The Next Noel

Last Sunday night was a night I greatly anticipated...

It was the night of Asbury's children's Christmas program, "The Next Noel."

This was part II to last year's production http://bellefamillevie.blogspot.com/2009/12/three-in-oneoh-what-night.html "The First Leon"
I had the awesome privilege to have my three older children perform in this wonderful program! (Still kicking myself for not begging the 4 yr old choir to let Owen join - even though he missed the cut off date by 2 months! I could of have ALL 4 in 1 program!!)
Abby, my 9 yr old, had her 1st Speaking Role!! She definitely had a little "Katie" in her - she fell right into her roll with a little *Spunk shining through! :-)
The "Young Musicians" did a beautiful job as they told the story of how Leon, played by my Will, loses sight of what is most important.

I loved how they had the younger children's choirs come and sing a song throughout the program...this was "Sing Noel" by Ella's Choir (on left with leopard bow)

But, of course...my all time favorite part of the program was when "Leon" realizes what Christmas is really about and sings the solo:

You are my Shepherd, loving me so,
Guiding me gently, and holding me close.
Jesus, I come to You, just as I am,
Bowing before You, just like a lamb.

As you can see by the picture below, Will fully got into the role. You could feel his spirit and see him truly worship the Lord as he sang his song. My heart melted...

Abby also played the role of one of the Wise Women!

Here's Miss Marti leading the children in the Finale!

We were so honored to have Will & Abby's 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Majors, come see the program. Words cannot describe how amazing she is!

And here's another amazing lady...Miss Marti. She has been an incredible music teacher for my children! One of my great desires as a Mom is for my children to love and appreciate music. I want them to learn how to be great Worshipers! (After all, it is what we will be doing for an eternity!)

And last but not least, our family...truly my children's biggest fans & supporters. We count our blessings every day for each and every of them!

May each of you be like Leon & find the True Meaning of CHRISTmas this Holiday Season!

You will go from feeling stressed...to feeling BLESSED!

Still Thankful...

Even though the "official" Thanksgiving Holiday has come and gone, we are still thankful over here at the Ruley household.

Here are some highlights from our Thanksgiving Festivities:

Owen's Pre-school *POW WOW* Buddies

Wagging their lil' turkey tails
Gobble, Gobble

He loved every minute of their performance...it was so fun for me to finally have a turkey! My older three were all Pilgrims. :-)

Right after O's big moment came Ella's 1st Grade Class Feast

Her next door desk neighbor

who drew a picture about how much she & Ella loved each other

Ella's drawing...a few more friends & a touch of royalty!

This snuggly hug shows just how much Ella cherishes her friends...it melts my heart to see how much she adores others

Just for fun - a pic of the CUTEST turkey cookie ever!

A beautiful sight

Momma and her lil' helper finishing up the final touches to our Thanksgiving meal

Uh oh...my little man is sneaking around the buffet of desserts

Ahhh! He's definitely on the prowl!

Good thing the Ruley gang start arriving...Mimi with her 3 babies

Next thing we know Owen comes down in the OSU jersey Uncle Brad gave him...he seriously can't go without a jersey on for more than a couple of hours!

Time to eat!

Been waiting months to eat Uncle Bob's famous stuffing...yumo!

Before we knew it, we were summoned up to Abby's room for a Girls' Concert!

Some serious singin' went on....

along with some serious dancin'!

"YMCA" drew a crowd...Aunt Gayle was summoned to the dance floor!

The night would not have been the same without my dear friend Stephanie (& her hubby John). They have joined us for Thanksgiving for the past 6 years or so. We adore them!!

The next day one of my best friends from H.S. stopped by with her youngest of 4 boys...couldn't you just eat him up?! He was like a walking Gap ad!

Time for the King Thanksgiving! And that means, the annual Dog Pile!!

and Human Sandwich!

Baby Tanner was initiated into the boys' club - how sweet is it that my 11 yr old wants to hold him?! Now that is an attribute that makes a Momma smile. :-)

And...it's time to eat again!

One of our little furry friends figured out a way to get in on some of the fixin's too!

Following dinner, my newphew Mason gifted my O with a bag stock full of awesome pro sport jerseys! Nothing speaks Owen's love language like a jersey!!

The 9 year age gap does nothing to separate these two...

They love sports...and they love each other

It wouldn't be Thanksgiving weekend without a movie ~ Oma took my girls & cousin Emma to see *Tangled...they loved it!

Thanking God for blessing us with a Terrific Thanksgiving with family and friends...and praying that we can stay in that "place" of love, joy & peace as we move into December!