tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16805740731278081642024-03-12T19:01:59.276-07:00What's happening ?The Ratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810223313933727404noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680574073127808164.post-74703336296921945332017-03-08T08:44:00.002-08:002017-03-08T08:47:23.378-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_gEXNHFmwupieyztJBI8BYyDYHXr8UPSYY2BI87RBafN2q3lXtvhrbehJue00q4zlGilPXMC-7CJwcevY_1uKgzgyKk9pyPjwsftZkBkUHPs6_WnjOCwVTXXN4boNO3e1-lO8PhlYhA/s1600/ctv+live+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_gEXNHFmwupieyztJBI8BYyDYHXr8UPSYY2BI87RBafN2q3lXtvhrbehJue00q4zlGilPXMC-7CJwcevY_1uKgzgyKk9pyPjwsftZkBkUHPs6_WnjOCwVTXXN4boNO3e1-lO8PhlYhA/s320/ctv+live+2017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <b><span style="color: red;">CTV Morning Live</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tommy and Melanie had an interview with Henry Burris ( <span style="font-size: x-small;">Red Blacks Quarteback</span>)<br />
on CTV Morning Live.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tommy was soooooo excited to meet Burris!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Melanie was all smiles during the interview.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKm6LZP63YwL2Yp8BRuDFPX7SEJBFQXeL52qXHpoLEvnekVIB7fsaTY0zrtjK7IzoP-azyFukMry-bj9qkQn2kWFhuIbkKEjZE9ZejRWzREFUecEMrd3xC727sMtPStCYvPiYJ8fPxX3U/s1600/Sophie+Gregoire+Trudeau+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKm6LZP63YwL2Yp8BRuDFPX7SEJBFQXeL52qXHpoLEvnekVIB7fsaTY0zrtjK7IzoP-azyFukMry-bj9qkQn2kWFhuIbkKEjZE9ZejRWzREFUecEMrd3xC727sMtPStCYvPiYJ8fPxX3U/s200/Sophie+Gregoire+Trudeau+%25281%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
We bumped into Sophie Gregoire Trudeau backstage. </div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
She recognized Tommy from We Day!</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"> <b><span style="font-size: large;"> Squeak!</span></b></span></div>
</div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
The Ratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810223313933727404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680574073127808164.post-82978636765310526132017-03-02T12:50:00.002-08:002017-03-02T12:51:30.453-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLetIDLmyuB2LIArGegtkUXCUjUMz1BnIyoCZzKkCsjwI8wnaSXXZrEIp6w-TiKxO_q7pYRPpcJgd6IWSy3tClK1A5N9jnPGHgHd-w9CfWsNa7EwSbkymg0UWoATczbcIZZVp8KuERCI/s1600/united+way.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLetIDLmyuB2LIArGegtkUXCUjUMz1BnIyoCZzKkCsjwI8wnaSXXZrEIp6w-TiKxO_q7pYRPpcJgd6IWSy3tClK1A5N9jnPGHgHd-w9CfWsNa7EwSbkymg0UWoATczbcIZZVp8KuERCI/s320/united+way.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> UNITED WAY</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> WALL OF INSPIRATION</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tommy's name has been added to the </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wall of Inspiration </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jean Pigott Place </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
City Hall</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ottawa</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Congrats Tommy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Keep up the great work</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b>SQUEAK!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The Ratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810223313933727404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680574073127808164.post-60883105117179943822017-02-08T06:57:00.001-08:002017-02-08T07:00:47.350-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeC_729B4de9LKdtODlalJuCtP3RNctYK8jKrnJONFeyDjGuxRDFkB1-zzffbrW3ilDRd4UIdPL9I6KGeeyTJLs5jy7qdDmnmPVukBJ27B0-8YdZyriN0vaLYvqhHuaJ3UrYgb7UNYTVY/s1600/gilrguides2017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeC_729B4de9LKdtODlalJuCtP3RNctYK8jKrnJONFeyDjGuxRDFkB1-zzffbrW3ilDRd4UIdPL9I6KGeeyTJLs5jy7qdDmnmPVukBJ27B0-8YdZyriN0vaLYvqhHuaJ3UrYgb7UNYTVY/s320/gilrguides2017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Girl Guides</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tommy and Melanie are running workshops</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for the Girl Guides.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Melanie loved it so much!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We hope the Girls Guides did too!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hand drum circle, dancing and rat races</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so much fun</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">SQUEAK</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For more information visit</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
www.2petrats.com</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
click on</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Drum Circles</div>
The Ratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810223313933727404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680574073127808164.post-91700491952259595652016-06-13T11:54:00.003-07:002016-06-13T11:55:44.986-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYDfezc5mr2hd8m_Sd2ymdRhiixs9PpHKXq5ZcZ0FvCTM3xbNBDwLQWOY5dBdWiT9C-cFgGTaMPUxCF_arXKRck5JCMcvks-Z6HCuy0_PagNyoyI7VQ8fVRhh2BuvX7AfbEJl4MwR85Y/s1600/IMG_0979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYDfezc5mr2hd8m_Sd2ymdRhiixs9PpHKXq5ZcZ0FvCTM3xbNBDwLQWOY5dBdWiT9C-cFgGTaMPUxCF_arXKRck5JCMcvks-Z6HCuy0_PagNyoyI7VQ8fVRhh2BuvX7AfbEJl4MwR85Y/s320/IMG_0979.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Parade Marshalls</b></span></div>
<span style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tommy and Melanie were the </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Parade Marshalls</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for Dickinson Day in Manotick.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank You.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was all soooooooo special.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Melanie smiled for many days after :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Squeak!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The Ratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810223313933727404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680574073127808164.post-65963541517876358952016-05-27T11:24:00.002-07:002016-05-27T11:37:34.229-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkL5jDZZelQof4e_8P3cOq3NlhiKqwQAMV3b4A0feOmmV258ecC3nbovFj9r7orOrHUsN7x1yNSV6y8T67oR3XosMHYsOKWLNhulxGeafZf3QtiVSm10KxF6k47TSIpiNmkCzQdtbQ6bI/s1600/100_5175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkL5jDZZelQof4e_8P3cOq3NlhiKqwQAMV3b4A0feOmmV258ecC3nbovFj9r7orOrHUsN7x1yNSV6y8T67oR3XosMHYsOKWLNhulxGeafZf3QtiVSm10KxF6k47TSIpiNmkCzQdtbQ6bI/s400/100_5175.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b> Rat </b></span><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Cemetery</b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We bought new flowers for<br />
the rat cemetery.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yukon also gets a pinwheel !<br />
He raced in every province across Canada. What a great rat!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
... goodbyes are never easy...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
squeak!</div>
The Ratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810223313933727404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680574073127808164.post-5732764232840480472016-05-14T11:45:00.002-07:002016-05-14T11:51:03.841-07:00<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAAIptj-aziNx9D4__0U5M3TAfV9aA9_Whyv4hb2s3njoq9wP8EmZ5SfO7DCAkDE_b-lQzONq93oo7Y0g89gI5S3DfWn7N8UY4wVBadq5QZPabwuB4r-0XTHCKodkxBMlemN-xGYEW-g/s1600/TommynMelanie2-SHAHID.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAAIptj-aziNx9D4__0U5M3TAfV9aA9_Whyv4hb2s3njoq9wP8EmZ5SfO7DCAkDE_b-lQzONq93oo7Y0g89gI5S3DfWn7N8UY4wVBadq5QZPabwuB4r-0XTHCKodkxBMlemN-xGYEW-g/s320/TommynMelanie2-SHAHID.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Orillia</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Presentations in Orillia are always so special.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We get to hang out with Abby and Ridley.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Abby also has CdLS.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Abby and Melanie love to stare at each other for hours:)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was our last presentation for this school year.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sniff...sniff</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Melanie's rat won the final race!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b>SQUEAK!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo taken by Mehreen Shahid - The Packet & Times</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The Ratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810223313933727404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680574073127808164.post-14418600989701684132016-04-14T12:14:00.002-07:002016-04-14T12:14:49.909-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBz3DIKaulq5mdTmZiKkKWLP13iE26ZVHWv74wq97cJ2IenI_tjxHMZdSlR4NsDmbyNRBxhrzfNYMMEaog9gBUxxE-7h0pLdy9bn78mrJzShLrII_5ueo0Zare-FopSncf7sw8UdaoTJA/s1600/IMG_1627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBz3DIKaulq5mdTmZiKkKWLP13iE26ZVHWv74wq97cJ2IenI_tjxHMZdSlR4NsDmbyNRBxhrzfNYMMEaog9gBUxxE-7h0pLdy9bn78mrJzShLrII_5ueo0Zare-FopSncf7sw8UdaoTJA/s320/IMG_1627.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Algonquin College</b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="text-class-2">Tommy, Melanie, the 2 pet rats and 9 other students from St. Mark's were invited to Algonquin College for a presentation, a rat race and a demonstration of the hand drum circle.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="text-class-2">It was amazing !!!!! Standing ovation !!!!!!!!!!</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">
