Yooper Mamas, Say Ya to da UP, EH?

[russianthistle]

I regularly see posting for postions in social work in the Munising and Marquette area. I also have a friend who has a degree in social work, and since she got her degree has had a steady position. She's had three different positions...has made her way up the pay scale little by little. She started in Marquette and has now settled in Munising (where she is originally from). I'd say that your chances of getting a job in the Mqt. area are not so bad...not as bad as trying to get a job in say, the area of teaching English area (what my degree is in...) I'd say that it might take some patience to find the right position, but there are job to be had.

You can keep an eye on the job market through this website:

http://www.michworks.org/mtb/pages/seeker/search/SearchCriteria.jsp

[MPJJJ]

Thanks for that info! I looked it up and right now there is a position for a foster care worker, but the education requirements are a master's degree. Eek! I wasn't planning on getting a masters, because I've often heard that a masters in SW salary doesn't even compare to the cost of getting the MSW! Do you know if your friend had a BSW or MSW? Oh, and what field does she work in?

[redhotmama]

It may not be your first choice, or the most popular, but there are several prisons in the area. My good friend's dh just got a job in Baraga at the prison after failing to make a go of private practice counseling in Houghton. If you do get a Master's you could always moonlight at one of the colleges, Finlandia, Northern, Michigan Tech or Gogebic. There is a huge labor force in BHK (Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw) which handles child development, Head Start and the like. That's it for my ideas:o

[redhotmama]

It may not be your first choice, or the most popular, but there are several prisons in the area. My good friend's dh just got a job in Baraga at the prison after failing to make a go of private practice counseling in Houghton. If you do get a Master's you could always moonlight at one of the colleges, Finlandia, Northern, Michigan Tech or Gogebic. There is a huge labor force in BHK (Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw) which handles child development, Head Start and the like. That's it for my ideas:o

[MPJJJ]

prison is not something that i want to do, or would ever do. I just want to work with kids. CPS division. Unfortunately I checked and to get liscensed I would have to go to 8 weeks of training. I dont think I could last 2 months without my kids! My prospects are getting smaller...

(And you'd think by age 25 I would have known what I wanted to do with my life...)

[Qerratsmom]

Hi Marie! If you really do want to stay in the U.P. and you do eventually want to get a job in your field, I would recommend switching from bio to sw. There may not be a ton of sw jobs, especially if you don't have an msw, but there are a lot more than for biologists. I love biology and woudln't have wanted to switch but if its a toss up for you than go for the social work. Things do pop up now and again and you can get an MSW through Lake State or Northern on line through GVSU and MSU extension (Tim's looking into it). Plus I think you would make a great social worker!
Good luck with school!! WHew, glad I"m done:lol

[russianthistle]

My friend has a BSW. She first worked in Substance Abuse, secondly in Adult Foster CAre (as Program Director) and is now working at a Nursing home.

[russianthistle]

Oh, and my mom is a prison guard and she says it's not a great envrionment to be in...she thinks it's sad to see young people entering corrections or the prison system...it's just a very depressing way to witness life.

[russianthistle]

Redhot, anything yet? I'm sending you some STRONG birthing vibes right this instant!

[mamamavis]

I have mostly done social work, and one of my most rewarding jobs was working with pregnant and parenting teenage girls and also with girls in jail. Yeah, working at a jail sucks (especially jail for kids!) and all, but it was great to be the one for those kids; I mean, be an adult who wasn't an a-hole, who was there to offer genuine help and support.
I would recommend choosing social work based on your commitment to helping others, not just because it sounds fun or because you need a job. It isn't always fun and can be challenging even during the better times. Though I always worked with "hard" populations, so I am biased about that....just my 2 cents

[redhotmama]

I appreciate the strong birthing vibes...I can use them! I am tired and cranky with my kids and don't like being "in the waiting place" (Dr. Seuss fans will know what I'm talking about) I want to be patient and content but its just not happening:lol
I am huge and the baby is very active. My mom is coming in tomorrow night, I suspect my cervix is holding out for her:p
I'll keep you updated!

[russianthistle]

Hang in there Redhot! I suspect that the cosmos is preparing your mother for a new awareness and perspective toward homebirth. This will be a good thing! As I said before, neither of my parents were too groovy on the homebirth thing. I did allow my mother to be at my house for all of those long laboring hours and I think that just talking to Ellen all the while helped her to see our perspective a little more clearly. I think that she will not have the same anxiousness next time I have a baby (at home!).

[Mrs. Cheerful Face]

I just checked the posts so I'm late in replying, but here goes. You might want to check Helen at By Nature in Houghton for homeopathic teething tabs. I would caution against using a tab with more than one ingred. Some times a fever reducer is included (but not necessarily needed). We have great success with B&T brand Chamomile Homeo. pellets. You can also make chamomile tea popsicles or shlushies too. Not to forget yummy tea, my kids loved to goof around with a straw... The pellets dissolve nicely under the tongue. If you have any questions please pm me.
Marcee

[Qerratsmom]

Hey all, did anyone make it over to the Mqt LLL today? I was too busy with Halloween prepping to make it. Did anyone do anything especially intriquing for Halloween? Tim was working so I took the kids solo trick or treating. COLD but Eileen only had one breakdown so not to bad:lol Kids are tucked in bed fast asleep now, dreaming of candy corn and tummy aches no doubt.

[Mrs. Cheerful Face]

Mama, you are so beautiful. I love your lovely tummy. We are going to have so much fun!!!! I'm really looking forward to meeting your mum. So just put your feet up and take it easy until the "three ring circus" arrives!!!
Marcee- who has been going to bed early every might "just in case!!!"

[Piercedboy]

I'm a yooper, but not a mama! I haven't been in the UP for about 7 years, since I graduated from NMU, but I miss it soooo much! Would love to move back to Marquette!

[redhotmama]

Piercedboy,
I love your siggy!!!!

Mrs. cheerful face, I laid down for three hours today. My kid's brain cells are disintigrating with all the tv, but kids are resilliant:duck:

I shaved my legs for you tonight:thumb

[russianthistle]

No, I didn't make it to LLL yesterday, it just didn't work out. Next month I will be there in full force :)

Kyra, I apologize for not making it out to visit. I really wanted to, but Halloween just ended up being a really chaotic day (as all holidays are in my family). We will have to get together soon! You are a super mama who I'd like to get to know much more :)

Redhot, I"m still sending along those birthing vibes!!!:grouphug

And, Marcee, you do not recommend Hylands teething tablets? My midwife recommended them...tell me more! Casimir still has no teeth, but I'm sure that they're on their way!

[Qerratsmom]

I shaved my legs for you tonight:thumb :rotflmao My babies both came the day before I was "going to shave".

Erin, No worries, we'll get together soon, dh doesn't work as many evenings now so maybe a dinner sometime.

[mamamavis]

. You can also make chamomile tea popsicles or shlushies too. Not to forget yummy tea, my kids loved to goof around with a straw... The pellets dissolve nicely under the tongue.

thanks for the ideas. my baby is just 13 weeks, so a lot of normal teething scenarios don't apply to her yet....but boy, when she is getting her molars i ought to be really prepared!

[Smalls181]

Hey guys! Does anyone know of an actual store in the Soo area that sells good quality diapers. I don't care of they are homemade or profesional. My in-laws live in the Soo and they want to get DD Christmas presents. All that she really needs is diapers, but they don't do the "shop online" thing. I know its probably a stretch, but if anyone has any info, could you PM me? I appreciate it!

[MPJJJ]

There's nobody in the Soo area that sells cloth diapers.

[mamamavis]

Smalls 181-
what about Jillian's in Lansing?
http://www.jilliansdrawers.com/

maybe they could do the gift certificate thing? i had the same issue-- my mom and aunt both wanted to buy us cloth diapers, and my aunt refuses to shop online....my mom picked out everything and bought it online and my aunt gave my mom half the $$. just an idea...

[Mrs. Cheerful Face]

Mamamavis- when my littles were "wee ones" I would drop to tabs in an envelope and crush them with the back of a spoon, then pour the powder into the spoon and administer, or add to bmilk (express some) and spoon into baby. HTH

[Mrs. Cheerful Face]

Russianthistle- I don't dislike Hylands by any means, I was just mentioning that we need to be cautious about admin. fever reducer if not needed. In recent tabs I have noticed the addition of belladona routinly to "teething tabs." A great book esplaining more would be "The ABC Herbal" by Steven Horne, and Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Remedies for Children's Health. Now, there are many ideas contained inside these resources with which I may not totally agree, so as I tell my moms "Eat the fruit and spit out the pit!" Its so exciting to know we as moms, who know our kiddos best can provide relief for common childhood complaints.

Marcee- who had better get cracking on this laundry!!!!

[redhotmama]

Chloe Johnna arrived in a gentle 3 hour 45 min., two pushes -homebirth Saturday morning. What an amazing experience! She weighed 9 lb. 12 oz. and was 22 inches long. She was born into mama's hands on the bathroom floor in the presence of her daddy, sister, grandmother and midwife Marcee. I love everyone and everything right now! I have no soreness ANYWHERE. We are so blessed and happy.

[Qerratsmom]

Congratulations to redhotmama!:thumb Welcome Chloe!

[mamamavis]

Welcome, Chloe! Congrats, redhotmama!!!!

[mamamavis]

Marcee- thanks for the tip! Lily says thanks as well!

[crayon]

Court, you know I love you!!! I am so proud of you and your family- and another little girl??? Yeppie!!!! I love having girls! :)

I called you yesterday! Call me when you are feeling like talking- I need to hear eveything from you- I love her name- fits perfect with you other two girls!

I am so happy for you!

[russianthistle]

Hooray! I'm delighted to hear about Chloe! I've got the chills! It sounds like everything went so beautifully! Congats, Mama! and:w Chloe!!!!!!!

[Qerratsmom]

Even though there is no LLL tomorrow, I'm planning on hanging at the library for a while tomorrow, if anyone gets bored or needs some time out of the house, I'll probably get there around 1:30 or so...

