "back in the day" were on a panel discussing how we have remained friends over the years. The following is what I love about each of my MOPS girlfriends.
Ann Marie -
She is a soft spoken, kind, sincere woman who will fight fiercely for what she believes is right and true. She will think things through to their end and make a wise choice from that point of view. She is organized and is an incredible administrator. She will take care of you when you don't think you need taking care of. She is a friend who can council you from her own life experiences. I could trust her with any secrets and know they would not be divulged.
Chantelle -
She forces me to look at the finer things in life. She is elegant, refined, artistic. Her talent in voice is unequaled in her teaching and leading techniques. I love watching her stand in front of our Treehouse kids and demonstrate what it means to worship the one true God. I have watched her grow spiritually over the years and she has guided me to worship more intentionally.
Holly -
She is a family kind of gal that is always on top of what her girls are doing. She is active in their lives without being overbearing. She is a fantastic cook who, over the years, I have gotten great recipes from and my own family has enjoyed the fruits of those concoctions. She is an avid reader and we have exchanged many books and talked of many stories. She is a count on kind of gal that I can go to with any struggle and she will volunteer all her knowledge to help me bail myself out.
Kim -
She is a sounding board in my life. She has walked with me for years and we have solved world problems, have made judicial decisions, have discovered discipline techniques, have learned to love our husbands well. It may be only in our minds that these issues have been tackled but I have been so blessed to even have had the opportunity to make those discoveries. She is sensible, loving, helpful and another joy in my life.
Monique -
She is an avid outdoors kind of gal and her family has joined right along with her. They are up for anything outside and active. If I need someone to get me moving I will call Mo and off we go. She also has talents of creativity and a sense of style that can not be matched. If I need advice on sprucing up the old Roderick house, she is right there giving me all kinds of encouragement and ideas. I can count on her to tell me what she thinks, no holds barred. She is a friend who I don't have to invite to the house . . . she has earned refrigerator rights at our house.
Phyllis -
She is the eternal party girl. I appreciate her exuberance, smile, joy and an outlook on the future that is contagious. One can not resist being happy when she is around. I can call her with challenges and expect to be laughing by the end of the conversation. She makes the bad in life seem trivial as long as you can focus on Him. She loves drama and thrives on any stage. She loves her family and they are often joining in on the party at her home.
Sandra -
She is a prayer warrior that has no competition. Any spiritual, theological and/or Biblical issues that I face she would be someone that would tackle them head on and set me straight. Her kids are fortunate to have such a knowledgeable mom who continues to learn without ceasing. Bible study is her high priority and I am thankful to have the opportunity to be able to use her as a spiritual advisor whenever I feel it necessary.
I love you, my best girlfriends this side of heaven!
Ann Marie -
She is a soft spoken, kind, sincere woman who will fight fiercely for what she believes is right and true. She will think things through to their end and make a wise choice from that point of view. She is organized and is an incredible administrator. She will take care of you when you don't think you need taking care of. She is a friend who can council you from her own life experiences. I could trust her with any secrets and know they would not be divulged.
Chantelle -
She forces me to look at the finer things in life. She is elegant, refined, artistic. Her talent in voice is unequaled in her teaching and leading techniques. I love watching her stand in front of our Treehouse kids and demonstrate what it means to worship the one true God. I have watched her grow spiritually over the years and she has guided me to worship more intentionally.
Holly -
She is a family kind of gal that is always on top of what her girls are doing. She is active in their lives without being overbearing. She is a fantastic cook who, over the years, I have gotten great recipes from and my own family has enjoyed the fruits of those concoctions. She is an avid reader and we have exchanged many books and talked of many stories. She is a count on kind of gal that I can go to with any struggle and she will volunteer all her knowledge to help me bail myself out.
Kim -
She is a sounding board in my life. She has walked with me for years and we have solved world problems, have made judicial decisions, have discovered discipline techniques, have learned to love our husbands well. It may be only in our minds that these issues have been tackled but I have been so blessed to even have had the opportunity to make those discoveries. She is sensible, loving, helpful and another joy in my life.