The drum circle lead by Tommy started at St. Mark during lunchtime for students with disabilities and without. The group has been practicing together once a month. They are continuously creating new ideas. They now have some dancing and singing during the drum circle. Wow!</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOml6n9-ojSW8nnFnN8RxrUAa-mTrnROKw7mT-LKUeE8uM6bo9pSPZYGsVDgR4QrBu93o69UhWriLRtZAMol0NcS7gsULPW9MgITLH2Dms68DwSsp0mYOPOcUUnqzKvP4tpJvkaly_wRs/s1600/uw+award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOml6n9-ojSW8nnFnN8RxrUAa-mTrnROKw7mT-LKUeE8uM6bo9pSPZYGsVDgR4QrBu93o69UhWriLRtZAMol0NcS7gsULPW9MgITLH2Dms68DwSsp0mYOPOcUUnqzKvP4tpJvkaly_wRs/s320/uw+award.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span class="text-class-2"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">
<b style="color: red; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: x-large;">United Way Award</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="text-class-2"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 13px;">What a surprise! Tommy received a Community Building Award. </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13px;">Dylan Black was the award presenter from Boom 99.7</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="text-class-2"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Tommy's name will be inscribed on the Wall of Inspiration located in Jean Pigott Hall at Ottawa City Hall. </span><span style="background-color: white;">The Wall of Inspiration is a visible reminder to residents and visitors of the enduring commitment that these individuals and organizations have made to Ottawa.</span></div>
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Way to go Tommy and Melanie!!!!! Way to go Drum Circle Group...you were really great...BCNU soon...squeak!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="text-class-2" style="color: #202020;"><br /></span></div>
The Ratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810223313933727404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680574073127808164.post-8646997083401181722016-01-09T10:16:00.003-08:002016-01-11T09:00:42.168-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ep-f2zoq4DHZKdesDU6WVirvX3v2wQWjMiuN7jC-F3F3L7SrAX5oFm4IKnpc6mUuZngiauh_DtGY5Kt-rCCHVHpOG72szlt28aZMpCR9pspgv9gGvgTRhRvXH8vM82AD0HX0XYzioag/s1600/KIWANIS+THURSDAY+JANUARY+5th+2016+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ep-f2zoq4DHZKdesDU6WVirvX3v2wQWjMiuN7jC-F3F3L7SrAX5oFm4IKnpc6mUuZngiauh_DtGY5Kt-rCCHVHpOG72szlt28aZMpCR9pspgv9gGvgTRhRvXH8vM82AD0HX0XYzioag/s320/KIWANIS+THURSDAY+JANUARY+5th+2016+026.JPG" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: orange; font-size: large;">Person of The Year Award 2015</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tommy was chosen as the Manotick Messenger's Person of the Year. What a very special honour! The ceremony took place at the Legion. Tommy and Melanie got to sit at the head table for dinner. They loved it! It was so special!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We'd like to thank our sponsors for their dedicated support and continuous generosity. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue;">" This whole project grew because of you! Thank you so much! Thank you for this incredible opportunity to make a small difference in this big country. Thank you for never giving up on us and supporting us right across Canada. Thank you for supporting the drum circle. Our special need students and families are loving it so much. Thank you for all you do and just being you"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Some of sponsors have struggles and difficult chapters of their own and still find time to help us! What amazing people with tremendously big hearts...We wish everyone courage, strength, love and acceptance.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tommy and Melanie hope to continue doing presentations and hope to grow their hand drum circle. Tommy and Melanie have done over 70 presentations, have distributed over 10,000 books and have purchased over 35 hand drums. Tommy lead his first drum circle back in November and has many more booked in the new year.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Link to article: <a href="http://www.2petrats.com/upload/messenger%20jan2016.jpg"><span style="color: red;">CLICK HERE</span></a><br />
Thank you again for all your support!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>SQUEAK!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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The Ratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810223313933727404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680574073127808164.post-86479157579648563882015-11-11T06:14:00.000-08:002015-11-11T06:14:03.455-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaeUNJ_eHdLskIQbWAEeL4gCjMR7f6npLUe2A6gMnuapp8ozmjgMQg0F3rwaIDr_qzgKfRDVqRc3cdxsM8nHbqD73APFC63iHRFiBDjXZR4NUc2kUlLruaAP99BinMe0IX4tEcX4WQL0/s1600/Rehearsal+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaeUNJ_eHdLskIQbWAEeL4gCjMR7f6npLUe2A6gMnuapp8ozmjgMQg0F3rwaIDr_qzgKfRDVqRc3cdxsM8nHbqD73APFC63iHRFiBDjXZR4NUc2kUlLruaAP99BinMe0IX4tEcX4WQL0/s320/Rehearsal+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>THANK YOU</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>WE DAY </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>SQUEAK !</b></span></div>
The Ratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810223313933727404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680574073127808164.post-29126773473077101152015-10-20T05:44:00.003-07:002015-11-11T06:11:27.595-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ghUlpaf1lGurBOXx82WQ-R6W7C8HLs9NIx5pQEEk4-KQpIi25KWeiNHccTVDWPpvwkVP9cuth3N0hixa9NkToKVOi3mCVL07ipPVxWmDgNy_56vYMA8SCwk_88AopdIlFpYNuN0mHb4/s1600/weday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ghUlpaf1lGurBOXx82WQ-R6W7C8HLs9NIx5pQEEk4-KQpIi25KWeiNHccTVDWPpvwkVP9cuth3N0hixa9NkToKVOi3mCVL07ipPVxWmDgNy_56vYMA8SCwk_88AopdIlFpYNuN0mHb4/s320/weday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> <b><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">WE DAY</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.32px;">Tommy and Melanie have been invited to SPEAK at The Canadian Tire Center for WE DAY on November 10th</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.32px;"> !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.32px;">So crazy - so exciting - so nervous !!!!!!!!!!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; line-height: 19.32px;">16,0000 people attending and millions of people watching !!!!!!!</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 19.32px;">!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">SQUEAK!</span></b></span></span>The Ratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810223313933727404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680574073127808164.post-20197026255301446532015-08-30T15:04:00.008-07:002015-08-30T15:04:59.904-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9EAsf3SV0lTbD1mCAJ5jyq15FdlDDB0jrF70g4wbmnTT-SIK_N-4r3RXZUZMVg4udhxNFOGDlibIxJiSVQ2DJJNEyVEcClcYtbFASartII_FJNTHbSapIZUX-l38PXwaPEEXCPHCPBk/s1600/tom+and+mel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9EAsf3SV0lTbD1mCAJ5jyq15FdlDDB0jrF70g4wbmnTT-SIK_N-4r3RXZUZMVg4udhxNFOGDlibIxJiSVQ2DJJNEyVEcClcYtbFASartII_FJNTHbSapIZUX-l38PXwaPEEXCPHCPBk/s320/tom+and+mel.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Y6GmMrSl464EibOYNsqpcwzxvi0HbFU787ECh8E4JvBl2Gg90MlFwVOaWFnqJWKZJulHMsqjxhCAYaypcXJ5zPcbLxl2yv8FQjm6XYsiX2ql4_WNR7xSPA7_Z6EmXvzUUIhnFcw7TuI/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Y6GmMrSl464EibOYNsqpcwzxvi0HbFU787ECh8E4JvBl2Gg90MlFwVOaWFnqJWKZJulHMsqjxhCAYaypcXJ5zPcbLxl2yv8FQjm6XYsiX2ql4_WNR7xSPA7_Z6EmXvzUUIhnFcw7TuI/s200/2.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Special Invitation</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tommy and Melanie were invited to meet the</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Prime Minister, Stephen Harper.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What an incredible experience!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank You Pierre Poillievre (our MP) for making it happen!</span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: inherit;"><b>SQUEAK!</b></span>The Ratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810223313933727404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680574073127808164.post-91814102800046875652015-07-16T14:04:00.000-07:002015-07-16T14:05:02.705-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8i62vGN_EfzUnDKkKvzwIVYONUjCXZvPyEIKjI0_V7UzvTPLver4R9ypyqR151RT_h9Yt1xDzbWg7sgP3d3xK7AnflbEOHO_Sw5yWHvCxZnmVCaxPwfnwC_s46SQ-1B6qm0iwiBFig2s/s1600/NTV+2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8i62vGN_EfzUnDKkKvzwIVYONUjCXZvPyEIKjI0_V7UzvTPLver4R9ypyqR151RT_h9Yt1xDzbWg7sgP3d3xK7AnflbEOHO_Sw5yWHvCxZnmVCaxPwfnwC_s46SQ-1B6qm0iwiBFig2s/s320/NTV+2015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">NTV NFLD NEWS</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tommy and Melanie's interview in Newfoundland.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Link: <a href="https://vimeo.com/133696058">https://vimeo.com/133696058</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>SQUEAK!</b></span></div>
The Ratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810223313933727404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680574073127808164.post-33007466918074754702015-06-23T09:07:00.003-07:002015-06-23T09:07:58.843-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKU46ynPoN_tS8HltJBiZZscihoMIULze7yTgKWNTT6qJnFH-rWms_KF64niVCtaQ_JXRS6tIGhi_VbDoS0vzWGfUie2XzHy583wJJps7D6ivS5Yd_RC9hCiezjuQUjPwzo_nwL9uUMzc/s1600/Telegram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKU46ynPoN_tS8HltJBiZZscihoMIULze7yTgKWNTT6qJnFH-rWms_KF64niVCtaQ_JXRS6tIGhi_VbDoS0vzWGfUie2XzHy583wJJps7D6ivS5Yd_RC9hCiezjuQUjPwzo_nwL9uUMzc/s400/Telegram.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b>All 10 Provinces</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Melanie and Tommy have completed their tour across Canada!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What a fantastic finale at</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Janeway Children's Hospital in NFLD.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We met 2 other CdLS families, made new friends, did a presentation, and raffled some books and dolls.