28

Monday is a day of beginnings. The Roderick household is embarking on a 28 day adventure with Dr. Oz and his method of cleansing out the body and subsequently strike out with a brand new vigor for life. February is the month of love, so we thought we could all do this together as a family. We encourage Kelsey to join us from the north, but we understand if she chooses not to jump on the train this time.

I plan to keep a day to day journal/blog on the journey, so that you may all track our successes and failures. It's gonna be fun.

Oh my, we covet your prayers.

PAN HANDLED

Bruce's sermon certainly touched Scott last weekend. My husband is one who likes to hang onto his money tight . . . real tight. It is hard for him to spend. He and I are very different in the financial world. I spend, he saves. End of story.

Sunday afternoon, we were walking into Bella Terra for dinner and a movie when we were approached by a couple probably in their sixties. The woman was sporting a cane and the gentleman was heavily inhaling a cigarette. I knew the moment I saw the two of them that they were going to approach us with a request of some sort. I hurried by and Scott hesitated and spoke with them. They shared with Scott that they need some cash to take a taxi to their daughter's house and could he spare any. Scott immediately dug out his wallet and gave them what they needed and told them we were Christians and this is what Jesus would do. This was truly an uncharacteristic Scott, one who had taken that special sermon to heart.

What Scott neglected to add to the equation was our dinner. He now had no cash, nor did I. We were so glad we were dining with the Hurdles. They generously picked up the tab and we went on to enjoy a relaxing evening of food and cinema.

Hmmm. We hope that couple made it to their daughters house, but that is one of those things that God will only know.

SASHA

While waiting to get our tickets to the movies the other night, I was star struck. That's right. Me.

Scott was in line getting our stubs and I was glancing around, people watching. It's one of my favorite past times. I saw this guy in line. I knew I recognized him but from where? All of a sudden I was giddy with excitement. It was Sasha Kljesian of Chivas USA, a midfielder who also plays on the national team. We're talking soccer here, futbol.

I was quick to point him out to Scott and he made a bee line for Sasha and told him he looked forward to seeing him play in the World Cup in South Africa this summer. Scott was also impressed with our chance meeting. Sasha actually graduated from HBHS the year before Kelsey so we have "connections" so to speak.

Hey Sasha, we have four single daughters . . .

PRAYER

We meet on Monday evenings with our small group and the girls take turns watching our little canines. They entertain the mutts in the back bedroom and keep them quiet or take them on a very long walk. This past week Addison was in charge and she chose to stay home and watch them.

She did a great job up until it was our prayer time. During prayer, we all take turns praying, I distinctly heard Addison's voice saying "shut up", "I said shut up" and "shhhhhh." I couldn't help but think what our group must think of our heathen daughter who obviously has a problem with people communing with our Lord. Just before we ended my phone rang . . . and rang . . . and rang. It was Addison calling and asking when we would be finished.

We may rethink Addison's role in doggie sitting.

BORNSTEIN

I love Jonathan Bornstein, who happens to play soccer for Chivas USA. The only way I could possibly like this kid more was if he played for the Galaxy. Seriously. He is an unbelievable defender and he led the USA to victory over Costa Rica in World Cup qualifying by scoring a perfect goal in the last minutes of the game.

So you will understand my excitement when I discovered his cleats worn in that game, scoring that goal, signed by him, were up for auction on ebay. An added tidbit was that all proceeds from the sale would benefit Haiti.

Keep in mind that Scott and I are generally not frivolous with our finances unless it is for a cause that we whole heartedly believe in. For instance, my purchase of a surf board at the church's Next Wave Campaign kick off. A large hit in our bank account to see our new buildings constructed but we were excited to take it in the chin.

I was on ebay deciding what to do. Scott was by my side. "Can I bid?' Scott just shook his head and replied "You will have to figure out where the money will come from." I thought I could do that . . . a few less Starbucks. Yeah, I can do it.

I punched in my bid, $800.00, and hit "commit" and closed my eyes. That was as high as I would go.

I heard a subtle sigh escape Scott's lips. I love the guy. He gives me so much freedom at a high cost to his "2010 spending plan" and his stress level.

I didn't get Johnny's cleats.

