Wednesday, November 16, 2011

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.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

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.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

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.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

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.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

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.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

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.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

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.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

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.