V-day Conclusions

Valentine's Day is coming and I've been thinking.... the holiday has become disgustingly commercialized. Also, I've been single every Valentine's Day of my life. With that said, I should join the 'Single Awareness Day' folks. Something inside of me enjoys Valentine's Day though. I gleefully celebrate it every year by watching rom-coms, eating chocolate, smelling roses, and wearing red or pink underwear.

Thinking about things I like about about V-day, got me thinking about Cupid ... Who is Cupid? He is the son of Venus (Goddess of love) and Mercury (messenger God). How sweet, a child who spreads love messages. However, un-sweet is the whole history of Cupid and his love arrows. Roman mythology is whacked.

Researching Cupid got me thinking.... In my astrology profile, I am ruled by Venus. Somewhere in the universe, Cupid and I are linked.

Conclusions: Although I disagree with holidays losing their true meaning because of commercialism, I am a love child ruled by Venus. Therefore, I insist on celebrating love holidays.

Other conclusions: Dear John had some sexy Channing Tatum moments and I like celebrating by watching rom-dramas too. Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

A Beautiful Birth

It's almost been a week since I attended a beautiful birth. Unbelievable how fast time flies. I was in attendance as a doula & friend. Esther delivered at Birthing Your Way in Orem. http://birthingyourway.com/ I had never attended a birth outside of a hospital setting before. It was totally incredible! The center was so safe, relaxed, and home-like. I felt very fortunate to share the experience with such a knowledgeable, strong, and diverse team. There were two midwives, one midwife assistant, one student midwife, and me. Not to mention Esther and her mother are both nurses and Keyvan is really informed about natural childbirth.

I find it hard to express with words how miraculous it is to welcome a new baby into the world. Angels are dancing and singing, tears and laughter are flowing, and God is smiling.

Esther labored at home for many hours before going to the birthing center. She labored for another 8-9 hours at the b.c. It was nice to not only have the options, but be encouraged to eat, bathe, drink, walk, listen to music, change positions when pushing, and be vocal.

Baby girl cuteness came at 4:21 p.m. after an 1 1/2 hours of pushing. She was put on Esther's chest and peacefully gazed up at her mama. When dad said something her head and eyes immediately turned to him. She was alert, calm, and serene. She has a full head of black hair, black eyelashes, gorgeous skin, and the prettiest little face. She wanted to eat almost immediately and she did!

It must have been an hour or more before she was weighed (6 lbs 14 oz) and measured (19in & 3/8s) and assessed. Both mom and baby are happy and healthy.

I know there is a lot of fear and misinformation about birthing outside of a hospital. Is it safe? Can I transfer to a hospital if I needed to? Are midwives informed? Will my baby survive? Yes, yes, yes, and yes. As a doula, a woman, and a witness, I speak honestly that it is safe and normal. If you or baby have health problems, maybe the hospital is the best place for you to deliver. Either way, consider your options. Talk to people who have birthed outside and inside hospitals, with midwives and with ob-gyns, naturally and medicated. There is no right or wrong way to bring your baby into the world. Choose to be informed!!

Working as a doula is amazing. I support everyone and every scenario. Doulas help mamas make informed decisions. My wish is for every laboring woman to have a doula. Women are really good at supporting, informing, and comforting women. Every doula I know works with budgets. If you have any questions or curiosities, get answers! You won't regret being informed, it's empowering!

A big thank you to those of you who read my blog and to Heather for making my headers.

The other day I was teaching esthetics students about the basics of essential oils and massage. We also talked a lot about quality products that are good for the skin. I gave them a list of harmful chemicals that are common in cosmetics and other body products. Here is the list in case you are interested: http://www.gorgeouslygreen.com/downloads/Beauty.pdf
We talked a lot about chemicals and skin sensitivity. There is an increase of people with allergies, thus bringing awareness to the ingredients in everyday products. Further emphasising the importance of knowing what synthetic ingredients are doing to your skin and organs.

