Next Steps

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

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!

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...

 

More fall...

Hunting collage of Tyler's first deer.