[russianthistle]

Ironically enough, Kyra, I, too, will be at the library :)
It thought to call you...but it looks like arrangements have been made!
I have an oil change appt. at 1:15 so I won't make it right at 1:30...but shortly thereafter I will be there!
SEe you tomorrow!

[Qerratsmom]

Actually, I forgot about voting tomorrow so I may be a little later, but I look forward to seeing you. Oh I would call but lost your number:o You'll have to give it to me again!

[mamamavis]

Hey Mamas! Lily and I will come too. Where do you meet?

[Qerratsmom]

We'll either be in the children's area (lower level) or at the cafe. Look forward to seeing you!
Redhotmama, how are things going??? I hope you are still basking in the high of the post birth experience and enjoying your new baby.

[mamamavis]

:heartbeat

I will be there by 1:45-2pm.

[russianthistle]

Yay! I meant to call you or email you, Mavis, but things have been hectic! Casimir is into everything, which I love...but I have to pay such close attention to him now. He even climbed a couple of stairs the other day....and attempted a step-ladder...oh gee!:dizzy:

[mamamavis]

:heartbeat it was great we all met up today! thanks again for the use of the wrap!

[Snowdrift]

Just saw this thread when I hit new posts and now I'm all sad. No more yoop 'til spring for me. DD and I just got back from our last trip of the year. Camped at Tahquamenon for two nights. Stayed at the state park because the roads into the national forests were all bad, but we were almost the only people there so it was ok. It was lovely but now we won't in all likelihood get back until next spring. Just too cold to camp with DD in deep winter.

Someday we'll move...

[mamamavis]

Have any of you other yooper mamas taken a little one snowshoeing and or winter camping? Got any advice?

[redhotmama]

We've snow shoed with our 4 y/o and an almost 2 year old. The four y/o was light enough to walk right on top of the snow without sinking and our little one we kept in the back pack. You have to be careful that the unexercising ones stay warm enough... It's great to get out of the house as a family in the winter. They love looking for tracks, "ice skating", and the fresh air.
Have fun!

[Qerratsmom]

Hi! We've gone snowshoeing with our kids since they were infants. Like Redhotmama said, you just gotta make sure the immobile babies are warm enough. Jack started snowshoeing with real snowshoes at age 2 and does great. I haven't been winter camping with babies but I have camped in cool weather with them (40s), although I have a hard time sleeping since I"m always worried someone will freeze or suffocate in the sleeping bag! My parents used to sleep with me as a baby in a van in the winter when we visited my grandparents.

[mamatoLL]

where are you guys located? My DH and I are looking to locate up there in the iron mountain area! Any info would be great

[MPJJJ]

Hee, this should be true for the majority of us! (I've bolded out the ones that relate to me!)


You know you are from Michigan...
Body: You think Alkaline batteries were named for a Tiger outfielder.

You can identify an Ohio accent.

Your idea of a seven-course meal is a six pack and a bucket of smelt.

Owning a Japanese car is a hanging offense in your hometown.

You know how to play (and pronounce) Euchre.

The Big Mac is something that you drive across.

You believe that "down south" means Toledo.

You know what and where the "Big Tire" is.

You bake with soda and drink pop.

You drive 75 on the highway and you pass on the right.

Your Little League baseball game was snowed out.

You learned how to drive a boat before you learned how to ride a bike.

You know how to pronounce "Mackinac".

The word "thumb" has a geographical rather than an anatomical significance.

[B][B]You have experienced frostbite and sunburn in the same week. [/

You expect Vernor's when you order ginger ale.

You know that Kalamazoo not only exists, but that it isn't far from Hell.

Your favorite holidays are Christmas, Thanksgiving, the opening of deer season and Devil's Night.

Your snowmobile, lawn mower and fishing boat all have big block Chevy engines.

At least one person in your family disowns you for the week of the Michigan/Michigan State football game.

You know what a millage is.

Traveling coast to coast means driving from Port Huron to Muskegon.

Half the change in your pocket is Canadian, eh.

You show people where you live by pointing to a spot on the palm of your right hand.

You know what a "Yooper" is.

Your car rusts out before you need the brakes done.

Half the people you know say they are from Detroit... yet you don't personally know anyone who actually lives in Detroit.

"Up North" means north of Clare.

You know what a pasty is.

You occasionally cheer "Go Lions- and take the Tigers with you."

Snow tires come standard on all your cars.

At least 25% of your relatives work for the auto industry.

You don't understand what the big deal about Chicago is.

Octopus and hockey go together as naturally as hot dogs and baseball.

You know more about chill factors and lake effect than you'd EVER like to know!

Your snowblower has more miles on it than your car.

Shoveling the driveway constitutes a great upper body workout.

When giving directions, you refer to "A Michigan Left."

You know when it has rained because of the smell of worms.

You never watch the Weather Channel - you can just assume they're wrong.

The snowmen you make in your front yard actually freeze. Solid.

The snow freezes so hard that you can actually walk across it and not break it or leave any marks.

All your shoes are called "tennis shoes", even though no one here plays tennis anyway.

Your major school field trip includes camping and cross-country skiing.

Half your friends have a perfect sledding hill right in their own backyard.

You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends from Michigan.

[mamamavis]

Hey, Qerratsmom-
wanna PM me with E's measurements ( waist/inseam) and I will get busy with the longie?
Mavis

[Snowdrift]

Um, what do people in other states get when they ask for ginger ale? Not Vernor's? :dizzy: :bag: seriously, I dunno of any other ginger ale?

(Ok, I'll stop crashing your thread soon, I promise...)

[mamamavis]

Canada Dry ginger ale! I was forced to drink it when I was a MI ex-pat, living in Oregon....

[Qerratsmom]

Hi Mavis, it was fun hanging today. I'll get those measurements from E tomorrow! thank you!

[mamamavis]

You too! I love that we have that space in our library!
talk to you soon,
Mavis

[MPJJJ]

If I were to start making cloth diapers again, would anyone buy them from me? I used to make diapers for my little ones and for my friends years ago. I stopped because my old sewing machine broke and I couldnt afford a new one. Well, I now have a new machine, and I'd really like to start making them again! But would anyone in the UP buy them from me???

Kyra, was it you who I gave my last (very well used) homemade diaper to? I vaguely remember giving it to someone to dissect, because her mom (or someone in her family) was interested in making some for her...but I don't remember who it was!

[mamamavis]

What type would you make? fitteds, AIO;s, or Pockets?

[MPJJJ]

I made fitted and all in ones.

[russianthistle]

I might be interested. Am using fuzzi bunz now (and LOVE them) but the price rose a crazy amt. in the past couple months...what do you make them out of? I would prob. be more interested in all-in-ones.

[mamamavis]

I would try a fitted. My gal is a supersoaker! We have yet to find a cd to contain it to my satisfaction.....

[mamamavis]

mpjjj, do you have pics??

[MPJJJ]

No, unfortunately I don't. The last remaining diaper I had was one of the first ones I ever made...actually I think it was the second. The first diaper that I made was out of this spare fabric, but it ended up being so stiff that I couldn't even bend it! The diaper literally stood up! Then I made the second out of a recieving blanket, and got it right. My diapers were made primarily out of recieving blankets, though every now and then I made the outsides out of fleece and then I sewn on patches. My favorite was deep purple fleece with cotton inside, and Bambi sewn onto the butt. I gave that one to a friend after my little one outgrew it. That was a sad day, LOL. I miss sewing and cloth diapering, and would like to use them again, but my last little one is potty training! So unless someone is willing to buy them, there's no point in making diapers anymore.

[Qerratsmom]

Marie, it was me who you gave that diaper to. Did I not give it back???? If I still have it, it fell into the abyss with much of my other stuff since all the moving occured. I"m sorry! I'm good on diapers for a while because I think E is going to potty train before I need more, but if not, I would buy some from you.

[MPJJJ]

deleted

[mamamavis]

I am ISO something (anything!) that will work for overnight. Lily is a supersoaker and we have tried everything. Kissaluvs with bummis. firefly hemp with bummis. fuzzibunz with extra wool covers. pockets with 2 or 3 prefold for liners. I want to try mother ease, have heard they are good. I would really like to wean our family off of the "one disposable at night" routine, but I am not willing to lose sleep (mine or Lily's!) with leaks and such. What do you do for overnight? Anybody else succumb to paper dipes at night?

[crayon]

I have never caved- lol... so to speak, when it comes to cloth. But, you are in luck! I have a baby who is potty training and the last 2 nights has gone without a dipe :D That doesn't mean she has not gotten up 4 times at night to pee- but whatever- :lol I do have at least 1 mother-ease I would be happy to send you. I may have 2 but not sure. My DD #2 (Breeze) was the SAME WAY! agh.. it is so hard. I have now realized it is not that she has a huge holding tank- it is that she pees every 15 min- and I am not joking- she asks to go potty every 15 min and she goes. It is blowing my mind. She was the same way when she was a newborn, there was nothing I could put on her that she would not leak through. Except- i would put a prefold with another one inside, snappi it and put a pull up style cover on- like even just a gerber- no joke it was the only thing that worked. We since moved on to using Little Lambs OS for a cover/shell. They seem to work good- only a few leaks here and there.

I would suggest you try to put her on the potty before you go to bed, but she is too small for that yet.

Send me your addy- I will send you a few things ;)

Your siggy says you WAH what do you do?

[mamamavis]

Lily pees every 15 minutes too!

[mamamavis]

crayon--pm'd ya! thanks!

Lily pees every 15 minutes too!

LOL ! Someday she will find out I told the world her pee habits on the internet and be so mad at me!!

[redhotmama]

Hey Marquette Mamas,
I am trying to find out more about the LLL meetings in Marquette...how long has it been since the leader came to a scheduled meeting? Her support leader (who would normally keep in touch with Jennifer and make sure everything is going smoothly for her and the group) recently moved away. While the higher ups are looking for a replacement, I just wanted to make sure everything was all right with Jennifer. I have never met her but when I saw you guys discussing her absence I decided to nose right in!:duck:
Does anyone know her enough to call her? She is the only leader in Marquette right?