Therapeutic grade essential oils (that contain no additives or dilutions and have been distilled at low temps and low pressure) are great for the skin. The molecules are small enough to be absorbed into the skin and they don't compromise the skin's acid mantle. This is boring info, but significantly important esp. when purchasing and using essential oils.

One of the students who was pregnant asked if the oils were safe to use during pregnancy. I told her ABSOLUTELY. The only ones that aren't are Oregano, Thyme, Clary Sage and sometimes Fennel and I gave her specific explanations. Then I said, The more important question is, 'Is my shampoo, lotion, laundry detergent, toilet cleaner etc. safe to use?'

People, please consider the safety of your everyday household cleaners, cosmetics, and skin products. Some, no MOST, of these products are really hazardous to you, your children, and pets. You don't have to compromise cleanliness, smell goods, or price to use safe products. And I mean it when I say price. In fact, most would save money if they used safe cleaning products.

Research this for yourself. Don't trust me. Learn about the products your family is using. It matters. Your health shouldn't be compromised for a smelly hand soap or a cheap lotion.

I love receiving holiday letters. It seems like families write down all of their big milestones and give updates on each family member. I've always wanted to write one and send one out to friends and family, but feel somewhat weird because I am single and would only be giving updates on myself. Now I can write my holiday letter, all about me, on my, all about me, blog. And yes, its long because I do like to talk about myself.

Dear Friends and Family,

Thank you all for being in my life and for your love and support this past year. 2009 has been a big year for me and I would like to share month by month some of my highlights with you.

January: I re-learned to be grateful for my body. I volunteered to massage someone who was recently injured and staying in a quadriplegic rehab center at the U. He is around my age and very active and alive, but had some crazy accident and is now experiencing paralysis from the chest down. Briefly, I learned what this injury encompasses and it really shook my world. A gained a new friend and a whole new perspective.

February: Two things: First, I attended the big premiere of Minor Details. I worked on the film as a make-up artist with Becky. Please check out our work- you won't be disappointed. A big thank you to Melissa for the awesome hook-up. Secondly, I purchased Remembering Wholeness by Carol Tuttle for $1.00 back in January at DI, but finally read it in February. I re-read sections of it all the time- her writings have transformed me. By the way, the best time to shop goodwill is right after the New Year people are getting rid of stuff left and right. (January would also be a good month to dumpster dive- if you are into that :))

March: The coolest memory in March would have to be an awesome road trip to Moab. We hiked through Arches and then through Goblin Valley. Sadly, I had never done either before. It is so beautiful and its so close. It makes me sad to think of the arches colapsing- best not to go there or I'll get all Al Gore ish. I love getting outside and witnessing the Earth's beauty. However, the best part was being there with friends and getting awesome sunglasses.

April: This was a huge month for me because this is my Golden birthday year. I turned 24 on the 24th. WOWzers! Heather made my birthday special. She is so thoughtful that way. I spent the whole day with her and the kiddos. We went to lunch, a bakery, on a walk, and opened gifts which were all wrapped in gold paper. About a week before my b-day, I went on a road trip with Melissa to California- which was so awesome. I stayed at a sweet cabin in Lake Tahoe. (L.T. is an energy vortex). I explored San Francisco and played in the ocean. Mostly, I enjoyed meeting new friends. Overall, it was a perfect month!

May: Big milestone- I quit my day job. I had been working for an outsourcing company since June of 2008. I hated the work and it was stealing my soul away. The last few months were terrible. So one day I said. 'I am threw with this.' I have never looked back. I met some great friends along the way- who I still am friends with and I learned about global networking and outsourcing. I don't regret it for one second, but I am so glad I am threw with it.

June: I attended a doula training conference; thus, fulfilling a huge goal. I have wanted to be a doula for years and finally things aligned. I manifested this, pre-sold some gift certificates to pay for it, and am so glad I did. I really am quite proud of myself. I wasn't sure if I could do it- and I almost backed out, but didn't. I met some amazing ladys who I am still in contact with- the whole weekend was magical.

