We were in Oregon for Shae's birthday this year and I didn't have time to blog. I decided before July escaped I would sit down and tell you about the day Shae was born.
July 22, 1991 was hot in Medford, Oregon . . . really hot. Labor started in the afternoon and we headed for Rogue Valley Medical Center. Not an intense labor, but none the less painful. Even though the hospital had climate control it was still warm in that place for the laboring mother-to-be.
Shae Elizabeth made her first appearance at about 7:00pm on a Monday (all the girls were born on Mondays, except Hope). She weighed in at 7 pounds and 15 ounces and about 21 inches long. She was beautiful and perfect and quiet from the very moment she popped out. A remarkable feat, being quiet, since she was Roderick.
About ten minutes after Shae was born a huge thunderhead went through the Rogue Valley. Big wind, big rain, big thunder and big lightening. It knocked out the power to the hospital including, of course, climate control. Shae was born just in time. I can't imagine struggling to give birth without AC. Whew! We dodged that bullet.
It didn't take long for the back up systems to kick in and we were comfy, cozy and cuddling. I didn't have an epidural with Shae. Just a shot of Nubain, a nacartic, which allows you to feel great even though you are still experiencing every contraction. Scott said he had never seen anyone as high as I was under a doctors intense supervision. Yeah, it's quite a drug.
Shae arrived with a bang and she continues to light things up where ever she goes. I love you my sweet 19 year old baby girl.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
MAP READING
Shae and I wanted to go shopping at the local mall in Eugene. We got a map from the campus information people and also picked up a brochure about the mall with a small map on the back. We were set. We just needed to sit down and figure out our route.
Shae was holding one map and something about that map didn't look correct. The lay out wasn't right. Shae was pointing and talking and figuring out where we currently were and I couldn't shake the nagging idea that it was wrong. We had two maps and they were not syncing up. What was bugging me?
Oh. Shae was reading the map upside down. Yeah. That took me a while to figure out and Shae kept argueing that she could read maps better upside down. Once again, blond.
My, my, my. We also took 15 minutes to get to a mall that was 2 minutes from the campus.
I am so glad she is going to college.
Shae was holding one map and something about that map didn't look correct. The lay out wasn't right. Shae was pointing and talking and figuring out where we currently were and I couldn't shake the nagging idea that it was wrong. We had two maps and they were not syncing up. What was bugging me?
Oh. Shae was reading the map upside down. Yeah. That took me a while to figure out and Shae kept argueing that she could read maps better upside down. Once again, blond.
My, my, my. We also took 15 minutes to get to a mall that was 2 minutes from the campus.
I am so glad she is going to college.
PUDDING UGSFAW
We started out every day at UGSFAW 2010 with a "messy game" and it always included chocolate pudding. One kid from each team came up on stage, took off their shoes and sat on a chair. Then they proceeded to pick out Cocoa Puffs and/or dog food out of their tub of pudding with their stinky, sweaty little toes. So messy, so fun and so hard to accomplish.
Now here's where you have to keep up with me. Each team has a designated snack time down in the Video Cafe. They may choose one snack from the "snack buffet" and one small soda and all the water they want.
We placed a tub of pudding used in the "messy game" right next to the serving table. Then we put cups of pudding, including Cocoa Puffs, next to the tub so that they were included in the buffet (we set up the edible pudding cups in the kitchen). Those kids totally assumed the pudding cups were from the tub. To steer their little minds in the right direction, we put a sign up that said we had leftover pudding from the "messy game". We also had empty cups, spoons, scooper and all you need to make it appear that we were scooping out of the tub. Jon stood beside the table, encouraging the kids to try the pudding. It was so perfect. You should have seen all the expressions. Priceless. Of course, once again, it was a well thought out plot by our fearless Children's Minister, Kurt. He is quite clever.
Another kicker, I grabbed a cup and started eating it. Again, priceless little angel faces, staring at me in disbelief.
Important tip: No children ate the actual stinky feet pudding. I can not confirm nor deny if leaders did or did not.
Now here's where you have to keep up with me. Each team has a designated snack time down in the Video Cafe. They may choose one snack from the "snack buffet" and one small soda and all the water they want.
We placed a tub of pudding used in the "messy game" right next to the serving table. Then we put cups of pudding, including Cocoa Puffs, next to the tub so that they were included in the buffet (we set up the edible pudding cups in the kitchen). Those kids totally assumed the pudding cups were from the tub. To steer their little minds in the right direction, we put a sign up that said we had leftover pudding from the "messy game". We also had empty cups, spoons, scooper and all you need to make it appear that we were scooping out of the tub. Jon stood beside the table, encouraging the kids to try the pudding. It was so perfect. You should have seen all the expressions. Priceless. Of course, once again, it was a well thought out plot by our fearless Children's Minister, Kurt. He is quite clever.
Another kicker, I grabbed a cup and started eating it. Again, priceless little angel faces, staring at me in disbelief.
Important tip: No children ate the actual stinky feet pudding. I can not confirm nor deny if leaders did or did not.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
STOLEN
This was just to good to pass up. My thoughtful friend Monique has always had my back. This email she sent me proves it.
You've heard about people who have been abducted and had
their kidneys removed by black-market organ thieves.
