WEEKENDERS

I understand that we live in a vacationland. I understand we must look to summer tourism to sustain the Huntington Beach community. I understand that with great responsibility comes great sacrifice. I got it.

What I don't understand is how people who come here on vacation somehow forget the rules of engagement. You know what I mean . . . courtesy, politeness, manners, etc. It seems that most of these "out-of-towners" leave those back on the old homestead. Or they were simply never taught.

Case in point. You do not stop in front of The Cheesecake Factory and load your car with people for 10 minutes while someone behind you in their car patiently waits. Second case in point. You do not make a mess and proceed to leave it where you stand. Third case in point. Always pick up your dogs poop. Fourth case in point. We who live at the beach tend to dress a little more conservatively, so please don't wear your pants low and your shirts high. We know in a heartbeat where you and from and it isn't Huntington Beach.

Are you seeing a pattern here? i am and i did.

How long is it until school starts again?

SATC2

It was a grand event. Something I always look forward. A time of reflection, rebirth and renewal. A joining of the female of our species in a ritual that has played out many times over. That's right. It was time for a chick flick together. And it was so worth it to combine our reviews of this particular cinema graphic technology.

After the movie we went to dinner and also took a culinary journey that some of the girls had not yet succumbed too. That's right, we went out for sushi. Let me share with you the highlight reel.

HR loves to watch "Ice Road Truckers", "Survivor", "Life of an American Teenager", "The Amazing Race" and all those "Real Housewives" shows. So not what I have always thought Holly to be . . . it was great! Then we have four other girls, AP, CP, PC and of course, KT who were throwing back drinks like a sailor on leave. Not really, they only had one each but those must have been powerful drinks to instigate the kinds of behaviors being exhibited. CP was scraping her left over sauce from her entree on to her plate of appetizers. I seriously was happy she wasn't licking it off that plate. KT was shooting soy beans at PC and anyone else who wasn't looking. She almost took out our waiter. CH thought the soy beans were green beans. Really. But hey, I was not there to judge.

There is much activity that I am not at liberty to share because of the secrecy claus. I must not relay this information to the general public. Me, hey I was driving and not in the mix at all, although I did experience a slight discomfort in my abdomen from all the guffawing going on.

Good times I will always cherish.

BIBLE IN A MINUTE

I ran across this video the other day while preparing a lesson for the Treehouse. It is so good I plan to use it some day. Share with me your thoughts. :)

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=barats+and+bereta+bible+in+a+minute&aq=0

HOPE LAUGH, HOPE WALK

We moved to Huntington Beach when Hope was about 9 months old. She wasn't old enough to walk or talk but she found a way of communicating about anything and everything.

I would ask her "where's your pancreas?" and she would point to her tummy in the general direction of where the organ might be located. I would casually ask her about our senior pastor, Bruce, and she would throw her head back and laugh relentlessly mimicking his style precisely. I would ask her where the boogies live and she would gently blow air through her tiny cherub nose, while being careful not to allow any escapees make a run for it. She had a distinct flare for letting me know that it was time for a diaper change. A strained, red face and a concentrated pucker while sitting on the floor was a dead give away.

As she got a little older she was able to portray Bob, our executive pastor, exactly. She could imitate his walk and not miss a beat. She enjoyed graham crackers in the nursery every week while going through the separation anxiety syndrome that some kids experience. The care givers would have the crackers waiting for her and as soon as I dropped her off, she made it immediately clear that she would not cooperate until the said nourishment was in her hand and making it's way to her open mouth.

These are the kinds of things I enjoy blogging about because if I don't document the memories I will surely forget them someday. So I keep these thoughts tethered in my heart and share them in cyberspace as the years accumulate and the wrinkles continue to invade my smile. I look forward to every one of them.

Roderick's love to spin a decent tale, even the little ones.

