Camp Osto

Crazy life

2011-09-17T06:52:00.002-04:00

Spring and summer came and went and fall is closing in. When did that happen? I went back to work full time, so I suppose that is what happened. Life is very busy these days, and it feels like "sink or swim, baby!!!"

Kid life is in full swing with lots of sports activities, especially football and cross country. Chooch scored his first touchdown and T scored for his team! Very proud! Baby Girl is still flipping around the gym 4 days a week.

Osto went back to nights, poor guy. That schedule is insane. I'll leave it at that.

I am trying to keep my sanity, not sure yet if I am succeeding...but I know it will get better.

Winterfest Meet - Farmington Hills

2011-02-01T13:07:00.004-05:00

Cal Trish had her second meet on Sunday. She placed 6th All Around and her team took 3rd place! It was a lot of fun watching these competitive little girls shine!

The team: Coach Ashley and Coach Alyssa

Cal, Sarah, Natalie

Sydney, Olivia, Jada

The 3rd Place Winners & First Trophy!

6th Place All-Around!

Bar Routine: 8.425 (8th Place)

Beam: 8.600 (8th Place)

Floor: 8.775 (5th Place)

Vault: 8.25 (3rd Place)

Vault 2

Snowmageddon 2011!!!!!

2011-02-01T12:26:00.003-05:00

Blizzard 2011 is set to arrive this evening. The weather reports say this will (perhaps) be the biggest storm in 40 years. It is going to hit 60% of the country. We'll see! I'll post the before and after pics to capture for all posterity. I had to shovel this morning, no Here is the before:

Appliances

2011-01-18T19:16:00.004-05:00

Well the beauties arrived. They are as pretty and shiny as expected. Three of the four buggers wouldn't fit. That's right. Insert swear words {here}. Now, if you know me, you know I am slightly handy. This is only due to genetics and really no talent of my own. If you know Osto, he is compromised in this area, chosing to hire out the work to provide jobs, and thus a living, to those who know how to do things such as installation work. This is economy stimulation you know!

WELL....after 20 cuss words, 20 pleas to the installation guys, 20 phone calls to various "handy" people (darn you), and 20 pep talks to each other, 2 of the 4 beauties are now installed and working. The stove needs a pipe moved (WAY over our heads) and Papa Bob may be able to handle that this weekend. WE (yeah, you read right), WE installed the microwave. And the dishwasher is a project for later. That involves tile removal. UGH!

We are close. I can use all but the dishwasher. I love them so far. Osto is awesome!

Re-Published on 2-1-11 with pics and our new wall in the LR. It is called "Tropical Nut".

First Meet

2011-01-17T16:20:00.004-05:00

Baby Girl had her first gymnastics meet on Sunday. She is competing at USAG level 5. Overall she finished with a score of 31.75, not bad for her very first go! We were so proud of her! Nannie and Papa rounded out the cheering section.

Beam 8.05
Floor 7.15
Vault 8.40
Bars 8.15

BEAM

FLOOR

VAULT 1

VAULT 2

BARS

Next Steps

2011-01-10T21:21:00.003-05:00

Osto and I bought new appliances yesterday. They are coming next Monday. Something about that makes me feel like a big girl. I rarely spend money on myself, let alone my house. (I know, it shows). But I'm trying to grow up. My house needs it. The microwave handle fell off. Again. The fridge makes a loud humming noise. Then the stove stopped working. Time for these 20 year old appliances to go bye bye. Some will appear on a Craigslist near you soon, if you are in need of a great garage fridge for your beer or sodas.

Now, you know when those pretty babies arrive, all shiny and sparkley, the rest of my kitchen is going to look even more tired and crappy in comparison. I really want to be brave and paint the grainy, golden oak cabinets a really dark almost black brown, but I am a total chicken. I've been talking about it for about 4 years. But its like some forbidden taboo to paint oak cabinets, isn't it? Plus, I'm cheap so I want great professional results that I'm not sure I can pull off myself, so I guess I will have to mull it over for a while longer. Or until Osto kicks me into gear. (I'm the thinker, he's the doer!)

And we are going to paint our accent wall a burnt orange color. For some pizzaz or pop or something. I'll let you know how it all turns out.

Recapping 2010

2011-01-09T18:52:00.002-05:00

Well 2011 sure got here in a hurry! I feel like I am a couple of weeks behind! 2010 was a great year and it ended with a bang at the Griffin's game on New Year's Eve. It was our first NYE ever with our kids, as they have always spent it with Nana and Papa. We had a great time and hope to plan more fun events in the years to come.

Highlights of 2010:

Celebrated Matt's 37th bday in Traverse City with Geno and Amy
Annual Rau cottage winter trip to celebrate Papa Bob / my bdays - Feb
Chooch played flag football
Osto plays his last basketball game (long story short)
Tim McGraw Concert!
I celebrated 10 years at my job at the Rain Concert (Beatles Tribute)
Osto decides to coach girls softball - Calli's team (the Cobra's) / Chooch starts t-ball / T pitches his first little league game!
Marley makes her debute and retirement in Dock Dog Jumping
Cal Trish stars in the school art show
Osto plays in a golf league with his high school buddies
Family celebrates all the May/June birthdays at the West Michigan White Caps game! A new tradition?
T plays lacrosse
Tall Ships celebration in Bay City
Rau Cottage summer time fun!
Camp Osto becomes a 1.5 star resort with the addition of power!
Cal joins a new gym and begins her competitive gymnastics career
Rau Reunion on the River
Super awesome UP Trip!
Annual Camp Osto Labor Day festivities
Tyler shoots his first deer at Camp Osto on September 26
Duck hunting on the Bay
Chooch becomes a Cub Scout
Wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations with family (as always)

We talked about our goals for 2011 and Osto is going to run a triathalon, the kids want to go to Mighigan Adventure and / or Great Wolf. My goals are simpler...work harder, move more, eat better, sleep easier and of course, HAVE FUN! Should be a peace of cake right!? Happy 2011!

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-06T20:12:00.002-05:00

The Christmas season has finally arrived at Camp Osto! We cut down our tree yesterday and decorated it to the max! I love seeing all the Radko ornaments I've received from Osto and the kids over the last 10+ years. Add to that the ones the kids have made and the ones my grandma, Tootie Rau, hand painted, and it's pure nastalgia!

Baby Girl and Chooch participated in the Chrismon service at church last night. They sang and Cal read a verse. Nothing cuter than little kids singing and playing their instruments to get you in the holiday spirit!

This week we get to enjoy the kids school holiday program too! Lots of fun and excitement in store.

In other news...
JennaBear and George had their first baby today, a little boy, 9 lbs, 11 oz! No name yet!

Chooch lost his front tooth today (ok, I pulled it).

Cal's first gymnastics meet is this weekend.

T-bird is joining the ski club.