Monique -
She is an avid outdoors kind of gal and her family has joined right along with her. They are up for anything outside and active. If I need someone to get me moving I will call Mo and off we go. She also has talents of creativity and a sense of style that can not be matched. If I need advice on sprucing up the old Roderick house, she is right there giving me all kinds of encouragement and ideas. I can count on her to tell me what she thinks, no holds barred. She is a friend who I don't have to invite to the house . . . she has earned refrigerator rights at our house.
Phyllis -
She is the eternal party girl. I appreciate her exuberance, smile, joy and an outlook on the future that is contagious. One can not resist being happy when she is around. I can call her with challenges and expect to be laughing by the end of the conversation. She makes the bad in life seem trivial as long as you can focus on Him. She loves drama and thrives on any stage. She loves her family and they are often joining in on the party at her home.
Sandra -
She is a prayer warrior that has no competition. Any spiritual, theological and/or Biblical issues that I face she would be someone that would tackle them head on and set me straight. Her kids are fortunate to have such a knowledgeable mom who continues to learn without ceasing. Bible study is her high priority and I am thankful to have the opportunity to be able to use her as a spiritual advisor whenever I feel it necessary.
I love you, my best girlfriends this side of heaven!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
SHORT DRESS
Several weeks ago a friend and I were driving back from a trip to Home Depot. We were coming up Gothard heading back towards the church. A rather large lady was walking with a rather large backpack. She was traveling on the sidewalk next to us and going in the same direction. As we got closer, all we could do was stare with unbelieving eyes.
Her backpack had caught her dress and had pulled it up to her waist. We could see what God gave her without any obstructions. Needless to say it was a lot to take in and the silence in the car was deafening.
WOW! I may never use a backpack again.
Her backpack had caught her dress and had pulled it up to her waist. We could see what God gave her without any obstructions. Needless to say it was a lot to take in and the silence in the car was deafening.
WOW! I may never use a backpack again.
Monday, October 5, 2009
MISTAKES
Scott and I make mistakes with our girls all the time. No kidding. We are always doing something that makes us think twice about what kind of parents we have been and what kind of parents we are still becoming.
Sometimes as parents we make whoppers. Not every day, but many days we do something with our girls that we would love to rewind and do again. It seems that no matter how long we are parents, no matter how many parenting books we read, no matter how many parenting seminars we have attended, we are always learning to better the techniques. You should never stop attempting to do the parent thing better. Each child deserves a system that compliments their individual strengths. We mess up all the time. We try to learn from our mistakes and move on to the next challenge and there is always another challenge.
Kelsey is the one that has experienced most of our trials and errors. Being the first born sometimes really sucks for her. She has been a trooper and has endured our learning process remarkably well. I remember one time driving and we were talking and I said something entirely inaccurate and she replied "Mom you really don't know what you're doing do you" and I had to admit to her that I did not. Humbling moment for old Mom but one I well deserved. She was very intuitive.
This having been said, there really is know other way for kids and parents to learn the art of a family. You would think we would have it down by now . . . not even close. We screw up with Hope all of the time because she is another unique personality, hello, 4th girl, you think we would get it.
We love our girls so much that our hearts seem they will burst. We only want the best for them and sometimes we just plain try to hard. We don't intend to make their young lives miserable, but sometimes we just can't avoid our feelings and opinions. We have to admit we are trying to keep our noses out of their personal business as they get older. We try to wait for the ask. And then watch out ladies, you will get our whole hearted opinion on the subject.
Kelsey, Addison, Shae and Hope. You have our hearts, our souls and our love always.
Sometimes as parents we make whoppers. Not every day, but many days we do something with our girls that we would love to rewind and do again. It seems that no matter how long we are parents, no matter how many parenting books we read, no matter how many parenting seminars we have attended, we are always learning to better the techniques. You should never stop attempting to do the parent thing better. Each child deserves a system that compliments their individual strengths. We mess up all the time. We try to learn from our mistakes and move on to the next challenge and there is always another challenge.