FIREPLACE

I am so happy. Happy. HAPPY! Scott is finishing the fireplace. We picked out the stacked stone and it has entered the Roderick home. We have the backer board, cement, tools, hardware and paint. He has done the homework and has demoed the existing structure. He worked all afternoon yesterday and all day today. The plan, my plan, is to have it complete by June 11, 2010, the first day of the World Cup. Everything up and running, including new furnishings and a brand spanking new flat screen hanging above the brand new stacked stone fireplace.

Scott thinks I may be a bit to aggressive and optimistic about his abilities. He keeps jabbering about money, time and all the other, in my opinion, non essentials. I am just going to keep praying and I know he will do a great job and i will be thrilled with the outcome.

I do have Cheyne's number just in case. He would be happy to come over and lend Scott a hand if the need arises, you know, Scott's the brains and Cheyne's the muscle.

Go USA!

$10.00 FLIGHT

Ahh, the way of the $10.00 flight.

It was several weeks ago and Jet Blue was initiating a one day sale on tickets to select destinations to celebrate their ten year anniversary. I was booking Scott and I tickets for Seattle at $20.00 each, round trip. I was stoked. We were going up for dinner and to spend the night with our first born. it was going to be a surprise for Kelsey of unbelievable proportions.

i was choosing our seats and the tickets were sold right out from under me. Bummer. So close, yet so far.

Well, I am sure there will be a next time. It could happen.

PAUL'S WEDDING

Yesterday was a special day. It was the first of many weddings that will be attended by our girls. Paul, Addison's long time friend, is the first one out of the chute and she, and several other friends, went to the gala affair and were pleasantly surprised.

We spent time shopping for wedding presents online at the couple's chosen registry and Addison was shocked by what the pair had put on their "list". "This is really weird stuff" she said. I explained to her that they were setting up their own little "love" nest and that's the kind of items you need to get the house keeping started. All in all, it was a teachable moment for my second born and prayerfully, she will wait a while before she takes the step. Of course, she must jump through all the hoops before achieving the Roderick's blessings for matrimony, which includes finding a young man suitable for her according to our specific guidelines.

Suffice it to say, they all had a great time at the wedding and sent Paul and his bride off into wedded bliss and a life filled with happiness, joy and continued love.

Roderick girls, do not even think about it.

SO BLOND

Shae and I walk and do yoga every Saturday. We enjoy catching up with each other and love the stroll along the beach. We begin at the church and continue down Main and after our workout we return. It is a 3 mile loop and we walk by parks, homes and businesses.

Today, Shae was observing several homes that were for sale and was carrying on a rapid conversation with her friend Sam, as I eavesdropped behind them. She's chattering away, as is usual, when abruptly she turns and asks me "Do you think that house has an underneath?" "You mean a basement? No, honey, no underneaths are available in HB."

So blond . . . and she's the one leaving for the University of Oregon in the fall.

FOLLOW THE BLOG

If you read this blog, please become a follower. Just go to the blogger home page and sign up for a google account. It is so easy and you will be notified when i've posted a story, opinion, tale, editorial, etc. Show me some love people . . . xoxo

MONKEY HOUSE CAFE'

Usually, after a busy Sunday morning at FCCHB, several or our friends go out and enjoy the fine dining that Huntington Beach has to offer. Every once in a while the Roderick clan joins them. Today was one of those days.

i finished up in the Treehouse and Scott and I walked to the HBHS parking lot to retrieve our car. We jumped in and headed off to the Monkey House Cafe', an eating establishment that we hadn't the opportunity as of this day, to try. Scott, as always when we go out to eat, makes his rounds throughout the restaurant doing the "shake and howdy". He always knows someone from church, no matter where we go. I went ahead and ordered our meal, sat down and took the chance to chat with our fabulous friends. We ate, we laughed, shared stories and just plain kicked back.

Several of the kids decided to dine at the iHOP across the street. Quite suddenly, those kids burst in and informed us there is a fire on the other side of Beach Blvd. "Smoke is filling the sky" they said.

