I WANT THAT BOX

Kelsey was about 2 years old when Grandad took her to a movie and lunch.  McDonald's was her choice of dining establishment and they went to the counter to order burgers & fries.  As they sat down to eat their meal Kelsey was not scarfing down the delicacy with her usual fervor.  Her mind was on a little girl seated at another table.  Grandad gently asked "what's wrong Kelsey?  Aren't you hungry?"  To which Kelsey replied in all seriousness "I want that box."

Apparently, I had forgotten to inform Dad of the most important part about dining at McDonald's with a 2 year old.  You always order a Happy Meal.  He failed to follow said decorum and Kelsey was not amused.  The toy is always more import than what you eat.

He never made that mistake again.  With any of the Roderick girls.

JIM & BETTY

Two very special people passed away in the last few months.  They were part of my personal history.  They had an impact on my life.  They were very special.  Let me share a little about them.

Jim was a guy who was wise, full of humor and a great mentor and father to 3 delightful daughters and 1 lively wife.  I enjoyed spending time in he and Norma's home with our youth group (they both were awesome leaders), baby sitting those 3 nutty daughter's (ask the girls about the fun we hand in those parentless adventures) and just plain "hanging out".  As I grew up and joined the "working world" Jim, my dad and I enjoyed driving to work together.  Hercules Aerospace Division was our destination.  Good times.  Jim always had a wise anecdote for struggles I was dealing with, usually with boys, and/or budgeting and always had an answer for the occasional spiritual battle.  I loved his cool, Southern style.  Never stressed out and just a real guy who had already walked where I was going.  I will miss seeing him when I am in SLC.  He was truly a great man.

Betty was a party queen.  She was a born entertainer.  No matter where, she was the life of the soiree.  Kelsey learned to swim at the club where she was a long time member.  She hosted many parties in her gorgeous mountain side home.  We spent several weekends enjoying snowy fun at their cabin in the mountains.  She was there holding babies and watching Addison conquer the diving board at Scott's 40th birthday bash also at the club.  She gave out the best treats at Halloween.  Betty knew how to have fun and include others in that fun. Betty was wife to John and mother to 3 daughters.  Her oldest, Betsy, is one of my dearest long time friends.  I wish I had been able to spend more time with their family these last few years.  Time and distance are sometimes a cruel enemy.  She was one of a kind.

These two people will never be forgotten by me and I am sure many, many others feel the same.  They will always live in many hearts.

SIDESWIPED

Shae arrived home last week and was quickly assaulted by news of her car left in Oregon.  Yep.  The Nissan was sideswiped while parked in her assigned parking spot at her apartment complex.  No note.  No name.  A pure and simple "hit & run" incident.

She has been doing her own investigation since hearing the disheartening information.

Eugene PD will do nothing until she can meet with them face to face in January.  Her apartment managers are viewing video hoping they captured the infraction on tape.  Shae's room mates have taken many pictures to support the event including a shot of the suspected vehicle involved.  The Roderick insurance company has also been included in the loop.  In essence, Shae is doing all the footwork.

Needless to say she has gathered evidence of the infraction and can not wait to get back to Eugene to confront the culprit and owner of suspected car.

Perhaps Shae should rethink her major.  Crime fighting seems to be an interest that is blossoming in her favor.

May right win out.  You go Shae!  Remember you are a Roderick.

BONBONS

Every Christmas since the wedding, our wedding, Scott's mom has made yummy bonbons.  This year when she asked what she could bring for our holiday enjoyment, of course, we said bonbons.  We always say bonbons.  Her reply "I don't remember those".

Sadly, she is getting older and some memories are simply gone.  However, due to the age we live in, I found a similar, if not exact, recipe online.  Now I can carry on the tradition.

I mixed, combined, stirred, chopped, drained and created all afternoon.  The bonbons have been shaped and are now freezing.  In about an hour I will dip them in scrumptious chocolate.  My mouth is watering just typing this post.

I'll let you know what the family thinks after they have taste tested them.  Another Roderick tradition is taking flight.

INTERVIEW

Shae has been searching for a part time job since arriving in Eugene 3 months ago, to no avail.  She's completed a bunch of applications, has had several interviews and has been disappointed again and again.  She can't seem to catch a break.  Until this one that looked interesting . . .

I got a phone call several days ago from Shae who was sounding very excited.  She was applying for  a file clerk position in a medical office that had contacted her for an interview.  This was a great opportunity because of all the experience she gained last summer interning at UBS.  She was confident that this was the job.

I am praying for her at the time of her interview, asking for doors to be opened.  The call came soon after.  Shae explains to me that she thinks she may be to conservative for this particular clinic.  "Mom it is a medical opium and marijuana office.  The doctor asked if I could be open minded and nonjudgemental.  I didn't know how to answer that question."

It didn't matter much because she wasn't offered the job.  But I did get a good laugh.

Roderick prayers are answered in hilarious ways!

HOW MUCH MORE

I am very concerned about the turn of events that this National election has produced.  I am scared for the future of my girls.  I am fearful for the lives of grandchildren to come.  I am concerned about what my life is going to be like in 20 years.  We have no huge investments.  We have no retirement to speak of and we have no financial portfolio.

What we have is a work hard attitude and some family plans from both of our parents.  We make choices that are uncommon.  No smart phones.  One car shared between Scott and I.  We only eat out occasionally and rarely see movies.  We don't take extreme vacations.  I don't do the manis and pedis that used to be common for my grooming routine, not many eye brow threading or hair cuts.  Scott would like to take many more sailing classes and I would love to spend more income on clothes and yarn.  None of these luxuries are in our spending plan.  Groceries, utilities, house payments, gas . . . those are priorities and they are strapping us down tight.

We say no to our girls more often than we would like.  We want them to have a comfortable and happy life.  No worries about how safe and secure the country they live in and love, but the reality is that it is not so.  It is hard to say all these things to the young women that we love and cherish, but it is necessary to live within our means.  We are trying to be responsible Americans.

President Obama does not share our views.  He wants to take our pride and hard work and give it to those who are caught up in an American Dream that they did not earn.  When the time comes for our parents to provide our living trust, how much of that will we truly see and more important how much will our kids enjoy.  Not much I fear.  It feels as if President Obama is robbing us of the expectations for over the years.  Our parents worked hard and saved and made wise investment choices that they may never see because of the choice our president has made.

we have learned to say no to expenditures that are out of our reach.  Why hasn't our leaders learned this simple concept.  Our National debt is inconceivable.  What is that teaching Americans?

I fear for our future and the only recourse I have is trust God be God.  A difficult task for me I fear.  The occasional Xanex does give me the confidence to keep trying and my prayer life as of late is flourishing.

Please pray for this Roderick.  My spiritual journey is being tested and my family is watching and waiting to see how their wife and mother fares during this perceived adversity.  I simply do not agree with the direction President Obama is taking this country that I am so truly proud to call my home.

JUST BREATH

I just felt an earthquake a while ago.  I am praying that it is not a clue as to what is coming our way.  One disaster after another after another.  Good thing we just finished our In The Word study.  I am gonna need that one way or the other.

