HEART

I spoke today at Chapel at HCS, which is one of my most favorite things to do ever. K-2nd graders anxious to hear about Jesus is such a facinating phenomonom. Being close to Thanksgiving, I spoke about being thankful, of course.

I shared with the kids about myself and one of the many things I'm thankful for. I had closed heart surgery when I was twelve and I shared the entire event with wide-eyed munchkins who didn't make a sound. They were so into the story. It was great. I love it when you can hear a pin drop in a room of about 150 kids.

As departing children do, they always wave and say their good bys to me and I return the gesture. Today, Caleb, one of the best kids ever, cornerd me and said "Miss Cindy, Miss Cindy, my grandma had her heart taken out too." "She did" I replied, "How is she?" "She's doing great," he said with a huge smile

Gotta love the simple mind of a child.

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL

At our last worship hour this weekend in the Treehouse we had very few children so I was able to focus in on them as ordinarily I can not. Two little girls and a little boy were having an encounter that went something like this:

Boy: "I think you go to my school."

Girl: She tilts her head and looks at him with dazzling brown eyes and an ever so soft smile. She is working her charms at the ripe old age of 5 without saying a word.

Boy: "You are beautiful."

Girl: She flips hair and gazes again with those eyes and giggles with her girlfriend sitting next to her. Her eyelashes flutter and she has captured the little boys heart without one verbal exchange.

Boy: It is apparent that this little guy is smitten as he follows his new friend to every activity that hour.

As parents are picking up the kids I hear the little boy say "It was nice to meet you. I'll see you next week." This charming little girl smiles once more, flips her hair and waves her farewell.

The wiles of a girl start from the moment they take their first breath.

MUSTACH

Who knew that something as simple as a stick on mustach would be such a hit in the Treehouse? It was meant to remind the kids of who the disciples were and they were supposed to discuss that with their family on the ride home from church. Did it happen? I don't know but it was sure fun seeing all the little Marios and Luigis running around the campus this weekend.

I love my job.

WHAT I LEARNED TONIGHT AT GROUPS

I had 4 third grade boys tonight in my small group. Yep. The mother of 4 daughters got to step into the testosterone jungle. It was interesting and freightening all wrapped up together.

One of our stations was a listening activity. Remember the old school song "Pharaoh, Pharaoh"? Well we were supposed to hear the music and feel the words. I was so intrigued as I watched the boys listen. They were playing with some bristle blocks and not a sound escaped their mouths. Except to sing the words that were repeated through out the song. Who would have thought?

Keep 'em busy, keep 'em focused. Isn't that a cereal commercial?

The Roderick mind is a terrible thing to waste.

IT'S A 50'S THING: #28

I ran into Starbucks for a cup of joe, carrying only my wallet. I paid for my chai tea (close enough to joe) and stepped up to the counter to grab the hot fluid. Now where is my wallet? I must have left it on the counter.

No. It's under my arm.

This getting old thing really sucks.

IT'S A 50'S THING: #27

I threw my sunglasses in my bag and grabbed my glasses case to retrieve my regular specs. I start digging in the purse for my sunglasses so I can put them back in the empty glasses case. I hate this bag because I can never find stuff in it, like cell phone, keys, etc. I am now so mad that I may cuss.

Oh. My sunglasses are not in my bag. They are in my hand that is holding my bag.

I am so old.

SCARF

While on our girlsfriends cruise this past weekend I wore one of the many scarves I have knitted. As I was browsing and shopping, a little gal came up to me and asked where I had gotten the scarf. She loved it. I quickly explained to her that I had knitted it myself. She smiled, told me it was gorgeous and then walked away with a disappointed swagger.

Phyl said "You should give her that scarf." My bff was right and I found the gal and her posse' and gave her the scarf saying I could make another one with no worries. The woman was so excited that she immediately wanted to have a picture of me to go with her scarf. She was so grateful and happy to have the unexpected gift.

Another lady was watching the whole scene play out and she looked me straight in the eye and said "that was the nicest thing I have ever seen anyone do."

Wow. You just never know how your actions are going to play out in the world that God has created. I am so thankful that I have friends who keep me on my toes and have my best interests at heart.

By the way, Phyl gave away something of hers on the trip to . . . a make-up bag that another friend was coveting.

Gotta love girlfriends weekends.

PLACEMAT VIA STARBUCKS

Yep. I made this with used Starbucks gift cards. I mounted the cards on construction paper in the size that suited my decor and table. I followed that with a trip to Kinko's for laminating and I now enjoy fun placemats. E-A-S-Y.

A great gift, a terrific eco-friendly use and I feel very creative and environmentally conscience. An added bonus is lots of yummy cups of coffee and some ebay shopping.

FYI . . . creme brulee late' is back for the holidays.

Roderick's love their coffee.

THOSE DOGS

Apparently, we have bird dogs. Case in point.

Hope took Diesel and Dakota out kayaking today over in the harbor. They were in the kayak cruising along and D&D were enjoying the ride. Suddenly the inevitable happened and a bird flew over their heads. Both dogs leapt into the water to pursue the flying fowl. Diesel was quite the swimmer and took off swimming in pursuit of the bird, which he had no way of capturing. Dakota, well not so much. She freaked, splashing about and Hope rescued her and hoisted her back onto the kayak.

Diesel was not to be caught, focusing only on that bird and Hope had to hit the water in her clothes to chase, or should I say swim, him down. He loved the water. Who knew. And yes he jumped in again for another quick swim.

Those dogs are so Roderick.

GOLIATH IN THE TREEHOUSE

Our friend, Skylar, plays football for the University of Washington Huskies. He was injured at the time, broken rib, so he was able to visit on the weekend that we were talking about David and Goliath. He was perfect. The kids loved him. He made the story come alive for them. He is 6'7" and about 325 pounds, all muscle. Seriously.

We do it big in the house.

SIXTY FIVE YEARS

Nana and Grandpa have been married for over 65 years. Many of us will not make it even close to that number so we decided to throw a get together down in Carlsbad. Friends and family enjoyed food and fun.

Rage on Roderick's. Rage on.

RODERICK HALLOWEEN

Our girls did their partying this last weekend and I neglected to snap a few shots. I am still waiting on Kelsey and Shae to slip me their pics from the festivities in the Northwest.

I took matters into my own hands and made them pose for the dreaded jack-o-latern annual photo. Don't they look joyful? Daisy, too, cuz really she fits right in with the blonde Roderick trademark.

Roderick's . . . gotta love us.

THAT TREEHOUSE BUNCH

The last 2 weekends in the Treehouse the kids have been sharing with me what they were going to be for Halloween. This year's hot costumes for the K-1 scene were ninjas, any Star Wars character and Mario and Luigi for the boys. The girls were butterflies, princesses and cats.

I shared with the kids that I had the best costume ever. I really played it up and made them beg me to tell them. "I am going to be a mom who hands out trick or treats." Laughter erupted in the the house.

They get me. Boo!

BILLS

I am upstairs in the bedroom and I hear Scott's faint voice on the phone with his mom. He is setting up his dad and mom's bank account so that bills can be payed online by them as well as him. Believe me, I am not going down there until all is silent and I once again feel safe.