Osto is still hunting.

I'm ready for a vacation!

More Fall...

2010-10-31T10:42:00.001-04:00

More fall...

2010-10-31T10:33:00.001-04:00

Hunting collage of Tyler's first deer.

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T10:17:00.004-04:00

Will, Calli, Ella, Payton

Gage & Braden

Lucas, Zach, Kyle, Brennan

Carter and Tyler

The Chooch is Dope!

2010-09-26T15:57:00.001-04:00

{Pause the music}
Here is a great video of Chooch dancing to that 90's classic from Bell Biv Devoe - Dope! Hope you enjoy his fly moves!

Tyler's First Deer!

2010-09-26T15:50:00.006-04:00

This morning, T-bird shot his first deer during the youth deer hunt. It was a 3 point, taken with a shotgun from his tree stand. Pause the music and enjoy the thrill of the hunt. Hard to tell who was more excited...T or his dad! Congrats Bird, hope this is the first of many!

And the reaction....

10 years

2010-09-22T10:33:00.002-04:00

Ten years ago today a little baby came into our lives. To my surprise, that baby was a girl! She has since blessed us with her zest for life, humor, fearlessness, beauty, talents, athletics, and heartfelt sincerity.

Happy Birthday Cal!
We love you more than you will ever know.

Recent Stuff

2010-09-19T13:38:00.007-04:00

1) Back to School Pics!

2) Osto has a sudden and unexpected appreciation for wine. This is good, because I love wine and have someone to share it with...and bad, because I love wine and now have to share it.

3) T-Bird is running Cross Country with the 7th and 8th grade team. He is improving every time he runs and even having fun! I know we are having fun watching him.

4) Cal Trish joined the competitive gymnastics team and she will compete in Level 5 USAG sanctioned meets starting in January! She is learning her beam and floor routines and is loving it! More to come...

5) Chooch decided to pass on Karate and join Cub Scouts! More to come on that too.

Back at it

2010-09-16T20:14:00.003-04:00

September always brings the end of summer, the end of the laze and the start of the craziness called back to school. Seems especially busy this year but in a good way. Happy to have my kids engaged, involved, and inspired to be part of something bigger than the world they know. Once they get over that fear of the unknown, they always soar! I guess we adults should take a cue from them huh?

I'm going to be an activity leader at church, which is scary in itself, right? Especially when you consider the audience is 7th and 8th graders! I will probably get more out of it than they do, so that is a reward in itself.

Find peace!

Labor Day @ Camp Osto with the families

2010-09-11T09:38:00.003-04:00

Please shut off the music to the right first.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

This year's Labor Day was a little chilly, but we still managed a lot of fun. The kids built some awesome forts and played in the woods. Lots of shooting and a chilly tube ride. Good food and great company! Thanks to Don, Curt, Dan, Nancy, Pat, Bob, Chris, Charlie, CJ, Katie, Riley, Hunter, Mark, Missi, Matt, Tyler, Calli, and Braden for making it a fun year again. We love having you all together and celebrating our wonderful family!

U.P. Trip - August 2010

2010-08-28T17:18:00.001-04:00

Rau Cottage Vacation - July 2010

2010-08-28T16:55:00.004-04:00

We had our annual week at the Rau cottage - a week of eating too much, drinking too much, a lot of doing nothing - pretty much the perfect relaxing vacay. We did the annual walk around the lake, lots of pontoon rides, the kids tubed and kneeboarded. We took a day trip to Tawas where we shopped and walked the pier. So much fun as always!

AHHH SUMMER!

2010-07-22T06:57:00.002-04:00

Summer is here! I just loved the more relaxed atmosphere of not having to rush every which way. The kids are sleeping in and the pressures of life are light. "So where you been, Rau?" you might be asking? Well, I didn't say I wasn't busy, it is just a way more FUN version of busy!

Summer started out with little league. All the kids played well and T made the All Star Team. It was a fun (and sometimes stressful year) with Osto coaching and me having to watch T pitch.

We've had some great trips to Camp Osto with the kids and their various friends. We had some SUPER tube trips and looking forward to more fun there in August when hopefully the adults can have a turn! A huge upcoming event at Camp Osto is the addition of POWER! YES!! More to come on that in future posts.

T spent some time in Bay City with Papa Bob in a fishing tournament in June. They didn't have the success of prior years, but I know they both look forward to this event and love the competition and time together.

Cal Trish has had a busy social calendar spending a week in Pentwater and another in Grand Haven! She's always on the go and really enjoying her summer so far!

We had a great time with our friends celebrating Amy T's 40th at a surprise party. Osto convinced the crowd it was keg stand time and then the party really started!
We also had our annual 4th of July with the Ungrey crowd. Always fun and a really great show this year. Next year will be fun with new baby U in the mix.

Last weekend the kids and I went to Bay City to see the Tall Ships. It was like a history lesson. We swam at the beach and had fun with Papa Bob and Hunter Osto who came along.

Papa Dan took the kids to Grand Haven for an evening trip of beach, ice cream, musical fountain and summertime!! I'm not sure who had the most fun.

Soon we leave for the Rau Cottage for a week of pure blessed nothing. Too much food, drink, sunshine and water. A perfect summer vacation for sure!

Then...August brings a family reunion, a trip to the U.P. and the annual family Camp Osto extravaganza!

HAPPY SUMMER!

Chooch is SIX

2010-05-26T07:52:00.002-04:00

My baby turns six today! I can't believe it. He also lost his first tooth this week, so lots of big events. Yesterday his brother caught a bunch of tadpoles for him for his birthday. They are now living in the garage in a fish tank. (what a great gift)!

Tonight, Chooch and Cal both have games, then we are having cake and presents!

A friend party next week, followed by a White Caps game with 18 family members.

Happy Birthday Choochie...now quit growing up so fast!

Community Garden

2010-05-04T07:54:00.003-04:00

Found out yesterday I am "IN" at the community garden. It is a 20 X 30 plot. My plan is to get it ready this week and get the early crops in since I am already behind. Hit up my dad last night for some tips as he was a farm boy!

Crop plans include: corn, tomatoes, sweet peppers, hot peppers, beans, peas, cukes, carrots, onions, and maybe some pumpkins (that's what the kids REALLY want)!

Any produce we don't eat will be donated to a local food bank. Its a WIN-WIN!

Chooch's first T-Ball Game!

2010-04-27T22:11:00.003-04:00

Chooch's first game! There are pictures of his good friend Quinton too, who is on his team. Chooch (number 10 wearing the red striped socks) did a great job, hitting twice and playing short stop, first base and right field. Not sure who had more fun, us or him! (Special thanks to Grandpa "T" (aka Bobarazzi) for most of these great shots).

Pizza With Everything!

