Yooper Mamas, Say Ya to da UP, EH?

[timneh_mom]

I don't know if there is a thread for us yet! I haven't lived in the UP for 7 years now, but to me that is still home and always will be! I'm from Houghton, lived there all my life until DH finished grad school at MTU and we came down to the Saginaw area. If anyone else here is from that area, doesn't the Keweenaw Co-op ROCK? Both my parents still live up there and we go back as much as we can so they can get to know DS. I'm a Finnish girl too! :) Just wondering who else here is from there!

[timneh_mom]

:bump:

Nobody??

[Jacque Savageau]

I just had to post so your thread get's a reply!

Sorry, I've been in the Metro Detroit area all my life.

[redhotmama]

I'm new to both the UP and to this site. I live close to the co-op and go almost every day! This site is overwhelming and wonderful, wow! How do you get around it and when will it snow? After months of folks talking up the weather, I sure haven't seen much action yet....We sure love the area though, love the people, the fresh air, multitudes of trees and MTU preschool.

[JenLove]

I'm a displaced Yooper right now. I grew up in the UP near Menominee, Michigan and lived there for 19 years. Then my husband joined the Air Force and now we live in IL. We have been talking about moving to Sault St. Marie when his 4 year term is up, so he can attend LSSU. I'm glad to see other Yoopers on here! :D

[courtenay_e]

My brother and I both lived and went to school there (he went to MTU, I went to NMU). There really is no place on earth like the UP. My suite mate at Nordern told me of a saying that the Up'ers have, and I think it's really perfect. It goes something like, "God created the UP, and on the 8th day, God created the bridge so that the trolls could get to heaven." It really is heaven. Clean air, clean water, nature, the sound of the wind in the pines...

Don't ask when it's going to snow. Because, when it does, it's going to snow for a very long time. Not that that's bad, but you can get a little tired of wet sand in your carpet and grey sky. But, I suppose that is just Michigan, isn't it? Doesn't really matter which part. And the rest of the experience makes it worth it to me! If there was an economy that supported us up there, we'd move back in a heartbeat.

[crayon]

Yooper here... Mrs. Redhotmama told me of this thread :) I wanted to add that I am up here too- but my tag line for location says that.

Love that we have no traffic, love that we have great mamas here, tons of stuff to do for the family. I love my friends, love the weather- however winter and gray skies can be kinda long... Don't worry Mrs. Red hot the snow is on its way. We are at our ugly season right now (at least that is what I call it) it happends 2 times a year- right before snow and right after the snow melts.

Does anyone remember a few years ago when it didn't snow and didn't snow and then we got plowed between the middle of Dec- the start of Jan we got over 100 inches of snow??? Don't worry it is on its way and get the yooper scooper ready...

[courtenay_e]

And the skis and the snow machines... :down

[timneh_mom]

HAHA about the 100 inches in January... I was a kid when we had our record year, almost 400 inches! I think I was 9 years old! It was insane!! :D

[crayon]

This is a great site:

http://johndee.com/

you have to go to historical snowfalls and then scroll a bit- but this guy lives in Lake Linden and has cool photos and such...

Here is a good place to see photos of all seasons day by day her in the UP
http://www.pasty.com/cam

Here are some classic ones:
http://pasty.com/discuss/messages/2392/2450.html

Look at this photo- this is Calumet- see the buildings that touch eachother and the one on the left- the lager one- DH and had a purchase agreement on that. We ended up backing out- the guy was kinda a crook (sp) but it was a really HUGE building and really neat.
http://pasty.com/discuss/messages/2392/2453.html

Here is a good one of Houghton!
http://pasty.com/discuss/messages/2392/2453.html

It is on its way...

[Carrin]

I currently live downstate, but went to school at Enema U. My husband and I brought property in Big Bay last year, and get up several times a year. We are hoping to build a structure within a year or two, and our dream is to move back up.

We do the Hiawatha Music Fest in Marquette every year....great scene!

Say NO TO SULFIDE MINING!!! Check it out if you haven't www.ydeaglescry.com

[redhotmama]

Today it snowed, but the fat flakes did not stick. I visited StuffMart and bought the biggest, longest, fanciest windshield scraper in the world. This thing has so many options, I half expect it to read Pat the Bunny to my daughter!

[bradleybirthmom]

DH and I met and got married while attending NMU in the 90's. You have the right idea Carrin...buying property up there is what we plan on doing after our 15 year house mortgage is totally paid up (in another 13 years). We get up to visit Marquette at least four times per year. The six hour drive (we now live in Midland) with three kids is totally worth it. Hiawatha Music Fest, the UP200 and skiing at Blueberry Ridge, summertime out at Wetmore Landing (when the flies can drive you crazy!), the Presque Isle cabins on Harlow Lake in October...we love all the seasons, and the people, up there. The Marquette Food Co-op is to die for, too.

We would move up there, but would have to be really lucky (or have some great connections) to get a job at either NMU or the hospital. We have a good friend who has chosen to stay in Mqt., and has a Master's degree from NMU, but has had a devil of a time finding a job. I guess we'll have to wait a while to get back up there permanently...

[cherrypudding]

Yooper here too! I also live by Co-op and redhotmama. Calling for snow storm starting tomorrow and lasting into the next day. It is time we start getting some snow we have been way spoiled with all this nice weather we have been having!
:) Look out redhotmama here it comes! :)

[crayon]

Check out our weather http://www.weather.com/activities/other/other/weather/tenday.html?locid=49930&from=36hr_topnav_undeclared

Brrrrr........ Karl (on TV 6) says that we may even get down under 10 degrees :bang

I am cold, I should get into bed with DD and keep her little sickly butt warm :lol but on a good note, she is looking better....

Okay- I am kinda excited to see the first real snow fall.... But don't talk about snow to me come the end of Jan! k~ :wink

[Carrin]

I miss it! I tell people that I want to move back up there, and they always say stuff like "what about the winters, don't they get a ton of snow up there, isn't it freezing?" Well, yeah, but at least you have snow so you can do stuff in the winter (snowshoe, snowmachines, snowmen, etc...) Downstate, it is usually just grey and gross....to me, that is depressing.

Kara, you go to all the places we do. Making me "home" sick. We too have friends who managed higher degrees and have stayed or gone back up. They seem to have a different type of peacefulness about them. I understand why. All of you who live up there permanantly, please realize how lucky you really are! :)

[crayon]

Here is our weather today.... :wink

KEWEENAW-NORTHERN HOUGHTON- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...COPPER HARBOR...HOUGHTON...HANCOCK 428 AM EST TUE NOV 15 2005
...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 PM EST WEDNESDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MARQUETTE HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 PM EST WEDNESDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

EXPECT PATCHY LIGHT SNOW AND RAIN THIS AFTERNOON TO BECOME A WET...HEAVY SNOW THIS EVENING. THE SNOW WILL ACCUMULATE 6 TO 10 INCHES TONIGHT BEFORE TRANSITIONING TO LAKE EFFECT SNOW SHOWERS ON WEDNESDAY. THE SNOW SHOWERS WILL ACCUMULATE ANOTHER 4 TO 6 INCHES BEFORE BECOMING SCATTERED IN THE EVENING. THE HEAVIEST SNOW IS LIKELY OVER HIGHER TERRAIN FROM PAINESDALE TO CALUMET AND PHOENIX. NORTHWEST WINDS GUSTING TO 45 MPH ON WEDNESDAY WILL FURTHER REDUCE VISIBILITY AND MAKE TRAVEL PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT.

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW... SLEET...AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

[Yooper]

I always forget to come to the finding your tribe threads......

OK, so where are all of you near-the-co-op dwelling folks? I live in Houghton....near-da-Hardees:) Yes, the co-op rocks. I have lived in other areas that are suppose to be more progressive and have never seen a better one.

I have been here for a total of 12 years. I like it but we might be moving soon:( Dh is unemployed and may not find anything here.

[redhotmama]

Ok, guys I've shovelled three times today and you can't even tell, but that yooper scooper is a dream (if you can say such a thing about a shovel!) It's beautiful! Dd's are loving playing in it although baby is not sure about the flakes falling down. She keeps yelling at me and pointing out the window but she does not have a word yet for snow so she says "DAAA!" I ordered the big coat and boots for oldest dd from Land's End but they don't arrive till Friday. My great neighbor loaned us her son's boots from last year. All the snow angels have extra long bottom wings :p

[Yooper]

This is nothing yet. Dh was so disappointed this morning. I keep telling him over and over that they lie on the "winter strom warnings" to get more traffic on the weather channel website. After 12 years you would think he would learn. We did not even have to drag out the snowblower yet. Probably in the morning.

If you find you need more winter gear for your kids, Surplus Outlet in Houghton has some great stuff on sale right now. I got last year's model of snowpants for half price and some great boots for dd for $29 which is pretty good for decent boots.

[jayayenay]

:)

[sadean]

I'm a troll (for non-Michiganders, that means I live "under the bridge" :LOL ), but have an appreciation for the UP. My father's family was Finnish and immigrated through Copper Harbor several generations ago. I have no particular interest in moving up there, as there is no industry for me to work in, but it is lovely to visit occasionally (I guess that just makes me an annoying tourist).

[bradleybirthmom]

Carrin,

We should arrange to meet in person at Hiawatha next summer! We've probably seen each other there and just haven't realized it.

Happy Hiawatha! :thumb

Kara

[redhotmama]

Thanks yoopervegan, I wish I'd talked to you before I spent $160 at Land's End! It is so pretty out with all the frosted trees. You said you dh is looking for work...what does he do?

P.S.
To all you BF yooper mamas, The Keweenaw now has a new La Leche League group that meets in the evenings the second Thursday of each month. Come out in December and help us celebrate the new La Leche League of Portage Lake! Spread the word and come get support and encouragement for breastfeeding. :clap

[cherrypudding]

I saw on weather channel they have BLIZZARD warning starting tomorrow night into Thursday night!!!!
We will just have to wait and see what comes our way.

[redhotmama]

Will crayon brave the 10 miles to my house for turkey?

[crayon]

Please- I am a yooper all the way... I will walk in the blizzard to get some of that cookin' :lol I am there baby- no fear....

I think it is too exciting that we will be having a blizzard on Thanksgiving... yeppie, I can't wait!!!!