[russianthistle]

I don't know Jen, but I did get her #...then I lost it :( I'm not the most responsible person these days. But, Wendy was going to call her (midwife...who I got the # from) last we talked. Querratsmom and I (Mavis? ;)) are planning to meet this Tues. to see if anything is happening. I"ll give you an update after Tues., that is, if anyone shows to lead the meeting or not.

How's that sweet baby?
How's that sweet mama?

[redhotmama]

My sweet baby is three weeks and a day and changing and growing so much already. She is awake for an hour or two at a time now and looks around at us. She is doing a good job of keeping up with my huge milk supply and is very particular about getting in proper burps. I am doing great except that I have no shirts that fit (hello twin peaks!). My mom was here for three weeks and was so amazingly helpful, patient and intuitive regarding the whole family's needs. I miss her now:gloomy:

I'm still working the LLL situation, can't wait to hear how Tues. goes.
When will it snow for crying out loud, I'm tired of the cold with no fun stuff!

[crayon]

Court, glad to hear you are doing well... I have called you a few times- you must be napping with those babies! Well, snow is on its way- we woke up to snow this morning in WA- so that only mean one thing- snow is comin to the UP eh!

You all make me miss MI :(

We went to get some ginger ale the other day for a punch I was making for t-day and Scott said "why didn't you get vernor's" Duh.... They don't got common sence here here in WA~ All I have seen is vernors in MI maybe around the border of WI and in FL.....

[redhotmama]

Hey Ang,
They sell Vernor's at military bases, I guess to keep all those Michiganders happily serving their country. When we moved here and saw a tavern up in Lake Linden with a Vernor's sign, we took a picture of it and sent it to our Michigan Army friends. Amazon is selling groceries now, but I don't know if they sell decent ginger ale:lol
How was everyone's t-day?

[russianthistle]

Redhot, I understand the shirt situation. I had no idea I could get as big as I did. I can sympathize with you! I'm delighted to hear that you and your baby are well!

What's your mom's perspective on homebirth now that she's seen one?

T-day was great! Casimir got to show off his new teeth to everyone. He also tried (and loved) sweet potatoes and reg. mashed. The weather was a little unseasonale, but I didn't mind in the least!

I can wait for snow this year. I'm not quite prepared to bundle C. as well as he might need to be bundled. He doesn't like to have extra items as they constrict his movement. Anything that constricts anything is out for him (including diapers if he had his choice). I love the sunshine and the warmth. I was getting a bit grey while the sun went away for that entire month or two...

[MPJJJ]

deleted

[russianthistle]

I know I said that I could wait for snow...but~

:jumpers: Giant flakes are falling from the sky and it feels wonderful!:jumpers:

[mamamavis]

Qerratsmom, I sent you a PM....

Russianthistle, I saw the giant flakes too! I ran outside and tried to figure out if they were single giant flakes or wet clumps. Up close I thought they wre clumps. Man, if they were hail we would be in trouble!!!

I spent Thanksgiving dinner explaining that actually I am not a bad mother for not feeding my 3 mo, 3week old pumpkin f-ing pie, and that in reality, my not wanting her to choke or develop allergies was my way of looking out for her.....ugh.

[Carrin]

Sorry to jump in here like this, but I posted the following info on a seperate thread and was concerned that nobody got a chance to look at it. I don't know how informed every one is about the Sulfide Mining issue, so I want to pass this info on.... Please take the time to write to Steve Wilson w/the DEQ if you get a chance. Every person who puts in their opinion will be helping toward the cause!

U.P. Sulfide Mining Update

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Looks like things are getting really close to happening up in the Yellow
Dog Plains. Please do what you can to contact the DEQ and put in your feedback in response to this issue. Thank you!!!!

Information on the recent MDEQ decision on Kennecott's mining permit application.

It's time to speak out!


"The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is extending the deadline for its proposed decision on the application for a Mining Permit for the proposed Eagle Project mine until January 9, 2007. The extension allows time for public comment on Kennecott’s response to DEQ’s list of 91 technical deficiencies in the permit application."


Explanation of the DEQ decision:

1. The DEQ is giving the opportunity for the public to comment on Kennecott's responses to the 91 deficiencies.
http://www.deq.state.mi.us/documents...agleAppWeb.pdf


2. This public comment period lasts from now to December 26, 2006.

3. The DEQ will make their proposed decision on January 9, 2007.

4. On Janurary 9, 2006 they will also give the date for the Public Hearing(s) on the mining application. - probably sometime in mid-February.

5. The DEQ will consolidate the public hearings required for the other applications (Groundwater Discharge, Air Quality) into the same hearing time frame - sounds like a multiple day hearing.



What would we like you to do:

1. Look at the following suggested comments provided by the coalition's legal team of experts.

2. Write to the DEQ before Dec 26.
You should send your comments to:
Steven Wilson, Office of Geological Survey,
P.O. Box 30256, Lansing,
MI 48909-7756;
or e-mail at wilsons@michigan.gov.

3. Attend the public meetings
These are yet to be scheduled. The three major permit applications for this project (air groundwater and mining), are most likely going to be combined.
SWUP will make every effort to publicize the dates and times of these meetings when the DEQ releases that information.

Suggested Comments

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality noted 91 deficiencies in Kennecott's permit application. Kennecott submitted new information in their response to the DEQ, yet deficiencies still remain.

The DEQ requested that Kennecott:


1. Submit a plan for monitoring groundwater near chemical storage facilities and for monitoring water quality downstream from the holding basins.
2. Submit a plan to monitor levels of air contamination in the mine and how those contaminates might make their way into the groundwater.
3. Submit information on a "rigorous analysis technique" in relationship to subsidence and the stability of the roof of the underground mine.
4. Submit tables and maps describing the mine's impact on hydrology (water movement).

No new information was submitted by Kennecott in response to any of these requests from the DEQ

New comments and talking points may be available as more people have a chance to read the entire document.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To review Kennecott's overview/synopsis or their entire response.

http://www.deq.state.mi.us/documents...agleAppWeb.pdf
The concise document is found in "Response Document part 1 of 4" in the link above
Note: The entire document has been separated into several individual .pdf files.


Paper copies of the response can be reviewed at the following locations:


Peter White Library, 217 North Front Street, Marquette, MI 49855; contact the Resource Desk at 906 228-9510.


Michigamme Township Hall, 202 West Main Street, Michigamme Township, MI 49861; contact John Olsen at 906 323-6608.


Powell Township Hall, County Road 550, Big Bay, MI 49808; contact the Township Clerk at 906 345-9345.


Michigan DEQ, Upper Peninsula District Office, 420 5th Street, Gwinn, MI 49841; contact Ann Taylor at 906 346-8560.


Michigan DEQ, Office of Geological Survey, 525 West Allegan Street, Lansing, MI 48909-7756; contact Steven E. Wilson at 517-241-1542.

[russianthistle]

I expected that that (the p. pie) would be my issue as well...happily enough, it did not happen! C. ate sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes and loved them. I think I would have had a meltdown if someone would have been too pushy about the food.

Yesterday he tried kidney beans and navy beans...and loved them, too! Now that his two little teeth popped thru, he seems to be eager and ready for food. Goodbye to my sweet clean baby:duck:

[Qerratsmom]

Thanks for posting that info Carrin. There's rumour that if Kennecott is allowed their mine, that a number of other companies are ready to move in with their sulfide mine plans in the U.P. as well. There is even talk of uranium mines in the Eastern U.P should Kennecott get the go ahead. YUCK, yuck, yuck, yuck:gloomy:
The proposed mine site is under the Salmon Trout Creek, a pristine (in the strongest sense of the word) Coaster Brook Trout spawning ground. There has never been a sulfide mining operation to date that has not caused environmental damage.

[russianthistle]

yes, the mining is a very terrible thing! I cannot believe that anyone in his/her right might even consider wrecking the quality of land and water we've got here so that something may be manufactured. It depresses me...the very thought of it causes me anxiety and...well..gee! why would anyone support this?

[Carrin]

I know, it makes me REALLY sad! Kennecott is such a huge company, and they have all the $$$ and the best attorneys. A lot of the nickel that is going to be mined will be used to make batteries overseas. You know, there is such a big shortage these days on batteries. LOL

[russianthistle]

Redhotmama,
Here's the deal with the LLL meetings. There has not been anyone meeting since September. Querratsmom and I met to see if anyone would show up today and no one did. I was not there for the Oct. meeting...but did try to meet the week before the last Tues (which happened to be Halloween), and no one showed that week. And, in Sept. there was no one who met. So, from what I can tell, the Marquette LLL group is defunct.

I believe that, in part, this is due to lack of advertising. I don't remember getting any info from the hospital when Casimir was born, and I've never seen any other information on LLL meetings anywhere in the Mqt. area. I only found out about the group because I sought online for it.

And, Carrin...for batteries oversea?!!? what the #%$&??!!! That is seriously ^%$&-ed up!

[crayon]

I believe that, in part, this is due to lack of advertising.

I would say this plays a part, but I do not think it is the reason- case in point the LLL group in Houghton- it was built by word of mouth- and grew from a livingroom to 3 meetings later needing to be in a church meeting room :jaw It grew that fast. You just have to find the right place to talk about it. Our group started at a play group where we told RedHot to start one and then we told all of our friends and it just kinda snowballed. In fact, the hospital and the OB docs (many of them) had no idea the LLL group was even there. But they do now- or at least it is starting to spread.

In houghton there a a ton of earthy style playgroups so word speard fast. Houghton is VERY AP. But the disadvantage and advantage to both areas is that they are college towns, thus a lot of turn-overs. But, the advantage to that is there are always new women seaking out friends and information. And they tend to be the more active parents- like going to play groups and LLL meetings and MOPS and such.

:)

RedHot- you made my day yesterday! :wink

[mamamavis]

Erin, I found out about LLL from Dr. H, and as far as I know, she is still handing out the leader's phone number to folks as a resource!