2010-04-27T21:13:00.005-04:00

She sings, she flip flops, she dances, she plays softball, she is a straight A student, she is a poet and an author...and now she can officially add "artist" to her list! Her piece, titled "Pizza With Everything", is currently being shown at her school district's Art Fair! This is an honor to be chosen and she did a great job!

Tyler at Bat

2010-04-23T22:08:00.005-04:00

Here are some clips from T's second game. Even though his team lost 7-3, he was able to score twice, once after each of these highlights. Great job!

Duck

2010-04-18T15:46:00.002-04:00

So last week I opened my front door to see Mr. and Mrs. Mallard duck walking down my front walk...

Then two days after that I saw Mrs. Mallard again in my front yard.

Today, I discovered Mrs. Mallard is really Mama Mallard and she has laid five eggs under a bush by my front door. I accidently scared her off (I didn't know she was there) and then the dog chased her. I hope she comes back.

When I grow up...

2010-04-15T21:03:00.003-04:00

...I want to be a Solid Gold Dancer! Bad!

Easter and Spring Break

2010-04-15T09:07:00.003-04:00

We had awesome weather (for some days) and a great time (all days) on this year's spring break. We traveled to Bay City for Easter with Mom, Dad, Gramma, and Great Uncle Buck and Great Aunt Peg. Then we stayed local for two fun filled "Kids Rule" days. These included Frederick Meijer Gardens, Dairy Queen, Strikers mini-golf, Craig's Cruisers (for laser tag, go carts and video games), How to Train Your Dragon (Movie), Sonic burgers! whew!

Talent Show

2010-04-07T09:00:00.005-04:00

Pause the blog music, then click HERE to see Calli singing in the school talent show! She did great even with the technical difficulties (not her fault)! So proud of her.

Room Re-Do Pics

2010-04-01T20:19:00.002-04:00

Here are the first pics from the new room! Just need to finish the desk, get some new lamps and accessorize!!! Turning out so cute.

Room Re-do

2010-03-29T19:59:00.003-04:00

Every nine year old girl wants a room that is her heart's desire. My baby girl's heart's desire is a more grown up, but fun room, that is blues and greens. We found a comforter we loved(!) and matched some colors to it ~ spring green, cool jazz and gem turquiose ~ to be exact. More like lime green, aqua and turquoise, but very cute indeed! I found a little old desk at a resale shop that was already "shabby chic" and cute as can be, but when baby girl saw it she didn't like! She didn't want anything "old" in her "new" room!!! I told her we could paint it turquiose and that seemed to be OK.

I have painted and need to do one more wall and then we are set. The dresser will be another day. I am hoping to find a girly chandelier and some fancy lamps. We are going to put up a shelve and make a chalkboard, put up the photo board her fairy godmother made her, and some other accessories.

I think its going to be great and she is already in love! At least it is only with a room....for now....

Let the Games Begin!!!

2010-03-22T19:26:00.004-04:00

Well, April and May and some of June will be a little league extravaganza! We have three kiddos playing this year (look for your emailed schedule soon) and Osto is coaching Cal's team, so it will be busy busy busy! Thank God Osto is working a day job now so he can be around to enjoy this! It will be gone so soon. Chooch starts t-ball, which will be a blast!

Can't wait! If you need me, you know where I'll be....at the corner of No Family Fare and Main Street!!! =)

Feb into March

2010-03-15T19:41:00.004-04:00

WOW! What a blur of activity over the last few weekends! First of all, I turned 38! How can I be 38? I still feel like I am 13.

The weekend of my birthday, Osto and I went to see Tim McGraw. He found our friends who hooked us up with front row passes and it rocked! I love Tim...

Then, the kiddos went to visit Nan & Pop for a long weekend (the next weekend). Osto and I went to see Rain - A Tribute to the Beatles, a special gift from my employer in honor of my 10 years of dedicated service(!). That was a lot of fun too! That was Friday night. On Saturday we had a seafood extravaganza, since Baby Girl has a seafood allergy and she was outta town, we cooked up a mess of shrimp, lobster, scallops, and risotto and yum yum yum!!!

THEN, this past weekend, Nana came home from FL for a kid fix. She took the kids all weekend. Osto and I went to dinner on Friday. On Saturday, I went up to TC with my mom, and my great friend Gretch. We spent the day shopping, eating, gambling and drinking. I had a great time, even though I didn't win any money.

Weather is turning nice...not so much rain as sun in the past few weeks. Grass is turning green and the damn time changed! Won't be long before my thoughts turn to plants and flowers!

I've had a great few weekends...now I'm ready for a little down time this next weekend.

Victory???

2010-02-23T08:31:00.002-05:00

By now, many know the ongoing saga about the grocery store they want to build in my neighborhood, replacing little league fields that have stood on the ground for decades. You also know how much I oppose this project.

This past weekend the store announced it is dropping its plans to build!!! Feels like a victory, but I am cautiously optimistic. I have a feeling this isn't the last we've heard on this, but for now I will do my happy dance! YAY!

For the details click...HERE or HERE.

Dear Osto

2010-02-21T20:11:00.003-05:00

You are getting old. I know, I know, I am WAAAAYY older than you, but you are OLD! Love ya!

Me

February

2010-02-18T15:30:00.003-05:00

Beautiful sun shiny day today...makes me feel happy. Almost 40 degrees, which is just down right balmy for February.

I really want to go skiing or figure out something fun to do with the kids. Maybe a little ski trip or trip to Great Wolf soon. Too much work, not enough play!

My birthday is next weekend and Osto and I are going to see Tim McGraw, Lady Antebellum, and the Lost Trailers in concert. I can't wait! Should be a great time. I've seen Tim before, but Lady A is so hot right now they might steal the show.

Chooch finishes up flag football on Saturday and Bird has tryouts for baseball on the 27th. Other than that...no new news with kids.

Just trying to get beautiful for my 38th birthday, for the summer and maybe my 20 year class reunion! *gasp*

All is well in the world!

Cabin Weekend

2010-02-17T15:23:00.006-05:00

The whole crew

T-Bird and Papa after a run on perfect trails!

Osto and Cal on the Piper Lake Trail.

Me, Cal and Chooch posing for a shot!

Happy Birthday, Papa! We love you!

Rau boys fryin' walleye (caught by Papa last week)! YUM!