I am not exaggerating when I say that our table was emptied in seconds as all of us crowded around the door to peer out the window. A small plume of smoke, to say the least, was dancing above the buildings and yet we were all so intrigued by the possibility of a fire in HB that our curiosity got the best of us all.

A sidebar, Frank, who is a Firefighter, had left a few minutes before, and as far as I know, didn't even detect the smoke.

DMV RETAKES

This is a public service announcement.

Did you know that the DMV will do retakes of your drivers license picture? They will and they did yesterday for a fine sixteen year old girl living in the community. She simply batted her eyes and asked innocently if it was possible to get a better picture. Apparently it was and she did. I was dumb struck.

If I had known that I would have done my retake years ago.

KEAN WITH THE GALS

We fully intended to walk today. It was Wednesday and we walk. That's what we do, three times a week, religiously. Really, we meet at the church at 9:00am and walk approximately 3 miles. Today, that routine did not happen.

I admit it. I am a back slider. I lead my sisters down a path of sin and degradation. They followed willingly like lambs to slaughter. We ditched walking. I, satan in disguise, volunteered to drive and jumped behind the wheel of the family Highlander all gassed up and ready to roll.

We ran amok in Newport Beach, a really nice place to run amok. I proceeded to take these innocent women with me to try out the most unusual and delicious coffee. That's right, I said coffee or rather typed coffee. Any way, I introduced these fine ladies to one of my evil vices, the pure enjoyment of caffeine in it's finest form. They dipped their individual tongues into the black gold and closed their eyes to enjoy the warm beverage as it slithered down their open throats.

Many of you know that I am a tried and true Starbucks advocate. However, every now and then, I abandon my favorite house of aroma and embark on a different path. This would be a rather benign adventure had Kean Coffee not been next to another intoxicating establishment. Susie Cakes Bakery.

This place rivals Sprinkles and the devil was beckoning us to "come on in." It was astonishing how fast a moist cake will derail a whole week of healthy eating. We rather had a good time "sinning" today.

Lord forgive us for we KNOW what we do . . .

A COUPLE IN VEGAS

Our very good friends took a much needed couple of days and filled them with the sights and sounds of Las Vegas. They were able to swing a room at the Mandalay Bay. Let the rest and relaxation begin. They spent their days enjoying the pools that the hotel had to offer and their nights eating all the fine food the surroundings had provided.

After a few hours at one of the pools the man made the decision that he would love a swimming experience that did not include other people's kids and all the joy they bring. So what is a man his age to do? This particular hotel has several pools all with different activities to fit every need. As he "shopped" around he found exactly what he wanted. The sign clearly said "Adults Only" and he was off and running to their room to share the good news with wife.

The next morning, he rose early and grabbed his paper and coffee and told his lovely wife that he would go down and save the perfect spot for their quiet day.

After walking the short distance to the pool, he observed a small line waiting to get into the area. He thought "yes, not one kid in sight". It never crossed his mind that most of these guys are younger than me. This particular guy is not one to be concerned with the small stuff. It mattered not to him. He got in line and was good to go until the line manager came over to speak with him.

"Sir," the manager said, "I think you may be more comfortable over at one of our other pools. This one is for adults only." Now, he thought this odd because he certainly gave no reason to think he was not an adult. "This pool will be perfect. No kids, right?" he replied.

The gentleman looked at him and timidly said "sir, this is a clothing optional pool." He instantly retreated back to his room to share his faux pax with his lovely wife.

See why we love having Christian friends . . . never a dull moment.

WORLD CUP & MANI/PEDIS

I never would have put the two together. I never talk sports while getting a manicure and/or pedicure. I never would have broached the subject.

But all those "nevers" come to a screeching halt every four years. That's right, it is once again time for World Cup Soccer. I go to a little nail shop where all the manicurists are Vietnamese and they are all crazy about soccer. But only every four years. They could care less about my Galaxy guys. They don't even know their names.