My thighs were stolen from me during the night a few years
ago. I went to sleep and woke up with someone else's thighs.
It was just that quick. The replacements had the texture of
cooked oatmeal. Whose thighs were these and what happened to
mine? I spent the entire summer looking for my thighs.
Finally, hurt and angry, I resigned myself to living out my
life in jeans. And then the thieves struck again.
My butt was next. I knew it was the same gang, because they
took pains to match my new rear-end to the thighs they had
stuck me with earlier. But my new butt was attached at least
three inches lower than my original! I realized I'd have to
give up my jeans in favor of long skirts.
Two years ago I realized my arms had been switched. One
morning I was fixing my hair and was horrified to see the
flesh of my upper arm swing to and fro with the motion of
the hairbrush. This was really getting scary - my body was
being replaced one section at a time. What could they do to
me next?
When my poor neck suddenly disappeared and was replaced with
a turkey neck, I decided to tell my story.. Women of the
world wake up and smell the coffee! Those 'plastic' surgeons
are using REAL replacement body parts - stolen from you and
me! The next time someone you know has something 'lifted',
look again - was it lifted from you?
THIS IS NOT A HOAX.
This is happening to women everywhere
every night.
WARN YOUR FRIENDS!
P. S. Last year I thought someone had stolen my Boobs. I was
lying in bed and they were gone! But when I jumped out of
bed, I was relieved to see that they had just been hiding in
my armpits as I slept. Now I keep them hidden in my
waistband.
Thought this was too 'important' not to pass on. Have a
wonderful day - with a joy filled heart. Always remember to
laugh!! Helps the heart AND the wrinkles!!
P.S.S. Those same thieves come in my closet and shrink my
clothes! How do they do it????
You've heard about people who have been abducted and had
their kidneys removed by black-market organ thieves.
My thighs were stolen from me during the night a few years
ago. I went to sleep and woke up with someone else's thighs.
It was just that quick. The replacements had the texture of
cooked oatmeal. Whose thighs were these and what happened to
mine? I spent the entire summer looking for my thighs.
Finally, hurt and angry, I resigned myself to living out my
life in jeans. And then the thieves struck again.
My butt was next. I knew it was the same gang, because they
took pains to match my new rear-end to the thighs they had
stuck me with earlier. But my new butt was attached at least
three inches lower than my original! I realized I'd have to
give up my jeans in favor of long skirts.
Two years ago I realized my arms had been switched. One
morning I was fixing my hair and was horrified to see the
flesh of my upper arm swing to and fro with the motion of
the hairbrush. This was really getting scary - my body was
being replaced one section at a time. What could they do to
me next?
When my poor neck suddenly disappeared and was replaced with
a turkey neck, I decided to tell my story.. Women of the
world wake up and smell the coffee! Those 'plastic' surgeons
are using REAL replacement body parts - stolen from you and
me! The next time someone you know has something 'lifted',
look again - was it lifted from you?
THIS IS NOT A HOAX.
This is happening to women everywhere
every night.
WARN YOUR FRIENDS!
P. S. Last year I thought someone had stolen my Boobs. I was
lying in bed and they were gone! But when I jumped out of
bed, I was relieved to see that they had just been hiding in
my armpits as I slept. Now I keep them hidden in my
waistband.
Thought this was too 'important' not to pass on. Have a
wonderful day - with a joy filled heart. Always remember to
laugh!! Helps the heart AND the wrinkles!!
P.S.S. Those same thieves come in my closet and shrink my
clothes! How do they do it????
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
STONERS, GREEN PEACE & PF CHANGS
We hit the campus of the U of O and are quickly accousted by a very persistant Green Peace volunteer. Mind you, his gaze was for the young blonds I was walking with. The girls promptly admitted that they were not interested in chatting with him and he replied "Come on, just a few minutes." They kept walking while flipping their hair over their shoulders with coy smiles and smuggness in their beautiful blue eyes.
We were going to have dinner at PF Changs and were told it would be 45 minutes. The girls dazzled the host with another of their prize winning smiles as we went outside to enjoy the brilliant Oregon sun. Five minutes later we were seated and ordering up dinner.
Shae is waiting for her advisor appointment when a young man, obviously stoned, strikes up a conversation that went something like this.
Boy: So where are you from?
Shae: HB, California.
Boy: What's your major?
Shae: I am not sure, yet.
Boy: Mine's biology.
Shae: Hmm.
Eugene is Oregon's pot capitol. Shae has so much to learn.
We were going to have dinner at PF Changs and were told it would be 45 minutes. The girls dazzled the host with another of their prize winning smiles as we went outside to enjoy the brilliant Oregon sun. Five minutes later we were seated and ordering up dinner.
Shae is waiting for her advisor appointment when a young man, obviously stoned, strikes up a conversation that went something like this.
Boy: So where are you from?
Shae: HB, California.
Boy: What's your major?
Shae: I am not sure, yet.
Boy: Mine's biology.
Shae: Hmm.
Eugene is Oregon's pot capitol. Shae has so much to learn.