Baby Girl's Poetry

2010-02-09T15:15:00.004-05:00

Some of you enjoyed Cal's poetry so much that I decided to "publish" some of her other works. She is quite prolific for a 9 year old, as you will read. Of course, the apple doesn't fall far! =)

Calli

Laughing, Loving, Kissing, Hugging

Daughter of Amazing Parents

Lover of Family, Friends and Chocolate

Who Feels Happy, Hyper, and Stress

Who needds Love, X's and O's

Who Gives Cheer, Joy and Gifts

Who fears loss of Family and Friends

Who wants to go to the Bahams and Poland

Resident of MI

Gymnast

My Bedroom is where I feel safe

I feel safe to do anything I want

Like Singing,

Reading Great books,

And listening to all the sounds that fly,

Fly past my door or run through my vent

I wish Maggie was still here

She was an Amazing Dog

I only knew her for four years

Because she had cancer,

Cancer in her chest so

She had to leave and we never even

got to say Goodbye

Although I was only four

I cried and so did my

Family, It was very sad but,

Everyone and Everything has

A time to leave

We LOVE and MISS you

We always will

GOODBYE

Friends are Dependable

Friends are nice

Friends are amazing

Friends sometimes fight

Friends go through the ups and downs of life

Friends to everything TOGETHER

Having fun doing whatever

FRIENDS

There once was a tree

that stood there

there was another tree next to it

they were like brothers

and in the spring came a

lightening storm

that knocked its borther down,

with a flash of light

there was a CRASH!!!!!

And down on the ground

half a tree, so sad

and that tree stands

all alone

through all seasons

but doesn't she its leaves in fall

winter, leaves are on the ground

looking like flowers across the white

white snow

Alone

37 years

2010-01-26T21:51:00.002-05:00

Happy 37th Birthday Osto!

I hope this year is filled with more of the best things in life...all the little things that become the stuff of memories and turn into the dreams come true.

Like I said before, you just keep getting better!

I love you!

Cowboy Kid

2010-01-16T22:04:00.002-05:00

Mexican Ninja?

2010-01-16T09:04:00.002-05:00

Chooch was pretending he was a ninja. He said that ninjas say "muchacha" - which is the Spanish word for "chick". Hmmmm....a mexican ninja?

Funny kid!

Blessed

2010-01-15T12:19:00.001-05:00

I feel really blessed. Thanks if you contribute to that feeling. Especially you, Osto!

Gum in the Dryer

2010-01-13T20:05:00.004-05:00

So..............
if you happen to be the gleeful owner of a brand new lovely front load washer and dryer............

AND

......you discover that SOMEHOW there is GUM stuck all over the drum of your brand *spanking* new dryer...../gasp/

WHAT DO YOU DO?

a) Interrogate members of your family with the evidence (an Extra wrapper)?
b) Scar your children with the amount of f-bombs and GD's you can drop?
c) Call your husband and proceed again with a) and b)?
d) All of the above?

True story...the answer is "D".

How do you remove gum that is all over the inside of your dryer, like a sad interpretation of a county fair cotton candy machine?

Take a dryer sheet, wet it, and vigorously scrub. Add some straight up liquid fabric softer and scrub and scrub. Miraculously this does the trick!!! I used a little Mr. Metal for the last bit of clean up and sanity is resored.

Amen!
(sorry God, about those GD's)

Sweet victory!

2010-01-12T15:38:00.003-05:00

Sweet victory! HA, I couldn't resist! 515,750 has to live on in infamy!

(Plus, I'll probably never see it again).

It's not about the little things

2010-01-12T15:21:00.003-05:00

Sometimes the best things come in small pretty packages, tied up neatly with bows.

Any sometimes they arrive on the back of a large delivery truck in a cardboard box and have to be installed by men with names on their shirts.

Meet my new bliss...

2010-01-10T18:01:00.004-05:00

Here's an oldie but goody...

Click HERE
to view it.

Happy New Year 2010

2010-01-09T14:16:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year! Wow, can it really be 2010?
I love a new year, everything is so fresh and shiny and new! Full of possibilities!
2009 had lots of fun travel, great family times, some personal accomplishments and more making it a pretty good year overall.

So what will 2010 bring? January brings flag football for the Chooch and a trip to the north for Osto's bday with no kids(!). Big plans...not so sure. I think they will have to do with staying in the state, saving money, home improvements and maybe a big garden. Of course there is always the eat better, work out more, feel better stuff (but I don't count that)!

I'd love a getaway with Mom, more time with my girlfriends and ski trips with the kids. Most of all I hope 2010 brings little to no drama (unless it is the lotto winning kind) and just the small successes of daily life that make me feel good!

All the best to you in the new year! I hope your dreams come true!

Take Four...or more!

2009-12-21T19:47:00.001-05:00

Peace

2009-12-10T20:45:00.003-05:00

This is a stressful time of year, I know that and I'm sure you do too. I have been thinking of a lot of my friends, co-workers, nieghbors and other people in my life lately. So many of them are filled with the stresses of the holidays and the basic December rush...

But some of them - some of you - may be feeling the stresses of a job loss or the need to find a job, financial needs, a sick family member, an aging parent, trying to sell a home, a grocery store moving into your neighborhood, a loved one serving in Afghanistan or Iraq, wanting a baby, wanting your kids to respect you, wanting to get married, depression, addiction, divorce, dealing with difficult family members, continually having to fix stuff that keeps breaking down, wanting to be closer to your family, trying to graduate (again), losing your company car, breaking your own car doing donuts in a church parking lot, taking a chance on something new, working too much, not living a healthy life, or trying to get a high score on bejeweled blitz!

So for everyone I love and like and admire - I wish you peace.

Hunting Re Cap

2009-12-09T07:43:00.005-05:00

Deer Camp at Taylor's (this is about the only picture I can post)

Osto's ~~spike~~

three point from Kalkaska area

Osto, Dad, Chris

Another successful year!

Weather Alert! Weather Alert!

2009-12-08T17:23:00.002-05:00

This article says it all!

Weather hype greets Major! Winter! Storm! (OMG) Headed for West Michigan.

I could have written this.

Thanksgiving in Florida

2009-12-05T15:53:00.003-05:00

This Thanksgiving we were blessed to return to Florida, this time with the entire Osto family in tow. We celebrated our first Thanksgiving together (usually we are flung all across the country this time of the year)! We went to Seaworld, the beautiful beach at Siesta Key, and Universal Studios. The weather was cool and rainy at the beginning, but improved by week's end and we finally enjoyed that southern heat we were seeking! The coaster enthusiasts amongst us enjoyed the Kracken, Manta, Hulk, Dueling Dragons, Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket, and many more fun thrill seekers! We loved the shows and Spiderman with its awesome 4-D effects, the Mummy and Men in Black. Chooch and Nana rode lots of the kiddy rides and little coasters (thanks Nana)! (and some of us were excited to see the beginning stages of the Hogwarts due to open in the spring).

Most of all we loved spending time with Nana and Papa, where the grandkids drove the golf cart and swam in the rain and hunted for alligators. The four "big" kids enjoyed our nightly peace and quiet thanks to the Masters, who generously allowed us to use their home. All in all, more great memories!

Florida Thanksgiving - Slideshow Maker

This week's News

2009-11-04T08:01:00.004-05:00

We had a fun Halloween. This year Nannie and Papa joined us for the festivities. It was a cold, windy night so we only had 16 trick or treaters! Chooch was the cutest Harry Potter, Cal was a vampire and T was a hippy.