I believe it draws the world together to cheer their country on to victory. It is similar to the Olympics. National pride, team spirit and those oh so easy on the eyes futbol players.

I have several favorites. Landon Donovan, Jonathan Bornstein, Tim Howard and Stewart Holden, are in my opinion, the best on the USA squad. They are a mixture of youth and experience. They have played in the English Premier League as well as MLS.

Our conversation at the shop was more predicting than anything else. We all agreed that Argentina is the team to watch. So turn on your TV on June 11th and watch some international futbol.

I bet the TV will be on at your nail salon tuned in to the World Cup.

BLESSED (GUEST BLOG BY MY KELSEY)

I Am Blessed
“Blessed are the forgetful;
for they get the better even of their blunders.”
– Friedrich Nietzsche

I’m a little bit forgetful. It’s true.

I can never remember what I need when I get to the grocery store, so I always make a list, but then I forget to bring that list.

I never know where my keys are.

I don't dare silence my phone because I'll never be able to call and find it again.

Where did I park my car?

What movie is that from?

What did I do with those earrings?

Did I lock the door?

Who sings this?

All things lost, slipping through my mind, everyday.

My family has been fortunate enough to be able to take many trips together. Most of them are road trips (the best kind of trips, in my opinion) and they all start out the same: we groggily climb out of our beds at 4 in the morning, lug our packed suitcases to the top of the stairs and find a cozy spot in the car to fall right back to sleep in. My father - being the charitable man he is - takes the suitcases down the stairs for us and loads them into the car and off we drive until 7am when we wake up whinning for a breakfast stop at Starbucks. This is how it always was; this is how it always is and will be.

Well, except for that one time.

This time we were flying (since you can't drive to Hawaii, but that's another story) but our flight left from LAX early enough so we woke up in the same nature, pulling our suitcases to the top of the stairs. I - being the charitable daughter I am - offered to help my father take all the suitcases out and load them up (we were plus 3 this time, my paternal grandparents and current boyfriend were joining us). We loaded all suitcases and successfully made it to the airport right on time.

Crawling out of the car, Mom instructs us all to grab our suitcases. I search in the pile and don't recognize which is mine. All bags in the pile are slowly collected until the pile disappears and I still do not have my suitcase. "Where's mine?" I ask - and everyone shrugs until mom says "Oh Kelsey, did you forget your luggage?"

Yes, yes I did.

Apparently we were all supposed to leave are bags at the BOTTOM of the stairs this time. When we returned, there my lonely luggage sat - in the usual drop off spot - at the top of the stairs.

Luckily, I have 3 sisters and we all wear pretty much the same size. Mom bought me a bathing suit and that really would have sufficed: in Hawaii you pretty much LIVE in your swimsuit. But it gave us a good laugh and a story I will never forget. Well, I might. But my family would never let me.

“May you never forget what is worth remembering, nor ever remember what is best forgotten.” – Irish Blessing.

JACK

I have not raised male children. I have not experienced the testosterone frenzy. I have not had that pleasure. I have missed a lot of belly laughs. We imported our entertainment this afternoon and we were not disappointed. Jack-isms follow.

"Watch me run into the wall."
"I win. I win. I win. I win." (continuously for about 1 minute)
"I want candy. I want candy. I want candy. I want candy." (while waiting to go the candy store)
"My mom has a blunder." (referring to a blender)
"Don't forget to run from the dogs, Jack." (his sister, an ever present protector)
"I didn't get my candy yet."
"Watch me run into the couch."
"I like monkeys."
"The pizza is here."
"We were training your dogs to eat."
"I like the number 12."

He threw pillows. He drank milk but could not finish and demanded a straw. He aided in the baking of cookies and in the eating of them. He played an active game of Blokus. He teased the doggies in their kennel. He feigned fright. He consistently was on the move.