[crayon]

Yoopervegan- hey girl... I was going to ask what your DH does too... I know you said he graduated from Tech but I can't remember what his business was. I didn't know you moved to Houghton- very cool... I wish I was in houghton or hancock... Yooper, redhotmama is a LLL Leader, and stared the new group- she rocks.... I don't think we will be having "issues" anymore. This new group rocks :lol I know you feel/felt my pain mama- and I had your back too!

I have lived in other areas that are suppose to be more progressive and have never seen a better one.
Yep, I feel the same way too!

redhotmama- yoopervegan is the person that Kelly says makes the best hummus.... Care to share yooper?

[Carrin]

Darn, dh and I were going to come up to Big Bay for several days, but figured we wouldn't because there wasn't much snow. All we're getting down here in mid-troll land is about 1-3 inches, and it's coming REALLY slow. I WANT LOTS OF SNOW!!!!!!!

Stay warm up there you lucky chicks!

[Yooper]

Hi!

I would not be too worried about the blizzard. It might be nasty but the road crews here are AWESOME. And they usually overblow the whole snowfall predictions anyway.

We are having a getting-bigger-by-the-day Tday feast. Originally we had a grand total of 3 guests coming. The head count is 12+ at this point. All of our friends that were planning to travel out of town cancelled their plans and are now coming to our place for a vegan feast.

No hummus though. I am actually going to skip it for the first time ever. You really need to see it being made to understand how to make it. It cannot be written out. That was the clause I agreed to when SIL passes on her slecial recipe to me. Anyway, perhaps we should have a cooking party?

My dh has a degree in ME. He has been working as an engineering manager for the last 4-5 years or so.

Yeah, I need to know more about this LLL thing. I have not been to a meeting in over a year but am still bfing so would be open to going depending on when it is.

Anyway, keep warm and Happy Tday!

[crayon]

We went to town tonight and the road crews are working hard- lots of people there, moving sand all over, trucks on- so no need to worry. The great thing about living in a place where it snows almost 6 months out of the year is that the road crews know what to do and do it right. I hated living down state or in WA because the roads were never kept up right.

So thanksgiving is sounding fun in the keweenaw! I am going over to redhotmama's and cherrypudding will be coming over too and another mama (not on this board!) All of our families lots of food and good times. I am so happy to be living in a place where we can have good friends and all care enough to be treated like "family". I find it not as hard to be away from my family when I have friends that I really care about.

We should all get together and do some cooking. I don't know much about eatting vegan- so I would love to get some good recipes.

The LLL meeting is the second Thurs at 5:30 right by the old hospital in a private home. You can PM me for directions or Kelly goes she knows how to get there. (does her name have an extra "e"-- Kelley?) Anyway- it is a bunch of earthy mams- if you came their would be 4-5 homebirthers and I think we ALL cloth diaper- If your babe is still in diapers- Rainey is now diaper free during the day-- yeppieeeee...... But anyhow, it is very like minded mamas!

Okay- off to make some fudge. I made a salad and it called for 1/3 vinegar and 2/3 oil well I put in ALL vinegar aggghhh.... I have tried to fix it, I will see how it turns out tomorrow it has to sit over night..... But I have one more batch of fudge to make tonight.

[Yooper]

Yeah, dd is still in diapers. She uses the potty once in a while but is not really into it. And honestly, it is easier for me to just have her in diapers. We are of course still using cloth.

I will ask Kelli about LLL. That is how you spell it BTW:) She is going to be at our house tonight too! Are there any older toddlers? Like I know there are people with toddlers but they are usually nursing babies too.....

I could not sleep last night. Too worried about getting all of the food done just right.....

[crayon]

Kelli :lol Thanks....

Well Heather has her 2 boys and she nurses both of them (I think her oldest is 3 and your youngest just turned 1) and they are always there. Rainey weaned when I was 30 weeks pregnant :( I take her sometimes, but she tends to be a climber and bolts over the gates, so I try to leave her with DH if I can. Redhotmama has 2 girls a 3 year old and a 18 month old and she brings them- sometimes her oldest wants to stay with daddy- but if she had another girl to play with she may stay :) So yep, we have all ages- because then we have Kelli who has her 7 month old (so darn cute!) and I have Breeze 8 months.. It is super fun!

I was up all night too- but hummmm... Not because of cooking- Rainey got up just as I was ready to go to sleep at midnight and then decided to be wide awake in my bed until I gave her a banana at 2:30 and Breeze is growing and has been nursing all night all week and I can't sleep when she is nursing- so I am tired today but excited.

So much for the snow last night- there is not much at my house.....

[redhotmama]

Crayon, your fudge rules! Thanks for helping to make our first Thanksgiving here so memorable...the kids were great, the food awesome and the company unparalleled[U]. Cherrypudding, can I say scallopped corn may now be my favorite new dirty dish?

[crayon]

:hug

redhotmama, I think you kick... It was so fun :) I think it was my most enjoyable T day ever! Thanks for having all of us over!

[redhotmama]

Can we talk cooking party ladies? My tabbuleh (sp?) is pathetic and hummus hit or miss. The deli crew at the co-op had taken to just ladelling up the good stuff as soon as they see my face and they all know my membership number by heart! Perhaps we could give them a break and make our own?

[crayon]

I am in- as long as I am still home :wink If not then you all will have to do it again when cherrypudding and myself are back in the UP!

[crayon]

Hey girls!

Okay so I have been downstate (nothern lower) for what??? 19 days now- also 19 of the most snowest days in the UP ever... Shoot- I swear I always miss the good snow. Anyway- we have gotten snow here- enough to snowmobile :thumb

I was just checking in and saying hey!

redhotmama- I am missing you :( I got some tea and it is just not your blend... I need some tuesday time... Soon... We may have a pretty big deal going for our company in S. Cali so Scott may have to fly out there sometime next month so I am not sure when we will be back---- I missy my friends!!

redhot and cherry you would not believe how big Breeze is getting. She is really trying to talk and today I swear she said our dogs name...

Okay- off for now, just wanted to send my love and let you know I am alive and still trying to make money downstate! We'll see....

[Lucysmama]

Our family has a vacation house in Copper Harbor!!! We go to the UP every summer. LOVE LOVE LOVE it up there!

[hopefulfaith]

:wave

I just wanted to say hi! I'm up here, too - though way the heck east of you all, in Grand Marais. I grew up downstate, went to LSSU for school, moved away...and finally made it back!! Guess that's what you get when you pick your college solely on the basis of its location. :p

We moved back this summer, and ds was born in August. So, I'm just hanging around here in my house with my little guy - grey and white outside today. Though I did see a freighter earlier out my window. Hooray!

[timneh_mom]

I'm headin to Houghton tomorrow!!! SO happy... can't wait to go HOME!! :D

[timneh_mom]

Hey everyone! I am now in Hancock! And so happy to be home.

I was just wondering if anyone has had a chance to check out the LLL group up here? I'm just wondering what it's like. I won't be here to get to the January meeting but someday if I happen to be around when there is a meeting I'd love to drop by.

Thanks!! :D

[crayon]

liz, I go to the La Leche League of Portage Lake, but we have two different groups. RedHotMama (in this threa) is the leader of the Portage Lake one. Anyway you could always PM her for more info- but here is the flyer I got the other day! Hope you can come- I will not be at the Jan one but I will be at the Feb one!!!


Monday, January 2 6:00 p.m. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
Monday, February 6 6:00 p.m. Family Nutrition and Starting Solids
Monday, March 6 6:00 p.m. Breastfeeding Benefits
Monday, April 3 6:00 p.m. Getting Breastfeeding off to a Good Start

Location: Fellowship Hall, First United Methodist Church
401 Quincy Street Hancock, MI
Meetings are held potluck style; please bring a dish to pass only if you have time. (Mothers of newborns are not allowed to bring food!)


Questions mothers bring are always addressed first before moving on to the topic. We also have a lending library of books about breastfeeding, baby care, nighttime parenting, nutrition and loving guidance. Please join us! There is also a daytime meeting held the third Thursday of the month from 9:00 am to 11:00 am in Houghton.
Please call the leader of La Leche League of Copper Country, (if you want her number PM me or RedHotMama!)

:thumb

[timneh_mom]

Thanks Crayon!! I live in the Saginaw area but both parents are up here so I try to get up here whenever I can. I don't know when we are coming back after this, maybe not til spring or early summer, so at that time if it works out I wouldn't mind stopping in! I go to LLL meetings in Saginaw every month and we've got a great group down there.

[redhotmama]

Hi timneh_mom, I hope your visit was merry. Next time you're up we'd love to see you at a meeting! Sorry it didn't snow much for you this week, I was pretty bummed. Hope to see you next time...

Crayon, Tuesday's are waiting for you! I received a ton of beautiful tea stuff for Christmas. Wait till you try my new dip too

[crayon]

redhotmama, owwww... I want to be back NOW! I got a little tea pot for x-mas.. It was just a little one and metal but it is cute! I will be back for the 2nd Tues tea party- are we still on? I think we are coming home Monday the 9th... I told Scott I got plans for Tues so I HAVE TO BE HOME :)

Rainey got some really cute dresses- she will be all dolled up!

Scott was trying to make these new food rules for the new year and I told him I would do it all except when I am with the girls :LOL

[redhotmama]

Crayon,
Tell your man what happens in this house food wise, stays in this house. He need not be tortured by tales of brown sugar shortbread, curry-honey prezel dip, chocolate-praline cake, mushroom swiss quiche, spicy wing dip, pumpin butterscotch cake or garlic sesame spread.
Can't wait to see Rainey with cute hair and dress!
Today Naomi said to Chris,"No Daddy, change mind"
I swear, I can't believe how quickly babyhood is passing.
Sniff, where's the hummus and Darjeeling?

[redhotmama]

Snow update..
It's coming down steadily with about 8-10" since 10:00 this am. I'll keep some for you crayon and cherrypudding. It's funked up our sledding track though, it's too fluffy. I'm going to have to go out there with my watering can! Chris built an awesome track starting on our compost pile and meandering through the yard and around the house. We must have tried it 50 times this week and it was good and icy. Any sledding advice yooper mamas?