Last night we had conferences for the two little kids - great reports for great kids! Cal-Trish is leading the class in every effort, scoring super high in reading and math. Her favorite subject - science! Love that! She is also managing her talkative nature, even with having her very best friend in the whole world in her class. No issues there whatsoever!

Chooch is coming out of his shell at school and is making lots of friends. He knows all of his shapes and colors and is progressing on his letters and numbers. His favorite subject - recess! Of course!

This weekend starts a marathon of days off for my hubby as the annual hunting extravaganza ensues. Please say a prayer for my marriage as he will not return to work until December 3!

And say a little prayer for him too that he gets some "horns"!

Blah Monday

2009-10-26T08:45:00.006-04:00

What a nice, relaxing weekend. I was lucky to have Friday and today off, so it feels even better. I haven't been feeling the greatest, just a cold comin' on, but I really just want to lay around and rest.

On Friday we met my college friend, Joanne, her husband JD (from AZ), and their friends, Julie and Rod, downtown for dinner. We also saw our friend's band, Borrowed Time. Delicious food and sangria at SanChez!

I've blazed through the Twilight series, very addicting. Sad I finished. Now I need something new to devour!

On Sunday, I made my "famous" meatloaf for Matt. It was very yummy and good comfort food on a cool fall day. The kids and Matt raked leaves. We carved pumpkins last night and cooked up the pumpkin seeds.

In order (above) are Mr. Pumpkin Head, Chooch's, Cal's, and T-Bird's pumpkins.

No plans for this blah Monday today except feeling better and taking a nap!

No news is good news, right?

2009-10-22T15:56:00.003-04:00

Sorry sorry sorry sorrrrrrrry!!! I know I need to get back into the blog groove and I will try. But no news is good news, right? Kids are happy and adjusting well to school. Work is still there, which is a great thing. I feel opportunities will be popping up in the future and it is always good to have that feeling.

News of late...

The beautiful fall colors have arrived and it is my favorite time of year. We are getting our pumpkins tonight.

My college girlfriend, Joanne and her hubby, JD, are coming to visit tomorrow. I'm excited to see her! We're hoping to head downtown GR for some dinner and catch Borrowed Time at Kale's Corner.

My girlfriend, Marci, is getting married next weekend. She is one of the nicest people I know, so I am very happy for her.

Hunting season is in full swing for the guys, who are planning the firearms deer season annual deer camp. One deer in the freezer so far and a couple ducks.

T-Bird had a great report card - all A's and one B+. Little kids get report cards next week.

No school tomorrow!!! No work tomorrow!!!

No H1N1 flu yet...keeping fingers crossed.

Heading to Florida in November for the first EVER Osto family Thanksgiving. Should be a riot.

I'm missing my family and hoping to see my mom soon.

That's all for now, until I can think of something more interesting to write about. If you have any suggestions, click the comment button and let me know!

Hunting at Camp Osto

2009-09-27T20:05:00.004-04:00

Part of the initial inspiration and agreement for Camp Osto, besides the thought of owning our own little piece of land, was hunting (for Osto) and being able to enjoy nature and the river (for me). The sweetest part is the combination of the two tied together with people we love, especially our kids.

This weekend was the youth bow hunting opener and Osto and Bird were able to share Bird's first hunt of the year. Unfortunately, a buck or doe was not to be had, but father/son companionship was the real prize.

They saw 6 doe, a fox, and lots of loud jays. Bird had a nut hatch land on the end of his arrow! Lots of time left for a deer and great memories were made in the process.

Last Hurrah of Summer

2009-09-25T21:36:00.005-04:00

Every summer I try to take the kids to the beach for what I call the "Last Hurrah of Summer". Usually this involves a trip to the lovely Lake Michigan Lakeshore to a beach called Kirk Park, which occurred a few weeks ago.

This year we decided to photograph our journey and we found some interesting things on the way - which we shot at the beach and then on the way home.

We hope you enjoy our "Last Hurrah of Summer" as much as we did!

Tyler's First Duck Hunt

2009-09-22T16:32:00.001-04:00

(shut off the tunes to get live action!)

This is a video of Tyler's first duck hunt, September 19 in the Saginaw Bay. Tyler was accompanied by his dad and Papa Bob who could not have weapons during this youth-only hunt. Congrats T on your first bird and a great start to your hunting career!

First day of school '09 Pics

2009-09-15T07:52:00.004-04:00

Big things are going to happen this year, can't you tell!?

Insomnia

2009-09-15T07:37:00.003-04:00

I have been up the last two nights unable to sleep. Luckily I was able to watch Gangs of New York and Hoarders. My insomnia has a direct correlation to stress. And you may ask, what do you have to be stressed about? PLENTY!

The main issue is one that is dividing my community. If you are local, I'm sure you've read about it or seen it on the local news. Its all about a grocery store that will most likely be built where some little league fields now stand. The main issue for me (and there are lots) is that it is very near my home. This has become such a convoluted issue, because the grocery store is going to build the little league new fields. Sounds like a win-win to most people. The other problem is that the land is not zoned for commercial. Our little community has commercial areas that will be damaged by this, two other grocery stores will be closed leaving those giant shells sitting there empty, and on and on....blah. Don't even get me started on the little league.

For the latest news - click here

There, now you can lie awake at night too.

Jenny and Matt

2009-09-09T17:23:00.005-04:00

J-Bear and George tied the knot in August! (I'm trying a new video site, so this is a short 30 sec. highlight reel). Turn off the other tunes so you can enjoy!

Perfect S'mores at Camp Osto

2009-08-18T16:57:00.005-04:00

Saturday we took the kids and some of their friends to Camp Osto for the night. We tubed, had a great campfire and ate perfect S'mores - courtesy of Osto!

More Clear Lake Pics

2009-08-18T16:37:00.005-04:00

Here are the rest of the shots from our annual family vacation to Clear Lake in July. Always a blast, always great memories! When I asked the kids what is their favorite thing about Clear Lake, the unanimous answer was....EVERYTHING!

The Brazilians are back....for a visit

2009-08-18T16:30:00.004-04:00

How to make a pirate ship

2009-08-12T07:29:00.002-04:00

(Roll mouse over photos for captions) ARRRRGHH MATES!

Softball

2009-07-14T19:34:00.003-04:00

My niece made the all-star team. She played near my house last night, so I got see her team win 4-0. Go REE! You're awesome!

Part of the cheering section...

Bunt...but it's a foul ball

A nice RBI

The rest of her fans

Justin Abdelkader

2009-07-14T19:14:00.003-04:00

Osto caddied for an LPGA charity event on Monday. He caddied for one of the pros and Justin Abdelkader was in his group. The boys stopped by (along with T-Bird's friend, Zach) to get some autographs. Cool stuff!

