Growing in Grace!

Today was Gracie's 8th Birthday!  And with every year that passes I see more and more "grace" in Grace!  Recently, I have noticed Grace maturing in so many ways and it's amazing to see the transformation.  For example, Grace has really taken it upon herself to be my little helper.  And it's not just that she will do whatever I ask when I ask( a majority of the time), it's that she will do it without me asking.  This past week when she was home she heard daddy get up at 6am.  Being the early bird she is....she got up to and proceeded to sweep and mop the kitchen floor, made her bed, her brothers bed, and clean the bathroom.  Really I don't ask her to do these things....she just takes it upon herself because she wants to help me out.  She is also so thoughtful.....especially when it comes to her family.  She has bought every single one of us a present with her own money (and Awana).  These are just a few things I have seen blossom in Grace over the past year that make me smile.  I just want to cherish the little wonderful blessing she is! On another note Merry Christmas from the Oettel's.  May you all know the loving kindness of our Saviour Jesus!  It's kinda funny that I didn't send out Christmas cards.  I just thought I would give them virtually.  Gotta love 2009!

It's in their blood!

So we've known for awhile that Grace does not mind the spotlight at all.....however we are surprised to realize that Elijah is equally comfortable on stage as his big sister.  All I have to say is Grandma Jane (who is a music teacher) would be proud.  She is a performer, and in my former days I was a little bit of a drama queen myself.  Daddy also is quite the singer.....musician.....and stage performer at home.  So it really shouldn't be that shocking that our kids would like to sing and be on stage.  Although I have to say so far Elijah seems to have the best pitch out of all my kids.  I've often teased about starting a family band.....maybe it's not such a bad idea.  Micah has already decided he wants to play the drums.  At any rate I have the pictures from their school performance to prove it.

Can you guess my theme?

For several years now I have been a hostess for our annual ladies Christmas dinner for church.  I love being a hostess because it always helps me get ready for Christmas.  I am so pathetic that I actually came up with the theme for this years table right after last years dinner.  Can you guess my theme?  I only am asking because a few people thought my table was an advertisement for "Crown Royal" whiskey.  No......it was not!  Think King of King's people :)!

Ballet Debut

Four years ago I brought Gracie to a performance of the Nutcracker at the Ballet Met in Ohio.  I can remember how well she did for a 4 year old sitting the entire time enthralled with what she saw.  I asked her if she thought she would ever be in the Nutcracker.  And she confidently said that she would love to.  Today is her debut as an angel in the Nutcracker with the Eugene Ballet Company and Great Falls Symphony.  While her part is literally about a minute long, I believe she is so fortunate to have the opportunity to dance with the professionals...and I am as proud of her as if she was the star of the show.  Last night at dress rehearsal she was able to sit out in the audience for the rest of the final act.  I turned to her and asked her if she thought she would ever play the part of the Sugar Plum Fairy.  She said yes.......not a bad dream!

Guinea Pig

So my wonderful babysitter extraordinaire has been wanting to learn all about photography....and has come to me for some advice.  Not that I am an expert by any means, because I am not....but I am happy to share what I have been learning.  A couple of weeks ago she wanted to go shoot with me so she could work on some things.  Man it's hard to be in front of the camera when you are used to being behind it.  And of course, I am much more critical when it comes to images of me.  But Debra is such a good sport and is so good about taking constructive criticism.  Here's what we've been working on.

Yes more pics of my kids....can't help it.

When I haven't shot for a few days....I end up going through my older pictures and editing them.  It's fun because I am always learning new things about the software I use. These were from when I took their fall pics.  Practice makes perfect right.  

Fall Costume Party 2009!

Thought I would share some pics of the kids and David in their costumes.  We aren't big fans of Halloween....but the kids and daddy love to dress up.  We enjoyed going to Church for the Fall Famtastic Party.  The kids played carnival games, enjoyed face painting, a hayride, and of course the bouncer.  Then we headed over to some friends house for another party.  David  is always such a good sport when it comes to dressing up.  He thought my costume I got him was hilarious.  Although he did spend most of the night with a pillow in his lap...the spandex was a little tight.  I wore a statue of liberty costume....sorry no pics.  That's what happens when your the photographer in the family.

