In My Neck of the Woods

Here's what's going on "In My Neck of the Woods"...

Abby Lou celebrating her Summer B'day (turning 10) in her 4th grade class (due to her teacher's golden heart - she doesn't want summer guys & gals to be left out - something I do remember growing up...since I, too, had a June b'day). I'm sad we can't make homemade cupcakes...isn't that just a crime?!

 Anyhoo...here are my girlies on their 2nd to last day of school. Decided to send Teacher Gifts today...because I know tomorrow will be CrAzY!!

 Mr. O's last day of ELP Pre-School, Class 4a

Here are his fab teachers - Miss Nancy & Miss Amy

We will miss them! Thanks for a GREAT Year!!

Sitting on the edge of my office chair as I await what Mother Nature is going to do tonight...the night of my girls' long awaited Spring Piano Recital. And...their sweet, sweet Daddy is cutting a business trip short to fly in early to make it. Guess what time his flight is due to land? RIGHT when the horrible storms are supposed to hit...AAGHHH!! Please say a prayer he gets in safe and sound...and ON TIME!

Skip on over to The RHOK and link up!

Surprise Date Raised Up

Oh what a Splendid Surprise it was when my other line rang while I was on a typical Friday morning phone call. I clicked over to tell my hubs I'd need to call him back in a bit. He quickly muttered off "Hey - would you want to go to the Josh Groban concert tonight?"

"Uh ye-ah..." I replied. (DUH)

Next thing I knew I was scrambling to find a sitter, a ride here and there for kiddo activities, and VOILA! We were set to go!!

The opening act was every bit as fabulous as Josh imo (imo= in my opinion).

His name is Eric Lewis, and he goes by "ELEW."

He played the piano in a way I had never heard before..."Rockjazz" is what he called it.

My favorite was his rendition of Coldplay's song, *Clocks - oh my...it was so moving.

(you can check Elew out on ITunes...just wish *Clocks was longer than a measly 2 minutes)

The cheesy self portrait while we sat waiting for Josh to begin

(which btw, was a ridiculous wait...tickets said 7:30 p.m. and he didn't start 'til 9!)

Needless to say, it was worth the wait.

That voice...goodness gracious...is a Gift from God!

Tried 10x to get my "You Raise Me Up" video to upload...but, no can do. Sorry.

This will have to do.

I want to thank Nana & Grandad for so lovingly and generously offering their tickets to Greg and I...it was a Date we'll always remember. 

The Perfect Book

Book Week in Ms. Creekmore's 1st Grade Class:

 Today's Genre: Books about Hats

I think Ella found the perfect one...

Winks, Blinks & Lots of *Sonshine

Meet Owen Isaac Ruley, age 4

 on the day of his Pre-School's *Spring Sing*

 He was primed & ready to perform...especially when he saw his adoring fans in the audience.

 ~Born to Make Music

 ~Each of Us is a Flower

" I love my Mommy...she sings me to sleep"

 ~I Have a "Hello"

 I have a "hello" in my eye - *wink

 I have a "hello" in my lips - *kiss

 mwaaaa

 *Kiss!

 I have a "hello" in my face - *smile

 This boy belongs in Hollywood!

Ahhh, now for the classic that I have now heard all 4 of my babies sing to me at their Spring Sing..."SKINNAMARINK"

 "I love you in the morning and in the afternoon...I love you in the evening, and underneath the moon..."

 "Skinnamarink-a-dinky-dink, Skinnamarink-a-doo, I LOVE YOU!"

Time for just Owen & Mommy to head to his class for our special *Mother's Day Tea*

I look forward to this day ALL year long!

 As soon as we arrived, Owen quickly let me know that the big cookie was for him and the little one for me...ha! :-)

 Words cannot describe the love I feel towards this boy of mine...

I literally cherish every single day that I get to spend with him...

And luckily, due to his October birthday, I get one more year with him before he starts school...yay me!

Who wouldn't want to wake up to that face?! 

A boy who drew himself and then wrote "CAKE" below it...now that is a boy after my own heart!!

And here is a portrait of me :-)

"The great man is he that does not lose his child's heart." ~ Menicus

Owen - may you never lose the vibrant *JOY that God has given you!

 You are my *SONSHINE!

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all of your heart." Ecclesiastes 9:10

A Tie Never Felt So Good

A common sight...Abby Lou mothering her lil bro as she heads to her last game of the season.

And yes, Owen always begs to wear "soccer clothes" to the games and then spurs on a makeshift soccer game with new friends 

All smiles as she embarks on her last game of the season

Team huddle

Action

Throw in

Held the Top Ranked Team 0-0

We were thrilled with the Tie!

I just love this picture...takes me back

One pumped up Soccer Girl ~ earned a team trip to Braums!

Abby with her soccer & 4th grade pal, Zoe

Following their yummy treats, they switched gears and had a fun afternoon of crafts & fashion makeovers

I'm savoring their innocence...no make-up, no phone calls from boys, and still enjoy swinging on the playset in the backyard. I still can't believe they will be starting Jenks Intermediate in August...say it ain't so!!

Twooth-4-1

Couldn't have planned it if we tried...

A Twooth-4-1