It is scary, which is appropriate since the holiday is tomorrow. BOO!

HALLOWEEN WEEKEND

The endless selection of costume needs and wants grow exponentially every year at the Roderick house. These girls jump from one costume idea to another faster than loose cricket in one of their bedrooms. Seriously.

The final, at least for last nights parties and activities, result was as follows:

Kelsey was a black raven (even though she no longer lives at home she still desires our opinion).

Addison was a gypsy with a very loud, jingly skirt (you could hear her coming up the driveway).

Shae was a shark attack victim (she is still sporting blood stained pale white legs).

Hope was a Tree (don't ask, I have no idea).

Tomorrow is "The" day and I don't even want to know what the four will be doing.

They are Roderick's and they will conquer Halloween. BOO!

GOTTA TELL YA

I love trying out new stuff on the kids in the Treehouse. Like this weekend, for instance, I had fun "changing it up a little".

The kids are all sitting on crates ready to begin and I explain to them that we're going to do an experiment today. "Instead of me telling you the story," and I say this with confident urgency, "you are going to tell me the story." I can only describe their faces as ones of confusion, horror, crooked grins and fingers up noses contemplating. The Treehouse has been silenced. "Go ahead," I say. Utterly silent. "Do you even know the story?" I ask this as if I can not beleive they don't know the story. After a moment, I entice a nod here and there and a sick smile from a kid in the back.

I follow this charade with four sheets of white paper that include hints as to what the story is about and they must complete these before we can continue our time together. Eventually, some kids did figure out which story they were going to hear but not one child could tell the story, which I had planned from the start. My control group for the great Treehouse experiment.

I have to say it worked out perfectly. A job well done in the Treehouse is a job well done for the Kingdom. I praise God that it worked because I did not have a back-up plan.

WOW!

I didn't realize how long it's been since I posted on the ole blog. Time has a way of sneaking right past me. And to be honest it has been crazy nuts around the Roderick abode.

Scott's dad is busy overcoming several serious health issues and we are along for the ride. Really. We drive down (Scott & I or more often than not just Scott) to Carlsbad for surgeries, post op, doctors appointments, etc. And as a bonus while we're there we just throw in and take his mom to her medical visits as well. Please tell me this too shall pass. Sometimes I feel like the filling inside of a Hostess Ding Dong. You know everyone needs you and you're in the middle. Our own kids and Scott's parents.

All you can say is "Wow". Now suck it up and be a Roderick.

DIANE SAWYER

Diane Sawyer has done an assignment about Native American children and the struggles they face growing up on a reservation. The 20/20 story was being advertised as Addison walked in and took a look at the TV screen.

"The Children of the Plains". Is that a story about the kids of people who died on 9/11?" Check the spelling honey, it's "plains" not "planes".

She's a Roderick. Gotta love her.

KNIT, KNIT, KNIT

It is the time of year when I just go crazy knitting. Every spare moment is spent with needles clicking, yarn unwinding and a dazzling piece of art developing. I love the smell of the wool as it rustles through my fingers. I love watching the pattern come alive. I love having our little dogs right there beside me guarding my every move.

Today was no different as they took up their respected positions on the living room lounge chair with me. They both lay so close to me that sometimes Diesel's fur gets tangled in the yarn and he becomes part of a stitch. It was peaceful, quiet and relaxed.

Then I heard it. The rumble that comes with a SoCal earthquake. But it happened to quick, not an earthquake. I realized that one of my pooches had just broke wind. No, that wasn't it. Wait. What?

Dakota was snoring like a sailor too long at sea. This 17 pound mutt sounded like an 18 wheeler crashing through the house. This tiny little female hound was making a sound that rattled the windows.

So much for quiet at the Roderick's.

NEW CLASS

Addison comes home from school today and I greet her with a smile and a question. "How was your first class of the new term?" She muttered something about a brain formation class and I thought that odd. She is in a fashion design school and brain just didn't ring true to my way of thinking. I continued with "a brain class . . . really." To which she replied "No Mom . . . a brand formation class. You know brand names."

My bad. I'm Roderick.

CRAZY WEEK

It has been a crazy week at the Roderick's. Fall seems to bring all the "busy" with it. Time changes at church, staff changes as well, kids back to school, holiday plans in the making and knitting, lots of knitting.

This fall has brought new challenges. Scott's dad is seriously ill and his mom has health challenges of her own. Scott tries to get down to Carlsbad as much as he can but his work right now is in a crush mode with many new issues rising to the surface. We are determined to weather the storm.

Addison is looking at some dental surgery on Wednesday. She's got all kinds of teeth stuff going on from implants to orthodonture to wisdom teeth. It all falls right in the middle of her 2nd term of school and she is a wee bit stressed about it all. I can't blame her.

So needless to say the blog has suffered a bit. But we're Roderick's. We will muddle through.

HOPE COOKED

Hope cooked dinner last night and it was so awesome. I can not tell you how excited I was that she had taken on some responsibility in the kitchen. She's always been the one who didn't want to do anything near a stove or an oven. She made a fabulous grilled chicken ceasar salad from start to finish including the grocery shopping for the ingredients.

And she helped me cut out felt pieces for a project we are doing in the Treehouse. We sat there and cut and laughed most of the afternoon. Scott watched soccer, Addison was hanging out and Hope and I were armed with scissors. We didn't have a pattern, we just freestyled. It was a very cozy Sunday afternoon at the Roderick's.

We were shy two girls but we're Roderick's. We will find a way to survive.

VET DAY

Today was appointment day at the Vet. D&D had shots, check-ups, weigh-ins and meds. They were itching all weekend and I decided enough of that so we combined routine/regular visit. We returned $600.00 lighter with healthy dogs, allergy pills and flea eradication product (all prescription of course). Next year we add dental care at their annual visit.

Whew! We love our dogs a lot.

THOSE DOGS

Diesel loves to watch me in the kitchen. He sits on the couch and peeks over the top for a view of every angle and my every move. So when Scott came home it was only a matter of time before he decided to test Diesel. Dakota is too short to see over the couch or she would have met the same fate.

Scott and I were by the sink and slowly and stealthly squat to the floor and tap lightly on the dog dishes. Yep. The tinkle of dog tags meets our ears and two little mutts come running in to see what's up in the kitchen.

Hmm. Did I feed those guys today?

TANK

Our friends, the Hurdles, have a lab named Tank who is not the smartest dog in the litter. He's the one they watch attack the sprinklers for hours on end. Of course, Don and Cherylynn watch him perform this task, so I don't know what that says about them. I am not here to debate about the "smartness" in the family. I want to share a story about Tank.

Cherylynn noticed that Tank had been feeling poorly. You know, just not behaving like Tank normally does. A few days pass and suddenly Tank perks up and has regained his usual curious demeanor. The Hurdles are once again happy.

As they clean up dog poop in the back yard, those of us with dogs know how much fun that is, Cherylynn finds an unusual pile of Tank vomit. That's right vomit. Dog people know the difference between poop and vomit. This was vomit. Not only was it vomit, it was an unusual amount of vomit and strangely familiar.