Relax Roderick.  Just breath.  Let God be God.

VOTING

Hope, Addison and I got to vote today together.  Hope and Addison's first time and as expected they were a little intimidated but they came out of the booth unscathed and excited.  Instagrams quickly followed with smiling faces of triumph.  It was such an honor to be able to share that with them.  They embraced the experience and now they will see the results, good or bad, and will have to learn to cope with that outcome as well.

We all got our VOTE stickers and went and enjoyed a cup of coffee at Starbucks.  This election was a humbling life moment for me because all the girls voted in this election, near and far.  And of course, Scott and I too, but we have done this many times.  It never loses it's charm.

I love being a Roderick.

TAKE A PICTURE

We have a gentleman who lives across the street from our church campus who has not been happy with our growth and our recent construction.  Needless to say he makes our church life difficult at times.  He loves to take pictures of our campus when we are doing activities that he deems are in violation of HB ordnances and condition of use permits.

Several weeks ago, while we were observing the fly over of the Space Shuttle, he was out there on the sidewalk, camera in hand, snapping shots of the gardeners on our campus do what gardeners do.  Apparently a little later in the day than normal.  Our friend is not flexible when it comes to scheduling issues.

He was facing the church and directly behind him in the clear blue sky was the Shuttle flying slow and low.  He missed history his chance to view history because he was so caught up in the petty.

That was the saddest, most ludicrous event I have witnessed in a very long time.  I wish I would have had my camera so I could've captured that moment.

We sometimes miss huge moments in life because we are paying so much attention to the insignificant ones.

USC

Addison has a friend who was fortunate enough to nab tickets of the USC vs. Univ. of Oregon this past weekend.  He was so excited to see the game although not excited to have to endure the loss.  Needless to say he did have several observations that he shared with the Ducks fans who reside at the Roderick house.

He loved the Ducks uniforms.  Nike provides new uniforms for every game.  It's nice to know people in high places at Nike.  He had this to say about those uniforms..

"They were all white with the silver feathers on the shoulders.  And those guys are so fast.  The speed is unbelievable.  Everyone on that team has speed.  They were flying.  They looked like angels on the field.  It was so surreal."

Yea.  Those Ducks do fly.  Now bring on the last 3 games.  National Championship is within their grasp.

Quack, quack, quack.

FUNERAL POTATOES & DIESEL

The last time I was in Utah I found this fabulous recipe for funeral potatoes.  Thusly named because they are taken to families who are planning or finishing a funeral.  Do not be put off by the name.  This recipe is a for sure keeper.

I had finished preparing dinner and everything was on the counter ready to be consumed by the family.  We've taken to buffet style dinners.  Fill, eat, go.

Scott, Hope and I are sitting at the table attempting to enjoy the tantalizing morsels.  Diesel starts whining.  We don't know where he is but we can certainly hear him.  What's wrong with that dog?  Where is he?  Does he need to go out?

None of the above.  He's in the kitchen sitting under the counter where the potatoes are nestled.  Nose in the air, eyes fixed on the prize, lips being licked.  He wants those potatoes big time.  So what's a pet mom to do?  Give him (and Dakota) their own serving.  They LOVED them.  Yep.  Apparently we have doggie vegetarians in the house.

Even the dogs are Roderick's.

UTAH FUNERAL POTATOES
1 32 oz. package of freshly shredded hash browns (I use frozen)
2 cups cream of chicken soup
2 cups of shredded Monterey and cheddar cheese
2 cups sour cream
1/2 cup of minced dried onion
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
1 cup of unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups corn flakes (I use a little more to cover the top)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine hash browns (let them thaw just a tad), soup, sour cream, cheese, salt and pepper, dried onion and 1/2 cup melted butter.  Spread mixture into a 9x13 dish.  Mix 1/2 cup butter with corn flakes making sure to coat thoroughly.  Spread over potato mixture and bake for 40 minutes covered with foil.  Remove foil and bake for 5-7 minutes more until golden brown.  Serve as a stand alone meal or side dish.

Try out the leftovers on your dog(s).  Let me know if they loved them too!

AGAIN

Yesterday was not enough.

I was carrying a load of laundry down the stairs and out to the garage where all the machines are located.  While chatting up the dogs, I grab the door and swing it open catching my little toe underneath it and tearing half my toenail back.  I am jumping around in silent pain while igniting a doggie riot in my living room.  It hurt like no other, no kidding.

Again, not broken.

What is happening to this little Roderick?  I am not getting out of bed tomorrow.

GROCERIES

You just never know what may happen at the grocery store on Halloween.  As I found out the extremely hard and painful way.

I had just loaded up the car with fresh veggies, dairy and a few sundry items and was jumping in the driver's seat.  I was fumbling with the seat belt and glanced out the car window to see Donald Duck walk right in my path of eyesight.  I was distracted.  I was not focused on what I was doing.  I love Disney characters.

I neglected to notice my hand propped up on the car door.  Let me paint this picture.

I was sitting in the driver's seat.  My left hand was on top of the car door.  I reached over with my right hand and closed the door, tried to close the door, with my left hand in it.  Yep, crushed my own hand while gawking at Donald.  Stupid, stupid, stupid.

Bruised, swollen and tender but not broken.  Thus, the blog you are reading.

Such a Roderick thing to do.

700

Wow. This is my 700th post. It hardly seems possible. It all started on August 19, 2009.

Wow. That first year I blogged everyday (or close to it). Now I blog when the urge hits. Or one of the girls does something fun. Or I can rat Scott out. Or the relatives do something that needs publishing. Or I do something unbelievable or, more likely, something dumb.

Wow. I find blogging cathartic. I find it creative. I find it freeing. I find it spiritual. I find it cozy. I find it empowering. I find it difficult. I find it challenging. I find it funny. I find it cleansing. I find it somewhere in my everyday, mundane at times, life.

Wow. Who knew the Roderick's were so entertaining. You haven't read nothing yet.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION

Addison walks downstairs this morning and looks at Scott. "Dad, don't get mad, ok"? This quote is never a good sign at the Roderick ranch.

Scott's calm reply, "Why"? "Well remember how I thought they never sent my car registration and all the computer craziness and all the searching through the house and all the scrambling and all the hoops we had to jump through? Well, good news, I found it". Sigh. About 3 months to late.

It seems that Addison cleans her room every quarter and this time out popped the lost registration that she was certain was never sent. The DMV messed up. I never saw it. What did you do with it?

Well, well, well. Welcome to being an adult, Addison, and your prize is the opportunity to take care of your own paperwork. No more stress for dad. Doesn't it feel great?

You will, however, always be a Roderick at heart.

AT THE DEALERSHIP

At a car dealership you usually need to provide the vin number for service to be rendered. Or so I'm told. It's on the registration that is carried in every car's glove compartment. Right.

I went in to order the damaged part, in this case a new seat belt, back seat drivers side, while Shae retrieved her registration. Easy, right. Apparently not.