[crayon]

I told Scott my girl time is my girl time :) (and one papa ;) ) Anyhoo... I think the in-laws are getting tired of us, and us of them- so I am thinking we may end up going home tomorrow (Sunday) Scott said to leave Monday and I said- well if we are going to go home I would rather be home for LLL on Monday- duh... So if I am home are we doing the Tues thing???? At 1pm???? I need some good (bad) food and some sisterhood time :innocent Too much family overload... I can only deal with so much of a cry-baby 3 year old (my niece). I need some normal parenting friends with non-cry-baby kids :)

Okay- well, I will keep you all updated on when I am getting home. Even if I live in the getto I want to get home :kewl

I say put some water on your track- the watering can sound like a great idea or a hose...

Missing you!!
When is Cherrypudding comin home??

[crayon]

Court- Naomi is getting so big... I love that they are growing but I do love babyhood so much!!

New on the Breeze front- the girl is a nut job- she has now started peeing on the potty- perhaps she is going to follow Naomi?? She can't tell me yet, but everytime I change her diaper she pees- so I have started putting her on the potty when I change her and to my amazment she is peeing on the potty and even pooped yesterday! :thumb

As much as I love my cloth- I will be happy when I don't have diapers anymore- even if it is 2 years out, I will be happy.

[redhotmama]

Tuesday's on. We're having macaroons and black bean salsa. Plus 3 or 4 or 5 pots of tea. I've been buying the cheap tp, it flushes better! LLL is Monday, would LOVE to see you there! Cherrypudding is en route and should be in tonight. I made her a lasagna for her fridge and some choc. chip cookies....if you had left me a key I could have hooked up your ghetto-ness too :throb

P.s
did scott leave some nice glove here on T day? I've asked every man I know and if they're not Scott's they must be the Schwan man's!

[crayon]

Hummm.. There are reasons why no one knows where I live :lol And who knows, my mortgage is super duper late, and I could be looking for a place in Hancock soon! If I like my house I would be mad and bummed, but I don't so I don't really care- how sad is that?? But coming home to court's food would have been nice- must be nice to be your neighbor! :D

They could be the Schwan man's cloves, I know what happens after hours :wink If they are black and look like snowmobile gloves they are ours- I know they are a namebrand, but I ca't think of the name off the top of my head...

Well we are leaving tomorrow early- if I can get scotts butt moving. I will have him drop me off at LLL if I get in late- I hope to be home between 3-5 so I can leave Rainey with Scott.. :thumb What church is this at? Is it at the white one before you turn to the Ryan Center? Or is it the one next to gloria de? Did I spell that right?? Anyhoo- let me know!

Yes, my sisters- I am comin' home :D

I love that my friends still love me and dont care I am poor and getto! :o

[crayon]

Okay- we have decided to stay here for a few more days... How I wish I didn't have all the fun stuff happening in the next few days :( But Scott's parents have now left with my niece (thank god) and we are now here alone with our girls and it is once again quiet. So we think it would be good for the girls if we waited a few more days before going home- give them some time to recupe (sp)

I should be home for next Tues tea time :thumb

I will break out my tea on Tues and dream about being with you all... How I miss my firends!!!

[goosysmom]

Hey there...Not from there but grew up spending summers and Decembers there my whole life until my grandparents moved to SW florida in their 70s 5 years ago...

They lived way north of Manistique....way north....it was about an hour drive but they had a great house on the lake.....dh complains about the snow here in Ohio (central) and I just laugh.....

Anyhoo, I wanted to know if anyone knew how to spell (lmao) or knew the website for Lake Kitchiitakapi (butchered I know).....we are planning a trip up that way this summer and wanna take my dd there bc I loved it when I was a kid.....if anyone knows please PM.....

Thanks...

[cherrypudding]

Hey Crayon,
Just wanted to tell you I'm back and see how your holiday was. I sure did miss our playdates with you and redhotmama!It is always nice to leave to see family but in the end it always seem just a little nicer to come home.I will have plenty of storys to share as I am sure you will too.
Well we are off to replenish our home with good wholesome food.
Thanks again REDHOTMAMA for being such a great friend and hooking us up with that PHAT lasagna!!! :bouncy

[crayon]

Hey sis-ta :)
I am so excited to be coming home. I think it was okay that we didn't end up driving back today- It seems the whole world took today off- so my panic to
get to the bank and such was kinda pointless. Not sure what day we are going to be back--- but soon!


Well we are off to replenish our home with good wholesome food.

I hear you- I have eaten crap-o-la non stop :( Right now eatting ruffles and drinking diet coke- yuck... I have not packed on the pounds, so I am happy about that, but I feel pretty slugish from the lack of good food. And Court's cookin' :wink

Well, we are off to wally-world :)

Enjoy LLL tonight, and tea time tomarrow- Bean salad sounded SOOOO good... But we will have to do that again soon....

[cherrypudding]

Crayon,
:blah Just want to say way to go to you and your dh on the sale of your product. I have been thinking about all of you this break and I'm glad to here things are starting to pick up and look up for you and yours!
See you soon. :bouncy

[crayon]

Cherry :hug Thanks!

So some good new- Scott went and talked to a development company today (Carries Creations) They have a pretty good market share of real estate sites down here in the northern lower. Anyhoo... He just stopped in there today and the guy wants to do something with our comapny- not sure what yet but that would be huge for our comany because we would have a developer in all 3 sections of Michigan!!!

Okay.... I so suck- but I will not be back home until Wed. So I have to miss Tuesday Tea Time again :bang :bang :bang Scott has a lot of people to still talk to so he wants to drive home on Wed, and then Thursday he wants to drive all over the Crystal Falls area and then on Friday he has a meeting in Iron Mt. (maybe Ironwood??- shoot I cant remember) but anyway, he is booked up all next week- I guess that is a VERY good thing! And as it looks now we will be headed back down to the cabin sometime this month to talk with our prospects here again.

Humm... Can someone grab my name tag from MOPS? Please? I didn't make it last month and I will not make it again on Tues.

Also a good note for our company- We got a partner!! A graphic designer from downstate that used to work with Scott back in the day. He is super duper good and we are super lucky to have him! Also, Scott and him are just spliting the profits right now until the can pay salry for both of them- and that guy downstate makes a lot of money right now so he will have to make good money- so that means Scott will also have to make good money- in the UP... :D

Anyway! I can't wait to be home!!!! I just don't make tea like Court!

[crayon]

I AM COMING HOME LADIES
So we are leaving tomorrow!!! :love :thumb :love (okay- perhaps monday but I am pushing VERY hard to Sunday!!)

Scott talked with that Carries Creations yesterday and now he is thinking he needs to do some work on the program before he can sale more...

SO MAMA IS GOING TO MAKE IT TO TUESDAY TEA TIME

This calls for the dancing banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana


Also on a side note: The detroit mamas are having a coffee night- ummm... I think us Hougton mamas should have one. Maybe in the next 2 weeks or something???

Anyway that is just an idea...

[redhotmama]

I don't know about coffee time but Cherrypudding and I went bowling Sat. and had fun! Would the Yoopermamas be interested in descending upon Copper Country Lanes?

Welcome Back Crayon!!!! :wink

[crayon]

Well, I don't like coffee that much- Some coffee is good, but for the most part I am not a coffee person, I guess that was a shaby idea on my part. :D Bowling sounds cool! I can bowl a great 50 :lol maybe ;)

Thank you for the welcome back- I will be there tomorrow for tea time!

ETA: I love coffee flavored things- just dont like the taste of ture coffee (black) :D

[timneh_mom]

:bump:

[Collin'sMama]

I haven't read through all of the other posts yet, but just wanted to introduce myself to some other Yooper mamas! I'm Jessica, a SAHM to Collin who is 10 months :)

[mcimom]

Alas, another former yooper, current downstate girl. I was born in Manistique and lived there only until I was 4yo. We summered in the UP every year though - first Brevort Lake and then Drummond Island. I also lived a summer north of Marquette in Big Bay as a camp counselor at Bay Cliff. My grandmother is from Sidnaw, lived her whole childhood there. My dad got his MA from NMU. And my highschool boyfriend went to school at LSSU. That's all my "connections" I think :lol

Whoever said downstate winter sucks - amen! I'll take a lovely winter with lasting snow over the current sludge that is metro Detroit. ugh.

[AidansMommy1012]

I'm currently living in Terre Haute, Indiana because of school, but my mom's the minister at Portage United Church in Houghton. We love it up there so much. We were last there in May so she could baptize ds, and it was gorgeous. I loved the lilacs growing everywhere. Ds and I are coming to visit my mom and brother on Feb. 3rd and I can't wait! Just wish dh could come, but he has to work. I'm majoring in Elementary Ed, so I'm harboring a glimmer of hope that perhaps after graduation, a job in the UP will present itself.

This thread caught my eye because we have the title of it on a bumper sticker slapped on the back of our car. :thumb

[redhotmama]

Welcome new Yooper Mamas! As you'll notice, we talk ALOT about snow and food here.

[cherrypudding]

:w to our new yooper friends !!!!

[timneh_mom]

Aidan'smom... Portage Lake United is a really neat church I think! If I still lived up there and wanted to go to church, I would definitely check it out. Some friends of my family have gone there for years, my friend was married there (but the minister was a man back then, 1997).

I prob won't be home til late spring though, for now anyway... unless we go up at Easter...

[daysella]

just moved here to marquette... now thinking it should have been hancock... hey redhotmama and crayon... can you refer me to a group closer to my new home? will have fancy pics up soon.
thank you and nice to meet you all. ;)

[crayon]

Humm... I don't know of anything in Marquette- let me do some looking-

Okay there is a MOPs group that meets:
Calvary Baptist Church
105 Iroquois Dr
Negaunee, MI 49866
(906)475-9772
Meets 1ST & 3RD TH at 9:45-11:45AM

More info on MOPs here: http://www.mops.org/Groups/group_search.php?srctype=search&src=GS#result

For LLL meetings:
LLL of Marquette County meets on the last Tuesday of the month at 1:00 p.m. at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.

Here is contact info: http://www.lllusa.org/web/MarquetteCoMI.html


Here is the website for the UP Children's Meseum
http://www.upcmkids.org/information.htm


Ask these people if there are local play groups- I found out about ours at our LLL meeting. Also, we have a program called PEAs but I don't think they are in Marquette.