July: My family took a vacation to Michigan. My dad's family is from Michigan and they all live there. We don't make it out as often as we would like to. It is sort of a trip to visit with family members, who (unfortunately) I barely know, and they share my eyes and sense of humor and I automatically love them. My favorite past time is hanging out on the beach- that is enough for me. I am so happy to have these memories in Michigan and hope for many more.

August: I have the goal to see all of my favorite artists in concert. I went to Bret Dennen in April which was the best time- I sang and danced the night away. In August, Iron & Wine came for free- which was even better! Two artists are crossed off my list in 2009! Anyway, what made Iron & Wine so special was that I went to the concert alone. I couldn't find anyone to go with because as usual it was last minute. I usually back out if I have to do something alone, but I went anyway and had the time of my life. It was an outside summer concert- all I can say is it was a perfect night (except for the girl singing Flightless Bird, American Mouth in my ear).

September: Great month, but I need to preface with some history. First off, I got rid of my massage office in August, due to costs, which was as depressing as hell. Let me back up here, in July I found another office to work out of- to try and save my office. I got the job on the spot because it just so happens they were looking for a new therapist. I didn't know how great my new office was for me because I was still so upset about trying to save my office and was fighting a loosing battle. Alas, I got rid of my office in August, and was super depressed for weeks at the new office because I felt like a huge failure. Fast forward to September, I began flourishing at my new office. I get along well with all of the people I work with. To get to the point, feeling blessed and fulfilled where I am was a massive accomplishment because having my own office meant a lot me and giving it up was an ego crusher. Another career advancement, I attended my last birth (to get me doula certification- yes, I am a pirate). Previous to this, I had two other births and a six week Hypnobabies class.

October: For all those who believe in manifestation listen to this beautiful experience unveil: I had a job interview set-up on the 10th in Las Vegas and no money to stay there. As a solution, I was corresponding with a person on KSL to trade massage for a night in his condo in Vegas. He wasn't being very responsive even though he had confirmed that he would like to trade. It was the night before I was supposed to leave and this guy was being wishy-washy so I called him up and got a little assertive and forthright. The end result was a two night paid stay in the Greek Isle resort. Talk about awesome. To top it off, I met a friend in Vegas and we had a Vegas vacation. It was miraculous. Another perk, I landed the job- it's in Hawaii- working on a cruise ship. I haven't accepted it yet because I am still getting my license transferred. Also, this month I took a road trip with my dad to Durango. My brother and his family were moving to Utah and needed some help with moving their stuff. I loved the drive, the time with my family, and I knew we were helping out. Durango is beautiful and sadly I only visited twice during the 6 or 7 years my brother lived there.

November: At the first of this month I sort of got obsessed with living off the land- and in parent's yard that means apples. I was overtaken by the simple beauty and bounty of an apple tree. (I also picked my neighbor’s apples). Aside from being grateful for the apples and extended warm weather, I've reflected on my life's happiness. I have a lot of happiness amidst the struggles. I have a career, options, a place to live, and I have many friends and family. I feel surrounded by love and know that I can't take that for granted. I enjoyed Thanksgiving and was happy to spend it with friends and family.

December: I am proud to say that I saw my first UFO. Dugway happened and I didn't see it and I was totally bummed. Then on December 12th I was woken up by a flash of bluish green light in my room. I looked out the window and saw the flash across the sky two more times- which resulted in a power outage for more than an hour. I was freaking out and woke up my parents. My mom thought it must have been a car or something. It was not a car! I am not alone in my witnessing, I found another person who saw the same thing. I am a believer now. I saw a UFO! I am also looking forward to the blue moon Dec. 31st. After all, blues moons only happen 'once in a blue moon'.

Thank you if you read this long post. I hope your year was filled with happiness, hope, love, and light.