Shae found all registrations except the current one. Remember, I was in ordering the part and Cephus was with Shae, who is now furious with her father for not keeping the registrations up to date (why is it his responsibility, huh). So needless to say, she has made a phone a not so calm call to dear old dad.

I know none of this communication until Cephus appears by my side in the parts department. "It is much safer in here" escapes his mouth. I have to chuckle as he relates the story to me.

Shae had to eat a little crow because, in fact, the current registration was in the compartment just not in the proper folder.

Welcome to the land of Roderick Ceph. Enjoy the ride.

PT

My lower back aches and my knees make a crunching sound so I went to the doctor. After X-rays, two specialists and several visits to various medical facilities I was diagnosed with "once you reach 50 your body no longer reacts the same way as it did when you were in your 20's" and prescribed physical therapy. Shocking.

I had my first 2 sessions this week beginning with my back (apparently our insurance only covers one area at a time so I start on the knees in October).

I loved it! All that stretching and moving of muscles that have laid dormant for some time. It was like having my own personal trainer. A warm up on the bike, a little massage, a little workout and a little ice (I think I fell asleep during the ice). It is a slice of heaven.

I wonder if I can stretch this out a little longer? Pun intended. Oh the pain, the pain. It probably wouldn't work. I am smiling my whole hour.

Although, we Roderick's do know drama.

OH HOPIE JO

So this story about our sweet Hopie Jo and was shared with me this afternoon by my bff Monique. I confirmed it with Hope and it is indeed true.

Rachel (Monique's daughter) & Hope are dating best friends Jose' and Luis respectively. Hope was teasing Luis because he apparently didn't know what an "apprentice" was (Monique was listening in on the conversations because, well, they were at her house and we moms always have our ears turned on and tuned in . . . you know we do). Hope will just not let up and relentlessly keeps hammering Luis about his stupidity at not knowing the definition of this particular word.

Monique (her timing is impeccable) then asks Hope an all important question. "Do you know what an apprentice is"? Hope's confident reply. "It is a the guy who comes to your house to give you an idea of how much it is worth".

Yep. For sure, no question, she's a Roderick.

STUCK IN A SEATBELT

My friend Phyllis gave Shae a coffee table to take with her up to school for her new apartment. A lovely marble table with solid iron legs. We tucked that puppy into the back seat of the car for transport. Lashed down by seat belts and pulled snug, we didn't want it flying into our heads should we stop fast, we were ready to roll.

We pulled into Eugene without incident and started unpacking. Shae and I got all the small stuff out and waited for Cephus, Shae's boyfriend, to come help us with the table. It is heavy as you can imagine and my back is not as strong as it used to be. Old.

As soon as Ceph arrived, he and Shae got to work. I stayed in the apartment to tidy up and put oodles of things away.

It was taking them a long time to get the table out I thought. I went out to the car and viewed an angry Shae (not a pretty sight). The table was half way out of the car and there was no more give in the safety belt. Zero. The table was stuck. Half in and half out with no way to move it at all. Nada.

I hate to admit it, but I was trying not to laugh at the situation the kids were in . . . Ceph trying to calm Shae down and she having none of it. So funny to me and not so funny to them.

Suffice it to say that Mom saved the day, so to speak, by calling the Nissan dealership in town and relaying our predicament to the kind man on the line (I think he was laughing too). He shared that we must cut the belt. No way to pull it out any further due to safety issues. So Ceph did the deed and told me to hold the belt while he and Shae took the table inside.

Yeah. I stood there for a minute and then I improvised. I tied a know in the belt and walked back to the apartment. Ceph's face was priceless. He thought I let the belt slide back into the seat. Now that I think about it. So what if it slid back. It was already cut and needed a new belt anyway. Hmm.

So off to the dealership we went, and that little ditty set us back about $120.00. Still cheaper than having it shipped up to Eugene.

Add it up to another Roderick taking-the-kid-back-to-college experience. This just happened to be one of the cheaper ones.

A BROCCOLI TALE

You know me. I always try to eat my green veggies. Broccoli is not my favorite, but it is green and I do make an effort to digest a few florets once in a while. Shae, on the other hand, eats a lot of green stuff which is why this story is, or perhaps isn't, so shocking.

We were on the road to Eugene to return that little blond to college and were enjoying lunch together at a quaint little restaurant. Shae, being herself, ordered everything healthy. I, on the other hand, did not and Shae offered to share her plate with me. I reluctantly accepted and grabbed some broccoli from her serving.

As I ate I told Shae that it bothered me that the establishment served mostly the stalks and very little of the florets. "Mom", she said, "I ate the tops off the broccoli." Eww.

I kept on eating. I need all the nutrients I can get. I am a Roderick.

SHAE SHOPPING

Shae and I went shopping today and South Coast Plaza for several needed back to college clothes. I know. You ask what could she possibly need? Well one word . . . Roderick.

I finished while she ran to visit some friends who work over there. I completed my task and texted her that I would meet her at the car.

While standing in the parking structure awaiting her arrival a tall, bald African American man walked by me. I thought to myself that I should probably ask him for his autograph because in my mind he was obviously a big time basketball player. Maybe even for the Lakers. He just had the look.

I live in Orange County. I am shopping at South Coast Plaza. I am alone in a parking structure and this is where my feeble mind went. I continued to contemplate my thoughts. Am I a positive racist and do those two words combined even make sense? And do I assume this of anyone above 6 feet tall? It didn't even cross my mind that he could have been someone who might accost me.

Kelsey and I have had several conversations about institutionalized racism and I am having a difficult time separating this all out. Am I an institutionalized racist? A little help maybe is needed.

Oh how the Roderick mind works.

US OPEN OF SURFING

What a marvelous morning I had today. I walked with my bff's and while they continued onto the pier (I stopped early because sometimes my hip and knee ache) I had an iced coffee at Starbucks.

I sat down outside and just people watched. Nothing is more fun than to view people enjoying the US Open . . . nothing. It was crazy busy, fascinating and frightening, interesting and intriguing and just plain exciting. All sorts of people, all sorts of nationalities, all sorts of sizes and all sorts of ages. Some loud, some quiet, some with dogs, some with babies, some on bikes, some on skateboards, some with shoes, some without, some in scandalous swim suits, some covered modestly. I saw it all and loved every minute.

Now . . . when is this all over so we can get back to normal. Roderick normal, whatever that is.

THE TOUR DE FRANCE

I took Sunday off, which I rarely do, and had the best adventure ever. Shae and I went to the Long Beach Antiques Fair. This should be on everyone's bucket list. Seriously.

As we exited the 405 our anticipation was growing quickly. I was in the far right lane because our street was coming up and these cyclists were taking up all the room. I was forced to abruptly change lanes. I was so irritated that I said "Those $%8# guys think they are in the Tour De France."

Shae couldn't stop laughing. She had never heard her mother speak that way before and on a Sunday no less. And at 7:00am.

I guess Roderick's need to be in church as much as possible.

THE BIKE CRASH

It was going to happen sooner or later. It had too. I'm a Roderick.