You are always welcome to come up to Houghton/Hancock! We have lots of stuff going on all week.... I think the most important thing is to search it out, ask people what else is going on- and go to those things, the worst is that is was not super fun and you don't do it again, or the good thing is you will find new friends and be pretty active. Also ask at the co/op or post a flyer looking to start a playdate- or playdate in the local parks during spring, summer and early fall!

:D

[daysella]

thank you for the information gals! i've landed here in the u.p. after a bit of traveling around the country. my heart seems to want to settle here for reasons i'm not fully aware of yet. i love the simplicity and the way most operate at their own leisure... the u.p. is a rare place in america...so happy to have found it. glad to know that you all are here, knew you were somewhere lurking about in the woods, can't wait to meet you all sometime. if i'm ever in hancock area i will for sure give you a shout out before arriving. thanks again! peace....is....on....its....way.....and as mothers we are shining the light on this front! it's time to gather our truths! this is such a great place to start!

later ladies.
:Peace

[crayon]

Hey Daysella, if you ever want to move 90 miles west we would welcome you ;) I too have lived in different parts of the US (and so has redhotmama and cherrypudding) and I really love the UP. I find it is more down to earth here- not so much craziness. Sometimes I dream of a tropical island but then I would miss my friends so much I could not leave here for long. I was gone for a month and longing to be home so bad...

Glad you have found the UP a peacful place for you and your family!

[YooperMama]

Hello! I am new to this site and this is my 1st post. I am a Yooper...grew up here, graduated, attended both MTU and NMU, came back after a brief trip to MT for DH's grad school and now reside in the Copper Country (never thought that would happen, or that I would want to, but I love it here for many of the reasons I've seen posted)). Pleasantly surprised to see other Copper Country Mamas here. Saw some of you at "the midwife's" a few weeks ago...I'm Jen. Looking forward to attending LLL meetings...tried to hit the last one, but DH had to work late. Didn't know that being an hour late to LLL isn't really "late"! :) Anyway, we homeschool Alaina (6 1/2) Noah (4) and Caleb (2), and it's time to "do school" w/ Noah. I look forward to getting to know you all on the limited time I have here online! Jen

[crayon]

Hey yoopermama, we so need to get together!! I was so excited to see the snow fall today- it looks so pretty over the valley across the street. However, I cant wait until spring, we walk the town and the trails daily when there is no snow. There is another midwife meeting on the 20th- so I hope to see you there!

Redhotmama, do you know what time on Monday the MW meeting is??

Welcome to MDC! Glad you found this thread! And glad to know I have folks here in the ghetto! I told DH I wanted to put a sign under the Hubell sign that says "Welcome to Ghetto Hubbell!" But really I am sure it is just my street- ya know what I mean! Oh, and the ghetto house I live in :D

[YooperMama]

Hi! We have germs in our house, currently. :angry We've been sickly for the past couple of weeks. We would like to have you over to our side of the valley soon. :) The snow is pretty, especially being on a hill surrounded by trees like we are...I think you must be, too? When you say the trails, do you mean the snowmobile trails behind us? If so, we walk them, too! We like Hungarian falls, over in Tamarack, too. Lots to explore there.

I think the MW meeting is at 7--Marcee called me last week and that's what I worte down.

You and that "ghetto" Hubbell! :lol When I was growing up here, I had no "label" for Hubbell, but Dollar Bay and Mason were supposed to be the "slums". That's funny now, because we attend church in Dollar Bay now! And we meet cool people from Mason everywhere it seems.

Time to slather on some tea tree oil on my neck for my sore throat (really romantic smelling) and get ready for bed. Glad to hear from you!

Jen :heartbeat Happy Early Valentine's Day!

[redhotmama]

YooperMama :w


Happy Valentine's Day to all the yoopers out there
I hope your day is filled with romance, chocolate and :heartbeat!

[Yooper]

Hi!

Now you can help explain what a yooper is to this entire site. I get asked about once a week:)

I live in Houghton and have one 2.5 yo dd. We are planning to unschool. Where does your dh work?

[YooperMama]

Hi, Redhotmama! Happy VD to you all, too! :heartbeat :heartbeat :heartbeat

Yoopervegan--that whole yooper question...sigh...you can go at it from the logisitics, of course, a "U.P.er" = yooper, you know phonetically, which doesn't quite encapsulate the whole concept, as you probably know. I think that actually, I prefer that simple definition, b/c it seems like the local concept is a bit, I don't know, pompous? A real-pull your self up by your bootstraps-we rough it like nobody else can-our winters kick anyone else's butts, etc... Am being cynical? Or overanalytical? I love the U.P., but sometimes the climate of the people is as col as the winters (and I'm from here, remember!) Is it the stoic Finlanders of my ancestry? Any one else
know what I'm trying to say? :blush

As for unschooling...would the Moore's be in that category? We enjoyed their philosophy..we like unit study/multi-age approach, w/ some classical mixed in. Nothing too rigid...we're relatively new at it, only been doing it for a few years.

My dh is a therapist at the local mental health agency. I have a degree in social work, so I can appreciate his job and understand a bit of what he encounters in a day. I'm so thankful that I can be at home! :bouncy

jen

[j4m4d8]

Hello,

I'm such a private person I'm having a hard time with this message.

I live in Ontonagon, and we are thinking of homeschooling our son next year. Since I saw some of you are homeschoolers I was wondering if you knew of any activities going on down here or possibly in the Houghton area for homeschoolers? My son is 6 and I also have a daughter who's 3.

Thank you,

Julie

[redhotmama]

Hi Julie :w

I know yoopermama homeschools and so does one other Houghton mama who is on MDC but maybe not on this thread yet. Marcie are you out there?
We need you awesome mothering help :)

[YooperMama]

Hi, Julie, welcome! :o We had lived in Ewen several years ago, and my husband worked in the Ontongaon area schools. I remember feeling quite isolated out there! :kewl We have an "organized" support group here in the area. They put out a newsletter several times a year (one will be out next in early April--we just received one a few weeks ago) that highlight events, people, etc. One thing for sure is the Thursday open swim at Finlandia University in Hancock that several families take advantage of...there's a Keepers at Home group for girls (like brownies, kind of--earn badges and learn homemaking skills), a chess club, field trips, events at MTU's Rozsa Center that homeschoolers are welcome to attend and various other activities, as season and interest dictate. Children are getting more involved w/ the newsletter, and there will be a meeting soon for people interested in serving on a board to direct the group. It's not a very active group, but there is a lot of "new blood" out there (like us, with a 6, 4 and 2 year old) who are eager to get things going. I'm planning 2 field trips currently for spring and summer...one to a local dairy farm (where we can get raw milk), and another to a local beekeeper (where we can get raw honey). :thumb The e-mail address to contact for more information and for a sample newsletter (a subscription is $5 a year) is
ccheupdates@hotmail.com. Hope that this is helpful! Feel free to contact me w/ any other questions! :blah

[j4m4d8]

Yes, thanks so much for helping. I just sent an e-mail to the group. It sounds like there is a lot going on your way. I'm sure the trip to the beekeepers will be fun. At a family reunion a couple of years ago we all went to see a beekeeper and my son (I think he was 3 1/2) was totally fascinated.

[YooperMama]

Hi! I just found our newsletter and I'll share a bit more to get you a better flavor of things going on...

1. Art show for homeschoolers will be on display at the Community Arts Center in Hancock.
2. Field trip on Feb. 10 was to the Community Church in Calumet for a 1907 pipe organ intro., tour, and mini-recital. Sledding followed at the wonderful Swedetown sled hill/cross country ski trail/chalet.
3. Future historians meeting in Negaunee on a U.P. weather history w/ Karl Bohnack. 2/21.
4. Rozsa acts: Swingin', stompin' and Rockin': Development of music in America's jazz history; Young Artists Series: Local music, theatre and dance by local students; and Tinariwen w/ Markus James (American musician plays and discusses music from Western Sahara region of Mali.
5 Involvement of homeschoolers on boys basketball, and girls' volleyball teams w/ the local Christian school.
6. Student and Family spotlights (to meet people in the area)
7. Indoor flea market opportunity coming in May in Covington. very interesting opportunity
8. Bright Minds Consultant advertisement for hosting a workshop.
9. Scholastic Book orders.
10. Involvement w/ MTU's world records.
11. Student movie reviews
12. Fun facts,
13. Free pre-release screening of new Veggie tales video this friday at a local church.

State site:
www.inch.org

Hope that's helpful! I know there used to be a homeschooling family up there, associated w/ the Baptist Church, but I think they've left the area. Can't remember their name...Anyone have any leads?
:shy
Jen

[Yooper]

Hi Julie. Not sure if you are still checking in here but I just met a woman that unschools in the Ontonagon area. I am going down to meet her next week:)

[redhotmama]

Hi Yooper mamas!
When is the next Midwife meeting?
La Leche League is this Monday @6:00pm in Hancock, hope to see you there!:wink

[crayon]

Miss- Redhotmama- I see your have added a little :storkboy :+ :storkgirl

So here is to you mama! :champagne Hey, it's sparkling cider man! :lol

Congrats girl- you know I am sooo excited!!!

[redhotmama]

Thanks Crayon! I don't feel any different yet but am already nesting:lol
Yooper mamas we should set up a cloth diaper/baby clothes exchange. Any takers?

[crayon]

Hummm... I am loving the clothes idea! I have a TON of baby clothes.... but you have to wait for me to come back- Scott says we should be back by Raineys birthday!


Everyone- PRAY!!! :D

[cherrypudding]

:thumb way to go on :+ Redhotmama!

[cherrypudding]

:candle crayon, hurry home mama!

[YooperMama]

Next midwifery mtg: March 20th, 7/7:30ish at Lisa's house in Hubbell! See you tomorrow at LLL! Congratulations on your PG!

[j4m4d8]

Yooper, did you get to meet that Ontonagon mom yet? I'm full of questions.

Congratulations, Redhotmama!

Julie

[Yooper]

Tomorrow. I will report back.

[YooperMama]

Hi. I talked w/ our homeschooling group's newsletter coordinator and she said that there are a few unschoolers around. One family in particular lives in AZ, but will be here in the area this summer.