Seems our friend Tank had got into Nathan's closet and gobbled up a whole bag of Easter grass. This is very harmful to dogs. In fact, if not caught in time can cause death. Tank took the high road and avoided a very expensive visit to the vet.

Tank should be a Roderick.

I CAN NOT BELIEVE THIS

This phenomenon must be happening to every couple in America. I can not believe ours is the only home experiencing this event. It seems to occur in a sporadic fashion or perhaps I have not yet unraveled the cycle.

I sit comfortably in our bedroom reading, maybe knitting or fretting with the internet. Scott is down stairs watching TV, playing with D&D or on his laptop.

It comes without warning. Scott ascends the stairs and enters our sleeping chamber with that look in his eye. I cover my face gathering what uncontaminated air I can. He comes over to chat with me but I am wise to him. I shove him away. He stares me down or worse ignores me.

And then, without warning, passes gas right there in front of me. He continues his trek as if nothing has "passed" between us. Doesn't he know how toxic the emissions are? Is he not familiar with our bathroom located ten feet away? And why didn't he just stay down stairs with the dogs? The fumes would not have reached the second story where I hide in fear. Lord have mercy.

Please tell me I am not the only person who is going through this harrowing adventure. Give me some words of encouragement or advice. I am begging you.

Then again, we are Roderick's.

GROUPS

Groups started tonight, our mid-week program for K-3. We changed up the whole format and it worked out great. I think the kids really had a riot (in a good way) while learning about baby Moses.

It's an 8 week series on Moses and every week it gets a little more challenging. They have to complete tasks to get to the "Party" and tonight's party was root beer floats.

As they're drinking their floats I'm chatting them up and asked who could burp the loudest. That was met with much enthusiasm and several boys cranked it. Not to ignore the females in the room I invited them to give it their best shot. Not one taker, seriously. However one little boy in the back yelled out "Girls don't burp they toot". Hmm.

Gotta love 'em.

IT'S A 50'S THING: #26

Yesterday I went to have the car washed at the place we normally go. I payed the cashier, grabbed the receipt and went to sit and comtemplate life while I waited on the finished product. I glanced down at the small piece of paper and noticed something shocking. I wasn't asked about this price, no one told me about this new thing they were doing, I wasn't even sure I wanted it.

There, right in front of my eyes was the following: Senior citizen discount $2.00.

I am an old Roderick so don't cross me.

MISSION: MOVE FURNITURE

Scott left the house at about 1:45pm and now was our chance. It's not that he doesn't like us to move furniture, it's more that he just gets in the way of the progress. You know, he always has a better way to do the moving, a better placement, a better idea of how to make it easier, etc. So we have learned, the girls and I, to do it while Dad is out of the house.

I wanted the couch moved for two reasons, one so I could clean under, behind and around it and two because I wanted it in the family room to watch TV. We watch DVD's in the living room and I wanted more of a theater feel in there, so it now has all chairs. I know, I beat to a different drum.

But I degress. The mess behind the couch was way worse than I thought. Addison was gagging and Hope was running away screaming. I will admit it was bad, really bad. We had to do the cleaning of the couch and all the trimmings before we could even think about moving it.

Once that task was complete, the movement began. It was heavy, extremely heavy, heavier than when we moved it into the house after the remodel, I swear. We pushed, shoved, lifted and got about 2 inches. Addison was on the backwards end and Hope and I were on the other. Adds thought we were pushing it towards her and she did not want her toes smashed and yes, we were moving furniture bare footed. You can turn us in to the furniture cops after you finish reading this blog.

Anyway, her face was priceless and Hope and I started laughing and Adds started laughing at Hope and I and it was just one big laughfest, no sound, just laughing until our stomachs hurt. But eventually we got the job done.

Hey, if anyone ever needs furniture moved on the sly call the Roderick's. We are professionals.

STRESS OVERLOAD

Do you ever have so much to do and so little time to do it that you end up doing nothing? I do and this is as good as gets for a blog entry today.

THOSE KIDS

I tell you what you never, and I mean that in the true sense of the words, know what is going to happen up in the Treehouse.

This morning I am doing "my thing" just being me, the queen in the house and a sweet little girl comes up to me and asks an interesting question. She says "Miss Cindy can you come to my birthday party and juggle? Hmm.

Rewind. I start going back in the memory banks trying to remember if I even know how to juggle. Have I juggled in the Treehouse before? The answer is "no, I haven't" because I know I would remember that. What did I do that implied I could juggle? Was this child having some sort of circus party or does she just enjoy juggling? Did she have something she wanted me to juggle?

We will never know. I kindly declined her offer. Roderick's are generally not known for their juggling abilities.

THE CALL

Early this evening I was watching the Ducks game and my cell phone rings. I pick it up to the voice of Don Hurdle asking if he was scheduled in the Treehouse tonight. I can barely hear him and I assume we have a bad connection. He was not scheduled and I communicated that to him and he asks if I'm in the bathroom because I sound like I'm in a cave. No I am in the kitchen and I can't hear him. I am distracted by the football game and can't figure out what is wrong with my phone. We say our good-bys and hang up.

Then I discover I had answered my phone backwards. You know, mic to ear. Relieved to have figured it out, I am now plugging the thing in to charge when I recieve another Don call..

I answer again with a loud hello this time. He says "you meant an agape love right, not a love love right?" Wait. What. Apparently when I said my good by I said "love ya".

Roderick is all that can be said.

FROGS

The Treehouse has new residents. It seems some kids at our church pulled one over on their parents.

The last month saw those who shall be nameless purchase frogs and all the stuff that goes with them. They stashed them at a friends house, fed and cared for them and all Mom and Dad were none the wiser.

The jig was up last week. I got a call of desparation, begging me to take them off the deliquints hands. I graciously accepted the little creatures under the condition that the two kids involved in the crime take care of them every weekend. I will purchase the crickets for the sacrificial feeding. The bargin was made and I now have three amphibians residing up in my house, the Treehouse.

Now the Treehouse kids have to name them. Any suggestions?

THREADING

What a walk we had today. Addison, Phyllis and I stopped by the Cat Walk and got our threading on . . . well at least Adds got hers on . . . Phyl and I watched and it was so intersting.

Threading is what the "in" crowd does now instead of waxing or plucking the wild eye brow. I can't explain but it seems to be a twisting of threads to pull the hair out by the roots. Adds said it wasn't as painful as a wax and it did give her a cleaner look.

Phyl and I may have to go in and have ours done sometime and pick up some make-up tips. Yeah, like I wear a lot of make-up. Still, it would be fun to give it another shot. And I may even take Scott in to have his brows cleaned up. He would so hate that!

We Roderick's are a plucky bunch.

THIS MAKES ME LAUGH!

This is so funny. Our girls are gonna love it. After all we are blonde Roderick's.

IT'S A 50'S THING: #25

I have not been this exhausted in a long time. We got home last night/morning at 3:30am. On the upside no traffic at all even with the construction on the 5, both in California and Oregon, sometimes down to one lane. Sheesh.

