tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21568552689093855702024-03-06T00:05:25.419-06:00Pioneer Spirit and Maternal AnxietyOne view of motherhood from a working Mom living in the city and working in the 'burbs.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689990736358348507noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156855268909385570.post-70467996022201112702010-11-21T19:49:00.002-06:002010-11-21T20:09:59.966-06:00Thomas Tries Cereal - 6 months<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx4cog2RwzIyBrOQ0XYuACulZa-_1LfnP8ego7pDAl-V20bvbYLZIn-Np5ra3ku1XlZLzv7EKADl9PG5x2iAQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689990736358348507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156855268909385570.post-38621982081758039572010-08-23T12:30:00.001-06:002010-08-23T12:33:05.049-06:00BubbleFest at Grandma's House<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNc3s8ObuqS1XOBpD_QHB-6OK_eVIS8B0JEbI-2e5jEt7v6Oc5dmnT4bUePHrBChpPad6CzvBiDoW8in29O7RaGarmeSmS9-Mt03nUuhgPC74q6qWl4htEsNPW0xp-VWGUDY6IkMtP8o/s1600/IMG_0135.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNc3s8ObuqS1XOBpD_QHB-6OK_eVIS8B0JEbI-2e5jEt7v6Oc5dmnT4bUePHrBChpPad6CzvBiDoW8in29O7RaGarmeSmS9-Mt03nUuhgPC74q6qWl4htEsNPW0xp-VWGUDY6IkMtP8o/s400/IMG_0135.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508674847495114066" /></a>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689990736358348507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156855268909385570.post-41692872761695631802010-08-23T12:26:00.002-06:002010-08-23T12:28:40.396-06:00Molly's HamsterMolly started carrying around a STICKER of a hamster holding a heart, using an old pill bottle as his "cage." She took this very seriously, often singing to her hamster, telling it jokes, etc. Well, apparently today at Panera, she decided he needed some fresh air, so she took him out of the pill bottle, and accidentally dropped him behind the booth, out of parental grabbing range. She wept hysterically, and I can only imagine what the Panera patrons thought when they heard a 3-year-old crying that her hamster fell behind the booth...Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689990736358348507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156855268909385570.post-44584635845323947012010-08-09T19:21:00.002-06:002010-08-09T19:26:46.150-06:00Thomas At Ten Weeks<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyI0uo2KxM-PuxB7EtrPxc7l1nfVcHJP74m2mLkJzSF3e0ocuGfV-Tz64NQgjlZm6saqYxyYX6j7y_wg-YRlQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689990736358348507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156855268909385570.post-80111180480311497822009-10-04T16:57:00.001-06:002009-10-04T16:57:30.848-06:00<object width="320" height="240" ><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://www.facebook.com/v/147162737133" /><embed src="http://www.facebook.com/v/147162737133" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="240"></embed></object>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689990736358348507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156855268909385570.post-87366070668854695702009-07-25T08:30:00.003-06:002009-07-25T09:41:27.923-06:00Hopscotch and Patient Golden Retriever<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwUHjlKFDm3iiIMVEXzcK2p2lr8xaTy7tg7gT2PhFw16zE-tH_UbpnF0B4m_ahSmCkMyYSpNYPpaxOIcK-Hxg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689990736358348507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156855268909385570.post-35793618514444496112009-02-24T04:57:00.003-06:002009-02-24T05:16:14.155-06:005:30am Muffin Call with Molly<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzBGVmoPQ5XQil4yK94Ys8ohLdzId-cyCJp66UgWEc67qBDOh2SqbKO87JtrJrsbxUEviHiCjOmD961i163ag' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689990736358348507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156855268909385570.post-52705518142496835002009-01-29T05:25:00.002-06:002009-01-29T05:27:25.071-06:00SNOW DAYS!