Christmas Cheer

Thanks to Sara and Heather's persistance I put up my Christmas playlist. Sadly, I couldn't get The Killer's new song Happy Birthday Guadalupe. Each year The Killer's release a new Christmas song and all the proceeds go to the charity RED. Take a minute and watch their video, Happy Birthday Guadalupe. You will like it because A.) Luke Perry is in it oo la la B.) It's a Mexican Christmas and C.) It's the Killers!!

Pioneer Spirit

To get into the Thanksgiving spirit I read a book about a pioneer who became my hero. Her name is Mary Ingles, not the 'Little House on the Prairie' Mary Ingles. This Mary Ingles is the one who watched family members get slaughtered by Shawnee Indians, then was taken hostage by them, through the grace of God escaped enslavement, and walked 1000 miles home.

Mary was 23 at the time, with two young boys, and nine months pregnant- due any day. She and her boys and her sister in law were not slaughtered in the attack and were forced to walk or ride horseback over 500 miles down the Ohio river. Mary had her baby while she was in captivity on the trail. For the next few days, she rode horseback and nearly bled to death, while at the same time feeding her brand new baby girl. During her journey down the Ohio river, she suffered and bled, cared for her now three children, and memorized the terrain. She had no education about her surroundings because she was one of the first white people to explore that territory. While on the journey, one of the the leaders, Wildcat, recognized her strength and began to favor her among the captives.

When they reached the village, by custom all captives are forced to run down a line while the other villagers stand at the sides and beat them with sticks and alike objects. The purpose is to initiate the captives and find their strength. Mary and her children were exempt from this ritual because the person before her who ran down the line died and because Wildcat plead with the Chief to spare her. After the initiation, the captives are sent to work in the village. While working, other villagers are noting their skills so they can be adopted and put into Native families.

Mary was separated from her sister-in-law and put to work sewing shirts for the villagers and a nearby trading post. Wildcat came to Mary for a shirt. While getting measured, he asked her to be his wife and he would adopt her children. This was a promising offer because it was expected that Wildcat would one day be chief. Mary, hoping that her husband was still alive, refused Wildcat's offer and as a consequence was sold into slavery. Wildcat adopted her two son's. She was left with her baby and a full time sewing job at a trading post. Helping her sew and also taking turns nursing her baby was a Squaw. Mary was really sad about this, but also relieved in a way because she had much to do and little time and energy.

The trading company was planning a trip up the river (in the direction of Mary's home land) to salt some meet and prepare and gather food for the winter. Mary went because she had already been to the salt river where meat is preserved. On the journey to the river she met up with Ghtel, a large, fierce Dutch woman. Together they gathered food and prepared meals. Mary determined to escape, convinced she could not spend another night with the crew, planned her escape. She persuaded Ghtel to join her.She had to make a choice, was she going to abandon her baby? She knew she couldn't do the trek in the cold wilderness with no supplies with a baby. She left her baby in the care of the Squaw woman. Mary and Ghtel fled the company each with a blanket, one tomahawk, and a spear. They ventured out alone to gather food and hit the trail.

Mary led them to her home land according to memory. They started in autumn along the Ohio river. They ate berries, acorns, fish, and nuts. However, autumn turned to winter all to quickly and food grew sparse. Together these women traveled days without food. Their limbs were freezing, their shoes fell apart, and extreme stress led to contention. These two survived on Mary's dream to return home to her husband.