IT'S A 50'S THING: #8
Okay. All of humanity, at one time or another, will do it. It's quiet. It's solitary. It's cathartic. I will admit it. I do it, a lot. That's right. I have sat in utter tranquility upon the cool, ceramic throne, the water swishing below my behind.
Here's the catch. When you reach my age you need more time to think. To meditate. To fire all the pistons in your brain. And it takes longer. Thus, sitting in the position for extended periods of time, ones circulation is compromised and the dreaded tingling begins. Numbness sets in and your feet are suddenly undetectable. Your thinking is done and your feet are numb.
So if you see me stumbling out of the bathroom, give me a minute.
Here's the catch. When you reach my age you need more time to think. To meditate. To fire all the pistons in your brain. And it takes longer. Thus, sitting in the position for extended periods of time, ones circulation is compromised and the dreaded tingling begins. Numbness sets in and your feet are suddenly undetectable. Your thinking is done and your feet are numb.
So if you see me stumbling out of the bathroom, give me a minute.
Monday, July 26, 2010
UGSFAW MEMOIRS
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe our first ever UGSFAW was in 2002. That's right. If my calculations are correct, this is our 8th year of UGSFAW. We started out in the Video Cafe' with about 150 kids. We've expanded all over campus and have exploded into over 850 kids and 200 volunteers. I have fond memories of each and every UGSFAW.
That year we hid the bucket of slime from Dave.
The year of the earthquake.
The year I dyed my hair blue.
The year Kurt ran away from UGSFAW.
The year Kelsey was sicker than sick.
The year of "Reality Mansion".
The year Dave dumped flyers from the 3rd floor down on the Blue Team.
The year Scott and I raced up the bouncer. I won.
The year I spilled the beans and confessed what I knew to Kurt.
The year Tyler pulled the fire alarm. Wait. That was preschool VBS.
And so many more. Did I mention I love my job?
That year we hid the bucket of slime from Dave.
The year of the earthquake.
The year I dyed my hair blue.
The year Kurt ran away from UGSFAW.
The year Kelsey was sicker than sick.
The year of "Reality Mansion".
The year Dave dumped flyers from the 3rd floor down on the Blue Team.
The year Scott and I raced up the bouncer. I won.
The year I spilled the beans and confessed what I knew to Kurt.
The year Tyler pulled the fire alarm. Wait. That was preschool VBS.
And so many more. Did I mention I love my job?
Sunday, July 25, 2010
IT'S A 50'S THING: #7
I am climbing the stairs at church from the Video Cafe' to the second floor and I trip over my own sandals 4 times . . . 4 times! Slammed my knees into the stair edge. That's going to leave a mark.
I wonder if this is a 50's thing or I am just so tired I forgot how to shoot stairs. I slipped and tripped several other times today but I can't keep track of all the mishaps.
I think I will go with the 50's thing. I need a valid excuse for all the stupid things I do.
Uh oh. My knees are starting to tingle and not in a good way.
I wonder if this is a 50's thing or I am just so tired I forgot how to shoot stairs. I slipped and tripped several other times today but I can't keep track of all the mishaps.
I think I will go with the 50's thing. I need a valid excuse for all the stupid things I do.
Uh oh. My knees are starting to tingle and not in a good way.
RK BY SHAE
Picture this. Shae is behind the wheel driving up the 5, CD blastin' while her mama is knitting. She has obviously had an epiphany of sorts as shown by her rapid posture change. I, of course, being the stellar mother that I am, ask her to kindly share her thoughts. The following was her reply.
"Mom, I think I know how to bring PETA and the world together. All these animals that are hit on the freeway could be scraped up, their fur cleaned and processed and then could be used for fur clothing. PETA wouldn't care because they were already dead and fur people would still get the fur. I could be the designer and call it "RK by SHAE". You know, road kill.
Yep. She's college bound.
"Mom, I think I know how to bring PETA and the world together. All these animals that are hit on the freeway could be scraped up, their fur cleaned and processed and then could be used for fur clothing. PETA wouldn't care because they were already dead and fur people would still get the fur. I could be the designer and call it "RK by SHAE". You know, road kill.
Yep. She's college bound.
IT'S A 50'S THING: #6
I know. I am a big enough person to admit it. I don't like it, but it is life as we grow older . . . and wiser.
On our recent trip to Oregon, I experienced something not yet familiar to my external anatomy. Apparently, well hydrated and a tummy full of unhealthy snacks causes one to loose the ability to control ones emptying processes.
We turned into a hotel parking lot, hitting a speed bump, and yes, I wet my pants a little bit. Not a proud moment in a mother's life, but I must endure. To make matters even more challenging the following morning, while driving south on the 5, Shae mentioned something extremely funny. Yes. I laughed so hard I wet my pants again. I must ask why this is happening?
Oh, it's a 50's thing, a four children thing, a mom thing, etc.
On our recent trip to Oregon, I experienced something not yet familiar to my external anatomy. Apparently, well hydrated and a tummy full of unhealthy snacks causes one to loose the ability to control ones emptying processes.
We turned into a hotel parking lot, hitting a speed bump, and yes, I wet my pants a little bit. Not a proud moment in a mother's life, but I must endure. To make matters even more challenging the following morning, while driving south on the 5, Shae mentioned something extremely funny. Yes. I laughed so hard I wet my pants again. I must ask why this is happening?
