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Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Infant Massage Weekend!

This past weekend was one of the most influential, amazing, terrific weekends of my life! It was the International Association of Infant Massage General Assembly. Basically what that means is people who teach infant massage (also known as parent/baby classes, trainers and anyone else who was interested, gathered together from around the globe (literally!!) to be taught, renew and start friendships, and join together for the purpose of sending the message of positive touch to every baby born! I didn't realize at first what a huge organization this is; There are chapters in 50 countries including Israel, Mexico, Australia, Sweden, Norway, Spain, Spain, and many many more.
I arrived at the Omni Hotel in Longmont around 4:30pm. I called my friend Laura to find out where she was. When she called me back she asked me to join her in one of the rooms. When I reached the room, I was greeted by Laura and there was another woman in the room, but she had her back to me. She did not look familiar to me right off the bat, but as I made my way around, I made eye contact with the beautiful woman. Laura said, "I would like you to meet my friend Vimala McClure." I became speechless. I wasn't quite sure how to react. I guess I should explain who Vimala McClure is: She is the infant massage guru!! She is the one who really discovered infant massage, brought it to the USA, published a book, formed the organization, and IS infant massage! I hugged her and I kissed her cheek and I could not stop touching and looking at her. I cannot explain to you what a blessed, treasured moment this was. I sat at her feet as she told a story, I watched her smile, and even eat chocolate icecream. This will definatly go down as one of the top moments of my life!
I wish I could describe to you the weekend! I get pretty speechless trying to write my feelings, my excitment, and my vision for infant massage. I learned so many things that will make me a more valuable teacher, wife, and someday mother. I am a better person because of the people I met and the spirit I felt all weekend. Saturday night was a banquet specifically honoring Vimala and Audrey Downs. (Audrey became instrumental to Vimala in organizing the whole international association). Without the two of them, there would be no association!
This is Laura and my new friend from California, Michael. (who happens to be the only male trainer in a sea of women...what a lucky guy!)
Vimala and Audrey at the banquet in their honor:

So, where do I go from here? I plan on taking the infant massage training in March. From there I have to do a certification process and I can teach parents who to massage their babies. I have a vision of what I want to have happen, but I am still trying to process and sort things out into words. It was life changing for me!

8 comments:

Suzie-Q said...

That sound really cool. IO have always wanted to try the massage for the babies, mine aren't babies anymore but it would be nice to have them settle down for something.

Kym said...

Wow, what an exciting weekend. I am glad you had a wonderful time! Miss you!!

Melinda said...

How awesome! I learned some very VERY basic type stuff when Sammi was a baby but I always wished that I knew more. Now I will have a resource to go to!

CarrieAnne said...

Hi, I think it is so cool that you do massage, it was something I was going to start studying after my mission but God had different plans...aka Kjetil! :) Here is the pumpkin muffin recipe...

2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon cloves

Mix (or sifting is better) those together.

Add
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cup (15 oz can) pumpkin

Beat for 2 minutes

Add
3 eggs

Beat for 2 minutes

Grease and flour (VERY IMPORTANT TO FLOUR!) muffin pans, fill and bake.

350* for about 12 minutes...maybe longer, I forget to set timers

You can also make it into a 9 inch round cake as well.

GLAZE

2 cups powdered sugar
4-5 Tablespoons HOT cream (warm up in microwave)
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Blend until smooth. I like to play around with the sugar and cream amounts. Sometimes I like it thicker (more sugar) and sometimes I like it thinner (more cream) but it is up to you.

Enjoy!

Smelly Moose said...

Cool! I'd love to learn how!

Holly said...

That sounds so interesting to me too!! I would love to see you when you and Matt come up if you have a free minute! Call me if you are available! I love you so much!

Darci and Ryan said...

Thank you so much--you're so sweet. I don't know that you have much to learn from me, but you are completely amazing and I have and know that I will continue to learn much from you.

The Figgins said...

Haven't heard from you in 2 weeks! You must be really busy. Hope it's with good things. Love ya!