I had a wonderful afternoon and evening watching that little guy in action. I was not responsible for him at all. Hope was providing quality child care.

The Roderick house will never be the same.

KEAN

I got up this morning and went on my usual walk with my gals, had my second cup of coffee and picked up Scott at the church. We were going on a field trip to try out a coffee shop that may or may not contract with us in our new building. We are planning a book store and small cafe and we are giving our opinion, whether they want it or not, on what the best approach is going to be.

Kean coffee is great. As much as I love Starbucks, there are 5 within walking distance of the church. Not a good idea to incorporate another one of those on the campus. Kean has a different style, ambiance and it is a little milder on the palate. Phyllis, Scott and I really enjoyed our cup in a ceramic mug instead of the paper cup, lid and straw.

Hope and I went to Starbucks this afternoon for the 1/2 price frappacino deal. We love the cold treat and at that price . . . well, you know how I am about a sale.

Four cups of coffee, did I mention I enjoyed a cup before I left this morning? All in the span of about 8 hours.

WOW . . . hope I can sleep tonight.

MY MOTHERS DAY 2010

My schedule on Mother's Day!

7:00 am - Got up and got ready for work
7:30 am - Left for work with a stop at Starbucks
8:00 am - Treehouse
12:30 pm - Home
1:00 pm - Nap time
4:00 pm - Woke up and got ready to go to the Hayes house for a bbq (Frank grilled up burgers for the Mom's)
7:00 pm - Came home, took a shower and read
10:00 pm - Slumber time

Might not sound like such a big deal to you, but it was an awesome day for me. The only thing missing was my baby girl Kelsey. She knows she was missed. Love you girl.

As a matter of fact, I love them all . . . Kelsey, Addison, Shae and Hope . . . and of course, Scott, without whom I would not even have the girls.

xoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

MARINE

I am sitting at the counter doing work on the computer. Scott and the girls are chatting and lounging around the kitchen. I hear words but am not paying them much mind until I hear the word marine.

Scott is inviting Addison to go to a marine auction with him. Addison seems rather excited about this opportunity. They are discussing what they could do and when they could do it and I am thinking to myself that she has no money to spend at a marine auction. What is Scott doing? Is he insane? She has no business even thinking about buying a date with a jar head. Oh.

He was talking about sailing and just wanted to spend some time on the water with Addison.

Roderick . . . this time it's me.

SPANKING ON I-80

I know. It probably has happened to all of us at one time or another. We get so frustrated with our kids that we make decisions that are inappropriate and unnecessary. I have done it so many times that I do not care to even try to count them.

We are driving home from a fabulous road trip to Utah. My bff Angie, her two girls, me and my three girls. A girlie get away as the saying goes. We were on the 80 out in the middle of Nevada. I mean there is a big bunch of nothing out there between Salt Lake City and Winnemucca. Angie and I were tired and the kids were so done with their car seats. They kept fighting and being grumpy and just plain belligerent. So we warned them three times that we would pull over and deliver discipline, but they kept pushing our buttons. We had to make good on our promise.

We pulled over and lined the three older ones up and spanked them a couple times right along the freeway. The younger ones stayed in their car seats being they were still babies. We threw them a bottle and they settled right in.

Now I am generally not a spanker, but desperate times called for desperate measures. It had the desired effect. All I can say is that there was no more bickering and fussing the rest of the way home.

The wooden spoon was there for me when no one else was.

STONE FIRE GRILL

I don't when or how I lost control of the girls, but once again they astound me. This time at a restaurant that we adore. Stone Fire Grill.

I'd just gotten back from Palm Springs and did not feel like cooking at all and Scott was now in Palm Springs on a staff retreat so what's a mom to do? We walked in and went to the counter. The guy who took our order, was, shall we say, extremely hot. Yes, the girls agreed with me and started giggling and acting all weird and flirty. Monique and Rachel had joined us and Rach was just as giddy as my girls.