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNeBaZ1yXDmWsrzZZy4XzArKZhcbaU4_hjLW-WcQDwYq3mnTHRIsUd_-69h__2o3ygOVemxtRSeiYCoJ1Mu3nL4UXdA7qaVwtfoGwNQ97lUhRyOVFrHaSgHFKwTdrto1g16wF4MDDaqU0/s1600-h/IMG_5962.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNeBaZ1yXDmWsrzZZy4XzArKZhcbaU4_hjLW-WcQDwYq3mnTHRIsUd_-69h__2o3ygOVemxtRSeiYCoJ1Mu3nL4UXdA7qaVwtfoGwNQ97lUhRyOVFrHaSgHFKwTdrto1g16wF4MDDaqU0/s400/IMG_5962.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296675796824832578" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWISJzeNz9WXccOamuk8t3Ko9F4S9tit6y-ihhJj_1wTLtz6bV3lF2u562-U2RAmvkeEiAJ7pKK5DInUVM_aTdcLaxa-DQzTaS9DD-VGPLPFfyP8nUe9kjFowhhbqL8P1sokepGDHJNfE/s1600-h/IMG_5964.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWISJzeNz9WXccOamuk8t3Ko9F4S9tit6y-ihhJj_1wTLtz6bV3lF2u562-U2RAmvkeEiAJ7pKK5DInUVM_aTdcLaxa-DQzTaS9DD-VGPLPFfyP8nUe9kjFowhhbqL8P1sokepGDHJNfE/s400/IMG_5964.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296675788321215330" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-ZqlskWcgsaRtwuofJNdzZ2-cPrPUhM7lWrxZZMpkfqYJuVxD4-FdX1PdxvTGXm8HnUoNq0dm7CKQ2AO93WFMA_lNYdLC9nYnrPnM7u2mzWPeuPIFILcqo1hooGMFYJOknjc2S92m5I/s1600-h/IMG_5963.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-ZqlskWcgsaRtwuofJNdzZ2-cPrPUhM7lWrxZZMpkfqYJuVxD4-FdX1PdxvTGXm8HnUoNq0dm7CKQ2AO93WFMA_lNYdLC9nYnrPnM7u2mzWPeuPIFILcqo1hooGMFYJOknjc2S92m5I/s400/IMG_5963.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296675781000866626" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZXi-zx1nuL9mHQiHTiR3ipjud2LThuGYCXKfAmDYtrTm9yJHdUglZmLdMNG_7Wd0fbWrtGqm6uFZJBX8JMlbNgAaxNbtspA10WPhNFVlEUqVxo-g-js1HlbPzD3LZgYsvf1PAy7CPEw/s1600-h/IMG_5958.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZXi-zx1nuL9mHQiHTiR3ipjud2LThuGYCXKfAmDYtrTm9yJHdUglZmLdMNG_7Wd0fbWrtGqm6uFZJBX8JMlbNgAaxNbtspA10WPhNFVlEUqVxo-g-js1HlbPzD3LZgYsvf1PAy7CPEw/s400/IMG_5958.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296675775364510466" /></a>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689990736358348507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156855268909385570.post-37070370281908790082008-10-05T07:52:00.004-06:002008-10-05T08:03:25.346-06:00Fall at the ZooHey friends! Quick pictures from the Cincinnati Zoo - Lindsay was at a friend's house, so I took the Johannah and Molly to the zoo for the first time in a LONG time...did you know you are no longer allowed in the petting zoo pen? They said the goats were too aggressive. Back in MY day, they threw you in the pen and let the goats eat anything they could get - I lost camera straps, shoe laces, barrettes...and it made me a better person. Oh well. At least they let you feed the giraffes - very intense!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXuwy5LERlcR6McX8nTb3fZY-0MLwB_GIuPAXbJEm4cihdCpNeX7yXCnL4kxSMNf0TJhNQ0fjPWJYC5q68Z3LYMWCICsamO3OrP5XWz9VC7Dyxhs5NQAODRCMvO3_uHAByNy2yZvl2hM/s1600-h/JoMoZoo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXuwy5LERlcR6McX8nTb3fZY-0MLwB_GIuPAXbJEm4cihdCpNeX7yXCnL4kxSMNf0TJhNQ0fjPWJYC5q68Z3LYMWCICsamO3OrP5XWz9VC7Dyxhs5NQAODRCMvO3_uHAByNy2yZvl2hM/s400/JoMoZoo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253669263915119810" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4ysC_e20SSm7th3WUjqmjYSBnnMdbrrLGxCLsVKAR9jRM7df0YPIMkvWJFkbf616DpwWYEj3hPlZI9t6y1dfF9c7OdS4jRAAGjPE9J-u3vfORGxJk4fSX6zSDmPAdMTiMMKGscgALWQ/s1600-h/Goats2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4ysC_e20SSm7th3WUjqmjYSBnnMdbrrLGxCLsVKAR9jRM7df0YPIMkvWJFkbf616DpwWYEj3hPlZI9t6y1dfF9c7OdS4jRAAGjPE9J-u3vfORGxJk4fSX6zSDmPAdMTiMMKGscgALWQ/s400/Goats2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253669027793540866" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00Zdh740CuQqOtbjtinXW61EFh3MdIW33u8aIc1tLz1Y9iqEIA-gg3ARnuMIe1-ehBvFIlVxNpn7EMf7FEseOM2lFqVnClPY8HIObbBki1Qnq4iN5uvicdJaF-REEHrNGb7lrD-E2yfA/s1600-h/FeedingGiraffe.