ANTS

We have an ant infestation due to all the water that has built up in puddles throughout our yard. They are entering through the girls bathroom and down through the wall and into the coat closet. Scott is planning to set things right today with ant traps but with Addison and Shae out of town I thought I would have a little fun.

Both girls knew that the ants were coming into the house so they were very anxious to get out of town. They also were certain that the problem would be remedied before they're return.

I texted them both this morning with the horrible news. "Ant invasion . . . in clothes, in beds, in food, in carpet . . . do not come home." You can imagine the response. Addison called immediately trying to understand how we could let this happen. Shae texted back "Ew . . . save my clothes." I waited a bit before letting them in on the hoax. Their responses were so funny I could barely talk.

Children are my favorite entertainment.

TRAFFIC

During our Thanksgiving trip up to Seattle we took a little detour in Portland. Scott got off the freeway inadvertently and we ended up in down town Portland at rush hour. Not pretty. I finally talked him into pulling to the curb so that I could ask someone for directions. I spied a lady walking our way and Scott pulled over and I rolled down my window. I politely asked "Could you please tell me how to get back on the 5 freeway?" She gave me a horrified look and ran away. The kids are laughing hysterically in the back seat.

We tried again. This time we pulled up to a gentleman. "Excuse me, could you direct me to the 5 freeway?" Totally ignored me and he scampered up the sidewalk. The girls are laughing so hard there is no sound being detected.

Once again, this time a young girl. "I'm so lost. Could you give me directions to the freeway?" She at last gave me some hope. She smiled and said "I just moved here about a week ago, but I think it is that way." Sigh.

We took off in the direction she pointed and finally found it ourselves.

Portland doesn't care for Roderick's.

24

Our first born turned 24 this week. We are reeling from the realization that she has been in our lives for that many years and yet it seems as if time has not passed.

Kelsey came to join Scott and I on January 20, 1986 at 2:30pm on a very snowy day in Utah. As a matter of fact, she was born on the first national celebration of Martin Luther King's birthday. Kelsey came into this world with lots of lights, cameras and action.

I went into labor about midnight and didn't know what to expect. We got to the hospital at about 7:00am and I was not a happy laborer. I wanted drugs. So much so that I grabbed Scott by the shirt collar, pulled his face down to mine and said, no yelled "Go get the doctor now"! With his back turned and running out the door, he said that he was laughing his head off. He had never seen me behave so out of character and apparently that was funny to him.

Needless to say, the epidural arrived and I was much more myself when Kelsey was ready to arrive. I had a little trouble with the pushing so forceps were necessary. Kelsey had a little scrape right next to her eye due to the difficult delivery. She still has a small scar next to her left eye that you can still see today. It is what makes her our Kelsey.

She looked like a screaming pirate when I got to hold her. Scott took her to get her all checked out as I was wheeled into surgery. That's right, surgery. During labor I did not empty my bladder and that thing burst. I had to go in and get stitched up while the epidural was still effective. I was so unhappy. I wanted to be with my baby girl not with a bunch of old doctors.

Kelsey was such a sweet baby. The only Roderick baby that was a little jaundiced and had to go under the lights. She looked like a mini Zorro. No matter, because we both had to stay in the hospital for 4 days. It was all worth it to have our first little girl get the family started.

We love you Kelsey Noel Roderick.

DRIP

Last night I woke up to the wild and wonderful rain storm that had been predicted over and over. Wind, lightening, thunder, debris. I slipped out of bed and went down stairs to double check that everything was tight and cozy on the inside. Our new windows were doing their job. However the french doors needed a little wiping up and a few towels, nothing major, just a spot here and there. After I had taken care of the doors I grabbed a drink of water and headed back up the stairs.

I took a couple steps and stopped thinking I heard drips inside the wall. I listened carefully, but didn't hear it again and continued my hike up the stairs. Again, I thought I heard leaking, drips or something in the wall. I tried to concentrate and I strained once more to confirm what I knew I had heard. Nothing. I started up the stairs once more and the audio kicked in again. I know there was dripping. I knew I heard something. Some where.

I then realized that it was my knee creaking as I climbed the stairs.

Yeah. This Roderick is getting old.

SHUTTLE

While we were in Seattle in November, we had a great time eating dinner at a fabulous restaurant. If you are ever in Seattle, try to make time to eat at The Crab Cooker down near Pike's Place. The food is yummy and it's so fun to eat in an unusual way.