The girls went on in and found a table as Monique and I paid. I told "Dylan" that the girls thought he was way hot and that's why they were so squirrelly. He smiled and gave us our number.

Dylan traded jobs so he could bring us our food. No question. We ordered more bread sticks and he brought those out as well, all the while checking out the scenery at our table. I love watching the game of love.

Addison and Monique put their heads together and came up with the following note: Dylan, My name is Shae and if you ever want to hang out give me a call. We all left and Adds personally gave him the note with a generous tip.

Shae is still waiting for your call, Dylan.

THE RANCH

Gotta love "The Ranch". We have gone several times and it is classic. The Ponderosa borders Zion's National Park and is a real good time. They have everything for adults and kids alike. It is an all inclusive resort with all the amenities you could imagine. I'll share some memories.

The first year we went was to celebrate Grammy and Grandads 50th wedding anniversary. We stayed in a condo with my sister and her family and it was the bomb. Shae preached our Sunday morning church service right in our condo. I did the zip line for the first time ever and Hope rode a horse. Kelsey and Addison's horses got into it while the girls were into it while riding. Shae watched the chickens roost at sundown and Scott went fishing with Grandad. We tried to swim but it was a little chilly. The chuck wagon had an array of food that everyone liked. It was easy to put the kids to bed because they were so tired. By the way, no TV available.

The next year was even more eventful. Meghan and Dave joined the clan and Grammy had the first massage of her life. We went on a hayride and ate grub in the forrest. Scott, Dave, Meghan and RJ were in paintball wars and Addison high centered her ATV. We searched the galaxy around the campfire and played rummy into the wee hours of the morning. I repelled for the first time ever and it was grand. Shae and RJ drove the go cart off the track and into the bushes. Anna Grace did the zip line and Olivia loved the smaller animals in the petting area. This time we stayed in cowboy cabins. AWESOME!

As you can see, lots to do and the kids love it and it's big enough for the Randolph and Roderick crews and their friends.

FORGOT

Scott left for work today like any other day. At about 8:30 am he starts gathering all his stuff together and heads out the door as he gives me a kiss. Coffee in one hand and laptop in the other and he is so good to go. Today wasn't any different.

I get a call from him at about 9:10 am. "Can you look by the throne (we call this chair the throne, because when you sit in it that's the feeling you get) and see if my small group stuff is there?" I did and it was. "I'm on my way home."

He walks in the door claiming his morning was so frazzled that he just forgot to get it. We spend some time chatting and once again he gathers up his stuff and is out the door with the dutiful good by kiss.

I am doing laundry by the truck loads because with 3 girls still living at home, that's what I do. I hear the garage door opening and in pops Scott, again. This time he is smiling. "I don't want to tell you what I did because you will blog about it."

Yep. He left without the paperwork again and got all the way to the church before he realized what he had done.

I guess he's a Roderick too.

A NEW BLOG ON THE BLOCK

Kelsey has started her own blog and it is really great. www.roderk.wordpress.com. Seems she's a chip off the old block. Don't you love I play the words. I'm just saying.

Go on . . . check it out. After all she is a Roderick.

THE BIBLE

I would love to be able to claim that one of our girls authored this little diddy, but I can't. My bff Mary Beth emailed it to me and I thought it was so believable for a kid to write! I had to share it on the family blog. Enjoy!

THE BIBLE

In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one', but I think He must be a lot older than that.

Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did.

Then God made the world. He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet.

Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden. Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars. Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.

Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something.

One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check.

After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.

Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable.

God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments. These include: don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff. Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.

Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.

After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me.

After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore.

There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them. After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of The New. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.')

During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Democrats. Jesus also had twelve opossums.
The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him.

Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount.

But the Democrats and Republicans put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.

Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.