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00Zdh740CuQqOtbjtinXW61EFh3MdIW33u8aIc1tLz1Y9iqEIA-gg3ARnuMIe1-ehBvFIlVxNpn7EMf7FEseOM2lFqVnClPY8HIObbBki1Qnq4iN5uvicdJaF-REEHrNGb7lrD-E2yfA/s400/FeedingGiraffe.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253668910783860066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGq6r-XPpKux9TTV9Y1FDXe_LVd8eY86P5IHuWxKliJHgv1wB9gvXLBKKXtj4XALvRm2JLW5WoMBrGYbIoHjLcxZ0IFwqORIgvs_lGgsKvHrEKeDcET6w1XqKqWVxDc2PWA_rl46WAtg/s1600-h/SnakeFood.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGq6r-XPpKux9TTV9Y1FDXe_LVd8eY86P5IHuWxKliJHgv1wB9gvXLBKKXtj4XALvRm2JLW5WoMBrGYbIoHjLcxZ0IFwqORIgvs_lGgsKvHrEKeDcET6w1XqKqWVxDc2PWA_rl46WAtg/s400/SnakeFood.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253668918300715458" /></a>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689990736358348507noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156855268909385570.post-11684113919145412682008-09-12T14:21:00.004-06:002008-09-12T14:32:30.981-06:00I'm Not Dead - - just back to teachingIt's been MONTHS since I've blogged, and I may have forgotten how. I had to post this video though, before I forgot completely, and the elections arrived without this plug for<a href="http://thedepublican.com"> Depublican candidate Bob Johnson</a>:<br /><br />I've been closely following his campaign, but haven't had the chance to hear him speak. He didn't disappoint! Bob Johnson in '08!!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689990736358348507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156855268909385570.post-25203367450220722092008-07-15T11:34:00.002-06:002008-07-15T11:37:09.364-06:00Doctor, Do I Have PD?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCDDqMFh9LbuKzCUIf3BH8XqMRSBI1C0pv3XVUmsdz0bq6buXZ_EVMTFN-e40j7a9jx0jYQHEZKi3OuN_KrLXP4dYDNFsKsnxFmpcEjYp4hWsQZo9wGnzt0iwZmCHGaCSyzmeUIob1kU/s1600-h/DEPUBLIC_SPLASH03_V1.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCDDqMFh9LbuKzCUIf3BH8XqMRSBI1C0pv3XVUmsdz0bq6buXZ_EVMTFN-e40j7a9jx0jYQHEZKi3OuN_KrLXP4dYDNFsKsnxFmpcEjYp4hWsQZo9wGnzt0iwZmCHGaCSyzmeUIob1kU/s400/DEPUBLIC_SPLASH03_V1.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223296205427703474" /></a><br />Could <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLuyt8C8Nkg">Depublican.com</a> be right for me?Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689990736358348507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156855268909385570.post-89371780645700398442008-07-01T15:12:00.002-06:002008-07-01T16:12:55.401-06:00Facebook BonanzaI'm about to sound ultra-nerdy, but as you know by now, I'm ok with that. For at least the last month or so, I've noticed a shift in the Facebook community. Last year, it was a running joke with my students that, as soon as they graduated, they could be my "facebook friends." It has been a great way to keep in touch with former students as they've gone on to college. But in the last month, there's been an influx of Facebookers WHO ARE MY AGE! Very exciting. And probably disturbing to the young people I teach. Last year, the Broadcast Journalism class featured a story on MBC News that questioned "whether teachers and adults <span style="font-style:italic;">should even be allowed</span> to have Facebook pages." I've got