[Mrs. Cheerful Face]

Woke up to several lovely inches of snow this morning, finally!!! I was beginning to wonder...
Mama are you doing okay? I heard playgroup was cancelled?? Hope all is well. We are on the mend here, but this virus is vicious, it simply won't leave.:sneeze: :dizzy: :( Hope to be up and running by LLLI meeting Monday. I have to say, the nicest part of this sickness has been watching and rewatching P&P over and % !! That and seeing dh do up the dishes for a change, God bless him!!! Now if he would only have a go at the laundry, :wink timmy has been dry and using the potty for several week now!!!! Don't you just love those cute little toddler panties?? Off I go to eat popsicles and listen for the plow, we need fruit quite desperately!!
Mrs. Cheerful Face

[russianthistle]

Yesterday, on our walk, we saw a bunny. The poor thing was white despite its brown habitat. I felt sorry for the bunny...he was so cute but so terribly obvious amidst the leaves and brush. Today, much snow has fallen and the ground is now white. We're about to go and see if we can see the bunny again, today.

[redhotmama]

OK I have the 411 on Marquette LLL. I spoke to Jennifer this morning and she has stopped having regular meetings due to her very busy family and school life. She does, however, do "meetings on demand" when there is a mom with a strong need. Such a meeting is scheduled for next Friday, the 8th at 1:30 pm at the library in the children's section. I hope you all can make it!
For the record, if any of you are interested in visiting sunny and exciting Hancock, our next meeting is this Monday the 4th at 6:00pm. We also have a playgroup that meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 1:00. I know it's two hours away from Marquette but this is the UP, so that's a quick run:lol
Please feel free to contact me, or 1-800-LALECHE if there is ever a need for questions answered or support. :bfs

It's snowing here and just beautiful:bgbounce

[russianthistle]

Thank you, Redhot, for getting the lowdown on LLL. I do think that there should be regular meetings...if only for connective reasons. I mean, how do other people "find out" about meetings-on-demand such as the one next Fri. I will go next Fri. for the meeting. Perhaps I would like to help Jen out with LLL and perhaps I can learn how to become a LLL leader (or at least assistant or something :)). Anyway, I appreciate what you have done! I know that you have a very busy life as well.

I took Casimir on his first little sled ride this afternoon. Pulled im around a little trail in our yard for about 15 min. At first he seemed delighted by it, then his little lips found themselves in an *almost* pout, like he was on the verge of crying, like it might be a little scary. I pulled him and sang a song or two to cut the scariness. I don't think he's sold on this sled-ride thing, yet.

I'm delighted that winter could be here at last!:wink

[redhotmama]

I wish someone would pull me around on a sled! The past few days have afforded little fun here, as my two eldest have puked on all three beds, a non-washable rug and the couch. I did 10 loads of laundry yesterday:dizzy: Luckily, the baby and I have remained unscathed:bfs
It's still snowing (every reply to every thread will say this until mid-May now!)
LLL is always excited to help moms become leaders, the more the merrier. I know Jennifer would welcome help. I hope you enjoy Friday's meeting!

[mamamavis]

Qerratsmom, did the longies fit E? Or do I need to tailor them a little?LMK

[Qerratsmom]

Hi Mavis, E is very peculiar about clothes (she boycotted them altogether for a week this fall until I realized that she wanted to pick out her own clothes!) Now she will usually only wear pinks and purples and new clothes can take a while for her to "get used to" especially new textures. She hasn't let me put the longies on her yet, but she does carry them around and show them to everyone and loves the pink rick rack tie so I think we are getting close:lol I spend time in the "mamas of hypersensitive children tribe" forum because of her!:o

[mamamavis]

That's cute that she's carrying them around!!!!

[mamamavis]

Q-mom,
I can also make them pinker! LOL. I was trying not to make them "too pink", but couldn't help myself with the rickrack..LMK

[russianthistle]

Oh Redhot, I remember those days from when I was wee. Many a night when I awoke to my sis puking in my hair:dizzy: yuck. I'm glad that you and the baby are, at the least, well. I wish you much more wellness.

This morn C. woke up and waved "Hi" to his Matty-Daddy. It was the sweetest thing. It even broke the icy cold the nearly enveloped us all. It surely feels like winter is here for good. Are you all ready? Our wood is being buried all the more as each inch falls. Today we will work to get one more truck and trailer-load full.

Keep warm, mamas!

[redhotmama]

We are all healthy now, apparently it is a virus that only affects men and children. All the families I know that were affected, the moms and grandmas remained well as the puke rained down upon them. :lol
Maybe moms just aren't allowed to get sick...course the huge multi doses of echinacha, vit. c and multis washed down with copius amounts of tea, water and oj may have helped!
The snow is sooooo beautiful.
DD1 tried out xcountry skiing today. She fell ALOT. I told her it will get better, and hopefully so considering the $$$$ we're putting into skis, trail passes, and lessons:o
I wish that we had a wood stove, we're a slave to the gas man:irked:

[russianthistle]

Glad to hear things are well, Redhot. Casimir has had a high fever for a couple of days, but this morning it seems to have subsided. It reached around 104 last night, but didn't get any higher...boy, that freaked me out a bit. I even sent Matt to Harvey to get some motrin...just in case the fever kept rising. I've read a ton on this and felt that really just letting the fever run its course was the best bet...but when the temp just keeps rising, sometimes that decision seemed not right. The biggest reason why I didn't get too worried is that Casimir seemed, essentially, himself. I mean, he was a little fussy and a little needy...but not listless. He still wanted to play and smiled here and there w/o prompting.

Anyway, I didn't have to use the motrin (yay!) and he seems okay, today.

It looks super stormy outside...big hovering snow clouds and lots of blowing snow. Man, I'm staying in today and making Christmas gifts. Hope you all make it thru the storm safely and happily!

[redhotmama]

What is everyone making for Christmas? For dd2 I am making a baby cradle out of an oatmeal tub. For family I am making lavender salt for cooking and lime candy. Homemade vanilla for local mama friends. I guess that's it. Oh for dh I birthed a 9 lb 12 oz baby in our home and have since given said baby such good milk that she weighed 12 lbs at her 1 month appt.!

[Qerratsmom]

Erin, Glad to hear C is better. Redhot, what a big baby, sounds like my dd, my ds was always such a little squirt, I was totally unprepared for my big ol' dc2 but big babies are so much fun :)
I need to get my hands on a sewing machine and I will be making ds a star wars duvet cover from an old (ancient) star wars sheet I found at Goodwill. Both kids are getting dolls (ds's is an uncirced little boy) with some of my old doll clothes and assessories I found at my mom's house. Right now I am about to help the kids make some wrapping paper. The lavender salt sounds really nice
Kyra

[MPJJJ]

deleted

[russianthistle]

I am thinking of relocating to Marquette to pursue a career in radiography... can you tell me about Marquette? I was there for a day earlier this spring, we really just stayed in the hotel and the hospital (ds needed an MRI) so I didn't get to see much of the area, but what I did see was gorgeous! So I've got some questions... are there many places to ride horses? Has anyone been to the UU church? Is there an abundance of rental homes? (Maybe with land, which will accomodate a horse... I could be stretching a little, LOL) :lol So... all you Marquetters, talk to me!

Marquette's a great place to be. There is a wonderful natural living community that is growing. The co-op is super groovy and the people who work there love to work there...they also love kids. The Peter White library has an excellent children's area as well as an excellent little cafe. There is also a nice children's museum, a nice nature center, and the town in general is very kid friendly. Also, there are a ton of gorgeous beaches.

I've got a friend who has a couple of horses...I can ask her for more info...but I do know that there is at least one trail system, Blueberry Ridge, open to horses just outside Marquette. It is a great set of trails (excellent skiing in the winter!). I'm sure that there more places to ride horseback. There are trail systems (it seems) everywhere! The hiking is one of the main attractions in the area, I think.

I'm feel like it could be possible to find a rental where you could have a horse. The rent outside of town would be cheaper, too. If not, I do know a person or two that boards horses, near town. I am not sure if I would consider the rental market to be abundant, but there is always at least one or two places that I see in the classifieds that seem like places I'd like to move to. I prefer to live outside of town (about 20 miles).

My biggest complaint about Mqt. is the job market. It can be slim pickins...

I think that anyone who can live in the U.P. would love Marquette. It's a really great place to be, much of the time.

[russianthistle]

And, for Christmas, I am making a myriad of gemstone and silver jewelry,a few mobiles, some recycled vinyl bowls (out of crappy LP's), and a magic wand or two. I'm a little behind at this point...I wish I had more free time. I may also make a batch of facial scrub and/or mask, and perhaps some room and carpet deoderizers. I have a TON of people to get/make gifts for. We'll see how much I can get done and how much I'll have to buy.

The magic wands are fun, they are made of drift wood and quartz points...then beaded/decorated at the point where the quartz and wood meet. I use no glue, just wire, beads, and hemp. My friend Michelle (who's over 30...) has requested a magic wand this year for Christmas.

THe facial scrub I make is a flower and grain combination that does not leave the skin dry (like many...). The mask is my homemade version of the Burt's Bee's facial mask.

At this point, I have no actual personalized gifts together...just 18 more days! :dizzy:

[Yooper]

I have a friend of a friend that is looking for a doula in the Houghton area. I know of one but she wants to talk to a few (if we even have a "few"). If anyone knows anyone, please PM me.

I am also wondering what the current midwife situation in Houghton is. Anyone know? People ask me all of the time since I had dd at home, but I was under the impression that Karen is no longer practicing due to illness.

[russianthistle]

So, Kyra, Mavis, and I all met at the library with our children...in the children's area, at 1:30 p.m...with hopes that there would actually be a LLL meeting. No such meeting occurred. I couldn't believe it! So, no there was no impromptu meeting that occurred. We were disappointed. :irked:

[mamamavis]

Yooper, I have a friend in Calumet who is looking for a doula...LMK if you find anything out!

Erin, yeah. My golly. LLL is in a sorry state. Unless you count the 4 women and 5 children who did show up today!
I think we ought to just cause it back into existence by showing up all the time. Who is in?

[russianthistle]

I'm in! :) I'm sure you know that. And, I found jen's # in my purse yesterday.