SHOWER

Scott's in the shower and I am chatting away with him while I pick up our bathroom. When we remodeled the master bath three years ago we had to install a valve on the outside of the shower to meet HB code. I know, but they said it was a scalding stop safe, so we did it. But I digress.
Scott's in there washing his hair and telling me some tidbits from his jaw dropping day. I sneak over and turn off the stop safe valve. He keeps washing his hair. No reaction. Exactly like the satellite delay on TV. Then, there it is. "Hey, what happened to the water?" Boo-yah!

Why do I do these things to my family whom I love with all my heart, soul and being?

Because I can.

RINGS

This has been a week of ring mishaps.

Shae's class ring has been stuck on her finger for about a week. Not a problem. Not cutting off the circulation in her finger. She just likes to take it off when she sleeps. We have tried ice and oil, lotion, soap. One of these days it will slip right off. Patience.

Scott's wedding ring of 28 years has cracked and pinches him on occasion. Hmm, wonder why mine has held up all this time and his has not? I know, I know. He also takes his ring off every night to sleep. Maybe if he kept it on all the time like I do, it would have held up better. Shae, if you want your class ring to last, keep it on your finger all the time.

Sorry honey, I call it like I see it.

SHAE LOOKS LIKE A DUCK

Next time you see Shae ask her why she is wearing so much green. Even better give her a "quack, quack" and tell her to keep completing all the admission forms, housing forms, and the most important scholarship forms.

If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's a duck.

A Roderick duck.

QUACKED

This afternoon Kelsey and I were sitting on the lounge chair cuddling before she had to catch her flight home. We're talking about Shae and the plans she's making about going to the University of Oregon.

I tell Kelsey that people will think Shae "quacked". I thought it was a pretty clever statement on my part, but Kelsey looked at me with a horror stricken face and said "Mom that's a terrible thing to say. Doesn't that mean she died?"

"No, honey," I responded, "that would be croaked." I am so glad she has a bachelor's degree in English.

Duh, Roderick.

LUGGAGE

It was about 5 years ago and we were one excited family. It was Scott's Dad and Mom's 60th wedding anniversary and they were taking the family to Hawaii. We were out of bed and running at 5:00 am, planning to catch a shuttle to LAX for a 9:00 am flight to Honolulu.

We had all the luggage at the front door when our limo arrived. We loaded the gear, counted the family, hit the rode and glided up to our airline curb in record time. We were fortunate, not much traffic.

Our chauffeur got out, opened our car door. We already could feel the island breeze. It was great. So exciting. So surreal. The whole family was going spend a week in Hawaii.

With tickets in hand, we began checking our luggage. Kelsey asked a key question "Where's my suitcase?" Long pause. Scott replies "Did you bring it down stairs and put it by the front door where I asked you to?" Long pause. "I didn't know I was supposed to." Long pause.

Everyone else go the message and brought their respective bags down. Hmm. Kelsey missed the memo and she had no luggage. It was sitting at the top of the stairs at home.

Could have been ugly, but Kelsey just pulled up her boot straps, with a few tears, and moved on. She shared her sisters clothes and scored some new threads including a stunning swimsuit from Walmart (hehe).

Roderick. Blonde. No more to be said.

YOU KNOW

You know it's been a good week when several young men in the shoe department at Nordstrom's check you out.

You know it's been a good week when the 65th wedding anniversary celebration ends and no one has destroyed some one.

You know it's been a good week when you finally hired someone to tie up the loose ends around the house.

You know it's been a good week when you have over 200 K-2nd graders in the Treehouse.

You know it's been a good week when Kelsey, Addison, Shae and Hope are home at the same time.

You know it's been a good week when a server at a restaurant says she loves what you're wearing.

You know it's been a good week when all the girls in the family has great looking nails.

You know it's been a good week when the Galaxy wins another game.

You know it's been a good week when you take inventory of your PEZ and Starbucks Cards.

You know it's been a good week when your fat clothes are too big.

You know it's been a good week when your jasmine is in bloom.

You know it's been a good week when everything surrounding you proves that God exists.