news, kids - - Generation X seems to have caught on to Facebook networking, and we're finding each other -FAST. And we have friends. Lots of friends. <br /><br />As nerdy as it is, I'm finding grade school and high school friends and acquaintances every day, and there's a great, if distant, kind of joy in finding out that old friends have gone on to major in Japanese, or they are out acting in LA, or they have twins, or they're about to get married. <br /><br />I think I prefer this "senior" facebooking to scrolling through pictures of the latest party or sending cupcakes or other trinkets to my facebook friends. What the younger set is missing out on is the glorious nostalgia that comes with finding old friends again - and with their age of 24/7 connections, I'm not sure they will ever experience that feeling.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689990736358348507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156855268909385570.post-571942996502260512008-06-22T20:25:00.001-06:002008-06-22T20:26:30.096-06:00Making Coffee with Molly at 6 am Sunday Morning<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZo_9AQ_8Z33lNY4y0TXTMscHmedP5NFAWm7CmKN6BkeKIg4ECqv5s7rNiVnPfWDL1hx1HRlKNB8Dx6MEdgvLo4iMhLrm-v_0f0RZYIZBiyvnVXGVHkQlfbADD-E_o0T5pNTFUmA0t0r8/s1600-h/coffeehat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZo_9AQ_8Z33lNY4y0TXTMscHmedP5NFAWm7CmKN6BkeKIg4ECqv5s7rNiVnPfWDL1hx1HRlKNB8Dx6MEdgvLo4iMhLrm-v_0f0RZYIZBiyvnVXGVHkQlfbADD-E_o0T5pNTFUmA0t0r8/s400/coffeehat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214897688390090866" /></a><br />She pointed to my coffee filter and said "My hat." Wish granted.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689990736358348507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156855268909385570.post-10698194863699259252008-06-19T18:36:00.002-06:002008-06-19T18:38:30.621-06:00I Only Told One of Them to Sit<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdFMvjrFVE9zOs8v_Q3cMCck2ZeQu7IMX6Z_kZjATnYd6MiL_musfbSF0SQGTiJj7uqbTGzGepBiTR_5cL5hQWdIcaYo2HsjNmxoe1stIBjvWvVJR6VYToOhAn9IPxOAVXJOjzG5WnyA/s1600-h/sit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdFMvjrFVE9zOs8v_Q3cMCck2ZeQu7IMX6Z_kZjATnYd6MiL_musfbSF0SQGTiJj7uqbTGzGepBiTR_5cL5hQWdIcaYo2HsjNmxoe1stIBjvWvVJR6VYToOhAn9IPxOAVXJOjzG5WnyA/s400/sit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213756586325170370" /></a>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689990736358348507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156855268909385570.post-35358147591214041262008-06-14T19:00:00.006-06:002008-06-15T20:28:41.789-06:00Don't Diss the Disney Magic!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEF_6Hq0cbcPQPpmRr_7wk0KhRpgfQk83rJAD0-7vjxILb9tM7GBdoNANFSUOynbQ18PvDFW9HooN4PwOxy6IuYBmaEDMV1AxGkjt8JnGH23jk3DruHheU4aJjbC2PnAdmsyTDdJf-oSU/s1600-h/IMG_3825.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEF_6Hq0cbcPQPpmRr_7wk0KhRpgfQk83rJAD0-7vjxILb9tM7GBdoNANFSUOynbQ18PvDFW9HooN4PwOxy6IuYBmaEDMV1AxGkjt8JnGH23jk3DruHheU4aJjbC2PnAdmsyTDdJf-oSU/s400/IMG_3825.JPG"border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211910626107066738" /></a><br /><br />For all the non-believers in the Disney magic out there, you just hush up your mouths while I tell a little tale of a family vacation with no mishaps or major meltdowns - - just plenty of Mickey Mouse and ridiculously friendly and competent Disney employees. No one does customer service better than the folks at Disney, and I have to say that this year was the friendliest, most pleasant trip in a long time. Ears off to you, Disney cast members!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYZxnSlDvMAwmpbutqKvvnevLIDomHu5EKBnjnK4t_sJO2nyNkyfBn3OCusBHGBXVuaHK2X75pUMxoTyc7Go_Gkh2nn03TttFQo110HSDWCjp7AcXOGSOXt-jR2wdmVBOCDwGuy_J504/s1600-h/IMG_3689.