[MPJJJ]

deleted

[mamamavis]

For Christmas:
so far I am making
one quilt, longies, more longies, tie-dyed onesies, a tutu, earrings, a silk necktie, a velvet scarf, finishing two paintings, homemade organic dog biscuits, truffles, and I forget what else.
Qerratsmom, want to come over and sew?
Russianthistle, your body care stuff sounds rad! We should trade gists to gift, I think my entire family has about had it with the velvet scarves adn homemade wine..what do I think this is, Austin POwers III or the yule?
LOL

[Qerratsmom]

Hi Mavis, I'd love to come over and sew, I'll email you!

Here's to bringing back Mqt LLL!


Kyra

[russianthistle]

I would love to trade gifts! sometimes I wish that all of the things that I have were handmade items from people who I traded my stuff with. if only I never had to buy another thing ever...

[redhotmama]

Just finished up a double batch of candy, yummy red cinnamon and ugly army green mint:lol
I am so bummed that Jen was a no show for LLL! Maybe her kids got sick or something...I told her you guys would show:o
There are two doulas in the Houghton/Hancock area that I know of. Anyone else interested can pm me.
Keep working ladies, only 14 days to go!

[mamamavis]

how do you make lavender salt? and what do you put it on?

[redhotmama]

Lavender salt is made from a box of kosher salt (although a good sea salt, grey or pink would be much better and pricier), two or three fistfuls of organic, cooking grade lavender flowers (available at our co-op for cheap) and 10 or so drops of lavender oil again organic and food grade. You mix it together and let it sit for a couple of weeks. I packaged it in an assortment of jars that I recycled (maple syrup bottles, jelly jars, etc.) and pretty glass containers I picked up from the thrift store. Lavender salt is tasty in chicken soup, sprinkled on roasted vegetables, grilled meats. Its the only way my kids will eat veggies!:o Whwn preggo, I've been known to eat it by the pinchful....

[mamamavis]

yum. I'll have to make some. Thanks for the tip!
I really miss the Keweenaw Co-op. I used to live on Lincoln Street in Hancock and would walk to the coop nearly every day to get stuff for making dinner. I was vegan when I lived in the Keweenaw. Now I think, how the heck did I pull that off?

[Qerratsmom]

Hey mamas sorry I missed Marquette's coolest unofficial playgroup today but I did get some chocolate ginger cookies made and they are awesome:thumb but not as awesome as hanging with you gals would have been, I figured no one would appreciate me bringing my two snotty nosed kids along if yours ended up sick for Christmas because of it :lol :sneeze:

So lets everyone think of snow! snow! snow! snow! Where is it? Who has it?
Bring some right HERE!

[russianthistle]

Oh Kyra, we missed you! I do appreciate your forethought, however...I do not want a sick kid for Christmas...although, I somehow doubt that Casimir would have gotten sick. I have good strong immunities in my milk :lol

Oooo!!! Chocolate ginger cookies! I am a glutton when it comes to dessert. If I could only eat dessert all the time, I would be in absolute heaven!

I just finished making a tasty Moroccan stew. I think that Matty will love it. It will keep him warm at work tomorrow. He's working outside all winter. I don't envy his position at all.

There WILL be snow for Christmas. I cannot remember one Christmas where there has been none. Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

[redhotmama]

I saw on a tv today that the snow will fly tomorrow, it had better! I was promised a white Christmas every year here no matter what. Come on Yooper snow:raz

[Qerratsmom]

So ok Yooper mamas. Where is the snow? Is there any up in Houghton? Over in the Soo? Nothing in Marquette:( I'm starting to get worried.....

[redhotmama]

We received about 3-5 inches of really heavy wet snow the night before last. It's not good skiiing snow but at least it's white:loveeyes:
Surely Santa will bring you some too!
Who's going on a wrapping frenzy tonight? Mulled wine, Nat King Cole and I have a date:)

[MPJJJ]

We have none on the island, the Soo, or here in Kinross. And to be honest, I'm kinda enjoying the clear roads and bright sunny skies... although I'm a little bummed that the kids won't be enjoying their new snow tubes that are waiting under the tree...

[russianthistle]

How was everyone's Christmas???
Casimir had a wonderful time opening gifts, being handed from one set of arms to the next, not napping, and not pooping. This morning's diaper was something to be reckoned with! All the travel and commotion went better than I expected. We are all glad that the holiday is through, that we can rest, and that we can just hide out in our tiny house and pretend that the rest of the world doesn't exist for the day.

Oh, and there was officially no snow for Casimir's first Christmas. We did get a very light dusting last night, but essentially, it was a green Christmas.

I hope you all had peaceful holidays!

[MPJJJ]

It was a green christmas here too, except we also got a small dusting of snow last night. Our christmas was, well, one to remember. LOL. Two AM we were awakened to one kid getting sick. 3AM another kid got sick. 4AM we were all lying awake in bed, so we decided to get up and open presents. Both kids were feeling all better by 9am, then DH gets sick and spends almost all day in bed. I spent the day cleaning house and putting gifts away while DH slept and the kids played. As far as gift wise, it was the best christmas for the kids because they got a bunch of new wooden instruments (they can now start a band!) and a bunch of other wooden toys that I know they will enjoy for a long time to come. How was everyone else's holiday?

[redhotmama]

Our holiday was mellow and relaxing. We stayed in pjs all day and fiddled with our new gadgets. We had dinner at a dear friend's house, boy can that woman cook! Must start using my new gym membership:o
DH's parents sent many gifts that arrived in a very large box. DD's have been playing in it, drawing on it, wanting to sleep in it. So Christmas morning, while they're all occupied elsewhere, DH and I decide it's time for the box to find it's way to the garage to await recycling. DD 1 discovers its absence and commences to howling, crying, wringing her hands. All her new books, clothes, and toys forgotten. She wants the box. And that, my friends, is why its good (and it pays) to keep it simple:lol

[redhotmama]

I feel like dancing, WHOO, dancing!!!!
:bgbounce :Sheepish: :tiphat: :bigeyes :grouphug :clap :twothumbs :hearts :-wool :carrot :banana :snap :broc: :p :loveeyes: :lol

Crayon, care to join?
:champagne :champagne :champagne :champagne :champagne :champagne

[Mrs. Cheerful Face]

I do believe I feel like dancing!!!! Wow

:love :dizzy: :lol :blush :mischief :bouncy :grouphug :rotflmao :jumpers: :jaw :broc: :broc: :broc: :carrot :carrot

[crayon]

I feel like dancing, WHOO, dancing!!!!
:bgbounce :Sheepish: :tiphat: :bigeyes :grouphug :clap :twothumbs :hearts :-wool :carrot :banana :snap :broc: :p :loveeyes: :lol

Crayon, care to join?
:champagne :champagne :champagne :champagne :champagne :champagne

What dancing!!! I am so FREAKING IN BABY!!! :bgbounce :Sheepish: :tiphat: :bigeyes :grouphug :clap :twothumbs :hearts :-wool :carrot :banana :snap :broc: :p :loveeyes: :lol

There are just no words... Just am so dang excited..... Dancing.... :banana

[Yooper]

Well, Houghton got a little more interesting last night.......

Dh was up late watching a movie while dd and I were asleep upstairs. At 1:30am, dh heard a strange noise. Then the sound of someone spinning thier tires. Dh went outside to find a FULL SIZE PICK-UP TRUCK in our backyard. We live on one of the cliffs of Houghton and the only way for something to get into our backyard is down a 20 foot drop from the road. Some kid coming home from the bar took the corner too fast, oversteered, and drove right down the drop-off into our backyard. How he missed the house and garage is beyond everyone. Then, he thought he would try and make a break for it by putting his truck in reverse. He ran into the wall and just spun his tires digging huge holes in our yard. There was no getting out of there. Even a very very drunk person should have figured that one out. It is a 20-foot WALL! Duh. Dh ran outside while calling 911. The guy ran off leaving his truck. The cops and towtruck guy were amazed at it all. They had to fish the truck out like a drowned rat. It was actually dangling at one point. Cops found open beer and pot in the truck. Quite exciting. I had just walked home from downtown one hour before that. I shudder to think that people like that are on the road while I am on foot......ironically because I had a we-all-got-the-kids-to-sleep-at-the-same-time-beer with the girls and did not want to be irresponsible and drive.......

[redhotmama]

Yooper,
It was me! I took the "I've been toasted" a little too seriously. Can I wait to fix your yard until the snow melts?:lol

[Qerratsmom]

ok, just settle down over there in Houghton, you're having too much fun!


We finally got home last night after 6 visits to relatives and friends in 5 days! YIKES!. I'm tired today, dh is working and kids are playing intently with their Christmas goods. ANyone doing anything exciting for the new year?

[russianthistle]

:lol :carrot :banana :broc: :violin :jammin :snap :drum: We're dancing too! Little C. actually showed us his first hot dance moves today!
:carrot :banana :broc: :violin :jammin :snap :drum:

Yooper, WOW! a 20ft. drop in a truck and still trying to escape!??!:dizzy: Wow!

Happy New Year ladies!:champagne

[Mrs. Cheerful Face]

I'm just so sick and tired of certain folks showing up at LLLI who aren't the least bit interested in lactating, and just want to talk about their own ajenda. This has happened before and I have to hand it to our fearless:wink leader and how she puts on her game face and constantly redirects back to the night's topic. There is some unashamedly outrageous "trolling" for biz. going on and it is frightening away diff. mamas. We want to talk about bf, even though we all share many other things in common. But for heaven's sake its LLL not birthchoices international. Several mamas won't ever come to another meeting because they've been make to feel like they've made "bad" choices, leaving condemned. We have such an awesome core of ladies and the group is growing by leaps. We're working hard to draw in all ladies who want to talk about bf and its joys and challenges and payoffs and all. The rest can just wait till playgroup, which, thankfully, is invite only. Any interested ladies just let us know. Okay, I'm done now.:dizzy:

[crayon]

Girl CALL ME!!!!!

