28

Monday is a day of beginnings. The Roderick household is embarking on a 28 day adventure with Dr. Oz and his method of cleansing out the body and subsequently strike out with a brand new vigor for life. February is the month of love, so we thought we could all do this together as a family. We encourage Kelsey to join us from the north, but we understand if she chooses not to jump on the train this time.

I plan to keep a day to day journal/blog on the journey, so that you may all track our successes and failures. It's gonna be fun.

Oh my, we covet your prayers.

PAN HANDLED

Bruce's sermon certainly touched Scott last weekend. My husband is one who likes to hang onto his money tight . . . real tight. It is hard for him to spend. He and I are very different in the financial world. I spend, he saves. End of story.

Sunday afternoon, we were walking into Bella Terra for dinner and a movie when we were approached by a couple probably in their sixties. The woman was sporting a cane and the gentleman was heavily inhaling a cigarette. I knew the moment I saw the two of them that they were going to approach us with a request of some sort. I hurried by and Scott hesitated and spoke with them. They shared with Scott that they need some cash to take a taxi to their daughter's house and could he spare any. Scott immediately dug out his wallet and gave them what they needed and told them we were Christians and this is what Jesus would do. This was truly an uncharacteristic Scott, one who had taken that special sermon to heart.

What Scott neglected to add to the equation was our dinner. He now had no cash, nor did I. We were so glad we were dining with the Hurdles. They generously picked up the tab and we went on to enjoy a relaxing evening of food and cinema.

Hmmm. We hope that couple made it to their daughters house, but that is one of those things that God will only know.

SASHA

While waiting to get our tickets to the movies the other night, I was star struck. That's right. Me.

Scott was in line getting our stubs and I was glancing around, people watching. It's one of my favorite past times. I saw this guy in line. I knew I recognized him but from where? All of a sudden I was giddy with excitement. It was Sasha Kljesian of Chivas USA, a midfielder who also plays on the national team. We're talking soccer here, futbol.

I was quick to point him out to Scott and he made a bee line for Sasha and told him he looked forward to seeing him play in the World Cup in South Africa this summer. Scott was also impressed with our chance meeting. Sasha actually graduated from HBHS the year before Kelsey so we have "connections" so to speak.

Hey Sasha, we have four single daughters . . .

PRAYER

We meet on Monday evenings with our small group and the girls take turns watching our little canines. They entertain the mutts in the back bedroom and keep them quiet or take them on a very long walk. This past week Addison was in charge and she chose to stay home and watch them.

She did a great job up until it was our prayer time. During prayer, we all take turns praying, I distinctly heard Addison's voice saying "shut up", "I said shut up" and "shhhhhh." I couldn't help but think what our group must think of our heathen daughter who obviously has a problem with people communing with our Lord. Just before we ended my phone rang . . . and rang . . . and rang. It was Addison calling and asking when we would be finished.

We may rethink Addison's role in doggie sitting.

BORNSTEIN

I love Jonathan Bornstein, who happens to play soccer for Chivas USA. The only way I could possibly like this kid more was if he played for the Galaxy. Seriously. He is an unbelievable defender and he led the USA to victory over Costa Rica in World Cup qualifying by scoring a perfect goal in the last minutes of the game.

So you will understand my excitement when I discovered his cleats worn in that game, scoring that goal, signed by him, were up for auction on ebay. An added tidbit was that all proceeds from the sale would benefit Haiti.

Keep in mind that Scott and I are generally not frivolous with our finances unless it is for a cause that we whole heartedly believe in. For instance, my purchase of a surf board at the church's Next Wave Campaign kick off. A large hit in our bank account to see our new buildings constructed but we were excited to take it in the chin.

I was on ebay deciding what to do. Scott was by my side. "Can I bid?' Scott just shook his head and replied "You will have to figure out where the money will come from." I thought I could do that . . . a few less Starbucks. Yeah, I can do it.

I punched in my bid, $800.00, and hit "commit" and closed my eyes. That was as high as I would go.

I heard a subtle sigh escape Scott's lips. I love the guy. He gives me so much freedom at a high cost to his "2010 spending plan" and his stress level.

I didn't get Johnny's cleats.

ANTS

We have an ant infestation due to all the water that has built up in puddles throughout our yard. They are entering through the girls bathroom and down through the wall and into the coat closet. Scott is planning to set things right today with ant traps but with Addison and Shae out of town I thought I would have a little fun.

Both girls knew that the ants were coming into the house so they were very anxious to get out of town. They also were certain that the problem would be remedied before they're return.

I texted them both this morning with the horrible news. "Ant invasion . . . in clothes, in beds, in food, in carpet . . . do not come home." You can imagine the response. Addison called immediately trying to understand how we could let this happen. Shae texted back "Ew . . . save my clothes." I waited a bit before letting them in on the hoax. Their responses were so funny I could barely talk.

Children are my favorite entertainment.

TRAFFIC

During our Thanksgiving trip up to Seattle we took a little detour in Portland. Scott got off the freeway inadvertently and we ended up in down town Portland at rush hour. Not pretty. I finally talked him into pulling to the curb so that I could ask someone for directions. I spied a lady walking our way and Scott pulled over and I rolled down my window. I politely asked "Could you please tell me how to get back on the 5 freeway?" She gave me a horrified look and ran away. The kids are laughing hysterically in the back seat.

We tried again. This time we pulled up to a gentleman. "Excuse me, could you direct me to the 5 freeway?" Totally ignored me and he scampered up the sidewalk. The girls are laughing so hard there is no sound being detected.

Once again, this time a young girl. "I'm so lost. Could you give me directions to the freeway?" She at last gave me some hope. She smiled and said "I just moved here about a week ago, but I think it is that way." Sigh.

We took off in the direction she pointed and finally found it ourselves.

Portland doesn't care for Roderick's.