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYZxnSlDvMAwmpbutqKvvnevLIDomHu5EKBnjnK4t_sJO2nyNkyfBn3OCusBHGBXVuaHK2X75pUMxoTyc7Go_Gkh2nn03TttFQo110HSDWCjp7AcXOGSOXt-jR2wdmVBOCDwGuy_J504/s400/IMG_3689.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211909506793032114" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We were lucky to be with Meagen and Dave for the first few days, which the kids just couldn't get over. Molly wept for "MeeMee" well after they had gone home! They really helped us get into the swing of things quickly. The older girls took it upon themselves to make sure Molly had the time of her life, and as long as the characters weren't moving towards her, she really seemed to love it. Of course, she loved feeding a bunny a potato chip at the resort just as much as she loved It's a Small World...<br /><br />The older two seemed to love every minute of it. Lindsay couldn't believe "the system" worked - - at the park when it opens, home to swim and nap between 1-5, back to the park until late. Why people do it any other way is beyond me. For her part, Johannah conquered major anxiety and rode the "triple whammy" in Magic Kingdom of Thunder Mtn. Railroad, Splash Mtn, and Space Mtn. Poor kid is a little bundle of nerves until she gets on the ride, then ends up literally jumping for joy afterwards.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyY2DBbRTUVe45BR4Q6L-OjBHrbkI-WvHCP85wwaQBB7JFAMuqJmRInUXiaqbIVusE_f717XcOLU1gYU2ZRbCJnWi6UTFR2b5l3565XF-L8keuehZUk2Gbw5132ByidgnWD4cvOIHNB40/s1600-h/IMG_3751.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyY2DBbRTUVe45BR4Q6L-OjBHrbkI-WvHCP85wwaQBB7JFAMuqJmRInUXiaqbIVusE_f717XcOLU1gYU2ZRbCJnWi6UTFR2b5l3565XF-L8keuehZUk2Gbw5132ByidgnWD4cvOIHNB40/s400/IMG_3751.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211909465424598162" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Even Brendan, bless his paternal patience, was duly impressed by the Disney empire, and now understands why we Thomas Gals love it so much - - though it's more fun now to watch the kids enjoy themselves.<br /><br />Now all we have to do is eat Ramen noodles and carpool to work for the next three years so we can go back!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KL8I91sa7Hibn9NdsJzLi8lwO00a-IZqYrc0A1omlSP6rYHUdZQwCBscDEFZEcCnzn7zisIL_YegWjDQu_5snIn6sOQPGCBdBOO0qNmGkF_aVyiAn-oegwoA_wMcbKuTLq3MKMOuzyk/s1600-h/IMG_3820.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KL8I91sa7Hibn9NdsJzLi8lwO00a-IZqYrc0A1omlSP6rYHUdZQwCBscDEFZEcCnzn7zisIL_YegWjDQu_5snIn6sOQPGCBdBOO0qNmGkF_aVyiAn-oegwoA_wMcbKuTLq3MKMOuzyk/s400/IMG_3820.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211909480135644306" border="0" /></a>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689990736358348507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156855268909385570.post-44778522045166508152008-06-01T11:00:00.004-06:002008-06-01T11:05:03.590-06:00Cicada Alert!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39iyKMdbepqOUJmaskO5wCMeULX6sErYmYs4cUDX-1Ur09C-BoM7xhvyKmjLX4n4r2Il9SDHoJ7ejfucbI4o8B_omPS8CZwsoZdwHRayG7m5hWl8ycTtFaypUYhGg7NtW8cKbJ9nebZc/s1600-h/IMG_3638.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39iyKMdbepqOUJmaskO5wCMeULX6sErYmYs4cUDX-1Ur09C-BoM7xhvyKmjLX4n4r2Il9SDHoJ7ejfucbI4o8B_omPS8CZwsoZdwHRayG7m5hWl8ycTtFaypUYhGg7NtW8cKbJ9nebZc/s400/IMG_3638.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206959429167296738" border="0" /></a><br />Though it's just a small invasion compared to a few years ago when the cicadas were so loud that we couldn't sleep with the windows open, there are enough of the little boogers out there to make things interesting. This is just one of the plants in our backyard to take on a new look this week...Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689990736358348507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156855268909385570.post-25646808829582091672008-05-07T15:09:00.003-06:002008-05-07T15:13:09.146-06:00Lindsay's Big Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEUMoKzNZeqdABHh4gACD1HdwGvnpdK-mpGUCh9c6IlkF8cWPvGAzS3QoqFf1QvLGNxPE4poYpJ9LOuXnkT2hyphenhyphenYjrk4uTG3FneSh5J_ck0VERIBfjp0i1pc1ErjCRE2ArYnwmQxhP2JU/s1600-h/IMG_3315.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEUMoKzNZeqdABHh4gACD1HdwGvnpdK-mpGUCh9c6IlkF8cWPvGAzS3QoqFf1QvLGNxPE4poYpJ9LOuXnkT2hyphenhyphenYjrk4uTG3FneSh5J_ck0VERIBfjp0i1pc1ErjCRE2ArYnwmQxhP2JU/s400/IMG_3315.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197746363915201970" border="0" /></a>I know, we are rarely sighted in the same room these days, but we actually stopped long enough for a long overdue family photo. Lindsay's confirmation went beautifully, and although we hate to admit it, she is in fact growing up.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689990736358348507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156855268909385570.post-86616077428368706792008-05-02T21:25:00.002-06:002008-05-02T21:30:46.671-06:00Family Roundup<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDkeRBMpYQyzx8PNl-k1_X3k7-RRsHAH9SWguou94SomTAJ7nxQ31PUrpEtzFw2FGMAodierBsZ-ghsGxMYuJud0DTjxcilp0dSByuOTUBrMpilxt5jM-fMuFZFMgrSPFXT8NsD9FMow/s1600-h/IMG_3402.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDkeRBMpYQyzx8PNl-k1_X3k7-RRsHAH9SWguou94SomTAJ7nxQ31PUrpEtzFw2FGMAodierBsZ-ghsGxMYuJud0DTjxcilp0dSByuOTUBrMpilxt5jM-fMuFZFMgrSPFXT8NsD9FMow/s400/IMG_3402.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195987953843724786" border="0" /></a>News on the homefront: Lindsay is home from Germany, a little more grown-up for the experience. Johannah is rounding out her 3rd grade year with enthusiasm, and Molly...well, she is ending every conversation with "Why?" and to get mildly hysterical when she is told she can't do/have something. Duke recently ate an entire Frisbee. Believe me. The entire Frisbee. I will spare you the details, except to tell you it was blue, and I have proof.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689990736358348507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156855268909385570.post-7801081199925463272008-04-29T18:23:00.003-06:002008-04-29T18:40:59.151-06:00Losing Face on FacebookAs a teacher, I have to weigh in on the brouhaha as noted in this <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/27/AR2008042702213.html?nav=rss_education">Washington Post article</a> about teachers who mix personal and professional information and pictures on their Facebook pages. Go ahead - read it.<br /><br />God bless the young teachers. God bless their silly little moronic hearts. You'd have to be a special kind of moron to post pictures of yourself on the web these days doing ANYTHING you'd be embarrassed about. Ask <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Music/04/22/people.mileycyrus.ap/">Miley Cyrus</a>. As a teacher, though, you're in a difficult position - you are a professional both on AND off the clock. You are automatically a role model, whether you like it or not -regardless of what subject or grade level you teach.<br /><br />This is not to say teachers need to live like Puritans, but for Pete's sake, don't post anything on your Facebook page you don't want everyone to see.<br /><br />At home - - let your freak flag fly. But don't take pictures. And if you do, don't post them.<br /><br />OMG. Duh.