Shae and I were preparing to go on an early morning biking tour down to the beach. I jumped out of bed a bit before she and decided to warm my bones up a little with a quick ride around the block. I pulled back into the driveway and as I was dismounting I lost my balance. The bike went right and I went left. Crashing onto my left shoulder, my face bounced twice and skidded on the cement. I jumped up quickly knowing that all the neighbors had watched my tumbling act.

I went inside and told Shae I wrecked and she started laughing . . . until she saw my bloodied face. We scurried into my bathroom and started first aid. Internal nose bleed, check. Skinned external nose, check. Fat lip, check. Shoulder pain, check. Neosporin, check. Tylenol, check.

Shae says "That was the shortest bike ride ever Mom". "Oh no, no, no" I firmly reply, "We're still riding". Shae looks at me, stunned and quips "Way to get back on the horse, Mom".

So we jumped on our bikes and rode almost 7 miles with a quick stop at Starbucks. I am so tough for a 54 year old woman.

I know I'm going to feel this tomorrow.

OLIVIA IN SOCAL DAY #1

Olivia flew into Long Beach this morning at 8:15am and her big adventure in southern California with her uncle, auntie and cousins began.

First we dropped off all her luggage at the house and then we took Scott to work. We drove down PCH to Sprinkles and enjoyed a cupcake together (with the coolest disposable plates ever). After our infused sugar fix we enjoyed spending time at the Sherman Gardens and Library in Corona Del Mar. We wandered along the beautiful paths and breathed in the wonderful aromas of flora and fauna. The orchids and koi pond were favorites of mine and Olivia loved it all.

Following the greenery, we headed down the 405 to take a look see at the business building where Shae works for her summer internship. We didn't go in, we just drove by and waved.

Next we went home grabbed Addison and Scott and treated Livie to her first Thai lunch. She liked it. Now, back to the house to wait for Shae to get home so we can move on to the next activity.

Olivia, Shae and I headed for LA, downtown LA. Right next to the Staple Center. Up the 110 from USC. Yea. That LA.

Addison's apartment was a must see and her friend Liz showed us around the city. We were all excited to be hit on by a homeless guy (he loved the red head . . . yep, I still got it). Don't worry. It's all a part of the LA experience. Liz took us to the textile district to shop and Livie and Shae saw an abundance of fabric. Too many to choose from really although Livie grabbed some treasures.

Addison and I discovered a simply perfect bakery in LA while visiting FIDM a few weeks back. Bottega Louie. I had to introduce it to the girls. So we followed Liz up 7th and popped into paradise. We selected our pastry and savored every bite while people watching. Another awesome thing to do in LA. We brought a treat home for the family as well. This place is truly something you do not want to miss should you ever be in LA.

We braved the freeway once more and now we are all home and tired. Very tired. And very happy.

All will sleep well at the Roderick house tonight. And we will all start all over tomorrow.

LINENS

Target had a sale on pillows and being a Roderick who usually doesn't pass up a great sale, I purchased a dozen. Out with the old and in with the new.

I arrived at home and got to work on the great "change out". I grab a sham and pulled the old pillow out and my hand was met with cobwebs and bugs. I shrieked and couldn't believe I had become such a failure at my house keeping skills. Then I realized that it wasn't cobwebs and bugs at all. Just some fraying strands of fiber that escaped with the removal of the pillow. Whew.

It could have been worse than the shriek. Four kids have caused an unpredictable bladder. However, you can be certain in the knowledge that no tinkling occurred during this startling event.

GUESS WHO?

Scott, Kelsey, Tim and I are walking through Pike's in downtown Seattle on a balmy Saturday afternoon. Aromas are thick in the air, a combination of seafood, sugar and floral notes. I am not walking at my normal quick pace but rather a slow meditative saunter so that I may enjoy the assault on my senses.

We make our way towards Pioneer Square and leisurely pass The Four Seasons Hotel. A gentleman in a white tux hurries by us, undoubtedly late for an event. Scott stares at him and leans in towards me and says "I know that guy. He is famous. I've seen him on TV. He looks a little older but still . . . who is he?" I too, thought he looked familiar but was unable to place him. Kelsey and Tim had no clue or even a guess at who the guy was so we kept walking past the many sights Seattle has to offer.

Marvin Hamlisch. That's who it was and Scott was the one who finally remembered, several hours later.

I love seeing famous people.

HOPE'S HOT SUMMER 2012: #1

Let the summer begin. First stop, Lake Havasu with the Hayes' family and friends.

CLOTHES

Scott and I snuck down to Carlsbad today intending to go through his Dad's closet and do some odds and ends for his mom. Addison and Nana are in New Jersey so the timing was perfect. Nana has been putting off that difficult task and was thrilled that Scott and I were happy to do it for her. It's hard to believe that Scott's dad has been gone for six months.

After sorting through a massive amount of men's clothes (his dad had more clothes than the girls), Scott had a pile that he wanted to give a go. The rest are going to find a new home at a Disabled Veterans facility.

We also brought down his mom's clothes that were upstairs in the spare bedroom closet and put them in what is now her exclusive walk-in. Cleaning, dusting and general maintenance was complete and the time arrived for Scott to start trying on his pile of garments.

He picked up a pair of grey dress pants and put them on one leg and thought they were a little snug but he kept sliding into them. He thought his dad must have bought them after losing so much weight due to the radiation because they seemed really tight. After sucking in he tried to zip them. Wait. Something was wrong. The fly was odd. Really.

Yep. He was trying to squeeze into his mom's slacks.

Oh Scott Roderick. You make me chuckle.

THAT NUTTY DOG

Our Diesel is not the smartest tool in the shed, however, he does have his moments. That being said I will share a story of intrigue and suspense.

Every so often I give the dogs a bully to chew on until their hearts are content (a bully is usually a cow tendon. I know it sounds awful but they love them). Dakota grabs hers and heads for a rug where she will gnaw and chew for hours. Diesel, on the other hand, loves to savory the moment and enjoy his in a more timely manner.

I continued doing my morning chores when I noticed Diesel in the fireplace . . . that's right, in the fireplace. We have a burning glass fixture and his body was immersed in it burying his bully. He messed the whole thing up and I was more than a little put out.

I went over, pulled him out and started my own excavation searching for the bully. Diesel is eyeing me nervously while still sensing where Dakota is located (she has been known to snake a bully or two from him). I didn't discover said bully and tried to replace all the cut glass pieces while D. is still observing my every move. He has now taken it upon himself to "guard" the fireplace. Dakota goes near it and his growl is on full throttle. It is a stand off.

I grow tired of the game and continue my chores paying no attention to the dogs. As I emerge from the garage I notice Diesel laying on the rug . . . chewing on his bully. I glance at the fireplace and it is once again a mess.

That dog is going to send my to crazy town. I can only imagine what else lurks in the depths of our glass fireplace.

He's definitely a Roderick.

A LOVELY LUNCH

Last week I was invited to my friend Phyllis' home for a delightful brunch celebrating one year in Women's Ministries at our church. As we all arrived, ready to enjoy the culinary delights she had prepared, I inquired about the timing of the dreaded street cleaner. She assured us that her husband had heard the monstrous truck go by earlier that morning so we continued to frolic in each other's company and the tasty tidbits provided.