[Yooper]

I'm just so sick and tired of certain folks showing up at LLLI who aren't the least bit interested in lactating, and just want to talk about their own ajenda. This has happened before and I have to hand it to our fearless:wink leader and how she puts on her game face and constantly redirects back to the night's topic. There is some unashamedly outrageous "trolling" for biz. going on and it is frightening away diff. mamas. We want to talk about bf, even though we all share many other things in common. But for heaven's sake its LLL not birthchoices international. Several mamas won't ever come to another meeting because they've been make to feel like they've made "bad" choices, leaving condemned. We have such an awesome core of ladies and the group is growing by leaps. We're working hard to draw in all ladies who want to talk about bf and its joys and challenges and payoffs and all. The rest can just wait till playgroup, which, thankfully, is invite only. Any interested ladies just let us know. Okay, I'm done now.:dizzy:

Huh?

Spamming at LLL? That is so strange. I was active in the old LLL up here when dd was still bfing and do not think I ever encountered that. What are people trying to sell? If they are not lactating, can't they be told to leave?

[crayon]

I'm just so sick and tired of certain folks showing up at LLLI who aren't the least bit interested in lactating, and just want to talk about their own ajenda. This has happened before and I have to hand it to our fearless:wink leader and how she puts on her game face and constantly redirects back to the night's topic. There is some unashamedly outrageous "trolling" for biz. going on and it is frightening away diff. mamas. We want to talk about bf, even though we all share many other things in common. But for heaven's sake its LLL not birthchoices international. Several mamas won't ever come to another meeting because they've been make to feel like they've made "bad" choices, leaving condemned. We have such an awesome core of ladies and the group is growing by leaps. We're working hard to draw in all ladies who want to talk about bf and its joys and challenges and payoffs and all. The rest can just wait till playgroup, which, thankfully, is invite only. Any interested ladies just let us know. Okay, I'm done now.:dizzy:

Huh?

Spamming at LLL? That is so strange. I was active in the old LLL up here when dd was still bfing and do not think I ever encountered that. What are people trying to sell? If they are not lactating, can't they be told to leave?

Agh.. I so wish I would have been there :hopmad Why can't people behave themselves! Gosh... And why on earth would anyone want to make a woman feel like she was a complete moron for either not being educated (as she is trying to learn more obviously or she would not put herself out there to even attend a LLL meeting) or two, for making an informed choice that someone didn't agree with.

Yes the leader there is fearless... Wonderful... and totally "together"- bravo super leader :wink

LLL is for support for women who are lactating or will be lactating or have lactated and willing to offer support. IT IS A SUPPORT GROUP PEOPLE! not a "you birth that way, you sinner" group....

I am also so glad that playgroups are invite only! Imagine the headaches and blood pressure we would all have if we had to deal with wack jobs on a regular basis!

[russianthistle]

I wish we here near Mqt. could even have the opportunity to complain about our LLL...it's still a no go. But, the mamas who are interested in getting it back on track still meet regularly :)

[Yooper]

Agh.. I so wish I would have been there :hopmad Why can't people behave themselves! Gosh... And why on earth would anyone want to make a woman feel like she was a complete moron for either not being educated (as she is trying to learn more obviously or she would not put herself out there to even attend a LLL meeting) or two, for making an informed choice that someone didn't agree with.

Yes the leader there is fearless... Wonderful... and totally "together"- bravo super leader :wink

LLL is for support for women who are lactating or will be lactating or have lactated and willing to offer support. IT IS A SUPPORT GROUP PEOPLE! not a "you birth that way, you sinner" group....

I am also so glad that playgroups are invite only! Imagine the headaches and blood pressure we would all have if we had to deal with wack jobs on a regular basis!

Ha ha! Ok, I was thinking someone was coming to LLL peddling Tupperware or Amway or something. I was like "tell them to LEAVE!" Call the cops if you have to...... That makes a little more sense but is still completely inappropriate. Not sure how you should handle that. Are they gonna come back for every meeting? I would have freaked on anyone that tried to play Monday-morning-quarterback in regards to the birth of my child at my first post-partum LLL meeting.

[redhotmama]

LLL does not have an official stance on birth other than to say an unmedicated birth may allow for for a more successful relationship. I'm going to have to harness my inner Crayon and start knocking heads together (in a gentle discipline way of course:wink )

Thanks for all the backing Houghton mamas!
Marquette mamas, I tried, I really did. I'll persist on :loveeyes:

[Mrs. Cheerful Face]

I'm so glad for our local LLLI and the women involved here. It is really making a diff. the lives of so many mamas. A few bad apples aren't going to undue all our leader's hard work. Thanks to the persistance of this wonderful mama our group is really something to look forward too. We all need to circle the wagons if this continues, strength in numbers... Can't wait for the next meeting, our library is in great shape and we have new mamas to encourage. RAh, rah, rah...:wink

[russianthistle]

Winter has fallen over night! I hope it is here to stay.
EArlier this morning, someone wrote to me: "Aren't you glad you don't live in Colorado, anymore..."

NO, I'm not glad...they have snow and we do not. Those in Colorado can ski and sled and, gee, even, shovel. I cannot believe that I miss shoveling, but I do! I even miss scraping ice and snow off of my windshield.

:dust Here are great vibes for the snow to fall and fall and fall and fall:dust

[Qerratsmom]

Downtown Marquette only has a dusting, but hopefully more to come...its just too eerie for it to be January with no snow.
Any takers for playgroup tomorrow?

[redhotmama]

We got a few inches:broc:

[russianthistle]

We'll be there, but I think that Mavis will not. Heidi will be there, too. I was thinking 2 would be good for us. We met at noon last week...it was just too early for me to get myself together. CAsimir usually doesn't get up until 9-10 a.m.

[Qerratsmom]

The DEQ has agreed preliminarily to a sulfide mining permit for Kennecott Minerals. Now is the time to speak out. PLEASE.
www.savethewildup.org

[wheatie]

well, i just read this entire thread, and i am not from nor do i live in the up! i've ALWAYS wanted to move there(marquette area, especially). i hope to get up there someday, it's just so prettty, so laid back, so friendly...ahhh. i just want to go there for vacation, it's been too long!!

and we've always wanted to go to hiawatha(obviously won't happen this year, but i think next year it WILL for sure happen!)

[russianthistle]

Wheati,
You should come to Marquette for HIawatha...it is the best holiday, ever! Hiawatha is a magical land where we dance amongst the locusts as if we are fairies and butterflies. I've decided that Hiawatha beats out Christmas, Halloween, and yes, even my birthday. You should come!

[crayon]

Hey ya'll.... Okay- you Ho-town ladies keep your eyes open for a house for us! We want 2-4 bedroom, close to town- walkable to Redhot or Mrs. Cheerful's.... I would say Hancock because then Scott can just walk or bike to the office. I would say about $500-$800 per month is what we are looking at- of course if something cute comes up under $500 I am in ;) We want to start rent in March- we will be back March or April- if I have to pay for Feb, I will, but I would rather start in March- I can hold off until April too, because my lease here is not done until March 31st (Happy B-day to Rainey!!!) - but I will leave this money sucking hell hole if I find a place there sooner :D

Help me out mamas!

PS... That monthly rent amount - I would like that to include utilities! :P

[redhotmama]

Since I am the paper reader for our group, I'll get on it Crayon!

russianthistle, tell me about Hiawatha... I want to be a butterfly:o

[Leta]

Hey there ladies...

I am a yooper mama, too. I live in Ishpeming. We moved up here in August of 2005.

We love it here, but lord only knows how long we'll be able to stay up here. I graduate from NMU in May, and don't feel like I have half a chance finding a job up here. :gloomy:

Does anybody know of any midwives up here?

Oh, and how bad does the DEQ suck?! Say NO to sulfide mining!

Always on the lookout for cool IRL friends.

[redhotmama]

Marquette has at least two, Houghton, two, and Iron Mountain, one. You're bound to find one with whom you mesh.[/COLOR]

Oh, and how bad does the DEQ suck?! Say NO to sulfide mining!

:truedat:


:w Yooper Mama!

[russianthistle]

[QUOTE=Leta;7008891]
Does anybody know of any midwives up here?
[QUOTE]

Yes, there are two in Mqt. who work together. Ellen and Wendy. Great team! They are called Tree of Life Midwifery care. If you need a # pm me. Otherwise, drop in the cafe at Peter WHite LIbrary; Ellen works there many days a week. Or, there is probably a card on the board at the Mqt. Food Co-op.

[mamaley]

Hi Yooper mamas! I live in Texas, but dh applied for a job in Houghton--not sure if he's going to get it, and he's applying for some other ones too, but I'm kind of excited about the idea of living there, partly because it's so completely different from where I am now.

Anyway, I have a couple of questions. As I said, I'm in Texas now, and last week the weather was in the 70s. We just got an "ice storm" and the whole town is pretty much shut down...it's very hilly here, and no one has a clue as to how to drive in this stuff. So we're indoors all day, and this got us thinking--what do you do, if you live in the UP, since it's probably colder and more snowy or icy than this on a regular basis? Do the kids just play outside anyway? I would assume so... I'm sorry if this is a stupid question, I've been in the south for too long. :o

Oh yeah, my other question was about the schools in Houghton? Are they good? What do you think of them?

Hope it's ok that i'm hijacking.

[Yooper]

Hi Yooper mamas! I live in Texas, but dh applied for a job in Houghton--not sure if he's going to get it, and he's applying for some other ones too, but I'm kind of excited about the idea of living there, partly because it's so completely different from where I am now.

Anyway, I have a couple of questions. As I said, I'm in Texas now, and last week the weather was in the 70s. We just got an "ice storm" and the whole town is pretty much shut down...it's very hilly here, and no one has a clue as to how to drive in this stuff. So we're indoors all day, and this got us thinking--what do you do, if you live in the UP, since it's probably colder and more snowy or icy than this on a regular basis? Do the kids just play outside anyway? I would assume so... I'm sorry if this is a stupid question, I've been in the south for too long. :o

Oh yeah, my other question was about the schools in Houghton? Are they good? What do you think of them?

Hope it's ok that i'm hijacking.