Oh, it's a 50's thing, a four children thing, a mom thing, etc.
A BUG IN A TREE
I enjoy jumping out and scaring my kids. I enjoy telling them scary stories. I enjoy whistling when they least expect it. It tickles my funny bone and I can get miles of laughter out of one incident. It's what I do. Something about the fear in their eyes and the twitching of their bodies that just lights me up.
On our return trip from Oregon, Shae and I pulled off at Los Banos to fill up the car and secure a bite to eat. We grabbed our grub, pulled under a shade tree and sat in the auto and began to chow. With windows down and the breeze blowing through, it was quite comfortable sitting and spending more time together. There was a cicada outside in the tree that started chirping and it was getting on my last nerve big time. I told Shae "I wish that bug would take off. That noise is really bugging me, pun intended." Shae sat there and continued eating.
She unexpectedly stopped, looked out my window and screamed "look out mom, here it comes!" I almost jumped into her lap, shaking and shivering from head to toe. Shae and I laughed one of those laughs with no sound for like, five minutes.
You did your mom proud, honey, you did her proud.
On our return trip from Oregon, Shae and I pulled off at Los Banos to fill up the car and secure a bite to eat. We grabbed our grub, pulled under a shade tree and sat in the auto and began to chow. With windows down and the breeze blowing through, it was quite comfortable sitting and spending more time together. There was a cicada outside in the tree that started chirping and it was getting on my last nerve big time. I told Shae "I wish that bug would take off. That noise is really bugging me, pun intended." Shae sat there and continued eating.
She unexpectedly stopped, looked out my window and screamed "look out mom, here it comes!" I almost jumped into her lap, shaking and shivering from head to toe. Shae and I laughed one of those laughs with no sound for like, five minutes.
You did your mom proud, honey, you did her proud.
IT'S A 50'S THING: #5
We were blessed to enjoy a jovial meal with our special friends who reside in the vast state of Oregon. Sometime during the meal I mentioned we needed to be sure and take pictures of our grown families. I wanted to use the hard camera.
Wait. Hard camera?
You know, the camera that takes pictures that don't move. Every one of us gained another wrinkle in our happy faces.
I am so living in my 50's.
Wait. Hard camera?
You know, the camera that takes pictures that don't move. Every one of us gained another wrinkle in our happy faces.
I am so living in my 50's.
GRASSHOPPERS
Kelsey and Shae were driving up the 5 freeway ahead of me. I kept their tailights in my sight. I did not want to lose them. Oregon freeways are not well lit and you can not beleive how dark it is out on those long stretches of open road.
Kelsey's left blinker flickers in front of me and I followed her onto the short ramp. Hmm. This was not an exit I was familiar with but Kelsey must know what she's doing. As I followed her, much closer now, I noticed hundreds of grasshoppers jumping all over the road. It was so cool to watch safely in my car. I wondered how many of those insects were meeting their end under my tires.
I called the girls and asked "what do you guys think about all the bugs?" "What bugs?" they calmly replied. "The ones invading the open road in front of you." I couldn't believe they couldn't see them. "Mom, there are no bugs" they said.
What is wrong with them? There are bugs all over the place. Oh. We are in timber country, lumber everywhere and we are driving by a small mill. There are wood chips all over the road jumping as Kelsey drives by them so as I drive behind her they appear to be jumping grasshoppers.
My bad.
Kelsey's left blinker flickers in front of me and I followed her onto the short ramp. Hmm. This was not an exit I was familiar with but Kelsey must know what she's doing. As I followed her, much closer now, I noticed hundreds of grasshoppers jumping all over the road. It was so cool to watch safely in my car. I wondered how many of those insects were meeting their end under my tires.
I called the girls and asked "what do you guys think about all the bugs?" "What bugs?" they calmly replied. "The ones invading the open road in front of you." I couldn't believe they couldn't see them. "Mom, there are no bugs" they said.
What is wrong with them? There are bugs all over the place. Oh. We are in timber country, lumber everywhere and we are driving by a small mill. There are wood chips all over the road jumping as Kelsey drives by them so as I drive behind her they appear to be jumping grasshoppers.
My bad.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
28
28 years of adventures together . . . 28 years of stretching our fears together . . . 28 years of challenges together . . . 28 years of laughter together . . . 28 years of personalities entwining together . . . 28 years of habits endured together . . . 28 years of mistakes together . . . 28 years of being together . . . 28 years of building life together . . . 28 years of working together . . . 28 years of worshipping together . . . 28 years of struggles together . . . 28 years of nurturing together . . . 28 years of investing together . . . 28 years of contentment together . . . 28 years of growing a family together . . .
28 years of love unimaginable . . . together.
July 16, 1982
28 years of love unimaginable . . . together.
July 16, 1982
CAGED BIRD
Kelsey got a rather unusual present on her 16th birthday. Holly, one of her bff's, gave her a finch, cage, food and all the fixin's the creature could ever want. Kelsey kept it in her room, much to my dismay, but we couldn't think of anywhere else in the house that needed or wanted a bird. So that's where it took up roost.