[redhotmama]

I signed up for my home schooling newsletter today, can't wait to get my first issue in April.
How about this sunny, melty weather ladies?:)

[timneh_mom]

*sigh* I am so homesick... reading all this

(sitting down here in Midland...)

[cherrypudding]

crayon,
Just want to let you know that it is snowing like crazy right now. I knew the past three days of beautiful weather was to good to be true yet. I hope your enjoying the nice weather down state!

[crayon]

dude, you guys are getting you butts kicked..... Why does it always snow when I am gone???

[cherrypudding]

Hey just make sure when you come home that you bring the nice weather with you!
Thanks.

[redhotmama]

OK, so the weather was so severe last night that they actually pulled the snowplows. Does this happen often? I admit when so much had melted on Sunday I was out poking in the dirt looking for daffodils! Now there is at least 2 fresh feet of the white stuff. Crayon, maybe if you come home spring will be restored!:wink

[Yooper]

It is not completely uncommon for them to pull the plows. It usually happens once or twice a winter. We watched people sliding up and down our hill all night last night. Lots of people in the snowbank.....

[YooperMama]

I think pulling the plows is unusual for our area--having grew up here, I don't recall it happening too much. I've read that we hit 32" in Painesdale. :dropjaw Definitely over 2' here in Hubbell..cars stuck on the side streets everywhere! Our driveway was chest high and DH took the day off to shovel all day long. :bigeyes

For those interested...our homeschooling group is in the beginning stages of setting up gynamstics lessons w/ a group discount (possibly as soon as April). Contact me for more information. :jumpers:

[russianthistle]

HI there,
I just came across this thread...I live in the Deerton area (between Munising and Marquette). I birthed my first son on March 2. Baby is crying now so I need to fly...will write more soon! Say ya, eh!

[timneh_mom]

I lived the first 29 years of my life in Houghton, and rarely did the plows get pulled! You know it's gotta be bad when they do that. It was cold down here but I can't complain because I can see my lawn...

And I saw a crocus bud the other day too, along with some redwing blackbirds and a robin!

[Yooper]

Usually plows get pulled because of ice. It happened earlier this winter one night when that plow truck flipped over on Montezuma. They stopped the plows for the evening. However, it is not like they announce that the plows are no longer running. We just notice occasionally that our street has a foot of snow and dh calls his buddy that works for the city and we find out that they have been stopped temporarily for safety. And as we all know, they close M-28 at least 2-3 times every winter too when it is too dangerous for the plows to run or the visibility is too low. The problem with the plows this week was the slush that froze under all of the snow making an icy, slushy, slick. Ice + low visibility = pulled plows. Yeehaw! Here's to hoping for spring:) We still have not completely shovelled out. Dd and I have the flu so dh does not feel like he can leave us alone long enough to get it all done. We can get the car out but we will not be getting mail until dh can work on the sidewalk.

Where is there gymnastics? SDC? My dd is probably too young at 2.5 but she might be interested in a couple of years.

[YooperMama]

Congratulations, Russianthistle! I was wondering how you were doing! I look forward to hearing your birth story! :)

[YooperMama]

This gymnastics class would not be at the SDC (it could conceivably be much more affordable and much more comprehensive/extensive). We are working out arrangements for it to be held at a local church. The instructor has mobile equipment, and she approached us about doing this at our church's gym (she had previously done a smiliar arrangement in WI). We're looking at a class for April-May, and she is able to do a pre-schooler class. She currently does gym. for the local schools' Great Explorations After School Program. She plans to have her own facility this Fall and a private club. Sounds exciting!

[YooperMama]

Something else that we're working on is providing an "open gym" time for area homeschoolers. Until it is nicer outside, we thought it would be good to schedule some time for the children to be able to run around indoors. :run The same church is making their gym available, free of charge and we're in the process of setting up a couple of trial times for next week. Hopefully, we can get something started that will be fully functional come NEXT winter! I know we could have used something like this to beat cabin fever. :yikes: PM or e-mail me if you would like more information.

[redhotmama]

:w Russianthistle, congrats on your little bundle


We would love to get in on the gymnastics! Can someone call me or pm with Lisa's address or directions for Monday? I have soooo many questions regarding home birth. I went to doctor yesterday to talk about birthing options and it was downright GRIM. :irked: I was told to forget about no IV, no continuous monitoring, to be VIGILANT regarding avoiding artificial feedings, and let's not forget about the 70% c-section rate. I keep getting told it's because of the no VBAC policy, but all those first time c-sections have to come from somewhere...
The scary thing is, it seems like the more determined you are to avoid getting cut the worse off your odds are. How's that for a dose of pessimism at 8 in the morning:lol

[Yooper]

This gymnastics class would not be at the SDC (it could conceivably be much more affordable and much more comprehensive/extensive). We are working out arrangements for it to be held at a local church. The instructor has mobile equipment, and she approached us about doing this at our church's gym (she had previously done a smiliar arrangement in WI). We're looking at a class for April-May, and she is able to do a pre-schooler class. She currently does gym. for the local schools' Great Explorations After School Program. She plans to have her own facility this Fall and a private club. Sounds exciting!

Very cool!

[Yooper]

:w Russianthistle, congrats on your little bundle


We would love to get in on the gymnastics! Can someone call me or pm with Lisa's address or directions for Monday? I have soooo many questions regarding home birth. I went to doctor yesterday to talk about birthing options and it was downright GRIM. :irked: I was told to forget about no IV, no continuous monitoring, to be VIGILANT regarding avoiding artificial feedings, and let's not forget about the 70% c-section rate. I keep getting told it's because of the no VBAC policy, but all those first time c-sections have to come from somewhere...
The scary thing is, it seems like the more determined you are to avoid getting cut the worse off your odds are. How's that for a dose of pessimism at 8 in the morning:lol

Why an IV? I have friends that have gone to Keweenaw with good success. One friend even worked with a doc there who worked with a doc at Marquette to try and get her a VBAC. She timed out so it didn't happen but they really tried (let her go 1.5 weeks over due date) before pulling the plug.

Anyway, I had a homebirth with the midwife up here and was very happy with my experience.

[YooperMama]

Redhotmama--I'll call you w/ directions to the midwifery mtg. You'll get lots of answers to your questions about homebirth there--surely not at the hospital. Were you at Portage? I'm sorry for your discouraging experience! I think staying at home as long as possible is something to consider...that and having a doula present to advocate for you, too. If I wasn't sure about HB, I'd go that route to start w/. AND your Dr. is a huge influence. I'm curious who you have. As far as gymnastics...e-mail me and I can send you some info. It looks like Tuesdays..possibly pre-schoolers around 11, break for lunch, and school-agers after lunch. Definitely some possibilities for the group who ISN'T having their lessons..co-op teaching, crafts, play group, music, etc...I will get more info in the mail tomorrow and keep you updated! Looks to start 2nd week of April for 6-8 weeks. Enjoy the glorious sun!

[timneh_mom]

Is Portage's C-section rate really 70%??? OMG!!! I went to Suomi for nursing (now Finlandia U) and I wasn't impressed back then with their OB department. And they don't have anything by way of Lactation Support, do they? Do the nurses even know how to help with that? Thank goodness for LLL...

[redhotmama]

It really is 70% and the providers have no shame in admitting it either. I have heard from the Health Dept. nurse (who is a wonderful Lactivist) that there is ONE pro-breastfeeding, knowedgable nurse at Portage but she is soon quitting in order to be married. Home birth may be my path...

Timneh, when are you coming up? Tuesday's play group is waiting for you!

[redhotmama]

:birthday: Baby Breeze is one year old!

Congratulations Crayon Mama :balloons

[YooperMama]

Timneh--hey! You were up here a long time and I'm curious if we've met. Did you go to any local schools here?

[Cori Beth]

Hi you wonderful yooper mammas...I'm writiing in from Vancouver BC, but I'm from Michigan (born and raised 30 years...) Anyhow, here is my situation, and thank the gods for mothering.com! It just dawned on me that this would be the most terrific place to try and make this all work out...so here it goes:
I am a violinist, I perform with the Pine Mountain Music Festival every summer(I used to play and teach in Houghton, MI in the Keweenaw). Well, this will be my first summer with a babe, so I'm hoping I can make this all work out. Here is my situation...I am looking for someone to watch my daughter (who will be 11 months old by the time it's summer), during a few rehearsals and performances. I need to find some wonderful like minded folks in Marquette and the Iron Mountain/Norway area. If someone was interested in opening there home up to us to even stay with you, that would be even groovier!(The festival asks people to volunteer and host musicians/performers) I think I could even get you some comp tickets for performances if you'd like.
If you are interested in helping me out IMMENSELY, please PM me. I would of course pay a sitter, I could also assist in yoga (Iyengar style), teach you how to make soap, violin lessons, help woth the garden....anything to make this work! I love the U.P. and miss it dearly and would really love to make this work out this summer:p ! I've been blesseed with wonderful friends in the Keweenaw who have already opened there care and home up for me during my stay, now I have to branch out and find some kind people in other parts of the U.P. The dates are roughly: Marquette: June 30, July 12 and Iron Mountain or Norway area: June 29, July 8, 9, 10, 11. All 3 hour chunks...
Thanks for taking the time to read this long post!
take care,:love
Cori

[timneh_mom]

Hello!

Redhotmama, I am not sure when we'll be coming up for a visit again. We came up for Easter last year and not sure if we will this year? We haven't really talked about it at all. But yeah, if it corresponds with a LLL meeting or something else fun like that I'll try to stop in!

Jen, I was there from birth in 1969 to fall of 1998. I went to Michigan Tech from 1987-1990 and Finlandia (then Suomi college) from 1990-1992. I went to Houghton High. I thought we'd talked before though, and that you moved up there after I'd left already?

[YooperMama]

Hi! You're right, I did come (back) up here after you had left. I grew up here, though, and graduated from Chassell in '91. I went to MTU from '91-94, and then NMU and then MT. Various other places in the U.P. before our current home. :)

[timneh_mom]

Cori Beth, did you happen to play for La Traviata in 1998? If so, I was in it! I was a member of the chorus. That was such a fun opera to do!!