I have spent a lot of quality time in TX. My mom is from there and we spent about one omnth a year there split between summer and winter..... I akways bragged to my friends that I wore shorts on Christmas day:)

Yep, we go outside:) Dd and I go for a walk daily. I just bundle her in the stroller and walk for about an hour daily. I only skip it when the windchill is below 0. Then dd and I went sledding down our yard and shovelled the drive for another hour in the afternoon. That is pretty typical. The roads are covered in snow/ice so you will have to learn to drive in it but they clear and sand it very well. There is also a winter driving course that I took which was very helpful. I find with snow tires and anti-lock breaks make it almost like driving on dry pavement. We live on an absolute cliff but have never been stranded.

I do not know much about the schools. I live right down the road from the elementary school and they seem fine. Everyone I know that is involved seems happy. We are unschoolers so I probaby will never know.......

[Qerratsmom]

The nice thing about the U.P. is we usually (although this winter has been a bit different) don't get the ice, more of the white fluffy snow so it is not dangerous to walk in, its great for sledding and skiing though. The only bummers about winter, I find, are driving and bundling up two kids (one who hates mittens). But if its above 0 or so, we are out in it almost every day. Also I'm not usually into sports but I do like to go to hockey games, which are very big around here in the winter.

[redhotmama]

Welcome Mamaley! I hope you can soon know the joy of being a Yooper Mama:loveeyes:

My DH is from Corpus Christi and loves it here because he despises the burning hot Texas sun. I love it here because it is so similar to my Oregon hometown. Keep us updated....

[russianthistle]

Oh, Redhot! you'd love Hiawatha! There is an excellent kids scene, complete with kids music...a regular performance is done by a local group of crunchy moms called Barefoot n' Mukluk'd (sp?), there are a lot of crafts, a kids parade and performance (on stage!), and an annual maypole.

There is always a slew of really groovy (and quite varied) music...some favorites of last year were: a West African band (really from Africa! This was Casimir's favorite...he was enthralled by the djembe dude), a band called The Mammals (frontlined by Pete Seeger's grandson, need I say more), and the Wild Goose Cloggers (I love cloggers).

I usually camp in section B, but had trouble going to bed at my early-for-Hiawatha-hour, so this year I will be setting up camp in either the quiet section or, more optimally, in the Locust grove, along the river. The only issue I had w/ little C (he was just 4 mo.) was that I had trouble sleeping when he wanted to go to bed.

What I esp. love about Hiawatha is that people turn into fairies and butterflies. What I mean by this is that everyone seems to carry a little bit of majik in his and her steps. People dance here and there, and there is many a campsite welcoming people and sharing both food and drink with one another. There is music hidden in nooks and crannies, and at night, we wander about in the dark looking for music to which we can sing and dance.

Here's the website:
http://www.hiawathamusic.org/

[mamaley]

Thanks for the responses :) It's snowing here today! No one can believe it and it's really fun. I have neighbors who haven't seen snow since they were in preschool, if ever. Our neighbor, who is coincendentally from Houghton, smiled at me and said "this is a typical Spring day in Houghton!" Good to know there's winter driving courses, because I think that would help out, though I used to drive in ice when i lived in Oklahoma and was ok at it. Anyway, thank you!

[Qerratsmom]

I second the Hiawatha magic. Its what my dh and I and now my son look forward to all year. I wish I could live in Hiawathaland forever.

[redhotmama]

I can't go this year as that is the same weekend as the LLL International Conference in Chicago. I have been saving my pennies! I'm going to try to get on Oprah, too, although it will take a small miracle. Will you all tune in? :bouncy
Hiawatha sounds dreamy, though. I love music, I love to camp, I love UP summers, I love happy people. What a combo:Sheepish:

[russianthistle]

This weekend, I went out skiing w/ Casimir tied to the front of myself. We have a mini-trail along the river by which we live, and Matty and I were bound and determined to make that trail a ski trail now that there's is snow (yay!:lol)
The skiing went well as long as I didn't venture on to anything except flat terrain. Next stop, snowshoeing w/ baby tied to me!

So...I've been back to being totally into getting the Mqt. LLL back on its feet. I feel like I've been such a dud concerning the LLL situation here. I thought I had Jen's number, but I don't...I meant to call, but haven't...

I have been looking, this morning, high and low online, for the other contact info. concerning the Mqt. group. The info is not present.

I am wondering what to do about this...I would like to become a LLL member (I am not already...) and was reading that LLL encourages to sign up through the local chapter. How do I do this when no one ever meets? And, like I said before, I'd like to get a chapter going in Munising as well.

I was talking to someone a week or so ago who agreed that there needs to be some kind of parenting support in Munising. At this point, I know of nothing and that town seriously needs some help/support in the parenting dept.

Any suggestions of what I can really do to get these things to happen? I'd really like to become a member and a leader. Help me advocate, please!!!

[redhotmama]

The skiing went well as long as I didn't venture on to anything except flat terrain.

nak! i hear you, i want a pulk so badly i can taste it. i am soooo way too cheap though:lol

So...I've been back to being totally into getting the Mqt. LLL back on its
Any suggestions of what I can really do to get these things to happen? I'd really like to become a member and a leader. Help me advocate, please!!!

although not typical or ideal,becoming a leader via long distance is not unheard of. pm me and we can exchange numbers.
Are you from Munising?

[russianthistle]

I dont' know what a pulk is!
Thanks for your help, Redhot. Yes, I am from Munising, but I live in Deerton (which is nearly equidistant from Marquette and Munising). I spend a lot of time in both communities.

[russianthistle]

Okay, I've looked up what a pulk is. Yes, I am familiar with them. Matty's family has one or two for all the ice fishing they do. It would make skiing w/ child ideal. I am unsure, however, of whether I would take a pulk down a hill. I like hilly difficult trails best.

[Qerratsmom]

You can make a makeshift pulk with some rope and a plastic sled. We've skied and snowshoed a bit of a distance with one like this around our wastes pulling a kid, mostly on flat terrain however. Someday we'll have a better one. I'll be at LLL next week!

[mamaley]

Hi again, Yooper mamas. I posted here a week or two ago...my dh is applying for a job in Houghton. I was wondering if there are many homeschoolers up there, and if there are, are they mostly Christian homeschoolers?

Thanks for letting me ask UP questions on your thread. :)

[crayon]

Hi again, Yooper mamas. I posted here a week or two ago...my dh is applying for a job in Houghton. I was wondering if there are many homeschoolers up there, and if there are, are they mostly Christian homeschoolers?

Thanks for letting me ask UP questions on your thread. :)

Hi- there are a ton of homeschoolers and a ton of homeschool activities. I would say they are mostly Christian families- but not all of them. And I am very much not Christian but they seem to still love me none the less :lol

It is just a pretty religious area. But, you kinda just take what you want and pass the rest. I have not let the religious stuff stop us from going to church activities, or playing with other kids- in fact Mrs. Cheerful Face is religious and her kids are too- and my Rainey is not- well at least we are not- for some reason she LOVES the movie "Prince of Egypt" and the gospel channel :lol we are not a religious household. But I can not wait to come home in a few months and have her back with her firends (Mrs. Cheerful Face's kids) and her other friends that are also raised in Christian based homes.

[mamaley]

Crayon--that's great to know, about it being a religious place. As long as people don't think we're freaks for not going to church (I was raised in the bible belt--lol--had some weird experiences dealing with that), then we'll be ok. :)

[crayon]

Crayon--that's great to know, about it being a religious place. As long as people don't think we're freaks for not going to church (I was raised in the bible belt--lol--had some weird experiences dealing with that), then we'll be ok. :)

Yeah it is fine in the UP- even some of the religious moms I know do not even go to church- they just practice at home. And besides if you move there I would welcome a fellow non-going side kick! :wink

[mamaley]

And besides if you move there I would welcome a fellow non-going side kick! :wink

:lol Sounds good!

[Yooper]

Yeah, there is a pretty large religious community up here but we have not had any trouble being non-religious. There are plenty of non-religious people around:) And everyone seems to get along about most things. I have heard wind that there is a non-christian-based unschooling/homeschooling playgroup that recently started up. I do not know much about it though.

[Mrs. Cheerful Face]

Hi Mamaley- We would so love to see your family get moved here. We welcome more crunchyness in the area for sure!:wink I sometimes think there is more going on hs wise here than when I lived in WA. But my kiddos are of an age to participate much more too. I would hazzard to guess one of the best things about our rockin playgroup is there are so many different kinds of mamas attending. It really keeps everyone on their toes, challenging to say the least. We DIALOGUE if you know what I mean. I get goose bumps just looking forward to the day... and by the way everyone, it's at my house tomorrow, ya'll come on over. Don't let the snow keep you in!!! Good chaaaaat and great snacks. Some ladies are firmly rooted in a church, some ladies have a christian outlook but do their own things, and then there's Crayon... jk bf love ya:lol Any how it makes for a very rejuvenating afternoon. And how could I not mention, every last kid simply falls into bed that night!! Dhs know not to expect dinner too!:loveeyes: So there ya go, can't wait to meet you and your fam...

[crayon]

Some ladies are firmly rooted in a church, some ladies have a christian outlook but do their own things, and then there's Crayon... jk bf love ya:lol Any how it makes for a very rejuvenating afternoon.

:lol I have to be so missed...

Love ya too :duck:

[Mrs. Cheerful Face]

duh, I forgot to mention Yooper Mama is THE go to mama for hs info. She's quite active on the org. end of things. YM where are you? Up to her neck in hs no doubt! Happy Jan.

[imalego]

Hey everyone! I'm so glad to find this thread :)

I'm Lauren, 25 y/o mom to 3 1/2 month old North and partner to Ben for almost 6 years. We're a BFing, cloth diapering, co-sleeping, no circing, babywearing family in Marquette. I don't know many mama's here, and even harder to find....fellow BFing moms.

And, let me just say how completely dissapointed we were to go to up to Peter White yesterday and find an empty room where the LLL meeting was supossed to be..

I'm also a hiawatha lover and I'm so excited to bring my little boy this year.