One day, while Kelsey was out, Hope and Rachel invaded her room to "play" with the bird. The two criminals set the bird free to flutter around the room, door closed, while they watched with glee . . . until the bird flew out Kelsey's open window smack into the neighbor's house. I do not recall where I was during all this mayhem. Suffice it to say I was on the property doing some sort of motherly chore.
The girls trail blazed it to said house and found the bird no longer living on this green earth. They were very distraught and came sobbing home to me to explain the whole story. I proceeded to give them tips on how to relay their sad tail to Kelsey when she arrived home and they sat on the couch to formulate their plan.
They met Kels at the door, their lower lips quivering, and shared the grim information. Kelsey's response . . . "I hated that bird."
Kelsey has always been very forthright.
One day, while Kelsey was out, Hope and Rachel invaded her room to "play" with the bird. The two criminals set the bird free to flutter around the room, door closed, while they watched with glee . . . until the bird flew out Kelsey's open window smack into the neighbor's house. I do not recall where I was during all this mayhem. Suffice it to say I was on the property doing some sort of motherly chore.
The girls trail blazed it to said house and found the bird no longer living on this green earth. They were very distraught and came sobbing home to me to explain the whole story. I proceeded to give them tips on how to relay their sad tail to Kelsey when she arrived home and they sat on the couch to formulate their plan.
They met Kels at the door, their lower lips quivering, and shared the grim information. Kelsey's response . . . "I hated that bird."
Kelsey has always been very forthright.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
IT'S A 50'S THING: #4
Ok. He has done this a bunch of times. You would think he would learn. He doesn't. I guess I am going to have to learn and do it myself. What is it that he does or better stated what is it that he doesn't do?
Set the TiVo to record the next thing on following a soccer game to get the whole game. Cover yourself. It's called insurance. I am tired of watching games up until the last 5 minutes and have it click off in the middle. It's so maddening.
Fix it, honey, or you're looking at a very unhappy wife for a very long time. Grrrrr!
Set the TiVo to record the next thing on following a soccer game to get the whole game. Cover yourself. It's called insurance. I am tired of watching games up until the last 5 minutes and have it click off in the middle. It's so maddening.
Fix it, honey, or you're looking at a very unhappy wife for a very long time. Grrrrr!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
IT'S A 50'S THING: #2
I went to a friends house this evening for some girl time and on the way home I was contemplating the concept I will be teaching the kids in the Treehouse this weekend. I was driving east and saw a beautiful moon in the dark gray sky. I was so engrossed in the sight that when the light turned green I neglected to step on it as I normally do. Here in HB we have been in a bit of June gloom in July and haven't seen the clear, night sky in quite some time. I got my bearings and continued on my journey home, simply enjoying the glowing moon, when I suddenly realized that the moon that I had been gazing intently at was no more than a balloon on the roof of a car dealership structure.
IT'S A 50'S THING: #3
Scott and I retired late last night and he was exhausted and dropped into slumberland quickly. I was a little more restless and laid awake revisiting my active day. At about ten minutes into my thoughts Scott started his gentle snoring. It is actually a comforting, rhythmic sound that I generally enjoy. As I quietly lay there, I was suddenly jolted into hyper awareness as Scott murmured "what was . . . was that me?" Yes dear, you woke yourself with your own snoring.
"Ohhh" was his only response.
"Ohhh" was his only response.
AIRPLANE NELSON
We have friends, who back in the day, owned a personal small plane and they would fly up to visit us when we lived in Oregon. It was great fun to have them up for lunch . . . yes, I said lunch. Ah, the benefits of having your own transportation.
One weekend, Andrew took Kelsey, Addison, Shae, Scott, Dylan and Travis (his boys) up into the wild, blue yonder. Betsy and I stayed on firm ground with Hope and we enjoyed a fine cup of coffee waiting on the gang to float back down to earth. Imagine our surprise when they arrived way earlier than expected.
I was somewhat distressed when I saw Scott's face, but wrote it off to spending time with chattering children. No, no, NO. Our sweet, darling, sensitive tummy Shae had hurled all over the inside of the prized plane. Yep. Airsick. The aroma brought them down in a hurry.
Andrew never invited the Roderick's to fly with him again.
One weekend, Andrew took Kelsey, Addison, Shae, Scott, Dylan and Travis (his boys) up into the wild, blue yonder. Betsy and I stayed on firm ground with Hope and we enjoyed a fine cup of coffee waiting on the gang to float back down to earth. Imagine our surprise when they arrived way earlier than expected.
I was somewhat distressed when I saw Scott's face, but wrote it off to spending time with chattering children. No, no, NO. Our sweet, darling, sensitive tummy Shae had hurled all over the inside of the prized plane. Yep. Airsick. The aroma brought them down in a hurry.
Andrew never invited the Roderick's to fly with him again.
Friday, July 9, 2010
IT'S A 50'S THING: #1
Scott and I had a rare lunch together today, alone. No friends, no family, no coworkers. Just the two of us. On the drive home, Scott was telling me all kinds of tidbits that were going on at work as only he can. Sharing with me the details of the new tire purchase scheduled for next week. Discussing the possible investment in a new laptop, a Mac if it was entirely up to me. We were driving down Newland totally engulfed in each other and the inevitable happened. Scott soared right by our street.