We walked down to Pike's Place and it was freezing, a biting cold that goes right through you. On the way, Scott spotted a shuttle that had our hotel's name on it and he asked if we could get a ride back in about an hour. The driver was very pleasant and told Scott to give him a call and he would be there in a flash. I was very thankful that Scott was taking care of all his girls. I did not want to repeat that cold walk.

Scott called the given number and true to his word, our driver and his shuttle arrived without delay. The Roderick family piled in and off we went.

Seattle was starting to dress up for Christmas and it was exciting. New town, new experience, full bellies, life was good. Kelsey was quietly reading signs and thinking about directions, but I didn't pay much attention until we pulled into a hotel that I had never seen before. Kelsey said, "Oh, this isn't right. Our hotel is on the other side of town". The driver just shook his head and rolled his eyes. If I could read minds, I am sure his was saying "these crazy tourists, don't even know where they are staying". People in the lobby were laughing and the girls were trying to hide, so red and so embarrassed. Me, I am laughing at another adventure in the making. My family is my entertainment. The shuttle guy said he would take us to the other hotel with the same name so again, we all jumped in and we were off.

As we drove up and were dropped off, people at our hotel were laughing, pointing and guffawing, as well as the gentleman at the front desk. He smiled and said "It happens all the time".

We Roderick's know how to party in Seattle.

SHAMROCK SHAE

It was St. Patrick's Day. A day for fun and green. Or so I thought.

Shae got ready for school, making sure she had on the correct amount of green. She did not want to be pinched and she did want to show the proper celebration spirit. I suggested she put two tiny shamrock washable tatoos at the corners of her eyes. She eagerly accepted and we applied the tatoos. She looked adorable as I dropped her off for her fun filled day at school.

I picked her up and was excited to hear about her day. She got in the car and I was horrified to see a rug burn like wound on each side of her eye. The tatoos were gone.

"Shae what happened to your tatoos?" I asked. Shae looked down and replied "I scratched them off. The kids said tatoos are not allowed in school." I tried to comfort her and explain I thought they meant real tatoos, not the harmless ones she had been wearing.

She had scabs on the sides of her head for about two weeks, looking strangely like Frankenstein.

Another parenting moment brought to you by the Roderick family.

DOGS AND BACON

I save bacon grease to drizzle over the dogs dry food so that they will have shiny, healthy coats and skin. I know the professionals don't recommend that, but my aunts and uncles, who live on farms, swear by the practice and they have always had gorgeous hounds.

I fill up their bowls, heat up the grease, and pour it generously over the brown, crunchy stuff. Forgetting that the bacon grease is still hot, I set the bowl's on the floor and call Dakota and Diesel. They come running up and dig in, stopping abruptly. They back slowly away from the food and start barking at the bowls.

Sorry doggies, a little to warm for your canine palates.

MOM'S RECIPE

My mom is the best cook ever and I try to emulate her with little success. She makes awesome divinity and divine chicken noodles. Her mashed potatoes have no competition and she makes unequaled cinnamon apple sauce. This is one of her recipes that I have done my very best to copy but there is just something missing. Ah well, my girls and my man love it!

POTATO SOUP

Peel 2 large potatoes. Or leave skins on for more nutritional value but scrub well. Cut into bite size pieces and place in sauce pan. Cover with potatoes water and boil until tender. Drain, reserving one cup of the potato water. Cover potatoes, including water, with milk and heat, just under boiling. Add a tablespoon or two of salted butter. Salt and pepper to taste.

Add any or all of the following: onions, carrots, celery, broccoli, corn, peas, etc., all to taste.

Ladle into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, bacon bits and soda crackers.

I used to love this when I was sick and still do enjoy it when it is a chilly evening or perhaps windy and rainy.

From the Roderick house to yours.

CARTIER

Addison and Scott went birthday shopping for dear old mom last Sunday and I guess it was quite a trip. They went to South Coast Plaza, which was probably their first mistake. Right into Nordstrom's to find the walking shoes that I have been coveting. Then it was on down the mall to check out the many other selections available.