I woke up at noon and went to a meeting. I came back home at 3:00pm and went back to bed and woke up at 6:00pm and had a little bite to eat and now I am ready to go back to bed. What an exciting day.

Yeah. I'm a Roderick and I am tired.

THOSE OREGONIANS

People fascinate me. For instance there were several people of interest on our recent trip up the I-5 to Eugene, Oregon.

One gentleman was sitting on the shoulder of the 5 with his thumb up in the air hitch hiking. Cars were racing past by with nary a glance at him and certainly no stopping and picking up. Scary.

I spied another guy in Target with clothes that were so filthy they rivaled any street person in Huntington Beach. The significant observation I made was that this man didn't mind. He was shopping and that was just his thing. He didn't appear to be on his way home from some sort of automotive job. Simply dirty, grimey jeans and a tee shirt. Interesting.

And finally we were shopping at Trader Joe's and we observed a spotless lady walk out with a darling skirt and cute little cardigan and the hairiest legs I have ever seen on a woman. I don't want to think about her arm pits. Scott couldn't turn away. He thought maybe it was a guy in drag.

Shae has become such an Oregon girl that she didn't notice one of the characters that caught Scott and my eyes.

Shae honey, remember who you are and where you are from. You are Roderick and we shave our legs.

APARTMENT

What a day. I am so tired my fingers aren't moving properly and I beg your forgivness for the multiple typos that probably will occur in this post.

Rise and shine was at 8:00am and we didn't stop until 10:00pm tonight. The schedule was like as follows:

We picked up Shae and Courtney at 9:00am and grabbed coffee to go and headed to Portland, about 2 hours away, where we met up with Kesley and Tug, his given name is David but we tenderly refer to him as Tug. We shopped at Ikea, which took f.o.r.e.v.e.r. and then grabbed some lunch, yes lunch, at 3:00pm. Time for fond farwells to K. and T. and back in the car for the road trip back to Eugene. But wait. We must hit the outlets for some J. Crew, Banana Republic, Quicksilver, Gap, etc. Then it's back on the road again to U. of O. with another stop at the storage unit to pick up the last item, a small refrigerator. Now it's on to Shae's apartment to unload everything and, yup, back in the car to go to Target for a dresser and odds and ends. Finally, back to the apartment to unload again, do some more odds and ends and by the grace of God, Scott and I are safely back in our hotel room ready for some well deserved rest.

Roderick's, occasionally, get tired of shopping. Unbelievable.

LOCKED OUT

We got all of Shae's stuff out of the car. We got all of her stuff out of storage. All we had left was to get all of Shae's stuff into her apartment. That's hard to do when you leave your key in your apartment and no one is there to let you in.

We left Scott sitting in the hall, surrounded by stuff, while we ran to the restaurant where Shae's room mates were dining to pick up an one of their keys. Then back to her apartment to get Scott out of the hall. People were starting to stare.

By the way, I love elevators and Shae and I were going back down, she's on the fourth floor, and I did an "Elf" imitation. Yep. Pushed every floor button. Shae was so annoyed. I had to explain my actions at every stop as people got in and saw all the floors lit up. I loved their reactions. Shae says "Mother, I have to live here." It made me laugh.

Those crazy Roderick's.

MISSONI MEDFORD

We stopped to enjoy lunch with several of our friends in Medford. We love to hit Red Lobster when we drive through and it just happens to be located right next to Target. Yup.

As soon as we finished eating we headed to our new favorite store. Marybeth came along for the ride because she knows all too well how Roderick's roll. She scored a pair of Missoni pumps and Shae and I scored some Christmas goodies courtesy of Missoni. We tried to get Scott to cough up $25.00 for a a very Missoni tie but that just was not goning to happen. All in all a great investment, no sales tax in Oregon.

Now we're in Eugene and Roderick's will be hitting Target(s) tomorrow.

HOLIDAY INN

We pulled in last night after midnight. We were all exhausted and ready to hit the sheets. Scott checked us in and we looked for a parking spot. He discovers all kinds of law enforement vehicles and he is stoked. We didn't want to unpack the whole car so he tucked the Hylander between two of these trucks and figures we've got it made.

Here's the rub. They are US Forest Service vehicles. What does a law enforcement officer in the USFS enforce? Do they carry weapons? How about badges? What laws do they enforce? Who breaks these laws? I am curious.

It really didn't matter. They were all gone when we walked out to the car this morning. It must have worked because not one thing was missing out of our car.

Gotta hand it to the USFS for keeping the Roderick ride safe and unscathed.

CINDYISM #10

While driving up the 405 we saw many, many Target trucks. Is is weird that I wanted to follow them to their final destination and watch them unload? I mean, maybe I could snag some more Missoni treasures. Shae thought it was a great idea!

Yes, I know. It must be a Roderick thing.

OREGON TRAIL

We left the Roderick driveway at 3:00pm and headed straight to the local Mobil to fill her up. Much to Scott's dismay our fast pass did not function properly. Back to the Roderick's we go to pick up the credit card. We were behind schedule so we jumped on the 405 and headed north, intending to fill up on the other side of the Grapevine.

Scott, in his haste to fill up, inadvertantly took the wrong exit for a Mobil station and then he got back on the freeway heading south. He drove for 8 miles before an exit could be found. Finally we got back on the 405 driving north again. He is speeding down the freeway all grumpy because he has to repass cars. He hates passing cars twice. I don't know why but he does.

After finally filling up the old Hylander we are back on the road again only to hit road construction and the 10 mile an hour creep. Scott is raging now. He is here to conquer the road not to deal with all these challenges. He keeps looking in his rear view mirrors to see if any of the cars he's passed are now passing him. He's in a cycle of chaos.

Shae is listening to her iPod. I am knitting. Life is good for the female Roderick's on road trips.

IT'S A 50'S THING: #24

Scott and I walk into Target and he picks up an item of clothing to show me. He is very excited and says "I found you one. It's a Missoni!" I look at him and say "Honey, it's a Mossimo."

Rookie Roderick mistake.

OH NO

Oh yes. It happened again. It is freightening, to be sure, and I only share this as a cautionary tale. Restaurant bathrooms are safe for no one.

We were having dinner out and our girls had me laughing so violently that I had to excuse myself so that I could empty my full bladder.

As I hurried up the stairs I could feel the shift in the atmosphere. I opened the ladies room door and stepped in, checking underneath all the stalls to see what I was up against. One set of feet were revealed in one stall and I felt apprehensive but calm.

I chose my stall and entered. Restrooms, away from the privacy of my home, are a challenge to say the least. I can't imagine that a piece of tissue paper can protect my backside from anything so I always squat. I can not help myself. I have squatted for years due to my mother's diligent training.

What happened next I was totally not prepared for, although I had heard tales of horror. As I was squatting a small amount of toxic gas was released. I couldn't control it. It had a mind of it's own. Silent it was not. I swear I blew the lady off her tissue paper covered toilet.

I had to get out of that restroom before that woman exited her stall and saw what I looked like. It was embarrassing. I was breathless by the time I got back to the table.