Kelsey is the one that has experienced most of our trials and errors. Being the first born sometimes really sucks for her. She has been a trooper and has endured our learning process remarkably well. I remember one time driving and we were talking and I said something entirely inaccurate and she replied "Mom you really don't know what you're doing do you" and I had to admit to her that I did not. Humbling moment for old Mom but one I well deserved. She was very intuitive.
This having been said, there really is know other way for kids and parents to learn the art of a family. You would think we would have it down by now . . . not even close. We screw up with Hope all of the time because she is another unique personality, hello, 4th girl, you think we would get it.
We love our girls so much that our hearts seem they will burst. We only want the best for them and sometimes we just plain try to hard. We don't intend to make their young lives miserable, but sometimes we just can't avoid our feelings and opinions. We have to admit we are trying to keep our noses out of their personal business as they get older. We try to wait for the ask. And then watch out ladies, you will get our whole hearted opinion on the subject.
Kelsey, Addison, Shae and Hope. You have our hearts, our souls and our love always.
GALAXY VS. REAL SALT LAKE
We Roderick's love soccer. That's no secret. We go to Galaxy games whenever we can and the occasional Chivas match. Our greatest joy, however, is when we get to go to a Real Salt Lake game when they are challenging the Galaxy in Salt Lake City.
This happened several years ago and the whole family attended. Davidson's, Randolph's, Roderick's. Rice-Eccles field on the campus of the University of Utah is transformed into a pitch. Addi and Meghan (bff) made tee-shirts for the game. "Mrs. Donovan" and "Landon's girl" were the slogans tainting the cotton blends. Everyone ate snacks . . . everyone was yelling . . . grandparents were laughing . . . cousins were astounded . . . Roderick's are exhuberant fans . . . good times.
We had the Expedition at the time, so had lots of room in the car and we told all the kids they could ride with us back to the Randolph homestead. We piled in and took off not expecting the traffic that was ahead. We sat in the car and talked a bit and then were challenged to make it exciting. We rolled all the windows down and started chanting "LA Galaxy" among all the Real Salt Lake fans. In turn, some fans started chanting "Real Salt Lake" and it was on. We were rocking the car and throwing down. RJ and Olivia, nephew and niece, couldn't believe what was happening around them. It was a crack-up to watch. It played out as a perfect evening with the kids.
Now, my sister and I are very different. She is very quiet and reserved. I am not. My niece and nephew would never expect their mom to behave as I did and they thought this was very unusual behavior for adults such as Scott and I. As soon as we pulled into the Randolph driveway and parked the car, my niece was out of the car and running to tattle on her auntie and uncle. She couldn't wait to report all the despicable behaviors their mom's sister had exhibited. Shelly just shakes her head . . . she knows her sister.
Huh. We wouldn't be Uncle Scott and Auntie Cindy if something nuts didn't happen when we're around.
This happened several years ago and the whole family attended. Davidson's, Randolph's, Roderick's. Rice-Eccles field on the campus of the University of Utah is transformed into a pitch. Addi and Meghan (bff) made tee-shirts for the game. "Mrs. Donovan" and "Landon's girl" were the slogans tainting the cotton blends. Everyone ate snacks . . . everyone was yelling . . . grandparents were laughing . . . cousins were astounded . . . Roderick's are exhuberant fans . . . good times.
We had the Expedition at the time, so had lots of room in the car and we told all the kids they could ride with us back to the Randolph homestead. We piled in and took off not expecting the traffic that was ahead. We sat in the car and talked a bit and then were challenged to make it exciting. We rolled all the windows down and started chanting "LA Galaxy" among all the Real Salt Lake fans. In turn, some fans started chanting "Real Salt Lake" and it was on. We were rocking the car and throwing down. RJ and Olivia, nephew and niece, couldn't believe what was happening around them. It was a crack-up to watch. It played out as a perfect evening with the kids.
Now, my sister and I are very different. She is very quiet and reserved. I am not. My niece and nephew would never expect their mom to behave as I did and they thought this was very unusual behavior for adults such as Scott and I. As soon as we pulled into the Randolph driveway and parked the car, my niece was out of the car and running to tattle on her auntie and uncle. She couldn't wait to report all the despicable behaviors their mom's sister had exhibited. Shelly just shakes her head . . . she knows her sister.