[russianthistle]

It's been a couple of weeks. I have a hard time getting online as my computer is located in my loft...it's difficult to get up the ladder with an infant. Casimir is a wonderful little babe. I could not have imagine motherhood to be as wonderful as it is. He truly is a little bundle of joy.

Here is a quick version of a birth story...I have not had time to write up anything substantial.

I visited my Dr. on Mon. Feb. 27 and found (much to my surprise) that I was dialated to 4 cm. It was my partner's and my anniversary that day, and I didn't feel that labor was impending, so we went to my cousin's house for a celebratory dinner. That night, labor started somewhere around 1 am. Rushes were strong enough to keep me awake for the remainder of the night, but not strong enough to alert anyone...I let Matthew sleep through the night.

Once dawn approached, I felt that things were moving along nicely, so I called Ellen, my midwife to let her know that the time was approaching. I spent the day taking each rush as it came...Matthew and I went for a walk...and spent the entire day preparing for the baby's birth. By 6 pm that evening, I felt that I was about to "go crazy" at any moment, and called Ellen and my mom out to my house.

When Ellen checked me, I was only dialated to 5 cm...all that work all day...and so little progress!!! I was a bit disappointed, but tried to remain positive and high-spirited. For the next SEVERAL hours, I labored and labored and labored...I tried every position I could...stepped in and out, many times, of the birthing pool...finally by the early afternoon of March 1, I was fully dialated. Unfortunately, I had not had any urges to push. After an hour or so of feeling no urge to push, my other midwife, Wendy, checked me again. I was still fully dialate...she could feel the waters...but the baby's head was not descending upon my cervix. When Wendy felt the waters, the baby's head moved upward (back inside me!) and within the hour I had regressed to 7.5 dialation! I couldn't believe my luck!

At that point, I tried a shower...then sat on the toilet for a few rushes...then into the birthing pool...then out for a walk. By 6 pm, I had made no further progress...we were all sooooo tired. I think that we all expected the baby to be born by this time. None of us had really slept in a whole day or more. I had not eaten for so long that I was simply losing my strength and composure. Ellen made the call around 6 pm to head to the hospital.

I was dismayed that I had to make the move to the hospital, but knew that it was in my best interest. I had never, in my life, been to the hospital before...I feared the little things like the sterility...iv's...all the unnatural possibilities. I tried to block out the fear as we headed the 20 miles to Marquette General.

Once at the hospital, both Matthew and I were on the verge of tears. We had, really, not considered having to transport. I had no fear prior to my labor...didn't think in my wildest dreams that I would be giving birth away from home. HOwever, once we let our worries fly, things came together quite nicely.

My dr. came in and broke my water...gave me an hour...then returned to stick me on the pitocin. Pitocin is truly the PITS as they say...it made my rushes slam one on top of the other. AFter an hour of the pit. drip, my dr. called in the OB on call and asked about a c-section. She had another patient in progress and told the dr. to give me another hour. By the time that hour had passed...I FINALLY felt the urge to push.

So, I pushed and pushed and pushed and pushed and pushed for like 3 hours (perhaps more...) I begged the dr. for oil on my perineum...to massage...then finally for an episiotomy. EVeryone had been claiming that they could see the baby's head for so long...and it felt like I was so far from actually birthing this baby. He countered my episiotomy request with an offer of suctioning...I took it. I will never do that again...it hurt SO badly! So, the baby was suctioned to a certain point...then I ripped (3rd degree tear)...then I asked, again for the episiotomy, and he gave it to me. So, I pushed and pushed and pushed some more...and FINALLY, the baby's head was out! In a matter of seconds, the rest of his body slipped out. I peaked over at Matty as Casimir was born, and I knew from the tears in his eyes that this baby had really entered our lives. It was beautiful! He seemed so big! so serene as they laid him upon my chest. He didn't cry, just looked up at me...at us...with the eyes of an old soul.

Today, Casimir began to lose his hair...he is nearly a month old! I couldn't be more delighted each day to have him in my life!!!

[cherrypudding]

Welcome little Casimir and Congrats new Mama! It only gets sweeter with time so enjoy!:throb

[cherrypudding]

Welcome little Casimir and Congrats new Mama! It only gets sweeter with time so enjoy!:throb

[redhotmama]

russianthistle, I love birth stories! Congrats on your sweet babe and triumphant birth:love

[YooperMama]

Yooper,
We are having a gymnastics class for 2-3 year olds, if you're interested, PM or e-mail me for details.

[YooperMama]

CONGRATULATIONS! I can't believe how you avoided a C/S--good for you! Definitely a triumphant birth. Way to go!

[cherrypudding]

The snow is melted, the air is warming and the flowers are starting to bloom. Spring is FINALLY here thank God!!!!!

Wishing all you yoopers a Happy Easter!:flower

[redhotmama]

I have a tulip opened and ready for business for the few bees who can brave the breeze.
When do my lilacs bloom here?
It's our first spring....
LLL is Monday at 6:00 for all you Keweenaw mamas.

[Qerratsmom]

Just found and am reviving this thread. I've lived in Houghton and the Soo and am now back in Marquette (my hometown). Of course dh and I both have master degrees with no real jobs...but atleast we are up here!

Say No to the Sulfide Mining!!!!

[Carrin]

Say No to the Sulfide Mining!!!!

:yeah: :yeah: :yeah:

We're heading up to Big Bay Oct 14th! Can't wait... We have property up there on Bear Lake. We were up for Labor Day on ds's very first camping trip! I hate having to come back downstate... Eventually our trips up there will become more frequent and we'll just end up never leaving.

How are the colors? Anything yet?

[Qerratsmom]

The colors are starting to change.....its really been nice. Everyone's getting their woodstoves ready.

[timneh_mom]

I was there for a week over Labor Day (in Hancock visiting my mom) and it was SO nice... slightly warm days and nights perfect for sleeping! Ahhhh... I'm so homesick... :bawl

[russianthistle]

Yes, indeed the colors are changing...I am thinking that this next week will begin the peak in my neck of the woods. I live between Munising and Marquette in the collection of people called Deerton.

I'm not sure if the colors will hang in there until Oct. 14...it's getting so cold.

Bear Lake is bee-yooo-tee-ful!!!! What a great place! My partner grew up on Saux Head Lake (where his parents still live). I will get the lowdown on the colors there, if you'd live :)

Thanks for reviving this thread! I need to get in touch with like-minded mamas here. I have a lot of friends in the area, but few mama-friends, esp. the kind that do things like eat organically,cloth diaper, breastfeed, and co-sleep.

[timneh_mom]

Yes, I know where Deerton is! We drive by it every time on the way up/back! :)

[Yooper]

Hi. The Cincinnati pox post got me thinking. If someone finds anyone with the pox in the U.P. (who are willing to share), please let us all know:) Winter is a good time for the pox:)

[Qerratsmom]

Hey Russionthistle, Have you attended any of the LLL meetings in Mqt? Its a good place to meet like minded moms. I plan on attending some this fall. My kids are 4 (ds) and 18 mo (dd). Ds finally weened this past winter.

[Carrin]

I will get the lowdown on the colors there, if you'd like :).

That would be awesome!

[Qerratsmom]

We'd like the pox too:p

[russianthistle]

I have not been to any LLL meetings, yet...have thought about it, tho'. I will look into getting more info about those meetings. What a great idea, thanks!

[mackenziesmama]

Hi-
Just moved to the UP because husband accepted a job offer here. We live in Newberry.

Are there any mamas from around this area? I see lots of you are from the Marquette area...that's about 2 hours from here I'm told.

Being away from all my family and friends is really, really hard. We still get home (Gaylord) on the weekends, but the weeks are really long. If it weren't for MDC or I'd be going nuts right now!

So if there's anybody by Newberry out there, please let me know! I'd love to meet/chat with you!

[Qerratsmom]

Welcome mackenziesmama! Your kids are close to the ages of my two. I'm in Marquette but have lived in the Soo which is about an hour from you. I think they are trying to start a LLL there. Somewhere there was a mama (I can't remember if its this thread) who is living in Grand Marais, I think thats not too far from Newberry (maybe an hour)? I know it can be isolating when you don't know anyone. I moved to the Soo when I was pregnant with #2 and I was very lonely for awhile. There are some very cool yooper moms around, you just have to find us!

[mackenziesmama]

Thanks for the info Qerratsmom! I will have to get in contact with someone regarding the possibility of LLL in the Soo. I thought I might just go up there for a day anyway and see what I can find. Seems like everything is at least an hour a way. An hour to the Soo, two hours to Marquette, 2 1/2 hours to Escanba, 2 hours to Gaylord. It is very, very hard to be away!!

Thanks for listening to me whine!

[redhotmama]

timneh mom, you are in big trouble for not telling us you were in town over labor day...I told you, you are our matriarch!! :nono Don't come to Houghton again without visiting our playgroup:p

Welcome new mamas to the yooper thread and thanks for reviving it.:thumb
We have stunning fall colors starting here in the Keweenaw, the hills are a rainbow of yummy autumn-ness. My pumpkins need more time to turn orange though...let's hope the frost continues to hold off for a few more weeks.

[redhotmama]

Marquette LLL meets the last Tuesday of the month at 2:00 pm in the Peter White Library (according to the website). I've not been, but did notice their awesome bulletin board at the Marquette Children's Museum. Have fun talking BF!

[russianthistle]

Just took a ride to Mqt. Noticed a great change in colors on the way back. The colors are just beginning to look nearly brilliant. It was COLD a couple of nights ago, so I think that it why the quickening. It will be gorgeous at the end of next week.

It is truly the end of summer. It is past my b-day, grey everyday; everything green is in the midst of metamorphosis, and the woodstove is back in vogue.

I am in absolute heaven!

k,;l l ":?-
":';? vc v bg uhbmjn bn b*& IN BI8 v
--this is what Casimir wrote...it was his first time typing.


Thanks for the info on LLL. I was thinking about going this Tues.

A bit of chat...
I turned 30 this past Sat. I can feel it already, and I know I will love 30. Today, I pulled back my hair, ever so neatly, and took the " FABRIC ONLY" scissors, and chopped ten and a half inches from my hair. It was an immediately satisfying thing to do! I feel refreshed and renewed, like I am temporarily a different person. Wow!