Fortunately, the rest of the Roderick's were so wrapped up in their own stories they neglected to ask why I was flushed (pun intended).

OUR BABY IS SEVENTEEN

Hope is seventeen today. What joy she has brought to us these last seventeen years. We look forward to many, many more.

We dined at The Old Speghetti Factory with Hope, CJ, Daisy, Dottie, Hailey, Lauren, Rachel, Addison, Shae, Scott and I. Much fun was had by all.

We arrived just as a huge fraternity was finishing up with prior festivites. As the gentlemen were leaving CJ jumps up and calls out a name or two, stunning us all. She saw a couple of guys she knew. Strange that a high school junior would know frat boys.

We were escorted to our table and began to question CJ about her acquaintances and she said "I went on a trip with them to Hawaii." WHAT? Apparently what she neglected to share with us was that she was with her parents on a mission trip with another church and the young men were associated with that church. Whew!

We thought for a minute that CJ was going to steal the Roderick thunder.

ADVENTURES IN TARGET

My assignment was Mission Missoni. I arrived at the designated store at 7:55am on Friday, September 17, 2011. As per my training, I attempted to appear relaxed. There were five competitors. I planned my strategy perfectly.

At 8:00am the automatic glass doors opened and I casually walked into the store and made a visual scan of the targeted areas. I proceeded to walk calmly past accessories, continuing my loop through the channels. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. I expected to come up with zero scored but I continued my surveilance of the facility.

As I turned into bedding, several obstacles met me. A saleperson was chatting up some competitors about the lack of merchandise. They leaped in front of me with a heading towards intimates, proving their inexperience at this level. I quickly turned into beauty where I discovered two rolling pieces of luggage, an overnight bag and two make-up bags. All perfect specimens of Missoni.

I immediately procured the merchandise and placed it in my cart and proceeded to check out. All of my competitors were now in clothing searching through racks that held nothing. I had escaped with the motherload and my competition didn't even see me exit the store at 8:10am.

Rookies. Again, Roderick.

CHRISTMAS 2011

Exactly 100 days from today is Christmas. Here's a couple suggestions for a Christmas that you and your family may want to own.

Pick one item and expand it. One year the girls recieved charm bracelets and friends and relatives bought charms that invoked a fond memory of that daughter.

Last year was the year of conscience. Everything the girls got for Christmas was recycled or boosted the economy in a 3rd world country. For example, Tom's shoes was one of their gifts because every pair we buy a child in poverty is also provided new foot wear.

Several years past we gave each of the girls ornaments.

Scott, every year, gives the girls a bottle of fragrance that he personally picks out for each of their specific personalities.

This year . . . we'll I can't tell you, but it's gonna be big!

Hello, Roderick's.

EBAY

I am a little unsettled with ebay and the people who abuse it. This Missoni for Target fiasco has some posting all kinds of Missoni for Target items on ebay to take advantage of those who missed out on the Tuesday unveiling. Individuals purchased tons of inventory and are now selling it on ebay at inflated prices. Some serious cash flow into the economy, however, at the expense of the person who just wanted a little Missoni in their closet.

The verdict is still out. Target may have more inventory available soon. After all, the collection was to be in stores until October 22, 2011.

Just in time for a Roderick Christmas shopping adventure.

WALKING

I've started my walking routine again after a long, walkless summer. Monday, Wednesday and Friday I get my walk on, albeit slowly, but it's coming back.

My knees and ankles crackle and pop. My calves are tight and ache. I rarely make it farther than Starbucks. I'm exhausted by the time we get back to the church. I sweat, not perspire, like a criminal chased by a newly promoted detective.

I love it.

The outside. The laughs. The beach. The surfers. The Pier. The dolphins. The friends. The coffee. The walk.

A Roderick at peace . . . indeed.

MISSONI

Many of you are probably wondering what is Missoni. Let me tell you.

Missoni is an Italian design house known for it's vibrant colors and bold lines. I have wanted a silk scarf from these guys for ions, but, alas, was never able to afford it. Until today when Target unveiled it's Missoni line.

It may not be directly from Milan. It may not have cost hundreds of dollars. It may not be a one of a kind. But today I got my very own Missoni scarf.

I'll wear it proud and wear it loud. Because, you know, I'm a Roderick. (I am so stinkin' excited)

TARGET

Hope had to go to school. Boo. Kelsey lives in Seattle. Boo. So Addison, Shae and I went off to Target at 7:00am this morning for a shopping frenzi akin to all Roderick shopping extravaganza's minus two.

Target's Missoni line would debut today and we were 3rd in line ready to spit our game as soon as those doors flew open. I had the cart and would head to the back of the store for a laptop cover. Addison and Shae would head to bath and bedding to snatch the throws they both wanted. And the rest, well, it would just have to fall into place.

The snafu occured when the girl's coveted throws were not in yet. What? It would arrive later in the day with no eta. Well, being Roderick's, they pulled out the cell phones and started calling. Salt Lake City and Medford were the cities of choice.

Marybeth, you remember her from Black Friday 2010, just happened to be in Target up in Medford and God rained down his blessings upon us and she was able to score 3, that's right, 3 of the elusive throws. Yea MB.

From that point on everything else was cake. With lots and lots of frosting.

Yeah, we're Roderick and we shop.

JUST ANOTHER DAY

Shae wanted me to ride over to Ikea with her for one more look through before we take off for Oregon on Sunday. She double-checked her list so when we drive up to the Portland Idea all we have to do is go to the order desk, give them our wants and have it all delivered straight to her new apartment in Eugene. One down.

Addison comes home from school and wants me to go to JoAnn's with her to pick out embellishments for the tote bag she designed. We got a chain, ribbon and a tassle. We got side tracked a couple of times but all in all it was a quick trip. The bag turned out beautifully. Two down.

Kelsey calls me and wants me to talk her through some knitting techniques. She sent pictures via Addison's phone, and I couldn't talk her through it so I sent her to the yarn shop. It shouldn't be too bad, she just needs someone to show her the how-to's one-on-one. The sweater she's knitting looks like it's going to be gorgeous. Three down.

Hope comes home from working out and wants me to help her figure out what to do for her birthday this Friday. My baby will be seventeen. WOW! We chatted and talked while sitting on my bed. I think she may be going out to dinner with some bff's, all dressed up fine and hitting the town. Four down.

Just another manic Monday, only we provide the Roderick's.

KINDERGARTNERS

This weekend in the Treehouse we moved up many of our kindergartners and let me tell you it was a "party in the house". It takes a few weeks for the new ones to get to know me, know how we roll up there and for us to get to know each other. You can not believe how challenging and fun these kids can be . . . such a joy.

I want them to get to know me, get some comfort level, so I open up the crate crew to some questions. First question, I kid you not, was "how old are you Miss Cindy?" These kids cut right to the chase and don't pull any punches. I didn't tell them but I did share the year of my birth. They were supposed to go home and ask their moms and dads to do the math and come back and tell me how old I am next week. This should be interesting.

