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.