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Read J</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: nowrap;">ulie Brocklehurst's blog.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: white; white-space: nowrap;">http://www.throughthetulips.ca/2015/06/two-pet-rats-and-one-syndrome.html</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: white; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: white; white-space: nowrap;">Media coverage including TV, radio and newspaper articles will be posted on our website soon.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: white; white-space: nowrap;">Congrats Tommy and Melanie. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: white; white-space: nowrap;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Squeak.</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
The Ratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810223313933727404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680574073127808164.post-24487947947171607512015-01-15T05:46:00.003-08:002015-01-15T05:50:54.050-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioox9sr7r5GU4Jq7a1aGzMsIginfMwCkEykyqGucaqCtduYjS9OTEHOjBeYfS6KmsLHbP-vky9LnNB9o6EnN_KaKS9_F7cgHlMOMsCASJApU652l8UbLw1Zic1EtJpzTzaUGrMi-2WUFk/s1600/trip2+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioox9sr7r5GU4Jq7a1aGzMsIginfMwCkEykyqGucaqCtduYjS9OTEHOjBeYfS6KmsLHbP-vky9LnNB9o6EnN_KaKS9_F7cgHlMOMsCASJApU652l8UbLw1Zic1EtJpzTzaUGrMi-2WUFk/s1600/trip2+013.JPG" height="320" width="231" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b>All Across Canada</b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We have presentations booked in PEI, NFLD, and Nova Scotia in June 2015....taking the show EAST. <br />
Melanie and Tommy will have done presentations and distributed books in all 10 provinces.<br />
SQUEAK!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you are interested in having a presentation booked at your school, please contact us: 2petrats@gmail.com</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">Canada</span> or <span style="color: blue;">USA</span> - we'll drive almost anywhere!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tommy really wants to go to Yukon...squeak!</div>
The Ratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810223313933727404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680574073127808164.post-89599515863148125952014-07-01T13:03:00.001-07:002014-07-01T13:03:34.188-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81MQVLru9pFEh3g2cfmv2-4wXrhw9w48PESNg4JaAzkeZxklz6MNgRar7bmSbWBSeElJaO14nX3O-Bthts6QwQXu75iD8MLagZrz6B7AyPmX3NlWiQr8GgDJSNNY3iXAmC1KpwjX0eRU/s1600/trip2+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81MQVLru9pFEh3g2cfmv2-4wXrhw9w48PESNg4JaAzkeZxklz6MNgRar7bmSbWBSeElJaO14nX3O-Bthts6QwQXu75iD8MLagZrz6B7AyPmX3NlWiQr8GgDJSNNY3iXAmC1KpwjX0eRU/s1600/trip2+038.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">The End</span></b><br />
<br />
The tour is over.<br />
We are back home.<br />
<br />
We'll miss the sunrises.<br />
We'll miss the sunsets.<br />
We'll miss the laughing.<br />
We'll miss our CdLS friends.<br />
We'll miss the beast.<br />
But most of all, we'll miss John 'cause he has to go back to work.<br />
<br />
Special thanks to all our sponsors and donors.<br />
Big thanks to Brian and Brenda.<br />
Big thanks to my bro.<br />
<br />
One in a lifetime trip! It was perfect.<br />
Thank you very much xoxoxoxoxox<br />
<br />The Ratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810223313933727404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680574073127808164.post-76468425515202523332014-07-01T12:54:00.000-07:002014-07-01T12:54:33.754-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfpgKRyKOnCekY2dm18kBOIe2p80o5aS8egZtHfjgc75jwwh1PXo5Ps2rpWcnW3ku2YNBrkC6OAoSK7B6iuexskOUi5vG9Jj6JLRMUpaPl32nurtgtXndUVqzafh7VDaECyqU7JBfB38/s1600/book+signing+cdlsusa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfpgKRyKOnCekY2dm18kBOIe2p80o5aS8egZtHfjgc75jwwh1PXo5Ps2rpWcnW3ku2YNBrkC6OAoSK7B6iuexskOUi5vG9Jj6JLRMUpaPl32nurtgtXndUVqzafh7VDaECyqU7JBfB38/s1600/book+signing+cdlsusa.JPG" height="253" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Book Signing in Costa Mesa, California</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b><br /></b></span>
Our presentation was cancelled in British Columbia. The teachers were on strike...too bad! We left 200 books and 10 sets of dolls for the school board and libraries.<br />
<br />
The drive down the coast of California was breath taking...the view was unbelievable. I was petrified the beast might fall off the cliff...the craziest 19 miles ever driven!<br />
<br />
We made it to Costa Mesa, California on time...and in one piece. The CdLS USA conference was very informative, exciting and very well organized. 138 families attended. 3 Canadian families. We always learn something new and important about Melanie. This year, we're hoping to help Melanie cope with her anxieties and selective mutism. Melanie also attended a seminar - the youth panel. I think she really enjoyed hearing about her peers and their successes. The theme was " You can do it...don't let doctors, specialists and your parents tell you that you can't". On our way back home, someone had to sit with a stranger on the plane. Melanie volunteered. I looked at her as if to say, you can't sit by yourself...she looked at me and said, " I can do it !!!!!!!!!"<br />