Unexpectedly there was an urgent knock at the door and I proceeded to answer. I was met with a gentleman whose wild eyes spoke volumes. "The street cleaner is coming" I heard as I bolted out with many followers. We dashed to our cars to no avail. The peace officer was scribbling our license numbers down as we pulled away thinking we had escaped the unnerving parking ticket. Whew. That was a close one.

The next day in the mail I received a parking ticket which said "Driver ignored me and sped away". My wallet is $43.00 lighter.

I have to say a more expensive lunch was never had by me. Ah well, I am Roderick.

THE GREAT WHITE HUNTER

My nephew has become a neighborhood hero, a super hero even. You gotta love the only grandson my dad and mom were blessed with 16 years ago.

RJ and his buddy were walking down the sidewalk when suddenly they hear what appears to be the sound of a faucet that was inadvertently left running. They glance towards the neighbors front sidewalk and see an enormous rattle snake shaking that insipid tail. RJ runs for his house to grab his .22 while his friend keeps an eye on the serpent.

RJ returns and pops the thing with three big bullets and saves many from certain danger and a possible serious encounter from that slithering creature.

Not long after this perilous incident, RJ spies a flock of magpies tormenting a tiny squirrel. Once again, certain death for the rodent is approaching and RJ flees for his trusted weapon. This time he takes out 3 birds mid-flight. Neighbors cheer because everyone knows that magpies are the most annoying, noisy birds God created.

I know I will sleep easier knowing that my nephew is always there to save the day. And he is not even a real Roderick.

UPSIDE DOWN BRAID

Who knew?  Well, Addison did and she coached me through doing one on her sweet head.

She sat on the stairs and tipped her head.  I start french braiding from the nape of her neck up over the crown of her head and stopped where she wanted the messy bun.  I put a hair tie around the braid, she pulled all the rest of hair into the bun and there you have it.  Not bad for a first try.

We are Roderick's.  It's what we do.

IT'S A 50'S THING: #33

I woke up groggily and stumbled into my bathroom.  I wearily opened the cupboard, grabbed my toothbrush and with crusty morning eyes also snatched a tube of toothpaste.   I then began to unscrew the cap and squeeze the tube.  Wait.  That's not right.

I barely caught myself before putting neosporin on my toothbrush and brushing my pearly whites.

I.am.so.in.my.fifties.

BEADS

Today was my return to the Treehouse after 2 weeks of vaca.  I was anxious to get back up there and get my routine rolling once again.

I stepped into my backstage workroom and was totally floored.  It was as if someone had grabbed the space and gave it a couple of good shakes.  Stuff was everywhere, which is not unusual after Don has subbed for me, and I was shocked.  It had never been this bad.  The most sinister act of destruction was the "buzzie" beads.  It looked as if someone had taken handfulls and tossed them in the air just to watch where they land.  I can not relate my feelings at that moment.

I knew exactly what had happened.  Don had allowed the patients to run the assylum.  He had permitted children to be in the workroom unsupervised and running amuck.

I stewed and fussed all afternoon as I thought about the chaos he created.  It took me almost 3 hours to repair the destruction.  I almost swallowed a Xanex to calm my frazzled nerves.

As I relayed the story to the kids during our time together, of course blaming Don, one young fellow said "Dandy Don wasn't back there, Miss Cindy.  My sister and I were building buzzies."

Wait.  What.  Don was not responible.  How could this be?  It's always a crap shoot when he is covering a weekend.  He always makes a mess somewhere.  And yet this kid was telling me a very different tale.

Yeah.  The culprits happened to be Jack & Hope.  Kurt's kids.  Kurt is my boss.  Yep.  Chalk one up for assumptions.

Roderick.  It's what I do.

(today (Sunday) another little girl came up and said she was back making "buzzies" as well.   I surmise, calmly, that my first assumption was indeed correct.  Curse you Don Norman (you have to say this with a wicked accent)

EASTER EGGS

I ran into a favorite candy store the other day to pick up Easter eggs for the family, a Roderick tradition of sorts.  I was browsing through the store, simply enjoying the aroma, when a tussle broke out.

Two rather large ladies, spilling out of their respective clothing, were annoyed that the counter person was not helping them.  It was rather busy because of the holiday and several cashiers were fervantly aiding several people with their purchases.

The women of color seemed to think they were being neglected on purpose and started dropping verbage about racial profiling.  They issued a stern warning to persons behind the counter that if they weren't served immediatley a law suit would soon follow.

I waited, got my eggs and scurried out of the store.  It made me sad to think we live in a world where you can throw a little hoohaw and everyone scurries to do ones bidding.

ONLY IN OREGON

Yep.  This is a true story about what we viewed on a Eugene, Oregon freeway.  Ask Phyllis if you don't believe me.

We are driving to the mall and in my rearview mirror I spy a suspicious looking vehicle.  I use the term suspicious loosely as I really wasn't registering what I was seeing.  It appeared to be a sedan pulling up on our right.  I kept looking.  Phyllis was now looking.  What was that thing?

It was indeed a sedan.  A grass covered sedan.  Tires, windows and roof were the only visable parts of the vehicle not covered in grass.  Actually, artificial turf, but still, grass.  As many do when driving past a car accident, we could not turn away.  We were not thinking clearly and we neglected to take a picture we were so stunned.

You have got to love Eugene . . . the sod capitol of the United States.

LITTLE LUIS

Look what Luis found in the garage. Shae's bow and arrow that her granddad made for her during her epic "Legolas" phase. She also had a thing for "Luke Skywalker" but we neglected to obtain a light saber for her. Sorry honey.

We.love.being.Roderick.

FEELING CHRISTMAS

Just a couple of Christmas nuggets I'm working on . . . you know you can never start to early preparing for the holidays.

At least we Roderick's need to start early.  You know us.

EASTER ARMS

We tried something new in the Treehouse for Easter 2012.  We used various colored scarves to enhance our worship experience by waving them above our heads during our praise time together.  Yeah, the kids loved it.  Me.not.so.much.

I have either got to start using those scarves more often or I have got to start doing a lot more upper body workouts.

This was one sore Roderick.

PAMPAS GRASS

While traveling up the 5 to Eugene, Oregon, Phyllis is admiring all the surrounding green landscape. She referred to some pompus grass growing freely along the road. Wait. Pompus grass. I was confused. Arrogant grasses growing along the freeway came to mind. Then she graciously pointed out some pompus grass to me. Pampas grass, honey.

Clearly Phyllis has the makings of an honorary Roderick.

SNOOZING

This is a picture of our new living arrangement in the family/dining room. I just don't know what I want to do with the space at this point. Obviously Scott is making it work for the time being.

Gotta love that guy.

GARAGE SALE AGAIN

I have a love/hate relationship with garage sales. I love the little (and I do mean little) extra cash it brings in but I do not appreciate the art of the haggle.