[russianthistle]

Hi mackenziesmama,
I have met this mama in Grand Marais and she is super! I think that she posted under a post that was searching for mama in her area. I was considering moving to Munising, but no longer am. I live about an hour and a half from Newberry. One great part of Newberry in the fall are the amazing colors at Tahquamenon Falls. It is not a difficult hike....definitely worth the time in all seasons, really.

Also, Newberry is relatively close to the mouth of the river that Hemingway based "The Big Two Hearted River" on. I don't care for Hemingway in the least, but it is gorgeous out there.

Gotta go, baby cries!

[Qerratsmom]

Happy fall everyone!

[Qerratsmom]

Today, I pulled back my hair, ever so neatly, and took the " FABRIC ONLY" scissors, and chopped ten and a half inches from my hair. !

I felt like doing this today!:lol

[Qerratsmom]

Oh and Happy Birthday!

[MPJJJ]

Thanks for the info Qerratsmom! I will have to get in contact with someone regarding the possibility of LLL in the Soo. I thought I might just go up there for a day anyway and see what I can find. Seems like everything is at least an hour a way. An hour to the Soo, two hours to Marquette, 2 1/2 hours to Escanba, 2 hours to Gaylord. It is very, very hard to be away!!

Thanks for listening to me whine!
HI MackenziesMama,

.

[redhotmama]

Happy Birthday Russianthistle!
I'm right behind you, I turn 30 in Feb. I feel a hair lopping coming on too:lol
Happy Fall Yooper mamas

[Heather4]

We have lived in Houghton for a year and a half now. Originally we are from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario (Canada) so we are no strangers to the beauty up here ~ especially right now! The colours are gorgeous!! I recognize a couple names on this thread ~ Hi, Ang & Berdelia! :) There may be a few more of you I know but I didn't read through every page. ;)

[yep_theyre_twins]

Hey girls! I used to live in the Soo but dh and I moved back down to Port Huron 2 years ago. We lived there for 4 years. I just thought it was cool to see a yooper thread. Actually my old name for a lot of things was yoopergoddess :laugh:

[bgb699]

Hi Yooper Mommas :wave
This is my first time posting in this thread. I live about a half hour outside of Marquette, and I absolutely love life in the UP. It's so peaceful and full of natural beauty that I cant imagine living anywhere else. I'm a full time non-traditional student at NMU, just started college when I was 35, and I work PT outside the home.
While DP and I aren't supposed to be TTC, were not TTA either...just leaving it up to God...and I'm thrilled about the idea of possibly having a baby in the house again, even though it's this late in the game of life.
Anyway, nice to meet you all!

[russianthistle]

Welcome Harmony!

What's TTA or TTD?

Today, I saw two rainbows!!! I saw the first one in Marquette and it was one of the most amazing rainbows I've seen around here. I had my cameras, but one had no film and the other had no batts. Gee.

Had a great day, met another mama! Yay!

Those of you from Mqt. area...the LLL meeting has been weak lately, I"ve heard. We should try to revive it! I think that mamas and prospective mamas here need support in the breastfeeding arena. I know of fewer bf-ing mamas than I do ff-ing mamas. I find this to be sad.

[bgb699]

Russianthistle~ LOL, it's 'baby talk'- my new language I've been using alot of lately. TTA is trying to avoid conception, TTC is trying to concieve. We're not doing either, but I don't know what the abbreviation for that would be. But I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we'll be blessed with a baby before too much longer. I'm 37 and started having peri-menopausal symptoms last year so I think my child bearing days are limited. However, if I do get pregnant, you better believe that I'll be all over the LLL meetings!

[mackenziesmama]

Hi everyone!

Is this already the end of summer? Seems like it flew by! I started putting away the kids summer clothes yesterday, now all I have to do is find the boxes of winter clothes! I know they're around here somewhere. I wonder if I'll ever get unpacked from our move a few months ago?!


Russianthistle - Happy belated birthday!! Still liking your new haircut?
-Do you recall the Grand Marais mama's name?

MPJJJ - I too thought of going to Soo CA for LLL meetings, but my husband has scared me away by telling me of long waits, searches, etc at the border. He said it'd be faster to drive the two hrs to Petoskey rather than the one hour to the soo and have to wait forever through security.

I really wish I could find a crunchy friend up here. I was hoping to meet a mama at ds's preschool, but that is not really an option at this point as we're considering taking him out of it. He was in a coop preschool last year and he did great. The preschool up here is really nothing more than daycare. No learning. When asked by my husband what he learned at preschool, my ds says, "It's not a learning school daddy. It's a play school". I'm all about playing, but not in a free-for-all, grab-whatever-you-can-from-whomever- you-can style.


I'm enjoying watching the colors change up here. So much prettier than below the bridge. The kids and I went on a leaf hunt. Anyone know a good way to press leaves? I remember making a placemat as a kid and would like my kids to do the same.

Signing off...dd waking up from nap!

[russianthistle]

I did some searching for the Grand Marais mama in a past post. Her name on MDC is hopefulfaith. Good luck getting in touch.

I met hopefulfaith at the Falling Rock Cafe in Munising and she gave me a fuzzi bunz for my (at the time) baby to be. Pretty groovy, I thought.

I still approve of the haircut :) I wished for one little moment today that I hadn't done it, but what's done is done.

[MPJJJ]

.

[Qerratsmom]

mackenziesmama,
I know a lot of people are nervous about going over to Canada, but honestly, when I lived in the Soo dh and I went over there all the time. The only time we had a problem was when we didn't have ds's birth certificate. As long as you have the kids' b-certificates and a pass port for yourself (although they usually only want to look at your drivers' license) and a note signed by your dh saying that it is ok for you to take the kids' to Canada (they've never actually asked me or dh for one, but just in case) you should be fine. There is a really great food store over there too if you miss good grocery stores. I can't remember the name, but I'll try to post it later.

Hi Marie! I finally got some pics of the kids downloaded that I'll send out soon, I promise!

Erin, I had a great time at the library!

[yep_theyre_twins]

mackenziesmama,
I know a lot of people are nervous about going over to Canada, but honestly, when I lived in the Soo dh and I went over there all the time. The only time we had a problem was when we didn't have ds's birth certificate. As long as you have the kids' b-certificates and a pass port for yourself (although they usually only want to look at your drivers' license) and a note signed by your dh saying that it is ok for you to take the kids' to Canada (they've never actually asked me or dh for one, but just in case) you should be fine. There is a really great food store over there too if you miss good grocery stores. I can't remember the name, but I'll try to post it later.

Hi Marie! I finally got some pics of the kids downloaded that I'll send out soon, I promise!

Erin, I had a great time at the library!

Just wanted to add that Dh is a Customs Officer and worked at the International Bridge when we lived in the Soo and now works here in Port Huron. If you have any questions feel free to ask. ;) We always hopped over to Canada when we lived there for dinner or to go to the mall. There are some fantastic trails and waterfalls not far from the bridge.

[mackenziesmama]

Do you need to have a passport to get into Canada now? I thought they were going to make that a requirement. Is a driver's license ok? I have birth certificates for the kids, but I have nooooo idea where mine is. Probably turning yellow in a box in my grandma's scary attic! I'm encouraged by the posts saying it's not too hard to get into Canada. Maybe dh and I and kids will try to go this weekend, just for something to do.

MPJJJ- Let's go to Petoskey sometime! It'd be fun! I've been to one LLL meeting there when ds was a baby, but haven't been to one since. They have a neat co-op there too, the Grain Train.

[yep_theyre_twins]

Do you need to have a passport to get into Canada now? I thought they were going to make that a requirement. Is a driver's license ok? I have birth certificates for the kids, but I have nooooo idea where mine is. Probably turning yellow in a box in my grandma's scary attic! I'm encouraged by the posts saying it's not too hard to get into Canada. Maybe dh and I and kids will try to go this weekend, just for something to do.


Ok just asked dh. Here's the scoop. A passport is NOT mandatory at this point. Proof of citizenship is what is required of everybody and unfortunatley a drivers license is not proof of citizenship. If you don't have your birth certificate honestly the worst case scenario is they turn you around at the bridge and that's it. You won't go to jail or anything. ;)

I will add that many times we've gone over with just our drivers license prior to 9/11 and not had any problems. Even now sometimes when I cross with my sisters who don't have their birth certificates and just drivers license's we've never had a problem.

Let us know how goes!! :)

[MPJJJ]

[QUOTE=mackenziesmama;6140619]Do you need to have a passport to get into Canada now? I thought they were going to make that a requirement. Is a driver's license ok? I have birth certificates for the kids, but I have nooooo idea where mine is. Probably turning yellow in a box in my grandma's scary attic! I'm encouraged by the posts saying it's not too hard to get into Canada. Maybe dh and I and kids will try to go this weekend, just for something to do.

.

[timneh_mom]

Crap!!! I lost my reply!! I hate it when that happens!

We've all got passports here! It's a good form of picture ID for someone too young for a driver's license. They aren't super cheap to get, but they are good for 10 years for an adult, 5 for a child. I'm going to get one for the baby probably within a few months of birth like I did for DS. Hubby goes to Euorpe regularly for work, and it's nice to be prepared to go with him if we get a chance.

We went to Soo Canada last summer and used them to get back to Michigan, no problems at all!

PS... mama to twins... I love belly dancing... been doing it since 2001!! Did you dance in the UP at all?

[yep_theyre_twins]

Hey Liz! You know when I lived up there I never even gave the idea much of a thought. :( I've been doing it for almost 2 years now down here in Port Huron. I've cut back within the last month being preggo and for some other personal reasons. We just danced at a wedding a few weeks back. I was taking oriental once a week and am part of a tribal troupe. It's soooo much fun and all of the ladies I dance with are just such down to earth and good hearted women. I just love them!!!

Where are you from in the UP? Dh and I go back and forth about moving back to the Soo but all of our family is here and it's so much easier for me to raise my girls when I know I can get a small break here and there and ask my mom to watch them. :) My gf's from the Soo keep telling me to move back so I can teach bellydance there. :lol

If you're intreasted here are some pics of a few of our girls and our myself when we danced at a wedding about 3 weeks ago.

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/yoopergoddess/album?.dir=ada2re2&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/yoopergoddess/my_photos%3furlhint=actn,del%253as,1%253af,0

[mackenziesmama]

Thanks everyone for the info on getting into Canada. Anyone have any favorite places to go/shop/eat over there?