<br />
The next conference is in Florida 2016. We hope that every Canadian family has a chance to attend one of these conferences.The Ratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810223313933727404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680574073127808164.post-58274257623517424012014-06-20T19:48:00.000-07:002014-06-20T19:49:03.480-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfmtL4k8BvZw2M0fELpjL_HL32SUoACzIkVMAt6LFuk9lBnZUVFuFQtocGSmM7xQxYkUkH3CCJlCeXuA-nz0S0yqqqLwYdY5AG6V0koMvSE9SemJse_PZp7JxNcsTHz7jhjXlo7FtxE0/s1600/sask.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfmtL4k8BvZw2M0fELpjL_HL32SUoACzIkVMAt6LFuk9lBnZUVFuFQtocGSmM7xQxYkUkH3CCJlCeXuA-nz0S0yqqqLwYdY5AG6V0koMvSE9SemJse_PZp7JxNcsTHz7jhjXlo7FtxE0/s1600/sask.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> The top of the world</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We drove from the extremely flat prairies of Saskatchewan to reach the Rockies in Alberta.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We took the gondola up Sulphur Mountain.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Melanie usually needs helps climbing stairs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She was so determined to reach the peak.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPt2GqgWBGWJwOkUxzFr-qIbQTzdeRZZZKGFH_ioPZdVJH_CvlXxlHkw9kbJTbKw4hcQxQlv3PKqfcFY6ryKOUx_c-kIktQNmJs5i4v882sd6qrQWP8kyCKxpArm5ViUdDqtxscDmWZw/s1600/194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPt2GqgWBGWJwOkUxzFr-qIbQTzdeRZZZKGFH_ioPZdVJH_CvlXxlHkw9kbJTbKw4hcQxQlv3PKqfcFY6ryKOUx_c-kIktQNmJs5i4v882sd6qrQWP8kyCKxpArm5ViUdDqtxscDmWZw/s1600/194.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>One step after another, refusing any help and not even holding the handrail.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Melanie reached the summit, an elevation of over 7,000 feet.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Squeak!</div>
<br />
<br />The Ratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810223313933727404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680574073127808164.post-55772627613582277772014-06-18T19:27:00.000-07:002014-06-18T19:32:22.955-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-f5N_mruBdegzCA_KBZI6SXXDvvQ0RrNUxFbSzxBCm5RXHeGx7P7PyK39Wpny3SwcPkoDFHm8TLUyzF5Iw3Mipp9t_zmuMTp65GUlUAfPZMdvJ2lXh7aDxztm4cQO4lG0cs8QIAiVXC4/s1600/trip4+065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-f5N_mruBdegzCA_KBZI6SXXDvvQ0RrNUxFbSzxBCm5RXHeGx7P7PyK39Wpny3SwcPkoDFHm8TLUyzF5Iw3Mipp9t_zmuMTp65GUlUAfPZMdvJ2lXh7aDxztm4cQO4lG0cs8QIAiVXC4/s1600/trip4+065.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"> Rats take Regina by storm</b></div>
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CTV and CBC showed up for coverage...very exciting!</div>
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We were then cabbed to CBC radio studio for a quick interview and cabbed back to the school.</div>
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Drove 9 hours to Strathmore for more muddy camping. Rain, rain rain and more rain. Thunder storms everyday since we left. We bought rain coats and rain pants...hoping it would chase the rain away...</div>
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On our drive to Calgary, we heard our interview on CBC radio...squeak! </div>
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The Ratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810223313933727404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680574073127808164.post-47158940554167222572014-06-17T13:25:00.001-07:002014-06-17T13:41:08.556-07:00<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUox3mzLjz5XZabY3hcIm4FHkFZD2ddUVDisMeRzNi4c63zJClinZ79NOhemF4HLunDf1x-8ctTiqcZ5sWOaRDVR2pEd5HvXQSD7tgBWuw2OFQFwcFT0XVrt1cUtwNzgz7p2pMt62q8E/s1600/trip2+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUox3mzLjz5XZabY3hcIm4FHkFZD2ddUVDisMeRzNi4c63zJClinZ79NOhemF4HLunDf1x-8ctTiqcZ5sWOaRDVR2pEd5HvXQSD7tgBWuw2OFQFwcFT0XVrt1cUtwNzgz7p2pMt62q8E/s1600/trip2+027.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><b>Kids at Work in Regina</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ha8jx-0xUU-WY9mz1h7IHN0zzHRJDyqH185D2oYiTR-d0tFeRpyAAwhJpDm16fqgLFh7RwSlb9-X-oXYRPOl6smO6vccfdtyMQGoP-2ZzBNUmWwRXvSfkCLiePkZPLC9_ge8SZGvFzc/s1600/trip3+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ha8jx-0xUU-WY9mz1h7IHN0zzHRJDyqH185D2oYiTR-d0tFeRpyAAwhJpDm16fqgLFh7RwSlb9-X-oXYRPOl6smO6vccfdtyMQGoP-2ZzBNUmWwRXvSfkCLiePkZPLC9_ge8SZGvFzc/s1600/trip3+005.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"></span><br />
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Melanie is figuring out which coins go in which slots.<br />
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Tommy is spreading the word at the campground.<br />