Present for the teacher

Most parents give candles or gift certificates or bath and body works......I give pictures.  I am ahead of the game this year for Elijah's kindergarten teacher's Christmas gift.  She asked if I would take pictures of her niece so that she could give them to her sister for Christmas.  I was happy to do if for her.  Grace had for kindergarten and now Elijah has her.....and I am willing to bet that Micah will have her next year.

2009 "School Picture" Retake

I don't mean to be a photography snob.....but I kind of am. I just can't stomach spending at least 20 bucks a kid on pictures that basically only function as a documentation of another school year. I never really display these photos. So instead I thought that every year we would do our own "school pics". I explained to my kids that mommy is capable of taking way more fun pictures that none of their other friends would have. They still would get to say cheese for Lifetouch....which hasn't changed much since mommy went to school I might say...except maybe color of background. And I can still print pictures for way cheaper for my whole family. So the first time we attempted to get individual shots....not everyone was totally cooperating. This time attitudes were a little better but still a little painful to get my kids to even look in the direction of my camera. All in all I am very pleased with this years pics.

A Typical Evening!

I think we have to be the weirdest  parents around.  But we often find ourselves turning up the music and practicing our robots/hiphop/breakdancing....well that is daddy and kids....as mommy is usually behind the camera.  Thought you might enjoy being a pseudo fly on our wall.

Messing with Texture

So with any obsession....I mean hobby their is always something bigger and better to learn about....and purchase. Just recently I thought it might be good to invest in some textures for my photos. I have been playing but it's not as easy as it looked on the website I bought them from. But I have been having fun. Here are few pics from our shoot with our friends. It's subtle....feel free to tell me whether you love it or hate it.

Getting out of town!

We finally had the opportunity to "get out of town" and join our friends at their cabin.  So complicated to get ours and their schedules aligned just right.  But it was well worth the wait to spend great quality time with them.  I enjoyed having dinner, playing games, and of course making a fire with smores.  Our friend just also happens to be a photographer and we thought it would be a perfect opportunity to take some "fall pics".  And I am sure that everyone knows that getting your pictures taken is a big production for a family of 6.  So much effort goes into getting everyone all dolled up.  So you can imagine the frustration when we are in prestine surroundings with cranky uncooperative children.  Aaron did manage to get some anyways....thanks for being such a trooper. As one photographer to another I realize we weren't easy to shoot!  So glad that you love us anyway!  

Playing Princess

For the past two years David has avoided the Air Force Ball by not letting me know about it till it was too late.  But this year I was on top of things and after much begging and using our kids inappropriately by saying "daddy doesn't want to take me to the ball", he finally agreed to go!  I made it easy for him too....I borrowed a fabulous dress, only spent $8.67 on my shoes, did my own toes and hair and make-up, and scheduled the babysitter who doubled as our photographer beforehand.  Of course, he had a last minute patient and had to cruise home 15 minutes before we were supposed to leave and put on all his crazy "gear".  Then I dragged him into a wheat field thinking it would be cool to have some pics in our glam wear in the Montana surroundings. First of all, like most guys he doesn't exactly enjoy pictures, then add 90 degree heat.....and lots and lots of dust and you can imagine the impatience.  However, David stuck with it....and we managed to get cleaned up and on time for ball.  Once we got their I was shocked at how well David worked the room.  So weird to not be the one knowing everyone.  I think it has a lot to do with the amount or respect his co-workers and bosses have for him.  Several people I talked to told me how much they appreciate David as their doctor.  After the toasts, and dinner, and pomp and circumstance was over....the dance began.  I can't say the DJ was the best I had ever heard.  But they did play several songs that we managed to get on the dance floor for.  The funniest thing of all is that I think David actually enjoyed dancing even more than I did.  He has definitely got some sweet dance moves.....that came out on the floor.  We had such a great night.....and afterward David had to admit that I was right in saying that we would enjoy it.

P.S. When I was rereading my post I noticed David had changed my wording when he was helping upload the pictures from "pent up dance frustration......too sweet dance moves.  When I told him I had discovered his little move he started laughing hysterically.  Just had to add that in for the record.

Lots of Biggies!

We've had lots of "biggie's" lately. And although I am a little behind in posting I couldn't resist sharing about Micah's big first day at Pre-school. He was so excited before he went to school he could hardly wait. You could tell that he was just so happy that it was finally his turn to go to school. I already can tell that he is doing really well and thriving.  He loves coming home and telling me all about what he learned about and did that day. And I have to say I am absolutely enjoying running my errands with only one child in tow. It has been so long since I have only had one to tend to while trying to accomplish the days tasks. I do miss my kids for sure. However, I know that being at school is growing them in such a significant way as well as really makes me appreciate who they are!