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689990736358348507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156855268909385570.post-3829058376141455902008-04-05T19:10:00.001-06:002008-04-05T19:12:33.325-06:00A Great Frakkin' Summary of BSGIf you want to learn everything you really need to know about <a href="http://gizmodo.com/376179/battlestar-galactica-in-8-minutes-plus-exclusive-spoilers">Battlestar Galactica in 8 minutes</a>, watch this video - ignore the spoilers unless you can take a joke.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689990736358348507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156855268909385570.post-11060022713357726952008-03-29T07:18:00.003-06:002008-03-29T07:21:08.479-06:00Brace Yourselves for Battlestar Galatica!Do what you can to catch up, because the new and final Battlestar Galatica starts next Friday night! I'm actually a little giddy. If you're not watching the show, click <a href="http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/tv/la-ca-battlestar30mar30,1,3696787.story">here</a> to find out why you should be!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689990736358348507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156855268909385570.post-79604044087341598582008-03-27T20:28:00.002-06:002008-03-27T20:30:28.979-06:00She was KINDA excited...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufMEOGZUkRdnAQuLMNTXKCmr7b69x1nmX_eU3fAurX5FlIkEOEAP_gQtv6CtJh_t6v_0M_dN2IhZS6haP8h4PanGR4DAR5A_MAq_Sz-SBm8_SqgoD5Z2uYBtIPmm66A9Vqmvih8TKT1M/s1600-h/IMG_3206.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufMEOGZUkRdnAQuLMNTXKCmr7b69x1nmX_eU3fAurX5FlIkEOEAP_gQtv6CtJh_t6v_0M_dN2IhZS6haP8h4PanGR4DAR5A_MAq_Sz-SBm8_SqgoD5Z2uYBtIPmm66A9Vqmvih8TKT1M/s400/IMG_3206.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182614236200458882" border="0" /></a>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689990736358348507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156855268909385570.post-68288754339698124042008-03-17T19:03:00.015-06:002008-03-17T19:37:56.970-06:00My Fabulous Brothers-in-LawLo and behold, two of my brothers-in-law are in the news today, so I thought I'd share. Please spread their good news! :)<br /><br />ALEX Fazeli is featured in the Persian Mirror, talking about his directorial debut, In the Dark.<br />Read more : <a href="http://www.persianmirror.com/Article_det.cfm?id=1986&getArticleCategory=79&getArticleSubCategory=119"> FILMMAKER TAKES REVOLUTIONARY STORY OUT OF THE DARK</a> -Great pictures, too :)<br /><br /><br />PHIL Mills is featured in the short film <span style="font-style: italic;">The Conservatory</span> which just won a student Emmy. I had the chance to see the film this summer, which also stars the lovely Christine, Phil's girlfriend. The film was directed by, and features, Reed Van Dyk, and I am officially a fan. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br />Read more:</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.boston.com/ae/tv/articles/2008/03/16/television_awards_honors_students_work/"> Academy of Television Arts & Sciences honors shows from college students nationwide</a></span> <p><br /></p>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689990736358348507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156855268909385570.post-50123738244867610562008-03-08T10:19:00.009-06:002008-03-08T14:45:32.814-06:00Bubbles, Boards, & Blizzards<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSicZl4KM2IKP0nhQhJYOhROfutqSR0RVOYVbJbvWCDPn2JmMDgsx9JxhAAoOotbF_EEwq8z8Ug_x-nq7AcyhQWaMSAI9lZyJhjYgu3SmI6VcOfkAyYgAJvLIN8Mako3BnxVQgGRq19XU/s1600-h/IMG_3061.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSicZl4KM2IKP0nhQhJYOhROfutqSR0RVOYVbJbvWCDPn2JmMDgsx9JxhAAoOotbF_EEwq8z8Ug_x-nq7AcyhQWaMSAI9lZyJhjYgu3SmI6VcOfkAyYgAJvLIN8Mako3BnxVQgGRq19XU/s400/IMG_3061.