The other challenge that these K'ers will have trouble grasping is the crates in the Treehouse are for sitting not walking on. Every year this throws these little guys and it takes about a month before they "get" it.

We are starting a series on the disciples so these little guys should be able to name them all by the end. We shall see.

With a Roderick in charge of the Treehouse you never know what those kids are going to come home and share with you. Beware.

EVALUATION

A quick note of thanks to the outreach team at FCCHB. This challenge brought before the Roderick's a sense of global visability which was not evident before. The family, although not participating actively in every challenge, at least were aware of each days assignment.

You have stretched the Roderick's spiritually, globally, conversationally and awarenessly. Is that even a word?

We Roderick's take liberities with the English language. Again, many thanks.

FAST

I just broke the fast with a poached egg and toast chased with a Coke. I had not eaten solid food since last night's dinner. I did enjoy a latte this morning and several ice teas today. Does that count?

My spiritual immaturity was placed before me today as I found it difficult to pray for the Muslim people. I attribute much of this to the 10 year anniversary of 9/11 which has been emblazoned everywhere I look. I realize my bias is illogical as I hold many responsible for the actions of few. It is my own responsiblity to change my mind set and press on to a more prayerful attitude. I plan to tackle this in the coming months. For the time being I am praying for the Mayfield's and the ministry that is so close to their hearts and for the people they serve in Indonesia. Thus, to my way of thinking, there is a relationship connection to those Muslims they serve(d) and the general population residing in Indonesia.

The rest of the Roderick family had an epic fail with the fast. Scott had to eat because of a severe headache. Addison was resistant to even trying. Shae, well I haven't talked to her yet so no update there. And Hope, well she's Hope. She said "Do I have to do this?" The choice was placed before her and she chose to chow down.

Roderick's.

Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6:35

THE VESPA

For Scott's 50th birthday, roughly 5 years ago, I bought him a 1968 Vespa Scooter. I got it on Ebay with the aid of a guy on staff who shall remain nameless. My Treehouse kids love to talk about MOSES.

I should have known better, but hey, whata ya gonna do? Scott loved the gift and the thought behind it but he did not like all the hoops he has had to jump through these past years to ride that little black beauty.

So today he said a fond farewell to the Vespa and sold it.

Now if we could just sell that big, ole freezer. Any takers?

CLEANING OUT THE TREEHOUSE

Every year about this time I get into a cleaning frenzy up in the Treehouse. Summer is over. School has begun. It's time to get the room up to snuff for a new year of fun, facination and (non) fiction. Everything has been well loved and some stuff just needs to be tossed.

As I went through junk this morning in the back room I found missing game pieces, silverfish, trash, mineral oil, helium tanks, music stand, old Promiseland curriculum and a bunch of other items I can't begin to remember. Stacking, sorting, piling, organizing, decisions about what to keep, what to toss. Yep. That was my morning.

To add insult to injury I was a lazy bones this summer and let jobs just stack up. Especially the ones I do not enjoy doing, but I know has to be done. The PVBS and UGSFAW aftermath was daunting but I tackled it with vigor. This entails returning everything to it's proper Treehouse address and/or replacing missing parts and purchasing stuff that was damaged and/or lost. Whew.

My goal is to complete the process by Saturday so that all will be in place and good to go for the weekend. All those kindergartner's are heading up and it is going to be wild.

This Roderick can not wait for the action to begin.

WALK

Today Scott and I took a walk. We chatted about the day, the girls, the dogs, the house and many more insignificant topics Isn't that how it is sometimes? We talked about everything but what we were supposed to be talking about, Kenya and Uganda. It just slipped our mind.

I pray somewhat sporadically for Irene, a little girl Scott met while in Kenya and we now support monthly. I pray for her schooling and that she has enough to eat and she has a safe place to sleep. I pray for the family she left so she could attend a Christ centered boarding school. I pray for her medical challenges and the life she will lead being hearing impaired in such a hostile country. I pray she has enough clean water to drink and books to read. I pray that she has friends that love her and teachers that care for her.

After today, I will pray for Irene daily as I do for my own girls. After today's challenge Irene has become an honorary Roderick girl.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls". Matthew 11:28-29

SCHOOL REWIND

I watched today as all the kids, elementary and middle, returned to school. As I sat outside Main Street Coffee and Book waiting for my walking bff's, so many memories flooded my heart.

Hope returned last week without much pomp and circumstance. A junior in high school just doesn't get the same attention as that first day of kindergarten. Oh we had the what to wear on the first day of school drama as well as the registration chaos but . . . just not the same as the thrill of the first day of elementary.

Hope was the toughest to send to off school. Her first day of PreK was met with me sobbing by the door to her classroom and her walking in and owning it. She's the last to do all things Roderick and that brings tears along with joy. These girls of ours have grown up to be such beautiful young women of God.

I can't wait to see what's next, although I do miss the days of childhood . . . sometimes.

ONE FAUCET

Today's challenge was to use one faucet in our homes for all water purposes. On the surface this seems easily accomplished. I found out quickly that it is certainly not, especially when you have a firecracker of a day soaring into the 90's.

We decided that our one faucet would be in the kitchen. Hindsight is 20/20 and that probably was not the best choice. We didn't realize how much we use the plumbing in our house. We couldn't do ordinary tasks such as flushing a toilet, washing hands, doing laundry, running the dishwasher, watering plants, showering, etc. etc. etc.

I caught myself several times using other faucets in the house. And I failed the challenge, so did Shae, because we had to take a shower at the end of the day. We were so uncomfortable, hot and sweaty, we just couldn't stand it. We would be horrible on a missions trip to somewhere hot. Scott, Hope and Addison finished strong, in heart and stench. They will be showering in the morning.

We did remember each time we used water, for whatever purpose, to pray for the Iraqi people, specifically the Women's Center.

Jesus said, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." John 4:13-14

SHOE 2

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion "your God reigns!" Isaiah 52:7

Update on today tomorrow is actually an evaluation tonight.

It was blazing hot in HB today, so going without shoes was a blessing and a very easy reminder to remember the Lall family in India. I am sure they have extreme weather at one time or another.

Scott was barefooted the entire day, while Shae and I donned flip flops for a quick dash to the grocery store. Addison and Hope both wore sandals while at school. We all finished at home with naked feet on the cool tile and fans blasting around us.

Keep up with us tomorrow as we use one faucet. It was decided to use the kitchen one all day. This just keeps getting better and better.

ANGEL'S FLIGHT

I know many of you will remember the 80's trend Angel's Flight leisure wear for men. Scott had a blue corderoy suit, black pants and I don't know what else. I got tired of them and the fad was over so I convinced him to donate said items to Goodwill. Now if you know Scott well this is not an easy task. He isn't fond of giving up his stuff. I clearly won the battle and the clothes went.

At that time, Scott and I had season tickets to the University of Utah football games. No kids yet and 4 tickets allowed us to take another couple with us for a very fun date night. Same seats every time, but not for others in the crowd. Scott was sitting in our aisle seat when a man walked by him.

Scott could not speak. I was laughing so hard I couldn't speak. The couple with us were laughing so hard at us they could not speak.