After some time with no food, Ghtel started going crazy. She threatened to eat Mary on several occasions. They were each other's survival, enemies, best friends, and warmth. With each fight they lost supplies. Soon they had no tomahawk, one blanket, no clothes or shoes left on their bodies, and no spear. They dug the frozen ground looking for bugs, roots, and worms. Naked, cold, bleeding, and crazy these women trekked until one day Ghtel bit Mary, attempting to eat her. Mary fought Ghtel for her life. Mary crossed the freezing river for safety. That night apart from each was bitter cold and unbearable. Miraculously, they both survived the night lonely and desperate. The following morning they continued trekking with a huge river between them. Usually they were in view of each other which lessened the pains of loneliness. They reached a fork in the river with a mountain to cross and hoped to see each other on the other side. Mary climbed the frost covered cliff only to find one more cliff. As her body ate itself for nourishment and warmth she slept the night and was relieved to find herself alive the next morning. She again climbed another snow speckled cliff. On the other side she saw a house with smoke leaving the chimney. She had never seen a more beautiful site in her life. At this point in her journey she could not longer walk on her bloody frosty feet. Forced to crawl, she made her way to the house. Coming out of the house was her friend and neighbor. He didn't recognize her at first because of her skeletal appearance and her hair turned bright white due to the extreme stress she endured. While re-acquainting herself with her neighbor she passed out. Luckily he nursed he back to health. Mary still had at least another day's travel before reaching her home. After only days of being cared for, she again (with the assistance of her neighbor) began journeying home. She made it home to no husband. All of this time, her husband had been having his own adventures trying to find Mary. Within a very short time, they found him and brought him back to Mary. Their homecoming was indeed emotional and loving, but something had changed in Mary's eyes. Her experiences left her separated from him in certain ways.

She tried persuading her neighbor to go and find Ghtel, but after hearing her survival story, he and the town refused to go and find Ghtel the cannibal. Mary was devastated because no one could really understand the things that they had gone through together and although Ghtel, tried to eat a few times, she was still her loving friend. Finally they agreed to go find Ghtel. They found her alive and brought her to Mary. Their reuniting was difficult and yet happy and completely normal.

Mary and her husband lived a long life together. They had more children. Eventually Mary was reunited with one of her son's that Wildcat adopted. The younger of the two sons died two weeks after separation from Mary, his mother. And she never heard of her baby girl again. She and her husband bought back her sister in law. Mary's husband died at 50 something and she died at 80 something. Her son wrote her adventures down. And she is a living legend and my new hero.

Yes, this is a long post, but think of it this way : I just saved you from reading approx 400 pages of Follow the River by James Alexander Thom, a national best seller.

CMAs

Yes, I watched the Country Music Awards. I was disappointed that I was missing out on Modern Family and Cougar Town, but I'm a country music fan so I watched.

Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood weren't very funny to me. I was embarassed for both of them throughout different parts of the award show. I hope they don't host next year. I did appreciate them poking fun at Kanye, but once was enough.

I have to admit that I was pretty discusted that Taylor Swift won so many awards. Most disappointing was The Entertainer of the Year award. As upset as I was, I think my mom and Carrie Underwood were more upset.

Best and Worst performances:

I really liked Martina McBride, "I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool," with George Strait. George made it awesome. Keith Urban is the bomb. I loved his song "Til Summer Comes Around." It has a bluesy sound- which I am a sucker for. Mixed reviews about the Kenny Chesney/Dave Mathews's duet, "I'm Alive." I love slow sentimental songs so it worked for me. The performance was a top favorite of mine. Lastly, I have to admit that I liked Taylor Swift's, "Fifteen." She was in her element.


Daughty and Vince Gill did NOT do it for me. The song "Tennesse Line" was a pretty cool song, but where was Vince? I was really bored during Sugarland, "Keep You." I physically had to leave the room during Jamey Johnson & Kid Rock, "Between Jennings and Jones." I wanted Brookes & Dunn to go out singing one of their biggest hits. Overall, their performance was good. I was just let down. I wanted them to go out with a bigger bang.

I miss the Dixie Chicks. Come back!!

Song Tag 2

I went a little out of control and created a playlist to go with my song tag. Also, I changed a function of my playlist. It is no long on auto start. You actually have to hit play to listen to la musica.