...I'd write more, but North is getting hungry...

peace

[Qerratsmom]

imalego, I"m so sorry that no one was at LLL. We have all been through it and it sucks (there is no longer a leader in Mqt) so a few of the Mqt mamas decided to take it into our own hands, but alas yesterday some couldn't be there and I got to the library late (3:30) so I just headed straight to the children's section. Normally a few of us NFP moms meet regulary at the library every Tuesday around 1ish and we definetly try to be there on LLL days in case someone like yourself comes by. Please try us next week! If you have any bf question pm me! I have been bfing continuosly for almost 5 years Mmy kids are 4 1/2 (weaned at 3 1/2) and 22 mo (still going strong).
Kyra
Mama to Jack and Eileen

[russianthistle]

imalego, I"m so sorry that no one was at LLL. We have all been through it and it sucks (there is no longer a leader in Mqt) so a few of the Mqt mamas decided to take it into our own hands, but alas yesterday some couldn't be there and I got to the library late (3:30) so I just headed straight to the children's section. Normally a few of us NFP moms meet regulary at the library every Tuesday around 1ish and we definetly try to be there on LLL days in case someone like yourself comes by.

:yeah:

Hey everyone! I'm so glad to find this thread :)

I'm Lauren, 25 y/o mom to 3 1/2 month old North and partner to Ben for almost 6 years. We're a BFing, cloth diapering, co-sleeping, no circing, babywearing family in Marquette. I don't know many mama's here, and even harder to find....fellow BFing moms.

And, let me just say how completely dissapointed we were to go to up to Peter White yesterday and find an empty room where the LLL meeting was supossed to be..

I'm also a hiawatha lover and I'm so excited to bring my little boy this year.

...I'd write more, but North is getting hungry...

peace

Hey Lauren! I can't wait to meet you and North!

I planned to be at the non-existant LLL meeting yesterday as well, but Casimir had a bit of a cough...I was worried his susceptibililty would be low or that he might expose others...I apologize! :O

I will be there as well, next week, Tues. at one.

I love the name your little one chose :) North...very nice.

Redhot, I'm sorry we keep missing each other! will you be available on Fri?

[imalego]

What exactly is NFP?? My guess is natural family planning, but really I have no idea.

Where do you guys meet in the library?

[Qerratsmom]

NFP was misleading... maybe I should use NFL...Natural Family Living in a very broad sense. Basically open to bfing, co sleeping, etc although we are definetly not exclusive. Anyone is welcome! We just try to be supportive of each other's "non conventional" ways of parenting.
We meet at the cafe in the basement and move to the children's play area of the library.

[imalego]

well shoot...as luck would have it, I work this Tues. until 3(usually I only work a 5-8) but maybe the tuesday after we'll make it down!

[russianthistle]

Let us know if there is another day you might like to meet and we'll see if we can be there. I am flexible... I remember this summer when I had no mom friends...at times it could be very lonely. There were days when I could have really used another mom's perspective...or just needed a break away from my life at home... My life channged so much when Casimir arrived. I feel like I'm just getting in the groove, now...and Casimir's almost a year!

Anyway, what I mean to say is, if you're antsy to meet w/ other moms...some of us may be able to meet another additional day this week :) Let us know!

[mamaley]

Hi Mamaley- We would so love to see your family get moved here. We welcome more crunchyness in the area for sure!:wink I sometimes think there is more going on hs wise here than when I lived in WA. But my kiddos are of an age to participate much more too. I would hazzard to guess one of the best things about our rockin playgroup is there are so many different kinds of mamas attending. It really keeps everyone on their toes, challenging to say the least. We DIALOGUE if you know what I mean. I get goose bumps just looking forward to the day... and by the way everyone, it's at my house tomorrow, ya'll come on over. Don't let the snow keep you in!!! Good chaaaaat and great snacks. Some ladies are firmly rooted in a church, some ladies have a christian outlook but do their own things, and then there's Crayon... jk bf love ya:lol Any how it makes for a very rejuvenating afternoon. And how could I not mention, every last kid simply falls into bed that night!! Dhs know not to expect dinner too!:loveeyes: So there ya go, can't wait to meet you and your fam...

Sounds fun! :lol Thanks for replying :)

[redhotmama]

Redhot, I'm sorry we keep missing each other! will you be available on Fri?

Hi Erin!
I'm a social butterfly and rarely home these days, but being that there is now snow up to my "mimis":o , I will be home all morning Saturday. It's so cold they cancelled my dd's xcountry ski lessons!
Tommorow is DH and my 7 year anniversary:drink
We have a date!
Alone!
We might just stay home:wink Uh oh, there might be another November baby coming up:dizzy:

[redhotmama]

Hey everyone! I'm so glad to find this thread :)

I'm Lauren, 25 y/o mom to 3 1/2 month old North and partner to Ben for almost 6 years. We're a BFing, cloth diapering, co-sleeping, no circing, babywearing family in Marquette. I don't know many mama's here, and even harder to find....fellow BFing moms.



:greet
So glad you found our MDC Yooper family!

[russianthistle]

I've been in the same boat...busy! We'll get in touch, soon!
Happy Anniversary!

[Leta]

Hey ladies...

This week, I'm really going to try to come to the library on Tuesday. I moved my Anatomy lab, so I actually should be able to make it! It'll just be me, in all likelihood, unless DH shows up with DD.

Has anyone here had a homebirth? DH is in the process of trying to get hired at NMU (so far, so good) and if that happens, we'll probably be up here until our youngest child graduates from college. :lol

The only real downside to this is that we would like to have more children and I do not want to have another baby at MGH. My birth experience there SUCKED. I never wanted to have a baby in a hospital in the first place.

I tried to find a midwife up here, but no dice. Should I look in Green Bay? Can anyone help?

[Qerratsmom]

HI Leta, We'll be at the library on Tuesday! PM russianthistle, she had a midwife at her birth in Marquette and I know she would be more than happy to talk with you. There are two midwives in Marquette that work together.

[crayon]

I know there is a MW in Marquette- not sure what her name is- Mrs. Cheerful Face, do you know?? We have MW's in Houghton too- some better than other- heemmmmm..... And there is also someone south of Houghton- not sure waht town- I want to Ont.??? But you do not have to go into WI- lots of choice in the UP- just make sure you have heard good things about the MW you use ;)

[redhotmama]

Crayon, how are those paper rings coming along?

Hurry home now, your couch awaits

[crayon]

I am going to fly in to DTW the end of next month- as soon as I have a place to come "home" to in Houghton/Hancock I will be there. I am getting stressed that we do not have a place there yet- at least one booked for April. Agh.... But I have a couch ;D

I am getting out of here! However- not having a winter sitting in snow has been nice-but then again we have had ice and no power a few times- so that sucks. And the place we rent is upping out rent to almost $1000 in April- we arleady pay over 800 :jaw For a little little 2 bedroom one bath apartment! yikes!

[russianthistle]

Ellen and Wendy are a groovy midwife team (Tree of Life Midwifery Care) in the Marquette Area. I recommend them highly :) Anyone who would like more information may find the biz. card posted on the board at the Marquette Food Co-op...or pm me!

[russianthistle]

Marquette mamas are surely meeting this Tues. (2-13) t the Peter White Library at 1pm or so. We usually meet up for a bit in the cafe, then on to the children's play area. Sometimes some of us are late (like me...I seem to never fail at being late :o ). But we will be there! Hope to see some new faces!

[imalego]

Well, today North and I went up to the library around 1:15 and couldnt really find anyone....not that I asked around. There were some ladies at the cafe, but didnt have any kids with, so I figured that couldnt be it, and the kids area was just full of kids with groups of moms here and there. Did I miss it??

Actually on the way out I think I might have passed russianthistle on her way in, but I was just lame and shy and thought I would feel stupid if it wasnt her....

So North and I wandered the gallery for awhile, and went home to knit.

maybe next week??

~lauren

[russianthistle]

I am SOOOOO sorry that that happened, Lauren. Our paths did cross...I passed you as you left wearing a gigantic rainbow sweater. I just knew it!

I'm trying to blame it on Mercury turning retrograde today...Our water pump went out last night and I have no water...you'd think I'd be there bright and early, wanting to escape my situation with no water. But, lo and behold, Casimir took one of his ever-so-rare long naps...I even woke him up from that naps! And, I was still late. I sincerely apologize, Lauren.

We were there (at the library) and we were all late to show. Let us arrange for the more appropriate time of 1:30 next Tuesday. We usually meet in the cafe then meander to the play area.

Also, if you want to meet there some other time this week (tomorrow and Fri could be arranged for me...) C. and I can drop by the library.

[Qerratsmom]

Bummer Bummer that we missed you Lauren, I am always about 1/2 hour late to everything it seems (15 minutes for each kid!). We will meet, we will!
Kyra

[imalego]

no worries...I'm looking forward to next week already :D

And it'll actually be better that way since North has a nasty butt rash right now(i think it's yeast) and has been sort of fussy all day.

...and while I'm on the subject, have any of you ladies ever stripped your diapers?? How did you do it? I figure I've got to if this is a yeast rash we're dealing with..

thanks
~lauren

[Smalls181]

Hi everyone. I am going to be visiting the in-laws this week in SSM, and was wondering if there any types of crunchy gatherings going on. I know its short notice, but I figured its worth a shot. =)

[Qerratsmom]

From my understanding, and what I've done to strip diapers is simply put them through a really hot wash just don't add soap. Some may say to add a little vinegar to the rinse. I've always like Weleda for rashes, both the diaper rash cream (which I use sparingly) and the Weleda calendua cream. You can get it at the co-op. I don't envy you or North a yeasty diaper rash. Yuck and good luck.

[russianthistle]

Hi everyone. I am going to be visiting the in-laws this week in SSM, and was wondering if there any types of crunchy gatherings going on. I know its short notice, but I figured its worth a shot. =)

It's far away, but the sled dog races are this weekend. The race begins in Marquette and run to (I believe) Grand Marais. Here is the website:
http://www.up200.org/

Lauren, I have not ever "stripped" my diapers as you say. But, I do do as Kyra said, quite regularly and Casimir has had no rash problems ever. I rarely use detergent...I put vinegar in the rinse...and I use hot water and Oxyclean...and I put lavender or other essential oils in the soak...I also lay them in the sun every chance I get. The sun is what seems to do the best work, honestly.

I would recommend the Weleda, too, and also put little North's bottom in t