GHOSTBUSTERS
Remember when the first "Ghostbusters" movie was released? I do. Scott and I saw it in Lancaster while visiting his parents. It was so great and the special effects, for that time, were unbelievable. Watch this and enjoy a little chuckle.
Love this!
Love this!
MUSTARD
Kelsey was about three years old and as a rule on Sunday nights after church we would go out to dinner with my mom and dad. This night the choice was Chinese and we all enjoyed a good bowl of rice and an egg roll now and again. This happened to be a new diner and we were all anticipating a scrumptious meal.
Kelsey loved fried rice and as we all waited for our order she was scoping out the condiments. You could see her wheels turning as she decided she would have mustard on her rice this time. "Kelsey, that is really spicy and you won't like it" I told her firmly. "No, no I like it. I will eat it" she said in her three year old voice. Grandad tried to tell her, dad tried to tell, Grammy tried to tell her that she would not like it. All comments were meant with stubborn resistance.
Finally, I decided the only way to convince her was to let her experience the consequence. I gave her the mustard and a choice and she poured it on her rice abundantly and took a big bite.
Her eyes bulged out of her head and she started fussing and fuming and trying to wipe the rice out of her mouth with a napkin. She drank water. She used her sleeve to wipe away the heat. She whined all the way home. She brushed her teeth when she got home. I tucked her into bed and she was silently whimpering.
She has never tried mustard in an Asian establishment to this day. Lesson learned.
Kelsey loved fried rice and as we all waited for our order she was scoping out the condiments. You could see her wheels turning as she decided she would have mustard on her rice this time. "Kelsey, that is really spicy and you won't like it" I told her firmly. "No, no I like it. I will eat it" she said in her three year old voice. Grandad tried to tell her, dad tried to tell, Grammy tried to tell her that she would not like it. All comments were meant with stubborn resistance.
Finally, I decided the only way to convince her was to let her experience the consequence. I gave her the mustard and a choice and she poured it on her rice abundantly and took a big bite.
Her eyes bulged out of her head and she started fussing and fuming and trying to wipe the rice out of her mouth with a napkin. She drank water. She used her sleeve to wipe away the heat. She whined all the way home. She brushed her teeth when she got home. I tucked her into bed and she was silently whimpering.
She has never tried mustard in an Asian establishment to this day. Lesson learned.
USGSFAW QUAKE 2008
Let me just say that our UGSFAW summer program at church is unique, unusual, unreal and totally an FCCHB deal. We have experienced growth every year since we incorporated it into children's ministry. The kids look forward to it with great anticipation and excitement.
It was a Thursday and the kids were searching for stuff at UGSFAW that was wrong. Captains were wearing the wrong color. We ran out of the favorite snacks. The travel routes were going the wrong direction. Kids are really good at finding something that is out of whack and they were very aware and met the challenge.
The teams were gathering in the auditorium for closing and an earthquake hit. Not unusual considering where we live. Kids were entering the building and we were directing them out to the yard to sit on the grass. They were evacuated within 3 minutes. Pretty good considering we had over 600 of them.
We were out in the yard singing and chatting and keeping the kids calm (amazingly, they were unscathed and totally jazzed) while waiting for parents to pick them up when one little guy came up to me. With awe in his eyes he said "Wow, how did you do that?" I replied "Do what?" "The earthquake. That was another thing wrong at UGSFAW."
God has such a sense of humor.
It was a Thursday and the kids were searching for stuff at UGSFAW that was wrong. Captains were wearing the wrong color. We ran out of the favorite snacks. The travel routes were going the wrong direction. Kids are really good at finding something that is out of whack and they were very aware and met the challenge.
The teams were gathering in the auditorium for closing and an earthquake hit. Not unusual considering where we live. Kids were entering the building and we were directing them out to the yard to sit on the grass. They were evacuated within 3 minutes. Pretty good considering we had over 600 of them.
We were out in the yard singing and chatting and keeping the kids calm (amazingly, they were unscathed and totally jazzed) while waiting for parents to pick them up when one little guy came up to me. With awe in his eyes he said "Wow, how did you do that?" I replied "Do what?" "The earthquake. That was another thing wrong at UGSFAW."
God has such a sense of humor.
VIDEOS FROM THE VAULT
Hope and I spent some time this evening watching videos of the kids when they were little . . . Hope was especially little. It was our first Christmas in HB, 1995.
You can not believe the chaos that ensued at the Roderick house on that special Christmas morning. Nana and Grandpa Roderick joined us for all the festivities and rituals that had been perfected over the years.
The girls are required to line up in their order of birth, youngest to oldest, at the top of the stairs. No peeking. Our tree is located in the living room so they must form their line in our bedroom until we have the camera and lighting just right. Then they proceed to the Christmas domain at the foot of the landing.
They come clattering down the stairs and start looking for the wrapped presents under the artificial Christmas tree (we chopped our own tree in Oregon for $4.00, so in California we went fake to save money). We strive for turn taking, which rarely happens, for the unwrapping to begin. Paper flies, squeals emerge, boxes are tossed, ribbons are flung, messes are made. Cries of glee spring forth as the anticipated gift is revealed. It all take about 30 seconds, give or take a few minutes.