Stacie's Song Tag

I created a tag. It is short and fun. Feel free to write more than one answer for each question because I know how hard it is to pick favorites with music. It is suppossed to be fun (as mentioned before:)

1. Favorite Disney song: Part of your world- Little Mermaid

2. Favorite sad song: A Falling Through- Ray Lamontagne

3. Favorite love song: Impossible to say, but I have a soft spot for Perhaps Love- John Denver

4. What is your happy song: Blessed is this life- Brett Dennen

5. What is your favorite song in Dirty Dancing (RIP Patrick): Be my baby- The Ronettes

6. Favorite MJ song (RIP): Will you be there

7. Favorite new (to you) artist: Theres a few: Calexico, Missy Higgins, James Morrison, Amos Lee, and Joni Mitchel

8. All time favorite artist/band: The numbers are my ages when they were my all time favorite. Tori Amos 10-18, DMB 13-17, Counting Crows 13-17, Alanis Morissette 13-18, Jack Johnson 18-23, Damien Rice 19-23 , Ray Lamontagne 19-24, Iron & Wine 20-24 *A lot of overlapping and also a lot artists because I am not exclusive with my music tastes. And Martin Sexton, John Denver, Heather Nova, James Taylor, Brett Dennen didn't make the cut :(

9. Favorite Male artist: Ray Lamontagne

10. Favorite female artist: Tori Amos

11. Favorite break-up song: Cocoon- Jack Johnson (happy song), Accidental babies- Damien Rice (depressed song)

12. Closet favorite artist or song: Enigma

I tag Heather, Becky, Marianne, and anyone else who still blogs :)

Mother Nature Teaches a Lesson

Autumn is my favorite season. It seems so short, I guess because I only love certain parts: I love the rich warm colors, I love harvest, I love grape juice and fresh salsa, I love Halloween, I love the excitement in the air, I love layering and long sleeves, and I especially love long drives through pretty canyons.

I went on an autumnal drive up Payson canyon on Saturday. I saw the most brilliant red leafed tree. Naturally, I pulled over and perused to find the most beautiful leaf. As I neared the tree, I started to see imperfect leaves. Most of the leaves had been eaten away by bugs or dried out on the corners. This got me thinking (of course), the most beautiful things, people, and places are composed of imperfect pieces.

I get caught up in perfection. I want to be perfect at this and that and everything. This is impossible. Life is so much easier and much more beautiful when you stand back and view the entire tree rather than inspecting each leaf. Ahhh, the lessons mother nature teaches.

p.s. image taken by David C. Schultz

Pregnant and Swine Flu

I am not pregnant nor do I have swine flu, but one of my lady's that I am doula-ing for who is DUE in a week and a half got swine flu. Saturday I went over and gave her a Raindrop Technique treatment. I called her today and she is feeling great- nearly whole again! It is such a relief knowing that she can have the strength and health to have her baby.

If you or any of your family members are sick (even if they are quarentined to the home) there is hope. I can help you. Don't let the sickness get any worse than it has too. I can work on infants, children, adults, elderly- anyone and everyone. I am quite optimistic about staying healthy during the fall and winter months!!

If you have questions or need more info call or email me at anytime.

I got a forward yesterday of 30 random thoughts. I got a kick out of these ones:

As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.

Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

How many times is it appropriate to say “What?” before you just nod and smile because you still didn’t hear what they said?

I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to the car to bring my groceries in.

You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you’ve made up your mind that you just aren’t doing anything productive for the rest of the day.

I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

WE

This weekend I have spent some time watching Hallmark and WE (women's entertainment). On WE, I watched Under the Tuscan Sun. I wanted to hide in the closet during the scene when Diane Lane's character, Frances is dancing and chanting "I've still got it." Gross. Embarrassing moment aside, I really love the overall message of the movie.

Quick synopsis: Frances's husband divorces her. She didn't expect it. Her friend offers her a trip to the Tuscany with a group called 'gay and away.' She accepts. While there, she purchases an awesome estate/cottage. She has ups and downs and manages to make all of her wants come true.