Scott happened upon the Cartier store and glided on in like he owned the place with Addison in tow. He had seen several bracelets in magazine ads that he thought I might like and he wanted to check the real thing out. He requested to see one in particular. The saleslady put on her white gloves and pulled the bracelet out of the stunning case it was housed in. It was beautiful or so said Addison. He asked the gal how much it was, with his tongue in cheek. She replied "$4,000.00 sir".

Addison said to her dad "Do you want to walk around the mall and think about it?"

SHOPPING CARTS

I have a plan. I have a strategy. I am tactically ready to tackle the grocery shopping. The only challenge to attaining the goal is . . . people. Ignorant people.

Normally I run the periphery of the store knowing that doing so I can purchase the most healthful products. I start at dairy and move on to fresh fruits and vegetables. No distractions. My eyes are on the prize. To get in and out in the least amount of time possible.

Last week was a simple break down in communications. Albertson's allowed people in the store who were not aware of my routine. For example, the lady who stood in the middle of the aisle while her little boy sat in the cart picking his nose and enjoying the culinary delight he discovered. Or the two women who stood side by side chatting and blocking the aisle so that no one could get by to complete the assigned task. Or the guy who stood in the middle of the aisle trying to decide what liquor to purchase. Or the rather large family who decides they need to purchase a side of beef in the deli section. FYI - Costco for the side of beef. Not to mention the mother whose child was throwing a huge tantrum and she kept trying to bribe said child with something sweet. I have one word for the lady - CAR. How about the gal whose kid followed behind her, crawling on the floor finding crumbs to munch on? I am not kidding. All true.

Did no one brief these people on grocery shopping rules and standards? Always keep moving. If you must stop and browse, please move to the far right. Rules of the road apply to grocery shopping as well. I am not a patient shopper and it would be wise to keep walking if you see me shopping . . . grocery shopping.

Another look into the complicated mind of a Roderick.

FRIENDSHIPS RENEWED

I love going to Utah for Christmas to celebrate with family and friends. This year was no different. We visited with friends we hadn't seen in years, had a grand time teasing nieces and nephews and ate the comfort food I love the way only my mom can make it.

I was reacquainted with several friends that I baby sat when they were young. They now have kids who are baby sitting. We went to Christmas Eve Services at my home church, where Scott and I met and fell in love. We got to go to my dad's Sunday School class with Addison and Kelsey. We got to enjoy a snow storm. I got to shop at one of my favorite yarn shops and enjoy cupcakes and tea at a sweet little cottage.

But I think my favorite part is simply enjoying time with everyone. Laughing so hard our tummies ache. Remembering when our kids were little. Learning what people are doing now. Loving life where we are at any moment.

Time costs so little. We Roderick's need to remember that.

FAMILY SPENDING PLAN

Our family spending plan always takes a hit during the holidays. This year, doubly so, because of our trips to Seattle and Salt Lake City at Thanksgiving and Christmas, respectively. January comes to quickly and bills and accounts stagger our usual monthly output.

2010 brings with it a short fall of several hundred dollars a month. Scott and I discussed several options to equalize our Quicken plan and we started praying. We were not on our knees long.

On January 10, 2010 our expectations were met above and beyond what we believed possible. In fact, it was met with EXACTLY the amount we needed. We can rest easily knowing that God is faithful and our over extended VISA will be paid in full soon.

Probably just in time for next Christmas.

WHAT I DISCOVERED IN NASHVILLE

I discovered I really enjoy attending conferences in enormous hotels.
I discovered I love room service at any cost.
I discovered I love teaching break out groups about children's ministry issues.
I discovered that cowboy boots are the most comfortable foot attire I own.
I discovered I will always dislike weather with temperatures below 50 degrees.
I discovered I really don't enjoy country museums, knick knacks, beer bottle cap earrings and Elvis anything.
I discovered I love Starbucks anywhere.
I discovered I can knit wherever I choose.
I discovered I can live without a Cracker Barrel restaurant.
I discovered that some people do survive, and even thrive, without their two front teeth.
I discovered I pick up cultural accents and vernacular quickly.
I discovered that airports can be amusing even with all the TSA stuff.
I discovered, much to my amazement, that I enjoy being away from home and family for a few days.
I discovered that flying is much easier with a little help from a little pill.
I discovered ice grows out of rocks.
I discovered some fountains freeze solid.
I discovered I am an "always prepared" kind of gal.
I discovered I love my ministry team mates: Kurt, Kelly, Kelsey and Laurel.
I discovered serving Jesus in children's ministry at FCCHB is the best job ever.