The man that walked by was wearing Scott's blue corderoy Angel's Flight suit.

This can only happen to a Roderick.

ANOTHER ENGLAND STORY

Kelsey, Addison, Megan, Shae and I got on a double decker bus and just took off through the streets of London. We saw Parliment, Westminster Abbey, the Palace, the Thames and many more famous attractions. As we buzzed through the streets Addison yells "There's Big Bill!" Megan points and says "You mean Big Ben?" "Yeah. That clock" Addi replies.

Yep. For sure a Roderick.

LAST VACA OF SUMMER

Enjoy the fun while you're young! Study hard and you can do it all again in 2012!

SHOE

Yesterday proved to be more of a challenge than expected.

Habits are hard to break and I got caught several times flipping a light switch. I did enjoy not doing laundry, not running the dishwasher, not watching TV or videos and in general just "not doing much." The family rose to the occasion.

We went to the Torres' for a bbq and still tried not to use power. I had to remind several Roderick's not to turn the light on when they went to the restroom. And, oh my, this was hard, several besties got on Pinterest and took all I had not to help them out. Whew. All in all we still maintained our commitment to the cause. Everyone was in bed at sundown. A first for us in a very long time.

Addison did break down late in the evening. She had to get on the laptop to complete some fashion homework.

Today is going to be much easier I think. Maybe not. The girls are all ready lamenting the fact they can't do they're daily workout. Especially their run.

Update on today tomorrow.

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion "your God reigns!" Isaiah 52:7

ELECTRICITY

Our church is challenging us to do something that we'll make us all more aware of what is happening around the globe. Tomorrow, Labor Day, the Roderick's will not be using electricity. Really. And even more astounding is that the girls are giving us no push back. They are excited for this experience. When they were little we would call these days Amish days and it was purely for some peace and quiet for the parentals. This time is different.

So . . . no lights, no laundry, no laptops, no fans, no TV, no getting anything out of the refrigerator (this one is going to be the hard one), no straighteners or blow dryers (yikes), no cell phones (hello, charged by electricity), no iPods, no land lines, and I am sure there are many more that I can't even think of right now but will hit us tomorrow. I am praising God that we decided not to purchase a Hybrid many years ago.

During this "powerless" time at our house we will be praying for those in China and North Korea that someday they will be introduced to the light that Jesus brings each of us.

Our scripture for the day is: Jesus said, "I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

Anyone up to taking the challenge with the Roderick's?

TIM HOWARD

We went to last night's soccer game and we got to sit right behind the goal and can I just say wow. Tim Howard is one fine keeper and he is a lot bigger than he looks on television. And so easy on the eyes. I think he may have just become my favorite USA National Team player.

Costa Rica took a shot and it went over the net and right at my face. Fortunatley I am good at ducking and Addison and Scott were sitting next to me and deflected the rocket to Hope who caught it and gave it to Kelly, one of her friends, to throw back on the pitch. Such a thrill since it was the National team playing.

The did chalk up a loss, but it was a friendly so no harm done. Perhaps some egos were bruised but they will heal and come back stronger.

I love the beautiful game.

ESCAPING THE PARKING LOT

Leaving the Home Depot Center after a lively night of soccer is always a crap shoot. You never know how long it will take or how organized the parking staff is going to be. Last night was no surprise. Here are some comments heard in the Roderick car. Those present, Scott, Cindy, Addison, Hope, Don and Cherylynn Hurdle.

"Turn on the heat."

"Dad, she's telling you to turn on your headlights."

"Turn off the radio, I'm getting a headache."

"Scott, just push your nose out there."

"Hope, roll up that window, we are in the hood."

"Addison you are not hanging a moon at those people."

"Roll down your window and tell that guy to watch his language, there are little kids everywhere."

"Mom, we're in the hood, that's how they talk here."

"Did you see that guy?"

"That girl can't drive."

"Scott, you are going to hit that car. STOP."

"Cindy, it is not his turn, it will be his fault if I hit him."

"I am so glad we have boys."

"Hope, you take sign language, what sign was that?"

And the comments go on and on. A parking lot the Roderick way.

LIBRARY

As we returned from the game tonight we were discussing reading in the car. Addison has a friend who has a little girl about 18 months old and Addi would like to introduce her to the world of children's literature.

First question, "Mom do you have any books you can donate to Memphis?" Wait. What? I think you mean give to her, loan to her, buy for her, but donate? Not so much.

Next question, "Mom does the library rent books?" Wait. What? I think you mean loan. Remember your library card you carry in your wallet. It comes in handy when you want to borrow a book.

Final question, "Mom could I give the book to Memphis?" Wait. What? Addison, perhaps you should take Memphis to the library and read to hear there. It would be so much easier.

Sigh. Roderick.

KLINSMEN

That's the name of the new Men's National Team coach for the United States in the sport of soccer and we are going to watch the game tonight at the Home Depot Center. Yeah. I hope it will be a nice night and we can add another notch on the win side of the competition. If I'm not mistaken I believe it will be Coast Kinsmen's third time leading the red, white and blue. They will be playing Costa Rica, which I understand is a beautiful place to vacation, but on the pitch I want our boys to kick it and kick it good.

So while you're watching the game on TV look for the Roderick's and company on the south side of the pitch behind the goal.

USA. USA. USA.

ANNA GRACE

Well tomorrow morning at 5:00am I will get up and do the hair of my niece who will be competing in the finals of her ice skating competition. My sister Shelly will be doing the braiding and I will be sewing flowers into the braid. That's right, I said sew.

We will then take off for Culver City for the 9:00am program enjoying the ice revelery of 15 girls. It should be exciting, colorful and extemely cold. Blankets, sweaters and jackets will be the fashion of the day. The world of figure skating is so interesting and people take it very seriously. Very.

And although I love cheering on my niece in her chosen sport and I love watching her succeed, I think I'll stick with soccer. The hair is so much easier to do.

TECHNOLOGY

I am technologically challenged. There. I admit it. No excuses. I don't do well with a computer. I don't do well with an iPod. I don't do well with any communication device. I don't do well with TiVo and/or DVD players.

That having been said, I also try to not be rude and disrespectful of other people. Believe me I have seen people at their worst when on the phone, computer, iPod, etc. I turn my phone off when I am talking to someone or at the very least, I ignore it. And after today I will be much more aggressive about my behavior regarding distractions. Nothing is more important to me than the person standing in front of me. Nothing. Not an overdue email. Not my girls calling to chat. Not Scott texting me about dinner. My attention, all of it, is on the person that has eye to eye contact. It's not like my fingers are broken and I can't return any of the URGENT communication in a short period of time.

This is my new mantra and I challenge you to join me in the rebellion against rude behavior concerning technology.

Ooooo. That has a little "Star Wars" ring to it, pun intended.

FIFTY FIVE

Scott turned 55 yesterday so if you see him around town just mention how great he looks. He feels good and his darling daughter's really decked him out in new duds so he is stylin'. He's a hottie-in-a-fifties-body.

Love him so much and I think we threw him a great day Roderick style.

I'M BACK!