Here's what I love about it, we all go through those downer times in life. Then an opportunity arises. We reject it. Thankfully we have a moment of clarity and faith. Soon thereafter, if not immediately, we find ourselves accepting and embracing. Our thoughts are 'this is scary and exciting but I am doing it NOW or else I never will.' Don't you love you those moments?

My 'scary and exciting' moments are clear. Here are some to mention: 1. Switching colleges last minute: I said no to Utah State and hit up BYUI even though I had a scholarship at Utah State. 2. Deciding on massage therapy. I was on a Saturday drive, passed by the facility, and said I am doing this. No looking back since then:) 3. Meeting Damien Rice. Sure I tripped and fell on my face while going up to meet him, but I did it, and as an added bonus I hugged him! 4. Going to Colorado for massage gig. I was only gone for 7 weeks, but learned a lifetime of lessons and managed to fall in love with Colorado. 5. Doula training. I had no money. I offered a smoking deal selling massage gift certificates and worked the rest out with my trainer.

I pray for more moments in my life when my heart is racing, I have total faith, and No idea of how the details will pan out. But totally stoked. To me, this is what life is all about. And to think, this post came to life because of a WE movie event.

Pics from trip

All of these pictures were taken by Heather:


Beautiful sunset


Me and Ella getting warm by the fire


Lake Michigan


Duck Lake Channel


Me eating blueberries

Trip to Michigan

Top 10 Highlights:

10. Mr. Scribb's Pizza: Chewy cheese. Tasty. Not as good as I remembered, but still delicious

9. Whippy Dip ice cream: Specifically the black and white cone and turtle.

8. Driving the rental car: I have never driven in Muskegon before and it helped me get to know the area really fast.

7. Docks and channels: We like to watch the big ships go through the channel. Actually so does everyone else. Surprisingly, there are people who sit in their cars and watch the ships for hours.

6. Checking out the real estate: We drove through the town looking for 'for sale' signs. This was a daily activity for us. Our relatives want to lure us into moving to Michigan :) Also, as a whole, our family is curious. Who doesn't want to know what every house in the town looks like on the inside? Prices are incredibly cheap! As Lori would say, "they are giving away houses." Lori found a decent house for $5,000 in the heights (rough neighborhood). Who knows what the interior looks like, but the real estate agent said that she has sold houses for as low as $2,000 in the heights. OUTRAGEOUS!

5. The blue tube: We found a tube on the beach. The last day we were there, I saw the owners deflating it. I wonder what they thought when they saw us using their tube everyday??? It was great though!

4. Blueberry picking: I love blueberries. They were beautiful this year. Some were seriously as big as quarters. The nice thing about picking berries yourself is that you get to eat as many as you want while picking them :) Lucky for me I found wild raspberry bushes too. I ate my fair share of berries for the week.

3. Duck Lake Channel: My favorite spot. Duke lake is usually really warm, calm, and clear. I love to float on my back. It is so fun to spread out on the lake and not get crushed by a wave. Although, don't get me wrong I love that too. The channel flows into Michigan Lake so I can get some waves too.

2. Aunt Elka: Elka lives in Indiana, in a gorgeous beach house on Michigan lake. Its the southern tip of the lake. Translation: significantly warmer water than in Muskegon. She and my Uncle Fuzz designed their beach house. It is really big and spacious because Fuzz was in a wheel chair toward the end. The house also has an elevator which was a hit with the kids. It was my first time there. I could tell that my dad really enjoyed being the house and visiting with Elka. The last time my dad went to Michigan was for Fuzz's funeral. The house has a lot of fun memorabila from their last house. Elka is really fun, relaxed, and social. She is the cool Aunt everybody wishes they had :)

1. Hanging out with my family: bbqs, lunches, drives, boat rides, beach days, bon fires, exploring the town days, visiting, laughing SOOOOO much, remembering, and loving each other.