Really. The price is $.50 (I find it curious that my keyboard does not have the "cent" sign on it). Do not try to negotiate me down to $.25. That makes me crazy. It.is.pennies. Deal with it. The extra finances will come in handy next week when Hope, Phyllis, CJ and I drive the long road trip to Oregon. It will buy one tank of gas. True fact.

I told the kids in the Treehouse I got a tattoo with some of the extra money. They wanted to see it so I showed them my inner wrist and they bought it. Even our leaders bought it. Totally fake. Another April Fool's win.

Anyone in the market for a couch or freezer? I'll make you a deal.

APRIL FOOLS

We had a great time in the Treehouse today. Let me share with you what I did.

We do a little something up there called the "Giving Basket" which is basically old school offering. The kids take turns being the usher of the basket which consists of grabbing it off the platform and making sure it gets passed around so that all have the opportunity to contribute. Today, however right next to the basket, I strategically placed a wee pile of fake doggie dodo.

I started sniffing and glancing around, asking the kids if they smelled something funny. One child inevitably spied the "present" and started sounding the alarm for all to hear.

After the ensuing chaos was calmed I gave them the big "April Fool's". Nothing is better than the laughter of a child.

For those of you concerned about your child's Christian education, today was also Palm Sunday and we covered that as well with reference to Luke 19:30-36. Two holidays for the price of one. You gotta love that!

Roderick. It's what I do.

UPCYCLE

I want to find some wood crates. They don't have to be new. They can be as old as the hills. I know they are out there and I am seeking them out diligently.

For instance today I stopped by Bevmo to see if they had some just laying around the store. Do you know what they said? DO YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAID?

"We don't sell our wood crates, we destroy them." What? So let's just say I came in and bought a crate of wine. You would take the crate and destroy it and give me my wine in a bag. I got a blank stare. Seriously.

Really Bevmo, try to be a little more eco friendly. Upcycle those crates. I would even throw a couple bucks your way. This is America. Love the environment and let capitalism work.

This can only happen in Roderick world.

AMISH DAY

Today was an unplanned Amish day. The power went out last night during the storm and forced me into a quiet nostalgic morning. I cleaned cupboards, made several items I saw on Pinterest, grabbed a cup of coffee at Bagelmania, organized my purse, dressed in tons of layers and did general catch-up. Cool.

I advise all to experience Amish day occasionally.

A PARTY

We had a holiday party at our house after Christmas. It had been a difficult season and we decided we needed a distraction. So . . . off to Costco we went and the supplies were purchased and ready.

The big day arrived and I busily prepared a delightful array of culinary tidbits. Wait. What did we do? What were we thinking? Why did we listen to the girls? The menu was, shall we say, Atkins friendly.

We served cheese fondue, cheese wrapped in prosciutto, cheese bites, mozzarella sticks, baked brie with blueberries, a lovely stiltton with cranberries followed by a sweet cheesecake.

We sent our guests home concerned about their future regularity and how their digestive systems would hold up against our dietary choices.

Yes. You can only experience this kind of dining at the Roderick's.

IT'S A 50'S THING: #32

Hope and I shall stuggle through this soggy night alone and dig beneath the quilts. As I blog, the rain is pelting the sky light, the thunder is echoing through the streets and the lightening is reflecting off houses. All is dry in the Roderick abode.

Except I don't know how to program the thermostat. That's Scott's job and he's many miles away in Atlanta. Can you hear me whine, fuss and complain?

Being 54, means learning to program home appliances.

PHOTOS

Shae's Sweet 16 in 2007.

Shae and her boys at a University of Oregon footbal game 2011. Quack!

Hopie Jo 2011.

Shae is ready for "Hell's Kitchen TV show 2006.

Kelsey moves to Seattle in 2007.

Our sweet girls in 2010.

Addison's graduation in 2007.

Christmas morning 2011.

Some of our pics from the past. Oh how time flies when you're living fun with the Roderick's.

IT'S A 50'S THING: #31

Scott and I went to the jeweler today to get our rings sized, cleaned and have some minors repairs done.

Our guy behind the counter told us, in no uncertain terms, that my engagement ring was not repairable. It was too delicate and risked destruction because the damage was so severe.

I explained to him that it had emotional value to me and he still shut me down. He kept telling us it was too old. Wait. I don't like that. It's only been thirty years. That doesn't seem old to me, at least, not for a ring. Who knew?

Our wedding bands were left behind for their upgrades. Saturday we will be lighter in the pocketbook when we pick those babies up but our fingers will once again be clothed.

Hmm. Maybe I can get Scott to cough up the cash for some other piece of bling for me.

Not likely.

THIRD GRADE

Seriously. Really. You are in 3rd grade. What are you thinking?

Several of our 3rd grade boys were hitting on our female college leaders tonight at Groups. One of the young Casanova's asked if he could trade leaders next week.

Now that is swag. And.it.is.not.gonna.happen.

Nice try though, nice try.

THE DREADED CALL

Scott got a text at 3:30am from Addison. She said she wasn't feeling well.

He didn't wake me because I would go to the bad place. Is her kidney stone thing acting up? Does she have the flu? She probably got some kind of horrible international bacteria from being on that plane for so long. Yikes. It's a good thing that he keeps some things to himself.

I texted her when I got up and she told me she was fine. She just had a headache. Really!

Addison does not get the time difference between Huntington Beach and Paris. Nor does she communicate the severity of her discomfort.

Roderick's are nothing if not dramatic.

I DID THEM

These are Easter ideas I picked up from Pinterest. And I did them. So cute.

*ilovepinterest*

IT'S A 50'S THING: #30

Grrr. I am so angry with myself. I did it. No one to blame. It's all me. Yep.

I booked our flights to Utah 2 days ago. I was so thrilled to get a great price. I am the awesome flight shopper. I saved the family budget from a huge hit. I should be in the anals of savers unite.

I booked them for the first day of a new small group study that I am leading. Jetblue to SLC at 8:00 in the morning. The small group starts at 9:30am. Brain stall.

I changed the flights this afternoon. It cost me another $150.00.

I am old and broke.

IT'S A 50'S THING: #29

Hope, Scott and I had eye appointments yesterday. Hope has 20/20 vision and very young eyes. Scott and I, not so much.

Dr. Klos told me I have the beginnings of cataracts. What? Wait. I haven't even achieved senior citizen status yet. This can not be true. I am not old enough, right?

Not to worry, he says, they won't bother you for another 10 years. Really. Why is he telling me this now? I have 10 good years left on these eyes. Now I have to start worrying about my eyes 10 years out.

Scott . . . doesn't bother him in the least. He'll continue his merry life without thinking twice about the cataracts luming in his future.

I am getting old. Dislike.

ADDISON GOES TO LA

Well it was bound to happen eventually. Addison is moving to a studio apartment in LA. Yep. She is completing school up there at FIDM and that's all she wrote. Well, not really.

She leaves for Paris, Rome, Florence and London on Tuesday for 12 days (school touring group) but when she returns she is LA bound. And not just LA, but smack dab in the middle of the fashion district in downtown, right next to the Staple Center (hope she hits alot of Lakers games, she could walk to them).