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The Ratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810223313933727404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680574073127808164.post-51714000588539668312014-06-16T13:56:00.002-07:002014-06-16T14:10:33.460-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqI9bx2fZyb60gwhVfOWtSzFuZ7vtyUxWChGwgNMuXc-K5vZMyBlCccek0ifGUWLL2rAim1j5OfGLCU16pSH_3txQJC6nDb-LFUw7-TaV5SvSzFXB1EemioR4ujQQNmdtfimhjA1GAFY/s1600/trip3+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqI9bx2fZyb60gwhVfOWtSzFuZ7vtyUxWChGwgNMuXc-K5vZMyBlCccek0ifGUWLL2rAim1j5OfGLCU16pSH_3txQJC6nDb-LFUw7-TaV5SvSzFXB1EemioR4ujQQNmdtfimhjA1GAFY/s1600/trip3+020.JPG" height="268" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: lime;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Presentation in Winnipeg</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We had our first presentation today in Winnipeg. A little boy with CdLS will be attending this school next year. What a great introduction to a new syndrome! The students were wild, screaming with excitement.Tommy has decided to start a competition among provinces.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Which province will be the loudest to scream - </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">If you see someone different smile and say hi </span><span style="color: magenta;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Winnipeg was really really loud, they might be difficult to beat.</span></div>
The Ratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810223313933727404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680574073127808164.post-21127706226724487932014-06-15T17:58:00.000-07:002014-06-15T17:59:57.806-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1-7bV6J9qn2BgAsisaitX2MJOpN1TkIzNVhGlOvXPvYl9xmZqFc6g8gZnvYyVsZQvhtsZK8dJW_XrYEb6IWvo17wsK47pZxQFQ4umYXHkUqU4On6dKUYY3JTn7BbVXsfJb0nCVWUu4w/s1600/trip2+095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1-7bV6J9qn2BgAsisaitX2MJOpN1TkIzNVhGlOvXPvYl9xmZqFc6g8gZnvYyVsZQvhtsZK8dJW_XrYEb6IWvo17wsK47pZxQFQ4umYXHkUqU4On6dKUYY3JTn7BbVXsfJb0nCVWUu4w/s1600/trip2+095.JPG" height="125" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">CdLS Family Gathering </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">in Winnipeg</span></b></div>
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Met some new and old friends for an afternoon at Dave and Lori's house in Winnipeg. It's always so great to meet up with CdLS families. There's so much to talk about in so little time. It's always so difficult to say goodbye...</div>
The Ratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810223313933727404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680574073127808164.post-89056083536606463272014-06-14T16:56:00.000-07:002014-06-14T16:56:27.176-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfM4k-yJPEqigkQnXBYteSsAFuUsIWPI1Y9tbQs7WOAgO70CFtNtLlNNUW_gAvvEdBb548dej3PLaPBlZ4oVzcxnjmEzaEs6O75SZELtzgaR9Rdl3sB_t9Hcfju3pwpKKh_AXx5t9G1vY/s1600/tripset1+069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfM4k-yJPEqigkQnXBYteSsAFuUsIWPI1Y9tbQs7WOAgO70CFtNtLlNNUW_gAvvEdBb548dej3PLaPBlZ4oVzcxnjmEzaEs6O75SZELtzgaR9Rdl3sB_t9Hcfju3pwpKKh_AXx5t9G1vY/s1600/tripset1+069.JPG" height="193" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>3 days and 30 hours of driving</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Thursday</b>: </span> Woke up at 4 am. Drove 13 hours. We slept at a truck stop in Wawa.<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;"><b>Friday:</b> </span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> </span> Woke at 3 am. Drove 14 hours. We slept at a Walmart in Kenora.<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Saturday:</b></span> Woke up at 7 am. Drove 3 hours. Sleeping at a campground in Winnipeg.<br />
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After driving for 2 days, our campground feels like paradise. The beast is not so difficult to drive after all. John was really tired on Friday so I finally got a turn. Yesssssssssss...It was really exciting!<br />
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Like any trip, there are always disasters. We didn't realize the bottom compartments were not water proof. All the boxes of books were wet. We quickly aired the books and cut off the soaked parts. We manage to save most of the books but 100 were thrown away...not so bad!<br />
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Funny thing about being over tired and all cooped up together in the beast...everything and anything triggers endless laugh attacks! Laughing so hard feels so great!<br />
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A trip of a lifetime - a trip we'll remember forever - thanks to everyone for making it happen!<br />
