One month and counting!

It snuck up on me this month, but Jane-O turned 11 months old yesterday!!!! In less than a month; we will have a kindergartner, a preschooler, and a toddler. Surreal.... very surreal! Anyway, just some fun photos taken over the last week or so. Happy Friday to you!

I am just adorable... at least my mommy thinks so! wink

Ceilidh drew the two of them on her sign this month and added an "I love Jane" at the top. smile

Graeme photo-bombed this picture with a big ole' smooch! wink

*Close your eyes Lauren* wink  She is definitely a scavenger, and will eat ANYTHING off of ANYWHERE. She keeps me on my toes with cleaning the floor at least! ha

I needed to see this, that day. They really are good friends.

Graeme is his first "pseudo" big boy bed!!! He is doing exceptionally well. He has made a game out of going to the bathroom a couple times during naps; but he is doing wonderfully at night. Way to go, my big boy!

Silly fun

and more! ha

Watching a production of "The Velveteen Rabbit" during story time at the library

Graeme wasn't feeling the picture. HA

Tired....and a little bit of vulnerability

I am tired. Completely and utterly tired in every sense of the word... physically, mentally, and emotionally.  I have had a pretty rough week and a half. I know everyone has these periods in life, but sometimes I just have to be honest about them. Jane had a fever ranging from 101 - 103 for a solid three days at the end of last week. She has been waking up literally (not exaggerating, ask Andrew) every two hours during the night for the last 3 weeks. I have no idea what is wrong. I can't blame teething... she gets tylenol and teething tablets when that is the obvious ailment. She has been thoroughly checked over by the doctor. Let's just say, I don't look forward to bedtime anymore. ha

We are really struggling with some behavioral issues with both Ceilidh and Graeme, but specifically with G-man. I remember having many of the same issues with Ceilidh at about this age, but he has been a bit tougher b/c his aggression is 10X what hers was. I am constantly losing patience and letting my frustration get the better of me b/c it is literally from sun-up until after bedtime (they share a room), that we are directing and disciplining certain behaviors and attitudes. There is no break. frown

We got in a very minor fender bender Sunday morning on the way to church; which just adds to the "to do list." Not to mention the crappiness of having to dole out hundreds of dollars for repairs. On top of all this, I had an extremely hurtful conversation with someone I have known for a while that attacked my personal integrity and left me feeling completely deflated. It would have been painful enough for anyone, but especially for such a people pleaser as myself. This is one area where I struggle so much; and I know it. It isn't good. I can hear and know, and for real know, my identity is in Christ and Christ alone. But I still struggle with what people think of me. I envy so much the people I know that are so sure in this area...... um, people like my husband. wink I am secure in who I am in the sense that I don't waver to fit the crowd, or try to fit in. I am who I am.... but I could worry myself sick over what you think of the person I am. Even writing it sounds so foolish, but for some reason; the devil can definitely stake ground in my life, in this area.

So... I have no idea why I write this today other than to share this song. I know it is exceptionally long, but it is SOOOOOO worth it. These artists are two of my favorite for many reasons, but this song has been a war cry for my heart over the last couple of years. The whole song is amazing, but if you don't have time to listen to the whole thing; make sure you run to the part where Melissa starts singing. This entire video is actually ad lib. They had written the song, and the Holy Spirit took over their recording session and they literally sang for 11 minutes! ha

How I need to hear this on repeat, every second of every day. "I'm breaking off the shame. I'm breaking off the fear. You are breaking off the disappointment of the seasons, when I thought you'd left me. I can see your hand reaching out over me, and I can hear your voice; I'm never gonna leave, I'm never gonna leave, I'm never gonna leave..."

Yay, Ceilidh and Graeme!

Ceilidh and Graeme have been participating in the summer reading program that our county puts on every summer. The library gives you a form to fill out for the books you read, and then after every 5 you get a prize. Though it isn't that long of a form, when you are filling it out for two readers over several weeks; it gets old! We literally had been revisiting the same prize boxes for both children over and over as well. So, I got lazy. I quit writing them down as we read them. I didn't want another "read" pencil, or slap bracelet, or fake tattoo in my house! ha

Last year, we were at the beach the day they held the "wrap up" program so I promised them we would try to make it this year. We got to the program today right as they were starting, and of course, Ceilidh tells me she has to pee. So, all four of us run to the bathroom and then get back into the room as they are awarding the little girl that read the most with a few prizes. I knew they gave an overall prize, so I figured that was the only one they gave out. We finished watching a great program of storytelling, puppet shows, and pizza. The pizza was definitely G's favorite part! HA After we got home, I got a phone call from one of our favorite librarians. (I know, I know... you know you are a nerd when you have a favorite librarian! ha) We talk a little bit, and I tell her we just got home from the "wrap up" program. She acts confused, and tells me that is why she was calling. Ceilidh and Graeme had won prizes for being top readers during the summer! After talking some more, we figured their name was called while we were in the restroom. Bummer!

C and G were so excited, I told them we would go pick up their prize after Daddy got home. I was  thinking the prize was probably a bag full of candy and more knick knack type stuff. Boy was I wrong! Ceilidh "read" 97 books and Graeme "read" 81 (written down books at least). For their good listening skills, they both received new library bags, a beautiful copy of "Where the Wild Things Are," a few knick knack stickers (wink), and two pretty large gift certificates to local restaurants. I was very impressed with the good ole' MoCo library! ha

Yay, Ceilidh and Graeme for your hard work. Note to self next year: don't get lazy! Write down their books, who knows what was in that first place prize bag! Also, take everyone to the bathroom before you leave the house! HA

By Ceilidh's request (wink)

Video 2

It was easier to put the videos in their own posts....

Just some fun videos

Jane is constantly picking up new things these days. She blows kisses, "talks" on the phone, says "cheese" when getting her picture taken, says "mama," "dada," "uh oh," and a few other simple things. I finally had the camera charged the other day... enjoy!

Sidenote: One video was filmed by Ceilidh, so prepare for whiplash as you watch! ha