Mission: Walleye

2009-07-13T21:32:00.007-04:00

We headed over to see Nannie and Papa this weekend. Saturday morning found me as the unexpected coxswain of the Sea-Bob, navigating the oft' chopppy waters of the Saginaw Bay. Our Captain, Sea-Bob himself (kidnapped by pirates as a child, he learned the pirate ways, later he stole the golden teeth of another evil pirate), was assisted by his "first mates" and fishing crew of Cal, T-Bird and Chooch.

Our fish mission: the elusive Walleye.

After several passes of the secret "sweet" spot known only by Cap'n Sea-Bob (and now me) we landed a few beauties. We caught our delicious supper and had a lot of fun too! And the littlest mate fell asleep in the cabin on the way home.

Ahhh, this is the life.

2009-07-09T18:55:00.002-04:00

Oh, to live the carefree life like these two cuddlers...

Sunshine and Summertime

2009-07-08T19:58:00.004-04:00

Below is a little photo recap of the summer so far - June through the 4th of July. Lots of action - little league, Turke Lake with the Salmon's, fishing tourney, birthdays and father's day, 4th at the Ungrey's and more!

Summertime is here!

2009-06-24T21:00:00.002-04:00

Finally, a nice hot week! (Ok, today is almost too hot, for crying out loud)! Anyways, here's the latest scoop:

1) little league wrapped up last week
2) Tyler turned 11!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3) Overnighter at Camp Osto with the kids on Saturday
4) Father's day celebration with the Osto clan
5) Back to work, but some swimming at Brother Mark and Minnie's house
6) Watched Ry play some kick arse softball tonight - go girl!

Up next:
*fight big-business corporate America bastards from moving into my neck of the woods (more on that later)
*Help the Taylors move
*enjoy the "Turk" with Kath and Bob
*get geared up for the fourth at Bone's and Helen's place
*somewhere/somehow start thinking about painting my picket fence white again
*finish the lattice on the new shed
*dream of Clear Lake!

All the flowers are looking purty and the grass is green and lush. No sign of the japanese beetles yet, but they'll show up, looking all cute and shiny to disguise the little chomping demons they really are. Kiddies are sporting some nice tans and enjoying freedom from school. Cal and Chooch found out who their teachers will be and know that their bestest friend each will be in class with them too. =) All is well in the world!

Finishing the New Addition

2009-06-09T15:11:00.007-04:00

Spent the weekend finishing up the shed. Lots of painting and putting up some shelves inside. Thanks to Torey for letting us borrow his sweet power tools even after our last-place little league team beat his first-place team's undefeated record! ;) Now we just have to finish the landscaping, lattice, and lighting and we will be done.

Osto and I also celebrated our 12th anniversary with a fabulous dinner downtown and the Mega 80's concert.

New Addition

2009-06-04T19:49:00.004-04:00

Ok, so its not really an addition, but it was really necessary. Now we are going to paint and put in some shelves this weekend. The fun (work) never ends.

My baby turned 5

2009-06-03T08:21:00.007-04:00

A little milestone...a five year old in the family. The hard part...he is my baby. He "graduated" from preschool and will be in the big K next fall. I want to freeze frame him, he is so cute right now. I know I will love each stage of his life, I always have, but it is a little bittersweet.
We had a nice big birthday party for five of the most important men in my life last weekend - Charlie, Chooch, Mark, Chris, and Mike. Happy Birthday to you all, I hope that this year is your best, happiest and most successful year ever!

An extra special shout out to my Big Bro, Chris, who is turning 40 today! Wow, is that even possible? Seems like yesterday you were playing Atari, racing down the street on your banana seat racing bike, driving the RX7, and growing your first mustache! HA! Now you are officially old! God has blessed you with a beautiful family and I know you are (busy) happy! So celebrate the past 40 years and have high expectations for the next 40! I can't wait to see where you go from here!

Talent Show

2009-05-30T20:13:00.002-04:00

School talent show...(turn off the music at the left).

Happy 60th Birthday to NANA!

2009-05-04T21:25:00.004-04:00

Happy 60th Birthday to you!

We hope you know how much you mean to all of us and that we love you so much!

Spring Time at Camp Osto

2009-04-26T11:39:00.002-04:00

Two weekends ago we stopped by Camp Osto to check things out. Friday, Osto and I (and MarMar) headed up for the night to do some spring cleaning. The gorgeous 80degree weather had us cleaning inside and out. I calked the windows, wiped down the counters and surfaces, and vacuumed up dead bugs. Osto scrubbed the trailer and fixed a screen. We took Mar swimming and walked the property checking out wildlife and seeing what had changed over the winter. The spring peeper symphony was in full effect, ducks, geese, wild irises, turtles, tadpoles, herons, and more! We had a great campfire and saw a billion stars. Since it almost always thunderstorms when we are there, we packed everything up...good thing since 3am brought the lightning and thunder and rain! Headed home early excited about another summer at Camp Osto.

Crew Regatta

2009-04-26T10:58:00.003-04:00

Last weekend, we had a visit from my uncle Don and cousin Curtis. They were in town for a crew regatta on the Grand River. Curtis crews for a team from Ann Arbor Huron and this was my first upclose experience with the sport. It was really interesting and a beautiful sunny April morning, perfect to cheer on the hundreds of kids participating in the races. Curt's team creamed the competition in their first heat, but didn't place in the finals. Overall, the Hurons finished a close 3rd.

April Blahs...

2009-04-08T08:03:00.005-04:00

My kiddo's are gone this week, so it is SO quiet around the house. I have so much time in the morning because I am not packing lunches and ensuring people have brushed their teeth and appropriately dressed for the weather and have finished their homework. (Not that I am missing all that).

In fact, I really don't miss them. Does that make me a bad mom? It has been fun spending time with Osto and doing things like going to Red Lobster. (Our baby girl has a seafood allergy, so that's normally a no-no). I just know that they are safe and having fun, so there is no need to miss them, really. It is good for all of us.

Osto is going to teach me how to shoot a pistol. I think this is something I need to know how to do so I can beat the cowboys on the quick draw down at the local saloon, if need be. =) Actually, I think I will be a pretty good shot. I have that sort of gene in my blood.

Our friend, Dirty Red, celebrated the big 5-0 last weekend. We went to a non-surprise surprise party at his house. I had a lot of fun with the T's...who always make me laugh hard enough to liz. Mr. T & Osto introduced Mrs. T and me as "our bitches." When we agreed we were "just bitches" this guy somehow translated into us being "dispatchers" which reduced me to tears. Several times. funny stuff.

Softball and baseball start this month which means I will be living at the ball diamonds so maybe you can visit me there if you miss me.

Happy Easter!

What vacation...remembering Uncle Jerry...