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<br />The Ratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810223313933727404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680574073127808164.post-90202512557456704512014-06-13T18:02:00.000-07:002014-06-13T18:02:14.636-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalSmC_f_fLRcY4qDFoB6_A-NzWr-jeHeO4Ym91K4cMeAKOFCxhOVro-qb7SaOOnwXBjXvmOTobr4pl_jzG5Dtb2Kj-RhUpRUdgRORoBNea1qr4qXDHophBSMfIzNKAb1w6DEpjgGXnhs/s1600/trip2014+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalSmC_f_fLRcY4qDFoB6_A-NzWr-jeHeO4Ym91K4cMeAKOFCxhOVro-qb7SaOOnwXBjXvmOTobr4pl_jzG5Dtb2Kj-RhUpRUdgRORoBNea1qr4qXDHophBSMfIzNKAb1w6DEpjgGXnhs/s1600/trip2014+005.JPG" height="248" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">2014 Tour</span></b></div>
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Couldn't sleep.</div>
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Too excited.</div>
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Left at 4 am on Thursday morning.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>Squeak!</b></span></div>
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The Ratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810223313933727404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680574073127808164.post-70441015819821353792014-06-04T11:00:00.001-07:002014-06-04T11:01:39.358-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_AwoXuwGwLOBBF16S3aTJJUb2rc6KnJJHfqv644e9QZCF54HjleDi9Xc8caIVcqaoUJgFkHBD-Lq1DdAky6zE7fy7WukBVLRysmvMTM2iQpDRCDnUO96slJAxaZZNymUN3-3qjGfmzo4/s1600/thanks+sponsors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_AwoXuwGwLOBBF16S3aTJJUb2rc6KnJJHfqv644e9QZCF54HjleDi9Xc8caIVcqaoUJgFkHBD-Lq1DdAky6zE7fy7WukBVLRysmvMTM2iQpDRCDnUO96slJAxaZZNymUN3-3qjGfmzo4/s1600/thanks+sponsors.jpg" height="320" width="286" /></a> <br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Pinch me...am I dreaming?</span></span></b><br />
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We're taking the show across Canada and down the coast of California to a CdLS Conference in the USA!<br />
We have presentations booked in Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary, Creston, BC and Costa Mesa, California.<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">A CdLS Canada family gathering will be held in Winnipeg on June 16th from 2-6pm. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #e06666; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 20px;">Contact David Ireland by phone 204- 290- 1971 </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">A book signing will be held at the CdLS USA conference on June 27th from 7-8pm. Hilton Orange Hotel.</span><br />
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Our sponsors have raised enough money to pay for thousands of books and dolls, our gas, our food and even an RV rental...squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeak! We'll be flying home from California. Another CdLS family will drive the RV back to Ottawa! The rats will travel by RV both ways. I hope the rats don't make too much noise at night - squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeak!<br />
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A BIG THANK YOU to all our sponsors. Your generosity is magical, unbelievable and a dream come true!<br />
Big hugs and we hope to spread our message of acceptance and find new CdLS families!The Ratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810223313933727404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680574073127808164.post-67244985338470810642014-05-29T13:32:00.000-07:002014-05-29T13:38:36.350-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQpeZV3-il-u2x4SF0TCq81684B9xP0IHaSNshSB3ilpLgLbbLzxWzy3x4uHCj8-qmG2t3_nErhMt7GV6f4gYH_aG8oKTIfy_iJR7rQ15yxbmbGHb2PSXXDocWi9OVlQ4o4EO-ZB7atY/s1600/2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQpeZV3-il-u2x4SF0TCq81684B9xP0IHaSNshSB3ilpLgLbbLzxWzy3x4uHCj8-qmG2t3_nErhMt7GV6f4gYH_aG8oKTIfy_iJR7rQ15yxbmbGHb2PSXXDocWi9OVlQ4o4EO-ZB7atY/s1600/2014.JPG" height="219" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b>9 minute video</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I made a short video for a fundraising golf tournament being held in June - " Hosie and Brown Auto Parts". I tried to summarize Tommy and Melanie's project from the beginning which started in 2010. I included many news clips. I was not sure whether to show the video to Tommy. It's so easy to make someone look famous when combining several news clips together. I didn't want him to think that way! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> When I finally showed him the video, he was devastated. Tommy thought it was extremely sad. It took a few days for him to figure out why...</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> He said the picture of Melanie in the hospital made him feel terrible. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Melanie was absent from school almost 6 months this year for health issues. I think Tommy has realized many things this year and.... unfortunately ...one of them was that presentations, newspapers, and awards don't make Melanie any healthier. </span><a href="https://vimeo.com/94860447"><span style="color: blue;">Click here to view video</span></a></span></span><br />
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The Ratshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810223313933727404noreply@blogger.com