AVATAR VS STAR WARS

I remember how I felt after stepping out of the movie theater in 1977. Star Wars was spectacular and the special effects that movie produced was like nothing I had ever seen before. I couldn't stop thinking about Luke, Obi Wan and Darth Vader. The Jedi were beyond even my vivid imagination.

I remember how I felt after stepping out of the movie theater in 2010. Avatar was attractive and pleasing to the eye, but the story line was a bit disturbing and difficult to follow during the first hour. I wanted to stop thinking about . . . I'm sorry . . . I can't even remember the names of the characters. I tired quickly of the tension and discovered 3-D makes me a bit nauseous.

I know. I am old. No excuses. I like what I like. I am Roderick.

RUSH HOUR

Scott went to get my birthday cake and on the way ran into a little trouble at Beach and Warner. Picture this.

He is traveling west on Warner and is stopped at the light at Beach in the far right lane. He is attempting to go straight and this guy tries to squeeze through traffic to turn right. Scott hears a scraping sound on the right side of the car and the guy is hitting the Highlander with his rear view mirror. This maniac is driving a fairly new Audi and Scott honks at him and he keeps going while mechanically moving his mirror. He doesn't hesitate, stop or acknowledge the incident.

Fortunately, no real damage was done. The scratch can easily be rubbed out, but isn't it the principle of the action that really accounts for the madness?

Happy Birthday.

ANOTHER BIRTHDAY

Today has been a great birthday!

I started out with a fabulous, sun filled walk and watched surfer's ride 6 foot waves and shoot curls from the HB pier. I watched dolphins frolic in the distant glistening ocean. Holly and Kim bought me a cup of joe and a doughnut at, that's right, Starbucks. My family took me to Karl Strauss' for lunch (you gotta try the beer batter fish and chips, amazing), where Kelsey was missed and in all our thoughts. Scott then whisked me to Nordstrom's where I picked up the coveted Sketchers Shape Ups walking shoes.

Tonight I am looking forward to our small group complete with birthday cake from The Great Dane Bakery for dessert. It will round out an almost perfect 52nd birthday. I am also looking forward to a celebration lunch tomorrow with good friends, much laughter and several juicy tales. All the phone calls, facebook messages and snail mail greetings have been tucked away in my heart and are forever cherished.

Who says half dead isn't real fun?

SLUGS

While the girls were young I simply did not have time to care for pets. Any pets. So the girls were forced to find their own "pets" to care for and love.

Kelsey was playing on the patio at our home in Oregon. I noticed she was very engrossed in something on her arm. I went over to the slider and asked her what she was doing. She stood, held her arm up for me to examine and said "Mommy, these are my new pets." Crawling around on her arm were about six Oregon black slugs. I tried to remain calm and gently removed the slugs from her tender pink arm.

I immediately stripped her on the back step and raced her into a warm, bubbly bath. Slug juice comes off readily and kids usually clean up nicely. I threw her clothes, along with more laundry, into the machine.

Later that afternoon as I was folding fresh clean clothes, I discovered a thread knot in one of Kelsey's pockets. I dipped my hand in and pulled out a handful of dehydrated black slugs, not a thread knot at all. I showed Kelsey what I had found and she looked at me with sad, blue eyes and said "Momma, those are my pets. Are they sick?"

Yes, Kelsey, really sick.

DISHWASHER

FYI. Public Service Announcement. From me to you. Caution. Do as I say and not as I do.

I did something very stupid. I don't know what possessed me. I don't know what I was thinking. I just wanted to get the dishes finished and get on with the holidays and the revelry. I wanted candle light and coziness. I wanted to set a comforting and inviting mood in our home. I wanted the aroma of family unity and love.

I threw all the candle holders in the dishwasher without cleaning the wax out of them. I wanted the sparkling clean glass to reflect the emotions of the season.

January 10, 2010 and we are still trying to get the wax out of the machine. Scott bought some heavy duty clog disrupter today at Home Depot.

I am praying for a miracle and a functioning mind.

EARS PIERCED

This story could, and did, only happen to a Roderick chickie.