Huh. We wouldn't be Uncle Scott and Auntie Cindy if something nuts didn't happen when we're around.
WESTMONT BOYS
It was unbelievable. I have always known that our girls are stunning, inside as well as out. What I didn't realize was how obviously captivating Shae can be in any situation. This was made crystal clear to me while on the Westmont campus.
As we strolled through the student institution with our tour guide, Asia, I lagged behind observing all the surrounding activity. The sophomore class had a slip-n-slide out in the open grass area and were enjoying a wet and muddy afternoon. Hoots and hollers abounded and we watched joyfully for a few moments. Asia said her hellos to several of the students as we continued on our walk up the trail. I heard yells of "come to Westmont" and "you're cute" as we sauntered toward another building. We met several students meandering on their way to various buildings. Three young men smiled at Shae, only Shae, in passing.
We looked in on the dining hall and checked out the vegetarian options, gathered information about more students and their campus habits and exited through the same door we entered. Shae's three friends were coming back up the path just behind our exit and casually followed us to the administration building.
Shae and I thanked Asia for the tour and headed out to visit the bookstore. Who do you think was sitting under the trees as we left the building? Shae's three admirers. Amazing.
Shae was excited to find another college sweatshirt and a pair of Tom's and was chattering away as we made our way to the car. She stopped to take several pictures. The three boys, still trailing her with their eyes unable to make the leap to conversation. I told Shae that I would ask them if I could take a picture of her with them, but she was horrified at the thought of that possibility. We said farewell to Westmont and the three males.
Next time I will not ask, I will do.
As we strolled through the student institution with our tour guide, Asia, I lagged behind observing all the surrounding activity. The sophomore class had a slip-n-slide out in the open grass area and were enjoying a wet and muddy afternoon. Hoots and hollers abounded and we watched joyfully for a few moments. Asia said her hellos to several of the students as we continued on our walk up the trail. I heard yells of "come to Westmont" and "you're cute" as we sauntered toward another building. We met several students meandering on their way to various buildings. Three young men smiled at Shae, only Shae, in passing.
We looked in on the dining hall and checked out the vegetarian options, gathered information about more students and their campus habits and exited through the same door we entered. Shae's three friends were coming back up the path just behind our exit and casually followed us to the administration building.
Shae and I thanked Asia for the tour and headed out to visit the bookstore. Who do you think was sitting under the trees as we left the building? Shae's three admirers. Amazing.
Shae was excited to find another college sweatshirt and a pair of Tom's and was chattering away as we made our way to the car. She stopped to take several pictures. The three boys, still trailing her with their eyes unable to make the leap to conversation. I told Shae that I would ask them if I could take a picture of her with them, but she was horrified at the thought of that possibility. We said farewell to Westmont and the three males.
Next time I will not ask, I will do.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
HAY
Right after Addison had purchased the Volvo, she had, shall we say, an incident.
The Drive-thru Nativity is an annual event at our church and FCCHB goes all out for the event. Live actors, live animals, live people in cars . . . you get the picture. It takes a bunch of activity to pull it off including care and feeding of all the animals. Bales of hay are brought in for traffic control as well as something tasty for the bovine.
Imagine Addison's surprise when she awoke the morning after the chaos and her new car was covered in hay. It had been lifted from the said Drive thru and the deposit was obvious. Hay in the hubcaps, hay in the bumpers, hay on top, hay underneath, hay sticking out of the tailpipe. No hay job had ever been done better. She had pieces of hay blowing from her a/c for months.
But who was the culprit(s)?
Of course she knew, as did we, exactly who could have done such a dastardly deed. Our good friends who are bad boys, Mike and Cheyne.
They always have kept Addison on her toes. No wonder we love those "lost boys".
Saturday, October 3, 2009
COUGAR & CUB
What a time was had . . . the cougar and her cub were on the prowl.