Finally made it tent camping in Montana!

We've been here over 2 years now and yet have not been able to find the time to go tent Camping. Might have a little to do with the fact that David was gone the first Summer...Spring....and last Summer. But this past weekend we finally got to Christen our tent. We went with 4 other couples only 45 minutes away. Our friends suggested a great little spot in one of the National Forests. So yes, this meant it wasn't a real campsite. So we hauled our own water....and toilet paper! The kids loved the playing in the creek....then rolling in the dirt and playing in the creek again. And we had lots of kids....13 altogether! In the morning our kids as well as myself had our first experience shooting a gun....just a little 22! But impressive that even Nathan got a turn (with close and safe adult supervision). Then in the afternoon we went on a little hike with our friends to see some waterfalls. The kids loved climbing all over the rocks....and just being outside. It was a great weekend and lots of work for sure....but well worth it!

Big First Day!

The time has come for another one of my kiddos to venture off to Kindergarten.  I thought I would never feel like those moms who were counting down the days until school started.  However, I have to admit that this past week I have been secretly waiting for this day.  I just believe my kids, Elijah especially, do so much better with routine and structure....something severely lacking in the Summer.  So, today was the day.  It started off great for me....I got up at 6:15 no problem. Which is really a miracle if you know me.  Got to shower and pray for my kids and see daddy a little bit.  Grace got up by herself and came upstairs dressed and armed herself with her backpack.  She was so excited she was ready a half and hour early.  And then Elijah woke up.  I thought he would be cheery and excited, but it was quite the contrary.  I am not sure if it was just that he was tired, anxious, hungry or a combination of those things but he was sooooooo grumpy.  Not exactly, how I imagined the morning before his first day of school. But what can you say he is Elijah!  He finally got into a better mood once I dropped Grace off and he was in line with his class.  I think he just wanted to get on with it.....and didn't want to mess with the before hand stuff.  After hugging and kissing him and telling him all the words of encouragement I could he happily walked in the school.....I got a little teary eyed.  Not quite the full blown tears I had when Gracie went.  And now I wait......wait to see how it went.  Did he behave?  Did he show them how brilliant he is?  Did he make friends?  Only 2:45 will tell.

The Best Investment Ever!

For awhile we were debating whether or not to get a swingset for our kids.  Not knowing if it was really worth it!  The debate is finally over and we broke down and had one shipped from Walmart online.  It took David and our neighbor (who is amazing and always volunteers to help out on our projects) 3 evenings to get it together.  This is one of the best purchases we have made.  The kids love it and are outside everyday playing on it. And we got it in a timely fashion as I was helping watch Gracie's BFF and little brother this past week. Gotta love that it has 2 swings and a glider for 2....so great to have a spot for all to swing at the same time!

My new photohosting site

I have been a busy girl this week! I shot Gracie's first grade teacher's family pictures. I absolutely love her.....she is such a great teacher...it was my little end of year gift to her. And I know have a sweet way of getting her pics to her. I really can't take credit for finding the hosting site. David "my techy" found this great photo sharing site to make it easier for me to give people their pictures.....and it uses MPIX which is an online printing service that is super cheap......and super professional. Then David proceeded to show me that I can put these cool slideshow on my blog or facebook! Lots more slideshows to come for sure!

Fun Stuff from MN

We had so much fun doing so many fun things with our family back in MN horseback riding, raspberry picking, hanging at the pool...these are just a few things we did the first week. Literally it's taking me forever to edit all the pictures. I am only about halfway through our trip.....but these memories are so precious that I want to make sure I capture them forever.

"Disco"

Elijah says "Daddy I like disco" what he really meant was I like "disc golf." The first day we spent with Uncle John and Aunt Lacey and cousin Ahna we went to a park for a picnic and then introduced our children to the game of disc golf. NOT frisbee golf....calling it this is unpardonable. This game has a special place in my heart, not because I am any good at it.....I am horrible. But David grew up playing this game....at the park we were at. And it was also the first date that we went on. The kids enjoyed being outside. Didn't really matter if they played very well because they liked throwing the disc. I enjoyed being outside.....and couldn't throw the disc very well either.