Addison wanted her ears pierced and soccer wasn't in season (no earrings during soccer including the studs for piercing). So it was off to Walmart with her oh so patient, loving father. They went to the jewelry counter and waited for Addison's big moment.

Her ears were marked, checked and marked again until she felt they were perfect and her dad thought they would be beautiful. The piercing gun was placed and the trigger was pulled, the stud centered strategically on her dainty lobe. One ear done.

Now for the next. The piercing gun was placed and the trigger was pulled, the stud centered strategically on her dainty lobe. Release ear piercing tool from ear. No. NO! The release mechanism was jammed. "Well this has never happened before. I guess you'll just have to leave it on your ear" said the insensitive twit with the gun. Addison was now horrified and starting to panic. This was the worse possible event that could happen to her . . . she is Addison after all. It took a moment or two or three to calm her down.

As you have seen, Addison does not have a mechanical object dangling from her ear. She and her father do have a story to tell and a memory was made.

And I have another blog entry.

TREEHOUSE TODAY

Yea! I wore my new cowboy boots to the Treehouse this weekend. One pair for Saturday night and one pair for Sunday. Great shopping in Nashville and boots were on sale everywhere. I "roped" Kurt, our fearless leader in Nashville, into buying a pair and we got two more pair for FREE. That's right, I said "FREE". So we each paid about $100.00 for our brand new boots. This logic only works if you're a Roderick girl.

New Testament recitation this morning was awesome. "Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and Acts and Romance . . . I & II Timothy, Midas . . .

By the way, do you know any cowboys in the Bible?

HB GIRLS

Shae started her day with a 10:30 am one hour yoga session followed by a hot shower. She then hopped in her car and went shopping for a few hours. Finding herself a bit parched and hungry, she and Danielle stopped to have dinner at a hot sushi bar in downtown Hungtington Beach. Now it was off to meet more friends and enjoy a movie at the local theater. Soon she will be home with her posse and they will all be sleeping over at the Roderick abode. Sounds glamourous, expensive and oh so Orange County, California . . . just like a typical beach girl. No, no, no. Do not jump to preconceived television ideas.

Shae got up and did go to a FREE one hour yoga class. She came home, showered and ate lunch. She did go shopping, but spent zero. She and Danielle did go to sushi, however, they went at happy hour when everything is half price. She did meet her friends at the movies, but she had a Christmas discount ticket. Roderick house entertainment is always FREE.

So you see, all is not as it seems on TV. At least, it's not for we Roderick's.

WET SNOW

While in Utah for Christmas, we enjoyed a snow storm that was beautiful. We sat inside all cozy and toasty and watched the flakes flutter to the ground in a grand blanket of dazzling white. We all gathered and talked about the holidays and snow and cold weather.

Hope and Scott were talking about all the outdoor activities to do in the frozen North. Hope said that she would like to build a snowman. A big snowman with rock eyes and a carrot nose.

Now Utah snow is very dry and fluffy and does not pack into snowballs easily and he explained this to her. She looked up at him with all the seriousness that a freshman in high school can muster and said "Can we add water?"

Yea, she's really a Roderick.

AIRPORT KNITTING

Seriously, I don't enjoy airports, flying or anything to do with air transportation. God made me to keep my feet on the ground. But in the world we live in, air travel is inevitable, so I must suck it up and deal.

One of my chosen ways to keep calm while rummaging through the airport clutter is knitting. It's portable, small and slides through TSA with nary a question. I use circular needles that apparently are not viewed as weapon material. Good for me because once at the gate or on the plane my little fingers need something creative to do.

While walking through Heathrow Airport several years ago, a ball of yarn got away from me without my knowledge. A nice young Brit tapped me on the shoulder and handed me a small ball of yarn that I had dropped. It had left a trail of wool throughout the baggage claim area informing everyone where I had been and what I had done. I told my girls that from now on I needed them to keep an eye on my yarn so I could avoid another "incident".

While at the Nashville Airport last week I asked my friend Kelly to keep an eye on my yarn for me. I shared the Heathrow story and she graciously said she would help me out.

Shortly after our chat a nice Nashvillian tapped me on the shoulder and handed me a ball of yarn with a trail attached to it.

Thanks, Kelly :)