A couple of days ago I was really feeling out of sorts. I wanted to do nothing. Not me at all.

Today is a new day and I have enjoyed being me again. I walked for the first time in 3 months. Summer in Student Ministries is well, sucks-the-energy-out-of-you-there-is-so-much-to-do. Needless to say no time to do what I wanted to do, but Hope went back to school today and my "me" time has returned full force. I got to catch up with the besties and enjoyed a cuppa iced joe. I am sore, but it's that good sore that tells you the muscles you've been neglecting have been activated again. I caught up on a little house work too, and it seems to be cooler. At least there is a cool breeze blowing off the ocean.

And did I mention my sister and neice are in town? Boom. Love having them here and I'm going to watch Anna Grace compete tomorrow in figure skating somewhere in LA. She's quite a little skater and the outfits are to die for when your 9. She is nationally ranked for her age division, at least I think she is, if she's not she should be, at least her Auntie thinks so.

I have returned to my old comfortable self. It's good to be a Roderick.

LIFE'S CHALLENGES

Today has not been a good day for me. I am all out of sorts.

I'm tired of my discouraged attitude. I'm tired of being out of my weight zone. I'm tired of the challenges my job brings. I'm tired of my kids fussing and fighting. I'm tired of housework, which by the way has fallen way off this summer. I'm tired of maintenance around the Roderick living abode. We just did the remodel 5 years ago. How can this be happening? I'm tired of having carpets that always need cleaning. I'm tired of missing Kelsey. I'm tired of our backyard. I'm tired of doing laundry every stinkin' day. I'm tired of dogs that shed everywhere. I'm tired of the Hylander (I hate that car). I'm tired of this wretched economy. I'm tired of not being able to go to Salt Lake whenever I miss my extended family. I'm tired of dogs barking and the crows cawing. I'm tired of meal planning. I'm tired of taking my prescribed meds. I'm tired of Starbucks. I'm tired of being stuck in this never ending routine. I'm tired of the weather. I'm tired of waking up in the morning and feeling like I didn't sleep at all. I'm tired of all these new and unfamiliar aches and pains.

I'm simply tired of being 53.

Heavy sigh. Tomorrow will be a better day. Roderick's do not stay in a slump for long.

5,000

I just reached over 5,000 pageviews on livinglifeasaroderick. I think that's a lot. Is that a lot? I have no idea but I love writting and it's so theraputic. So 5 or 5,000 this gal will continue to write.

I am Roderick. It's what I do.

ADDISON AND THE VERY BAD MORNING

Addison apparently had a little trouble getting to church this morning.

As she walked out the front door heading for FCCHB a huge beetle the size of a small state, flew into her face. While defending herself against the said monster she almost dropped her phone. While juggling to save her phone she did drop her bff's birthday present. The birthday present sadly, did not survive. It was an antique tea cup and saucer. The saucer incurred the damage.

But Addison, being herself, decided Kelly was getting that antique broken or not. After all, it was a Canadian antique tea cup and Kelly would understand it's significance.

Addison will now be arranging a tea date for the birthday of her bff. I wonder if Kelly will use that tea cup with or with out the saucer.

SHAE, SHAE, SHAE

We were enjoying a delightful home made pizza this evening and Shae mentions that she must work on Labor Day. She says "Man, we're having a sale that weekend and there's gonna be people in there." Excuse me Shae, I don't think you understand the concept of being employed in the retail industry. If there are not people, there are no sales, there will be no pay check.

Clearly she needs some HR intervention. Or maybe she's just a Roderick.

"GLEE" IN THE BEACHHOUSE

So much fun in the Beachhouse this weekend. We had a Worship Song Sing Off between boys and girls. It was like a mini "Glee" episode. They got to choose the song and then they performed it for the other team. They really go into it. Girls were all about the music and boys were all about busting moves. The prize is the new VeggieTales video and movie snacks at next weekends worship times because everyone's a winner up in the Beachhouse. They loved it and can't wait for next week!

I'm gonna have to remember that one for when we move back to the Treehouse.

I MAY HAVE MADE AN ERROR

I was out doing the laundry this morning just thinking, sometimes a dangerous activity for a Roderick. I had a light bulb burn bright right on the top of my head. Responsibilities will be changing at our house, at least for the children.

I went into the girls bathroom to pick up linens and a very distinct, unpleasant aroma assaulted my nasal passages. We have a weekly rotation schedule for the girls bathroom, Addison, Shae, Hope, repeat. Every week they argue about who's up and I just let them work it out on their own and haven't followed up on who completed the task. By the smell of that room, perhaps I made a serious error in judgement. Those girls have been slacking in the cleanliness and hygiene department.

Scott and I have coached them on the proper cleaning methods and somehow they seem to have forgotten the steps. Their rooms are their domains as well and let me tell you, I am afraid to spend much time in those areas of the house. You just don't know what may crawl out of their closets. They are all somewhat athletic, whether yoga, running, soccer and eliptical, they all sweat like an elderly man in a steam room. No kidding. It is time for action.

As of today, August 27, 20011 those girls will not be permitted to use our shower or bath. They will have to figure out how to clean and enjoy their own personal bathroom. No more running to our bathroom for towels either, girls. Bring your own up from the laundry area and do it before getting into the shower. I will no longer bring you a personal towel. This is the beginning of independence girls. You are going to love it!

One step for mom & dad, one giant leap for adult Roderick girls.

OUR LITTLE DIESEL

Diesel has been feeling under the weather the last couple of days. He has a spot under his front leg that he has been itching incessantly. So being the responsible pet parents that we are we administered a benadryl in a tasty chunk of cheese for the scratching, as well as neo-sporin and hydrocortisone creams regularly on the irritated area.

He's taken to staying in his kennel and the only body part he moves are his eyes. We've had to carry him outside to use the bathroom and carry him to his bowl(s) to eat and drink. He lays on the couch with the breeze of a fan blowing through his fur watching me knit. He has dog model written all over him. He is doing all the necessary activities to keep things moving through his insides. He is not moving his outsides much. Hmm.

Oh, did I mention Hope took him on a very long bike ride on Monday? She rides the bike and he runs. We have decided his muscles are sore and he plain doesn't want to move. His inactivity has nothing to do with the meds. as we previously assumed.

Tonight he's up and running around now like nothing was ever wrong. I swear it is like having another kid in the house.

We Roderick's are now diagnosing pet behavior. Take that Ceasar Milan.

IKEA

It was a bittersweet morning for two reasons. The first, of course, was a trip to IKEA to shop for Shae's new apartment in Eugene. Yep. She's heading back up there on September 18th for her sophomore year, declared major and all that entails. We've enjoyed having her around this summer, but it seems the Roderick's have spawned two Northwest gals who love the rain, so away she goes.

The second is that her mama dropped about $200.00 on odds and ends for the new living space. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, hello, Roderick. It just makes me feel a little sappy to think that the 3rd Roderick is flying the coop and starting her own housekeeping (Lord have mercy).

They have all grown up to be such wonderful young women. I lament the days of diapers and bicycles . . . but only for a moment.

Now. What can we do with Shae's old bedroom?