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175474371700491186" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Welcome to a snowbound Saturday in Cincinnati. While I haven't posted about my great trip to California yet, this recent attack of the white death seems to be more pressing. Here are a few videos & pics to help you catch up on Team Cronin events:<br /><br />The deep snow freaked Duke out at first:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUYcbbY5PtFtfrg3neYgtbwDEzziLLFpKgge7Y6XTC3FK5ljXFrguenYJD46fPjfLTHWWaLdrkjYpD7FaE6w732JYRYiYy2IjGNxxraW3l_Ftk_B25Uci37D0NswLUT_8AKv82xoo7W4/s1600-h/IMG_3070.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUYcbbY5PtFtfrg3neYgtbwDEzziLLFpKgge7Y6XTC3FK5ljXFrguenYJD46fPjfLTHWWaLdrkjYpD7FaE6w732JYRYiYy2IjGNxxraW3l_Ftk_B25Uci37D0NswLUT_8AKv82xoo7W4/s400/IMG_3070.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175418846363288418" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Our "new" piano hasn't been tuned yet, but that doesn't stop the practicing at 8am Saturday morning:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPruc3Fg5CFPxwyR1zc6ac2_sGOce_l2QFlHEGwFHx6sQsEP22wSPlJMjgCAW3b-N8Bbk6c6ejHucD5hRyvJcpxhyphenhyphen8URMr2K5HXLpT0ddrFFi6rt2KxkxZpqXlyduDrGt8mzaIZ7iV8c/s1600-h/IMG_3062.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPruc3Fg5CFPxwyR1zc6ac2_sGOce_l2QFlHEGwFHx6sQsEP22wSPlJMjgCAW3b-N8Bbk6c6ejHucD5hRyvJcpxhyphenhyphen8URMr2K5HXLpT0ddrFFi6rt2KxkxZpqXlyduDrGt8mzaIZ7iV8c/s400/IMG_3062.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175419254385181554" border="0" /></a><br />Here are 2 videos - the first of Molly learning to blow bubbles in the tub, and one of Johannah taking a few practice kicks, then breaking her board for her TKD test. Enjoy!<br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OPwxkyqvV08"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OPwxkyqvV08" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object></span></span><br /><br /><object height="350" width="425"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KNKrscR61xI"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KNKrscR61xI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="350" width="425"></embed> </object>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689990736358348507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156855268909385570.post-45669730710518170132008-02-16T10:35:00.005-06:002008-02-16T20:47:47.212-06:00Updates<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAwB2xl1CsR0JOfUPPvFAaClwAaxFH5QWuA1PHz2AEusI-GJfY9BtcQXMLm6p-Gb6f08ZEf7ewijYCV4Oc19lq3V14oNrzao_NdGM5QFtvdfUMNWWtDEtntZwLbHp7sURpb8cSjAkKtE/s1600-h/IMG_2881.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAwB2xl1CsR0JOfUPPvFAaClwAaxFH5QWuA1PHz2AEusI-GJfY9BtcQXMLm6p-Gb6f08ZEf7ewijYCV4Oc19lq3V14oNrzao_NdGM5QFtvdfUMNWWtDEtntZwLbHp7sURpb8cSjAkKtE/s400/IMG_2881.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167618472864173602" border="0" /></a><br />Nothing newsworthy to report here on the homefront, except for a trip to Regional Science Fair for Lindsay (not bad considering that Science class is her worst class because of test grades), a new Senior yellow belt for Johannah (this time she broke the board with her foot, and it looked very cool because she is very small), and the first official ear infection for Molly. Delightful.<br /><br />Brendan had a birthday recently, so for a short time, we are the same age...<br /><br />I am woefully behind on blogging, but also woefully behind on essay grading, so off I go...Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689990736358348507noreply@blogger.com1