Nathan M.I.A.

So we had quite the evening last night. David and I were hanging out downstairs when we heard the older boys out of bed. So David headed upstairs to corral them back in bed. He then yelled down that Nathan wasn't in his bed. So naturally we started checking everywhere in the whole house. 20 Minutes later we were still looking for him when panic set it. The entire family was screaming his name....and pleading for him to come out wherever he was and still no peep. So this is when we really started getting worried, ran over to our neighbor's house, called a friend who called all our pastors to pray, and called 911. 2 minutes later three policemen arrived and started searching our house. It took us another 20 minutes and finally my neighbor found Nathan way back in our closet. He had a huge flashlight and he is really tall....so reached in and found him. David,myself, the kids, and the policemen had all looked in that closet and not seen him. After the fact, when thinking rationally the chances that he could have gotten out of the house are really slim....but when your child is missing you don't exactly think straight. Let's just say the little man WILL NOT be playing any hide-and-seek anytime soon. Regardless, we are so thankful our baby is okay!  It's amazing how innocent this picture makes him look.

Sledding Fun!

So we had a free day last weekend so we decided to go sledding with our good friends up in the mountains on some of their friends property.  The kids had a great time....Elijah loved it most of all I think.  Nathan was having a good time until he got a face full of snow.  Daddy also loved being able to shoot his new shotgun with his buddy.  We are so thankful for great friends who we can make great memories with. 

The Visit

 How come time off goes so fast.  Especially when we only get a week to spend with my family.  My parents and littlest bro "Uncle Johnny" came Christmas night and left New Years day.....and it wasn't enough time.  We had a blast opening the mound of presents with them.  That's what happens when you get presents sent from every single family member on both sides.  They loved playing Band Hero for the Wii.  Quite comical I might say.  We went skiing with Uncle Johnny while my parents watched the kiddos.  The girls went and had a day of pedicures and window shopping.  My parents were even good enough sports to treat us to "The Squeakqual."  Mostly, I think they just enjoyed actually relaxing.....because they don't get it when they are off at home.  The break was also much needed for both David and I to recharge our batteries.  The one thing we never seem to have enough time for though is taking pics.....I did however, get a few.  And I am sure their will be more to pop up on here.

  

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!