After this activity is complete we travel to the family room, where Santa Claus has left his deposits right next to the fireplace and the craziness repeats itself. Kelsey tries to be the mature young lady. Addison is running the show. Shae is excited about every gift she has opened. Hope is more interested in opening all gifts so she can rip off the paper.
What really gets Hope and I as we watched this video was the tiny voices of our kids. They are so familiar yet forgotten. We sat together and just smiled as we listened and enjoyed those melodious sounds. Hope watches what her sisters put her through and just laughs and laughs. I am sure she is plotting something big for future use.
Did I mention this ritual continues every year? The girls wouldn't have it any other way. Even when we are out of town we make the tradition happen. A small sidebar, on Christmas Eve the girls are allowed one present to open that Scott and I have already selected. Holiday pajamas. Every year.
We love a Roderick Christmas.
You can not believe the chaos that ensued at the Roderick house on that special Christmas morning. Nana and Grandpa Roderick joined us for all the festivities and rituals that had been perfected over the years.
The girls are required to line up in their order of birth, youngest to oldest, at the top of the stairs. No peeking. Our tree is located in the living room so they must form their line in our bedroom until we have the camera and lighting just right. Then they proceed to the Christmas domain at the foot of the landing.
They come clattering down the stairs and start looking for the wrapped presents under the artificial Christmas tree (we chopped our own tree in Oregon for $4.00, so in California we went fake to save money). We strive for turn taking, which rarely happens, for the unwrapping to begin. Paper flies, squeals emerge, boxes are tossed, ribbons are flung, messes are made. Cries of glee spring forth as the anticipated gift is revealed. It all take about 30 seconds, give or take a few minutes.
After this activity is complete we travel to the family room, where Santa Claus has left his deposits right next to the fireplace and the craziness repeats itself. Kelsey tries to be the mature young lady. Addison is running the show. Shae is excited about every gift she has opened. Hope is more interested in opening all gifts so she can rip off the paper.
What really gets Hope and I as we watched this video was the tiny voices of our kids. They are so familiar yet forgotten. We sat together and just smiled as we listened and enjoyed those melodious sounds. Hope watches what her sisters put her through and just laughs and laughs. I am sure she is plotting something big for future use.
Did I mention this ritual continues every year? The girls wouldn't have it any other way. Even when we are out of town we make the tradition happen. A small sidebar, on Christmas Eve the girls are allowed one present to open that Scott and I have already selected. Holiday pajamas. Every year.
We love a Roderick Christmas.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
WRITE THE FUTURE
Another World Cup video only this is mine . . . I love it!
It truly is the beautiful game.
It truly is the beautiful game.
WAKA WAKA
The girls have been watching the World Cup and they are all up on the Youtube thing. They found this video that says it all. We have been "Waka Waka" by Shakira. It is really a fun watch.
Cuz, you know we Roderick's are all about soccer.
Cuz, you know we Roderick's are all about soccer.
4 X 4
My sister and brother-in-law made a trip to Oregon when Shae was born. They had a great time with the kids and decided to take them to a wild animal reserve about 1 1/2 hours away. So all of them piled in the mini van and went on a road trip.
Now Oregon is a logging state. Much of the economy is based on that industry and any freeway will accommodate many trucks loaded with timber as well as lumber ready to ship. Russ was driving behind one of the said trucks. A 4 x 4 piece of lumber escaped the come-along and shot through the air end over end and slammed into the windshield of the van and continued its journey over the top of the car and slid across the freeway.
Everyone was perfectly fine in the car, although the windshield was smashed, just a little. Russ and Shelly felt horrible about the damage until Kelsey made her profound statement of fact. "Ohhh, my Dad is gonna be mad at you".
They couldn't wait to get home and see Scott angry because they had never witnessed him and that kind of emotional situation.
Now Oregon is a logging state. Much of the economy is based on that industry and any freeway will accommodate many trucks loaded with timber as well as lumber ready to ship. Russ was driving behind one of the said trucks. A 4 x 4 piece of lumber escaped the come-along and shot through the air end over end and slammed into the windshield of the van and continued its journey over the top of the car and slid across the freeway.
Everyone was perfectly fine in the car, although the windshield was smashed, just a little. Russ and Shelly felt horrible about the damage until Kelsey made her profound statement of fact. "Ohhh, my Dad is gonna be mad at you".
They couldn't wait to get home and see Scott angry because they had never witnessed him and that kind of emotional situation.
ROBODOG
You've been there . . . you're driving home and you see a little dog running amok along the road. You, heart wrenching as the little guy dodges cars, pull over to rescue him.
It happened to me . . . and Hope and Shae and Chase. We were going to lunch and saw this little, tiny actually, white dog running along Ellis. He darted into a track of homes and we followed, pulled over and the kids jumped out to go get him. He was like a rocket. Turbo charged. The kids could not catch him. He was like the six million dollar dog. Bionic. Sonic booms followed him. He was greased lightening.