Marie---Is there a Moms Group in Petoskey? I honestly don't know much about Petoskey's offerings besides the LLL. There's so much to do with kids in Gaylord, I really had no reason to go over besides to shop at Grain Train. A friend of mine tried to start both an ICAN chapter and another birth advocacy group (can't remember the name, they have chapters downstate, pregnancy brain strikes again!) in Petoskey without success, and I'd go over for the meetings, but other than that, I really didn't get over too often.

[mackenziesmama]

Mama to twins...I love your pics!! You look great!

[MPJJJ]

.

[mackenziesmama]

Ahhh, I didn't know what mom's group you were referring to. I'd love to meet on Monday night, however, the kids and I will be out of town. Do they have a meeting next Monday night? Wednesdays don't work for me as ds is in a state run "preschool" M-Th mornings.

How old are your boys? What are you going to school for?

[MPJJJ]

[QUOTE=mackenziesmama;6152474]Ahhh, I didn't know what mom's group you were referring to. I'd love to meet on Monday night, however, the kids and I will be out of town. Do they have a meeting next Monday night? Wednesdays don't work for me as ds is in a state run "preschool" M-Th mornings.

.

[mackenziesmama]

Cool! Next Monday the 9th sounds good. Where is the meeting at? I've only been to the Soo once and that was a few years ago. Is this moms group like MOPS? Or can kids stay with their mom? I ask because my dd is a little shy.

[MPJJJ]

.

[mackenziesmama]

We'll be out of town this week, otherwise, I'd love to meet you one morning! Maybe we can meet before the meeting? Is there a park nearby? Is there an age limit for the childcare? DS is 4.5 and will be coming with me.

[mama in the forest]

Hi yooper mamas!

I live in SW Michigan right now, but within the next couple of years I'm looking to move further north. I've got a nice little farm down here, but I do llama rescue & would like to eventually buy something that had more land with it - and going north is what I want to do.

I'd love to hear about your experiences & opinions about the UP. How do you feel prices up there for larger pieces of land might compare with prices south of you, but still north. Does that make sense? :lol

What have been the pros & cons for you living in the UP?

[russianthistle]

I've had some internet/computer issues and have felt so out of touch.

Mamaintheforest~I make jewelry too!!! sometimes, anyway. I've checked your site and you do fine work :) ANyway, about pros and cons to living here in the U.P.:
CONS
Job market is not that great. My dp has been looking for a better job to support us and had not had great luck finding anything that pays over $10/hr. However, he doesn't have a college degree. The winters can be brutal to those who aren't used to lake effect. On the other hand, I moved back from Colorado a little over a year ago and last winter was WEAK! (I was looking forward to being snowed in at least once). I love the winter and the snow. There are great x-country ski trails here. As far as community living, there are times when I feel like an oddity of sorts...you know, cloth-diapering, co-sleeping, bf-ing (can you believe that?!), and living with just what I need. People know me here as I am from the area, and they just accept that I am different b/c they know me.

PROS
THere is a great group of homeschooling, natural living people in the Mqt/BigBay area. The land is GORGEOUS! The lake (SUperior, that is) is amazing...it keeps me here, I swear. THere is tons of land which is not terribly expensive (depending on what your idea of expensive is...I"ve not compared the prices here to other places in MI). The cost of living itself is not expensive either, really...in comparison to Colorado. I think I pay about 1/3 of what I paid in CO. THe U.P. blows the mitten away in my mind.

Any more questions? I'll tell you all I can. We need more people like us here :)

Oh, and querratsmom: I was SO happy:wink to meet you. I need mama-friends :) I'll be in touch!

[redhotmama]

Hi Mama in the Forest~
Cons: The distance required for your family to visit. The UP is sooo far from everything, which depending on your family, could be listed under Pros:lol There is a different culture consisting of loud dirt bikes, ATV's and snow mobiles that seem to drink a lot of beer and consume and toss a lot of beer cans (so sorry for the sterotyping, I only have one year's experience here and I'm sure there are many exceptions) The job market can be very scary.
Pros: The beauty, the fresh air, the lack of traffic, the intense colors of nature, the like minded folks, the uncongested-ness, the HUGE lake, the stunning, thick, clean, fluffy snow, the way people bond over the weather, the way people disregard fashion and just wear what is comfy, the appreciation people have for children, the way community members band together to help one another. I could go on and on!

Llama rescue sound cool! There are several places around with llamas here....

[crayon]

Okay- now that I am back in butt ass washington- lol... No, it is really pretty here- I know Court still loves the PNW! But, I would say the cool thing about the UP- and esp. Houghton/Hancock area are the amount of thing to do with your kids. they have LLL, playgroups nearly every day of the week- in the summer- playdate in the parks (and tons of parks)- But the most wondeful things of are Courts' tea and brown sugar shortbread! :o

The trails, the lack of fear- the house prices. I think it is a pro the family distance issue- :lol

And the snow, and the fall colors!

[Qerratsmom]

I'm from Marquette, I left to explore other places and find the perfect city to settle in...well I came back to the U.P. There' s really no place I've been like it. Beauty, ruggedness, good folks. Prices for land are very cheap but starting to rise rapidly. The biggest problem is the distance from major cities (actually a pro for me) and the lack of jobs. Nice thing is most people are poor so everyone's in the same boat :lol

[Qerratsmom]

Crayon, you're not in the U.P. anymore?:(

Russianthistle, lets get together again sometime!

[redhotmama]

Thanks for the appreciation regarding the tea and brown sugar shortbread! I am starting an official LLL playgroup to be held the 2nd and 4th Wed. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hancock at 1:00 pm. Come see what Crayon's talking about!
Come home already, Crayon, my baby's due in 4 weeks. I'm like the Stay-Puft Marshmallow man. Adrienne took beautiful belly pictures of me in the woods, surrounded by leaves and ferns. I even climbed a birch tree and really got in touch with my earthy side. I feel like Mother Earth herself! Good thing we did it last week as word is it may snow on Thurs.:duck:

[Carrin]

Snow? Ugh...we're going to be up in B.B. Fri-Tues. Oh well, I'll just make sure to bring warm clothes! I missed the colors, didn't I?

[mama in the forest]

Thanks mamas for the replies! :p It sounds like just what I would love....I love the lake effect...right now I live very close to Lake Michigan but of course the southern part - so I do get the lake effect snows but I WANT MORE!!! :lol I can't get enough snow to satisfy me here. And I'm not worried about family because they don't even visit me HERE! Going further north will not be a problem! :lol

I am ready to plan a trip up there to check things out. I'm just waiting on my little 2 month old girl.....she doesn't like riding in her car seat and I can't just let her cry. So, as soon as I think she's ready I'm headin' UP to visit.

[crayon]

Thanks for the appreciation regarding the tea and brown sugar shortbread! I am starting an official LLL playgroup to be held the 2nd and 4th Wed. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hancock at 1:00 pm. Come see what Crayon's talking about!
Come home already, Crayon, my baby's due in 4 weeks. I'm like the Stay-Puft Marshmallow man. Adrienne took beautiful belly pictures of me in the woods, surrounded by leaves and ferns. I even climbed a birch tree and really got in touch with my earthy side. I feel like Mother Earth herself! Good thing we did it last week as word is it may snow on Thurs.:duck:

Ah, I want to see pics! You are starting a group 2x a month- :tsk
I am storming off to pout.... :irked:

Can you box up some BSSB and mail it to me :lol

I am going to a toddler LLL meeting tonight!!! Yeppie.... And Breeze is on a nursing freakish freandzeee... (is that how you spell that??) I woke up engorged after 3 hours of not nursing- what the hell? WHY ME??? :dizzy: And they are hurting..... aghhhhhhh.....

[redhotmama]

You got to have three hours of uninterrupted sleep and you're complaining of a little breast tenderness? You clearly have not had enough mama time. When are you coming home? Don't go and get attached to some other LLL and forget your homies here:lol
I am hesitant to send you a photo, as you will be incredibly homesick and sad you're missing playgroup. On Wed. we had a huge fire roaring in the fireplace at McLain SP, kids everywhere exploring the woods, the sound of the lake crashing against the beach and yummy food as usual. There was potato-leek soup, pumpkin spice cake, homemade caramel sauce and apple slices, creamy crab cheesecake with crackers, pumpkin donuts, oriental broccoli slaw, apple cider and chips and salsa. What might have your contribution been? we're still working on perfecting the black bean salsa recipe....

[Qerratsmom]

Ok redhotmama, you are making me very homesick for Houghton. Used to live in Dodgeville actually....I remember someones Leek soup...and man how i miss playgroup! Marquette's nice but its just not Houghton...

[redhotmama]

Come on up, take a drive! We meet Wed. at 1:00 at McLain. Dress warmly and under no circumstances do you eat anything for lunch!
If its cold we'll take turns rotisserie-ing in front of the fire (babies get priority seating though:p )

[timneh_mom]

*sigh* I'm 450 miles away from Houghton... gonna be too long of a drive for me... Oh well :( At least I got me mommy here with me :love

[crayon]

I would say 450 miles is worth the drive ;) I, on the other hand, am 2100 miles away- still worth the drive, but a bit out of my time limit right now :(

I will NEVER forget my hommies! You are my girls ;) I lovey my girls.... I am having a play date on Friday- I hope it will be a regular thing- but I don't know if it could keep up with Courts spread!

Agh.... Court, move back to the PNW- gawsh....

[russianthistle]

Yes, carrin, you have missed the colors. The weekend of the 30th 550 was spectacular! And, yes, the forecast calls for snow sometime after Thurs. I thought that this was just hearsay, but it was on the news tonight I was told.

Indeed, Kyra, we must get together soon. I'm just getting over something I'd not like to share with anyone. Soon!!!

I don't think I'm really ready for the snow. Last year, I couldn't wait...it came on strong and fizzled out...I was sad. Plus, I didn't ski b/c I was so much heavier that my skis are used to. My midwife said it was okay to ski, but I hesitated...maybe next pregnancy.

[mama in the forest]

Well, I think I'm officially jealous! I hear you UP mamas can expect up to 12 inches of snow!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wahhhhhhhaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh! :lol