The road trip started on Friday, October 2, 2009 at 1:00p. We got 5 minutes down Newland Ave. and had to turn around. Shae forgot clean unmentionables. We went back home, picked them up and tried again.
Now we were truly on our way, the 405 to the 101 and enjoying our time together. Then we saw them. The Camarillo Outlet stores. The homing device that every Roderick girl has kicked in and we couldn't resist. Shopping. Nike, Coach, LaCoste, Betsy Johnson, American Apparel, Ugg. So much fun and so little time. Shae scored big. Mom didn't score at all. In Roderick world there will always be another store so there was no lamenting.
We jumped back in the car and drove into Santa Barbara and right to our hotel. We checked in, went to Trader Joe's for supplies, had dinner, back to our room, showered, snuggled into bed and watched CSI:NY . . . Shae fell asleep at 8:30p. There went my fun plans for the evening. Oh well, I read and finally went to sleep. Fun day #1 had ended.
Fun day #2 was beginning. We got up at about 9:00a and discovered a Starbucks right in the neighborhood. Imagine our glee. We enjoyed a bite to eat and a fabulous cup of coffee and took off for UCSB. Shae was not impressed and we didn't spend a lot of time there. We strolled around campus, took some pictures, bought a sweatshirt at the campus bookstore and met the freeway again.
Montecito is gorgeous. As we drove to Westmont I sensed Shae was hooked by the surrounding area. We were enjoying our tour as I noticed something peculiar. On campus for maybe 30 minutes and Shae had already captured several young men's attention. It was interesting watching that scene play out, alas, that will be another blog entry. After our tour, Shae again stopped at the bookstore to purchase a sweatshirt.
Our trip was nearing an end and we were driving home when the homing device kicked in once again. Hmm, this was odd. Boot Barn. We had never experienced this temptation before. We went in and came out with two brand spankin' new pairs of cowboy boots. Gotta love shopping in agricultural California.
Our goal for our short trip was to check out colleges for Shae's future, but you can never deny a Roderick girl her need to shop.
Friday, October 2, 2009
DRUGS
When the kids were little, I always kept the medicines up above the refrigerator. After all, this was not only high but it would be impossible for them to negotiate around it successfully. Ha.
I left Addison happily watching TV as I went to make the bed. I was out of her sight for, maybe, 4 minutes. That is a long time to leave Addison unsupervised as I discovered.
I went back in to check on her and she was no longer in front of the TV. She had, in my absence, pulled out a bar stool, climbed up on the counter, opened the cupboard above the refrigerator, took out the Triaminic, unscrewed the childproof cap and drank half the bottle. I knew how much she drank because I had just given Kelsey some earlier in the week. I was stunned and concerned.
I frantically called the doctor and the nurse said to give her ipecac, which I always had on hand but had never had to use. I gave Addi the nasty stuff and she did not put up much of a fuss. The nurse then called me back in about an hour to make sure she was vomiting and boy was she vomiting.
She continued throwing up for about 2 hours and then crashed for the rest of the day, exactly what the nurse had advised me would happen. I felt bad for her at the time, but she never tried that stunt again.
Addison is one of those kids who has to experience logical consequences.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
ACTION HEROS
Our cherished friends from Oregon came down for a visit to the beach. I think they probably arrived to visit the Roderick's as well, but I can't be sure. After spending a great day of SoCal sightseeing, we all were exhausted.
Scott and Mike had their bottoms cemented to the couch watching a football game on TV and Keaton, Mike's 2 year old son, was on the floor playing with his action heros sprawled out everywhere.
I was in the kitchen, whipping, stirring, mixing, chopping and everything else you do to prepare a meal. I really was paying no attention as to what was occurring in the living room when a small voice wafted into the kitchen. I thought I was mishearing the phrase but then I caught it again and was mortified.
I walked straight into the living room and confronted Mike. "Really, do you think it's appropriate for a 2 year old to repeat that kind of language?" He looked at me, puzzled, and replied "Fight you, fight you? He is playing with super heros." I smiled weakly and returned to fixing dinner.
I bet a psychiatrist would love to set up camp in my mind.
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