He now streaked across Ellis, weaving through traffic. We kept closing our eyes. We did not want to view the inevitable. Amazingly, he made it and we crossed over after him. A white truck was caught up in our chase. Two young men took up the chase with us as we pursued the white hound. Unfortunately we all lost this cute canine in the neighborhood and the boys aiding in the pursuit, bid us farewell. We continued on our way to lunch with a story for the Roderick family archives.
The next Saturday evening at church Shae saw one of the young men who helped us look for that little dog. Small world, huh?
It happened to me . . . and Hope and Shae and Chase. We were going to lunch and saw this little, tiny actually, white dog running along Ellis. He darted into a track of homes and we followed, pulled over and the kids jumped out to go get him. He was like a rocket. Turbo charged. The kids could not catch him. He was like the six million dollar dog. Bionic. Sonic booms followed him. He was greased lightening.
He now streaked across Ellis, weaving through traffic. We kept closing our eyes. We did not want to view the inevitable. Amazingly, he made it and we crossed over after him. A white truck was caught up in our chase. Two young men took up the chase with us as we pursued the white hound. Unfortunately we all lost this cute canine in the neighborhood and the boys aiding in the pursuit, bid us farewell. We continued on our way to lunch with a story for the Roderick family archives.
The next Saturday evening at church Shae saw one of the young men who helped us look for that little dog. Small world, huh?
JULY 5TH 2010
Another great day.
Friends and family joined us for an old school homemade ice cream get together. We built our own sundaes, watched videos, played Cranium and chatted the night away.
We so enjoy visiting and catching up with those who have become our dearest friends over the years. Our kids have grown up together, we have lived happy and sad events together, we have walked a spiritual path together. We have done life together.
Sometimes we laugh so hard we can not breath. Sometimes we are so caught up in each other's sadness we can not speak. Sometimes we just are together.
Hmm. We need to do this much, much more often.
Friends and family joined us for an old school homemade ice cream get together. We built our own sundaes, watched videos, played Cranium and chatted the night away.
We so enjoy visiting and catching up with those who have become our dearest friends over the years. Our kids have grown up together, we have lived happy and sad events together, we have walked a spiritual path together. We have done life together.
Sometimes we laugh so hard we can not breath. Sometimes we are so caught up in each other's sadness we can not speak. Sometimes we just are together.
Hmm. We need to do this much, much more often.
JULY 4TH 2010
What an evening to remember. We went to the Galaxy game to witness the return of our beloved Landon Donovan and Edson Buddle. They did the USA proud in the World Cup and continued to win the hearts of Galaxy fans by dominating the Seattle Sounders.
We began our evening with a delightful tailgating extravaganza complete with Five Guys Burgers and Fries. The girls each invited a friend and the Hurdle's, who have become our soccer buddies, also joined us. The stadium was packed, it was a fan frenzy, the atmosphere explosive. The fabulous fireworks presentation ended our evening with a bang.
Happy Birthday America!
We began our evening with a delightful tailgating extravaganza complete with Five Guys Burgers and Fries. The girls each invited a friend and the Hurdle's, who have become our soccer buddies, also joined us. The stadium was packed, it was a fan frenzy, the atmosphere explosive. The fabulous fireworks presentation ended our evening with a bang.
Happy Birthday America!
Friday, July 2, 2010
A MAN
Our last day of Preschool VBS. We had a great week talking about Samuel and today Samuel became a man. Teaching 230 preschoolers is a task that seems insurmountable, but God is faithful and we pulled it off stupendously.
It is always interesting to hear concepts described by little ones. I asked the kids to describe what a man is and here are several of their well thought out answers.
They watch TV.
They are grumpy.
They are bald.
They are strong.
They are big.
They take care of their kids.
They go to work.
They are hairy.
They have beards.
They have short hair.
They wear clothes.
They wear pants.
They love girls.
I followed these phrases with some of my own, the most important being that he loves God, just like Samuel loved God.
Jake, our children's ministry intern, was my man example and he was awesome. He loves God and he did some "man stuff" for us that was great. The kids loved him!
I think I may miss PVBS . . . but there is always next year.
It is always interesting to hear concepts described by little ones. I asked the kids to describe what a man is and here are several of their well thought out answers.
They watch TV.
They are grumpy.
They are bald.
They are strong.
They are big.
They take care of their kids.
They go to work.
They are hairy.
They have beards.
They have short hair.
They wear clothes.
They wear pants.
They love girls.
I followed these phrases with some of my own, the most important being that he loves God, just like Samuel loved God.
Jake, our children's ministry intern, was my man example and he was awesome. He loves God and he did some "man stuff" for us that was great. The kids loved him!
I think I may miss PVBS . . . but there is always next year.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
STEEPLE
The steeple was installed today in our new campus chapel. It is 40 feet tall with a 10 foot tall cross right on top. A huge crane lifted it up, right on top of a hard hatted worker standing in the center of the structure. Of course, the steeple is hollow, so the worker was encased for a bit during the installation. It was incredible to watch and it looks perfect.
The cross was made by the Amish people in Pennsylvania. The steeple was made in Utah (Mormons?). The church is in Huntington Beach. Interesting how construction worlds collide with spiritual belief systems. Me, I am just delighted that we will soon have a sweet little white chapel for very special events in the lives of the people living here at the beach.
God is so good to us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)