WOW! This is huge. She has a tiny little apartment, one room, across the hall from her friend who has the bathroom (can you say dorm like). She will only be up there 3 days a week with no car. She will take the train up on Sunday night and return on Wednesday morning. She is hoofing it while she's there with classes all day Monday and Tuesday. She's pretty stoked. Her mom and dad, not so much, but it is her adventure to live.

She will survive. She is Roderick.

KEYS

I just needed to run in and run out. No big deal.

I jumped out of the car and started walking casually tossing my keys into my purse. Wait. I overshot my bag and they slipped right through the grate . . . about 4 feet down. Wow. Good thing I was at Home Depot.

I ran into the building and headed straight for customer service. I could find help there for sure. No problem. It took a few minutes but a nice guy came to my rescue and I accompanied him to the parking lot so that we could gaze through grate at my now dirty keys. "Yea, I see them" he said to which I replied politely "so do I".

As he looked things over I could tell this situation was puzzling him. He headed back to the store for reinforcements and I stayed patiently with the keys. When he returned, with another employee, they had the personnel and the tools to complete the job. They removed the grate quite efficiently, but their arms were to short to actually retrieve my keys. Oh brother. This was taking longer than I thought it would.

We had become quite a spectacle in that lonely parking lot and we were attracting attention, alot of attention. I guess when men smell a job to be done they all come running to check it out. This is how they roll. Three men standing around an open hole, talking, thinking, strategizing, laughing, spitting, passing gas and I don't even want to think about what else.

I just wanted my keys back.

Finally, the two employees said they would be right back and took off for the store again. Really. They left behind an older, quiet gentleman who gently grabbed the tool that had removed the grate and started using it as a fishing pole. Genius.

Yes, the man who just happened along, retrieved my keys. The Home Depot guys were impressed when they returned, with more tools I might add, replaced the grate and sent me on my merry way.

It only happens to Roderick's.

THE BABY HAS GROWN UP

Sadie Hawkins 2012 at HBHS. My baby is no longer my baby. Tear. Sniffle. Weep. She's a beauty. Danny and Sandy from Grease were a good choice for Luis and Hope, don't you think? Rachel and Jose' were Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner. Famous couples was the theme. They had so much fun.

Yep. She's blonde and she is Roderick.

BALLONS AGLOW

Question. What do you do with about 60 kids to keep them entertained during a lull?

Answer. Pinterest and I combined forces to achieve this fabulous result. Stick a glowing glow stick (wow, that's fun to say) inside a balloon and blow the balloon up for big fun.

I did about 25 balloons and randomly tossed them about the room. Then I turned out the lights and waited for the kids (build it and they will come).

At first, I just turned the kids loose but quickly discovered they needed some guidance. We then rounded them up and played several games including "keep the balloon in the air" and "over under" and "you can only use your feet to keep it in the air" and "you must stay on your tush and keep it in the air". Remember, these games are all done in the dark with glowing balloons (no kidding, they really do glow and they glow the color of the balloon .

Mission accomplished. Those kids loved it. Pinterest and I are awesome.

PINTEREST, A WASTE OF TIME

It isn't a waste of time if you actually do some of the items you pin.

I've done several of the crafts and activities on my Treehouse board.

I've knitted several of the patterns I've found and pinned on my Knitting Life board.

I know that my For (4) Weddings board is going to come in handy eventually.

My For Later board is going to be great when all those grandbabies start arriving.

I love my Cowboy Boots board just because I love them.

Actually, all my boards will be used someday one way or another.

I have even posted my own originals on Pinterest.

Guilty. Not me. Keep on pinning.

WHIPPED CREAM DOGS

We put whipped cream on our little dogs noses today. It was so fun watching them try to lick it off because they could see it but couldn't quite reach the prize.

They are Roderick's for sure.

MY FRIENDS HAVE MY BACK

Last weekend I was away at a women's retreat. Four of us went a day early to set everything in motion, make our little give aways and just take some time for ourselves. When we finally called it a night, at about 1:30am, we were all exhausted and ready for slumber.

I woke up at about 8:00am and needed to use the bathroom but the bed was so comfy and warm . . . I kept dozing. All of a sudden, how could I not sense this, I really had to go, immediately. I jumped up, not remembering my weak bladder and skipped to the facility crossing my legs intently. It didn't help. I dribbled a little in my jammies. Hey, don't judge me, I've had four vaginal births and they tend to wear a ones bladder.

I washed the pj's out in the sink and shared with my bff's that I had to sneak down to the laundry to dry said jammies. I explained to them what had happened and they, of course, were very supportive and laughed hysterically at my tragic mishap.

That evening, on my pillow, there was strategically placed large package of "Depends" undergarments.

See, my friends have my back.

GAS, REALLY?

I was so irritated. I had to go get gas because someone parked the car in the driveway and the tank was empty. Not a little empty, like running on fumes. Alot empty. If our driveway wasn't on a slant I wouldn't have made it to the station. Again. Irritated.

So I pull up, jump out, flip the gas switch, unscrew the cap, wave the fastpass, pull out the hose and slam it in the spot where the gas goes into the tank and start pumping. $70.00 later, in Shae's car mind you, I am back in the driver's seat, ready to roll. Not.

The stinkin' car won't start. I try several times, while the attendant watches, and it won't turn over. Can you feel my irritation?

I pull out my cell phone and call Scott. He doesn't answer. I try again. Still no answer. I call Jolene and he's getting a cup of coffee. Grrrr.

Finally, I get to talk to him. "What's wrong?" I explain the situation and tell him to listen as I put my phone up to the dash so he can hear the sound the car is making.

I turn the key and the stupie car roars to life and the attendant gives me a thumbs up. Scott says "Sounds alright to me." I hang up and drive away.

My life as a Roderick.

MAKING THE BED

I love a well made bed. The sheets tight and tucked away nicely. The comforter all fluffed and pretty. It's so cozy after a long day to just slide between that Egyptian cotton, that's 1000 thread count, and drift away.

I've been naughty as of late and have not been making our bed everyday. Life just steals time from me and yes, I do get lazy. But tomorrow is another day and I vow to do better.

A well made bed is a cloud of serenity. I love that.

CINDY'S MAP

I love Pinterest. I just stumbled upon a really cool idea and tried it. Yes, I tried it and I am sharing it with you.

Here's a map of all the states I've been in during my lifetime. I'm checking them off the bucket list. I think I may make it to all fifty. I think I'll start one for each of the girls. Scott is on his own. Here's the website: http://www.visitedstatesmap.com

SADIE HAWKINS

Oh. My. Goodness. Hell hath no fury like HoJoRo.

Sadie Hawkins is Friday night. Today we received a not so terrific progress report. Do the math people and see what conclusion you come too. Can you feel the fury?

She is restricted until we get a hand written (I know that's old school but hey, look at us) note from her teacher saying that she has brought the grade up to a respectable level. At that point, we can discuss the dance.