2009-04-01T20:18:00.004-04:00

Spring break starts on Friday. It feels like our Florida vacation was so long ago already! Probably because we have been so busy and ill since we got back. Kids are finally done coughing.

We are shipping off the kids to the grandparents next week, which I guess will be like a mini vacation in a way. I'm hoping to hit the casino with my man or at least maybe dinner.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sadly, my great uncle Jerry Daley passed away at the age of 87 last week. He was such a charasmatic, fun loving guy. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a joke to tell. I admired that even into his eighties he was lifting weights, swimming, hiking and living life to the fullest. He met my great aunt Betty when they were 15 and 16 and shared 66 wonderful years of marriage! He left a legacy of love, which I suppose in the end is the best thing you can leave. Rest in peace.

Thoughts

2009-03-31T15:42:00.002-04:00

The fat person wants to be thin, the thin person wants to be pretty, the pretty person wants to be rich, the rich person wants to be famous, the famous person wants to be left alone, the person who is alone wants to be loved, and the person who is loved thinks she is fat.

So I guess the moral of the story is be happy being you! Happy Tuesday.

Disney World Vacation

2009-03-18T15:25:00.004-04:00

We had an awesome week in Florida, where we spent 4 days at Disney World. The weather was beautiful, the kids were great, and Nannie Pat and Papa Bob (the grandparents) kept up the hectic pace! We made a lot of great memories and were able to visit with Nana and Papa Dan and cousin Michelle, Uncle Jerry and Aunt Carolyn ~ all whom live in Florida this time of year.

Highlights of the trip included riding Michelle's horse, Goliath (the name accuratly reflects his size); swimming in the pool at the house we rented, catching lizards, riding on Soaring - the ride at Epcot, fireworks at the Magic Kingdom, riding all the coasters, and the Toy Story ride and spending time together with family!

We took lots of pictures, so I hope you enjoy...

Daddy Daughter Dance

2009-02-18T19:39:00.006-05:00

Move over Sandy, there's a new Pink Lady in town! Last week, Osto and Cal doo-wopped it up at the Daddy Daughter sock hop, complete with dancing, a diner dash, rootbeer floats, and live performances from the highschool production of Grease! I'm not sure who walked in with the bigger grin at the end of the night, but it was an awesome night.

Skiing Videos

2009-02-02T20:08:00.003-05:00

See if you can spot us!

Skiing!

2009-01-31T15:22:00.002-05:00

We went skiing today. It was the first time for the kids. Everyone had fun, Choochie had a few tears, he was a little afraid, but did well when he wasn't thinking too much. Bird and Cal took a lesson and were flying down the hill in no time, with little fear! We even made chair lift runs with the big kids. No one wanted to go home! We'll be going back in February for sure.

Check out the pics (sorry some are in b&w), Chooch and Cal fell asleep on the way home. All that fresh air, I guess!

In case you don't know what a ShamWow is...

2009-01-31T14:43:00.005-05:00

The official CampOsto Review is that this product doesn't really live up to its "WOW" reputation. It is absorbent, but not so great at wiping up spills. We poured about a quart of water on the floor and it did sop it up, but when we tried to dry the floor with it, it just really spread the water around.

I'm still a Vince fan though...the Slap Chop commercial is even better. He's more polished and has better hair. Plus he's got some great one liners...

Happy Birthday!

2009-01-26T20:31:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday!! Thirty six years ... you are on your way to 40! I love you and know this year is going to be a great year for you and for us! I hope you like your Sham WOWs!

Winter Pics

2009-01-20T17:56:00.004-05:00

Here are some recent snowy day pics from the latest snow storms that rolled thru...

So Far...

2009-01-18T13:21:00.002-05:00

January has been a pretty good and uneventful month so far. Uneventful feels pretty good after the hectic holidays. New Year's resolutions are on track. Kids are taking guitar lessons, we've paid 100% cash for everything (which is amazingly fun), and we are working out like fiends (except maybe not six times a week). Oh well, I am happy and satisfied (and amazed at how much money we spend on food)!

We are also enjoying skyping with our families and seeing their faces when they are far away! Our good friends are moving south to Brazil for two years, so it will be fun to keep in touch with skype, especially for our kids who are close. If you have skype, let me know!

Also looking forward to celebrating our January / Feb birthdays over the coming weeks. My sis-in-law, Melissa, turned the big 4-0 earlier this month. Hunter and Osto will have bdays at the end of the month, followed by my dad and me in Feb. This year we are going to celebrate in style at the CLB, a bar up at our cottage, where you can get pizza, beer, cake and your name on the sign outside! How can you beat that for $50 bucks? Pics will follow for sure!

We've continued to pile on the snow with lake effect and clipper systems and regular old fashioned snow storms. It is Michigan after all - what do you expect? Personally I love it, and today there is a beautiful fluffy snowfall that is perfect, but chilly! I'll try to get some pics posted for our friends and family who are in the warm climates!

Facebook has been so fun. We've caught up with so many people from high school, college, and elsewhere! It has been amazing finding long lost friends and seeing what they've become, how big their children are, what cool jobs they have, who married whom, and all that stuff. I highly encourage you to get a FB account if you haven't yet. It's free and fun and addicting! Its also one of the reasons I haven't been blogging so much.

Kids are all well. Chooch is so funny! Matt was making stupid jokes and Chooch suggested that "maybe ants had crawled in his head and made him all jokey." Jokey? Only Chooch would say that!

Love to all! Stay warm and well!

New Year's Resolutions

2009-01-06T16:28:00.002-05:00

1) Pay cash for everything

2) Work out 6 days a week

3) Play my guitar better than ever (especially with a headlamp on my head)

I'm excited about all of these and thankful my family is participating in all of my goals.

Rock n roll!

Happy New Year and a look back...

2009-01-01T19:57:00.002-05:00

January 1. The new year brings a lot of expectations and resolutions and renewed vigor to accomplish goals or change all those old bad habits! It also always makes me think back on the past year, let's recap 2008...

bunco

fencing

trip to traverse city

poker

scouts

basement floods (again!)

Osto plays charity basketball and almost gets in a fight

my car accident

Brad and Shelly got hitched

Siver goes to Iraq (and comes home)

T-bird gets braces

We get Marley!

Kris has baby Vaughn

baseball and softball

Riverbank Run

new patio

Cedar Point

dance recital

Osto starts his new job

Grand Haven

Dan and Nannie turn 60!

Rau Cottage

Guitar playing

CAMP OSTO!

Dog training

Marshall Run

Two 40th anniversaries!

More Camp Osto fun!

Kids start 4 year preschool, 3rd grade and 5th grade

Safety patrol

Cal starts gymnastics

Trick or Trot

Lots of Birthdays!