What we failed to calculate are all the preparations that accompany any dance at the Roderick house. The fabulous outfit (and with Sadie you have to match this year . . . Celebrity Couples is the theme), the perfect shade and style of the tresses, the makeup must be stellar and of course, how could I forget, the incomparable foot attire. It's madness I tell you, madness!

Now let's watch as Hope gets creative and brings that grade up and moves into action to make Sadie's happen for her and Luis (her date).

GoHoJoRo!

GET 'ER DONE

I married a genius. You don't beleive me. Read this and weep.

While I was on my getaway, allowance payment came a knocking. Hope receives her portion every two weeks (we coordinate this with our family budget).

Now here is the genius part. Hope has challeges keeping her room tidy, organized, clean . . . yeah, she's a bit of a slob.

So Scott hides different denominations of bills in her room. She finds it as she CLEANS. She changes her sheets . . . boom . . . five dollar bill tucked between them. She hangs up clothes . . . bam . . . she finds a ten under the pile. She takes out her trash . . . bling . . . several ones are under the can. She vacuums . . . well, I don't know where he hid that, but the point is her room was clean and she got the cash. Brilliant.

I love my genius.

POLAR BEARS

My task for Scott's dad's funeral was the recruitment of the pall bearers. I made phone calls and had most of them in place but there were a couple I couldn't reach by phone and I had to catch them at the funeral.

Addison's job was to monitor and maintain the guest book. We both knew our jobs and were completing our tasks.

As the time grew closer for the service to begin, Addison sneaks over and asks if have I contacted all the polar bears. Wait. Polar bears. What does she mean? She reads the confusion on my face and says "you know, Mom, the guys to carry Grandpa's casket. I think you are losing it."

Pall bearers, honey. Pall bearers.

I am sure Grandpa got a little chuckle over that one.

ECZEMA

Shae's eczema is treatable. Very treatable. As a matter of fact, other than extreme flare-ups, she faces her condition with grace and groceries. Allow me to elaborate.

Following the "injection incident", Shae's doctor suggested several tools to treat the minor outbreaks.

1. Plain old, everyday oat baths. That's right. Raw Quaker Oats. Tie them up in a washcloth, through them in the tub and jump in for a nice warm, not hot, soak. Soothes the skin and calms the nerves.

Once the bath in complete just rub a little white, solid Crisco on your damp skin and voila . . . moisturizer. Then, gently "fry" off with a cotton towel. I know, I couldn't resist.

Next, wear only cotton clothes against the affected skin area. Cotton only. This could be a challenge since she lives up North, but she will survive.

Ain't modern medicine grand.

ROIDS

Meds. Orders. Reciept. Prescription. And we are out the door and heading for Target.

I remind Shae that she may get a little "giddy" because her steriod injection was a large dose due to her severe flare-up and she gives me the sideways glance that indicates "I know Mom. I'm not stupid". I leave it alone.

We complete the tasks at hand, she swallows her first prednisone and we head for a quick stop at Jack's to check on a Christmas gift.

Now being the amazing mother I am known to be, I shove Shae out of the car and tell her "Let's make this fast I don't want to get in traffic on the way back down to Carlsbad." This time I recieve the "eyeroll". I let this go because the doctor mentioned there may be some side effects from the steroid injection as well as the oral tablet, although she didn't mention sarcasm as one of them.

As I'm schmoozing with the Jack's staff (actually, it's all me . . . they are also rolling their eyes) I notice Shae is becoming more and more, shall we say active. She is literally running up and down aisles, talking faster than normal (that's really fast for a Roderick), and she's being a little mean to people and she's becoming agitated. Hmm. Time to roll. It seems the side effects are rearing their ugly heads.

"Time to go Shae". Not kidding here. She runs past me, out the front door and is yelling at me to hurry up. She may have said "old woman" but I can not be sure.

Okay.

As we hit the 55 Shae is, there is no other way to say this, all over the place, talking so fast that I can't even understand her. She is totally out of her stinking mind. She is like a rabbit at a shooting gallery. And in the heat of the moment, I simply say, in one of those teachable strands of time that only amazing moms can understand, "Shae, this is why steroid use is illegal for olympic athletes."

She stops mid-sentence. A cloud of contemplation wafts across her angelic face. A few seconds pass and she turns her head and stares intently at me. And then, the all important question . . . wait for it . . . "You mean I can never be an olympian?" I gaze at her with loving eyes. "Honey, what event were you planning to compete in?"

I can not make this stuff up. Seriously.

THE INJECTION

Shae came home for Christmas with a terrible flare-up of her eczema. It was the worst I had ever seen so I immediately made her an appointment with the family physician and we drove up from Carlsbad.

We arrived at the office, checked-in and sat down. Shae leans over and murmurs in my ear "I've got this Mom. You don't have to go in with me. After all, I am in college." I smiled and pulled out my knitting.

"Shae", a festively clad nurse calls out, and off my little girl goes all alone. Now a moment for myself to ponder days gone by when I took her into the pediatricians office screaming in fear of the dreaded "shot". I have graduated to "stellar" Mom status, one who raised an independent young woman who no longer fears injections. I wonder if they give awards for that kind of parenting?

My thoughts were suddenly interrupted by this little voice saying "Mom, I'm gonna need you after all." Hmm.

I get up and walk with Shae into the examination room. As she closes the door she blurts out "I'm getting a steroid shot . . . in my butt!" What is a mother to do but begin guffawing at her 20 year old daughter. Shae, of course, is not amused.

The nurse taps on the door and gracefully swings into action. "Drop your drawers sister" is what I heard but I am sure she was much more professional. Shae grabs my hand and leans over the table with her porcelin hiney exposed.

The stab. The pain. The scowl.

"That's it" the nurse kindly says and exits the room. Now the dance begins. Shae is jumping, bounding, grinding, moving. "It hurts, it hurts so bad." It sounds as if she is mimicking one of the top 10 tunes on the radio.

Then it happens. Words I have never heard escape any of our girls mouths.

"Slap it, slap it good." What? I am stunned. What do you mean? "Slap my butt, Mom, I am in pain here. It will take away the sting."

WOW! Instantly I am gasping for air. I am laughing so hard I can't form the word "no" and the more I laugh the more Shae says slap it. My abdominals have not seen this kind of work out in a very long time. Seriously. I can not breath. Tears are rolling down my cheeks. And then it happens.

The doctor walks in to survey the chaos.

Believe me. This only could happen to a Roderick.

SCOTT'S DAD

Wow. It has been a while since I've blogged and I think it's time to get back in the saddle. Let me see if I can catch you up on what's been happening.

Scott's dad passed away on December 20, 2011 and we all miss him but are comforted in the fact that he slipped away peacefully with absolutely no pain. We were all together and believe that he was aware of all the action around him.

Hope sliding down the stairs. Kelsey and Shae putting puzzles together on the kitchen table. Scott running in and out of the garage. Mom chatting with hospice care givers. Addison doing dishes and me on the computer. Laughing and crying. Cooking and eating. Friends coming and going. He knew we were all there. He knew.