Trick or Treat

Hunting and more hunting

new President elected

Chooch plays soccer

The holidays

Of course, there were many more things than these, but these are just some of the highlights. Sadly, the last few months of 2008 brought a lot of loss to our families. My cousin, Michelle, lost her husband Erick to cancer at the age of 39. Papa Hunter died at the age of 87, and Osto's uncle Andre died from an unexpected heart attack at the age of 59 while hiking in Arizona. We'll always remember these people fondly.

So now its on to 2009 - I hope you slay your dragons or whatever and have a great year!

Christmas Eve

2008-12-24T21:23:00.004-05:00

We had a wonderful Christmas eve...our annual tradition of celebrating with the Osto clan almost didn't happen this year as Nana was pretty sick earlier this week. She rebounded like a champ and the festivities were underway!

We went over to Nana and Papa's (in a snowstorm) for the appetizers and the annual family photo. Then it was off to 4:00 mass where we jammed in like sardines and celebrated the reason for the season. Then we trucked back for great Polish food like kielbasa and golabki ("guwump-kee" or cabbage rolls for you non-Polocks!) that Missi and Riley made this year. Bobo and Mike joined us for dinner and dessert ~ this year it was five types of cheesecake ~ and who can forget the presents!!!

Of course we ate too much and cried a little and make a lot of noise and just had fun with our family. What better tradition is there than that? Merry Christmas!

Blizzard

2008-12-21T17:12:00.002-05:00

We are having a blizzard. The weather geeks have confirmed this by color coding my county RED on the tv, instead of blue. It IS snowin like a mutha out there today. Since Friday we have received about 20 inches of snow. Maybe work will be canceled tomorrow?!

I guess it is time to get to start baking some Christmas cookies.

Stay warm and shoveled out!

Not so Currier and Ives

2008-12-17T19:18:00.004-05:00

Last Saturday, the family loaded up in the Yukon to head to our favorite local tree farm. It was time for the annual cutting of the Christmas Tree. In my head this is my perfect Currier & Ives or Norman Rockwell moment, (In fact, my "dream job" is to own and operate a Christmas Tree farm, even though I know zero about this) but alas, this is no perfectly scripted Christmas card we are talkin' about!

So we arrive, the sun is shining on the freshly fallen snow and we make our way back to the blue spruces. (I like this picky stiff tree because it really can hold up my heavy ornaments). After several minutes of negotiations, we finally settle on "the perfect tree". Osto goes to task on cutting the bugger down, while T-bird proceeds to throw a snowball in Chooch's face, sending him crying (but only a little...I would have cried too). Meanwhile the kids are fighting and being loud and crazy. Then each kid wants a turn at the saw, which is not an easy task since the branches reach the snowy ground and it is difficult to maneuver. Bird makes little progress, Cal can't move it at all, and Chooch wails because he doesn't get a turn, which leads to another little breakdown.

We finally get it down, and then swing it up on top of the truck because it is too far to drag it to the barn where you pay. (This is where I am saying, "If I owned a tree farm, there would be a horse drawn wagon to load your tree on to pull it back to the barn. They would have a roaring fire where you could sip complementary coffee or hot chocolate with marshmallows...I digress).

Since our tree is not tied down yet, Osto suggests I stand up through the sun roof and hold on to the tree. Fine. Until he proceeds to take the bumpiest route at a pace way faster than he should with an unattached tree on the roof his car and his lovely bride sticking out of the sunroof holding on for dear life (ok, that's a stretch), getting her ribs smashed with each rock and roll of the Yukon. Swear words ensue, even the "F" word! (gasp).

Upon arrival at the barn, the tree is stuck in the shaker, shoved through the binder and thrown back on top of the truck, where Osto proceeds to "instruct" me on the art of tying down a tree, while proclaiming his vast knowledge of tree tying down knots. (Which, if you ask me, he makes up on the fly and do not constitute "real" knots anyways). So, I am cold and I am not doing it right and I get in the car. More swear words, this time one with a "A" are said.

So on the way home, everyone is mad or tired or upset or on each other's last nerve. Exactly the way I envisioned it in my head! HA! Luckily, apologies were made and the day was salvaged with the help of grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. The tree was trimmed and turned out to be our most beautiful tree ever (of course).

Scenes from Christmas Past...

2008-12-16T08:58:00.001-05:00

Get yourself in the holiday spirit...

Scenes of Christmas Past

Say Thanks to a Soldier!

2008-12-12T16:48:00.001-05:00

Christmas Ideas

2008-12-08T17:08:00.005-05:00

In the 250 catalogs I have received this December and in my perusals of the Internet, I have found some strange things pawning themselves off as Christmas gifts. So if you are in need of any last minute ideas (not for me) for that hard to buy for person on your list...

Find your way with a belly button light.

Tattoo Sleeve

The Moo Mixer - my kids would love this!

Crime Scene Scarf

Beer Bra! Handy for work, probably!

Dog Poop Calendar - ah yes, one for every month!

Papa Hunter

2008-12-07T21:51:00.005-05:00

Warren J. Hunter

March 26, 1921 ~ December 1, 2008

Saturday we laid to rest Papa Hunter, who lived to the grand old age of 87. In life he said what he meant and he meant what he said. If he thought the world of you, he told you so, and if he thought something else, well, you'd hear about that too with some "colorful" words thrown in for good measure.

I only knew him the last 13 years of his life, but I knew he loved his family and how much he appreciated the things people did for him. His youngest daughter, Kathy, took special care of him. She was his chef, chauffer, personal shopper and assistant...his window to the outside world. And the papergirl or the mailman who would stop to visit with him or the cleaning lady who did more talking than cleaning. Or the neighbors who would stop in to say hi or drop by with their pets. A dinner, a card, a phone call from some old friend and their stories are the things he would tell me about.

He loved my kids, his great grand children. He loved to hear about stories from school, tales of good grades or Tyler's fishing trips. Cal's cartwheels would delight him and he often asked to see her dances. Chooch loved to play with his large die-cast cars or scratch his back with the long handled back scratcher or "drive" him up and down with the remote control from his chair. All around his home were the photos of his family, grand kids and great grandkids.

It is hard to say good bye to people, no matter how old they become or how ready they are to move on. It is nice to know he is at peace. I'm sure he gave St. Peter a real earful about how long it took too!

40th Anniversary Celebration

2008-12-02T10:33:00.005-05:00

Last Saturday, we celebrated Nannie and Pop Bob's 40th Anniversary

by having a nice dinner with the whole family.

Congratulations on this great milestone, Mom and Dad! We love you.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T16:37:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year I am thankful for:

Mom - for your friendship, for our great times together, and your turkey cookin' skills
Dad - for your advice, sense of family and for your love
My kids - who make my life hectic and happy and for showing me unconditional love
My extended family - for always being there to help, to laugh with and to love
Matt - for your support, for loving me through thick and thin and for being the worlds greatest dad.

Even though times are tough right now, I have a lot to be thankful for.