Rant. So what?!

Hello....um, whoever might randomly come across this and care enough to read it. Yes, I realize it has been entirely too long since I've blogged so let's just all pretend that we haven't missed a beat and we'll pick up right here.

Today is one of those days where I can't quite decide if I am just being selfish and whiny or if most SAHM's feel this same way at some point. Either way, I'm just going to throw out my rant and hope tht when I'm done I will feel better and get over it.

I'm convinced that my son is on a mission to cause me permanent headaches when it comes to naps and bedtime. This hasn't always been the case though. Up until about 3 months ago he LOVED his bed, even when he got out of the crib. He NEVER co-slept with us (mostly because we learned the hard way with Blake) and he always went down awake and fell asleep on his own. Lately, he has become the anti-sleep monster! He is clearly tired yet fights me tooth and nail. Every excuse in the book, dozens of trips down the hall after he has been tucked in, lots of crying and mostly just driving me completely insane and wearing me out to total exhaustion. Sounds like a barrel of fun huh?! Yea. Not so much.

This whole fight to the death at bedtime routine is getting super old. I'm over it. And by over it, I mean, I am on the verge of a mental breakdown. Sigh. So of course, today, I have spent nearly 2 hours putting him back to his bed and still he is fighting the nap.....as he yawns. I NEED my down time.....I NEED some quiet.......I NEED the one hour a day to do whatever in want in peace! Is that skiing too much? To him it is, apparently. I think about how I literally get zero alone time during the course of a 24 hour day, generally. They need a break from me and I need a break from them every so often, right?! Don't get me wrong, I love and adore my children. I am generously blessed to be able to stay home with them. But does that outweigh the desire to have some uninterrupted "me" time? No. Now the burning question....am I being a selfish and whiny complainer or is this the norm? Either way, it is what it is. This mama needs to be other things besides a mommy 24/7.

Ok, I've made my point. I think I'll go make the grocery list, fold laundry, pick up toys, do the dishes and plan dinner while I daydream about the things that used to make me interesting, lol. Until next time....

Kids Christmas Party 2009!!

We got all of the kids together this year for a gift exchange and it was SUCH a fun night! Everyone played well together and the babies were just as sweet as pie. Between ELEVEN kids and EIGHT Moms, I'd say it was a success! Can't wait for next year with all of the new babies to join in the fun. =) Enjoy!


Anna & Makenna, Randi & Easton, Joanna & Wyatt, Jacob, Kristin & Kaitlyn, Lezlie & Gavin, Me & Jaxon (Blake is on the front row, BIG cheesin'!)
Sarah & Jayden, BLAKE, Libby, Addison & Lacey

Blake hearts Easton! He asked her to "help" him open his gift from her....so cute!



Time to eat! Look at all these little ones gathered 'round!


1st attempt at pictures....
Wyatt, Easton, Blake & Kaitlyn (Blake had her hand resting on Easton's leg the whole time! They are so sweet!!)

2nd attempt:
Libby, Jayden, Wyatt, Eastin, Blake, Kaitlyn, Makenna....and a stray! Jacob!! LOL

Time for Gifts!!!

FLASHBACK FRIDAY!

ROAD TRIP!

We loaded up luggage for four, toys, movies and dual DVD players in the SUV & headed north to Oklahoma to visit family! Leaving at 7pm on Friday night was a great idea...for BLAKE! Jaxon on the other hand. Well let's just say he wasn't a happy camper for the first 3 hours or so. SIX hours one way is a looooong drive for anyone! Once he settled in and got some sleep it was much better. Poor little grumpy boy. He wanted HIS bed! We made it into Skiatook at about 1am. Got to bed by 2:30am and wrestled a very sleepy boy back to sleep.

Saturday was a FULL day of fun at Grandmother's house and by nightfall, the whole family was there for dinner & LOTS of playing for the kittle ones. It was a packed house but the kids had a blast! Sunday we got to have a big breakfast at Grandmother's and then by nap time we loaded up and headed back to Forney. The trip home was much more pleasant despite the small detour and being in the car again for 6+ hours. It was a good trip! MUCH needed time with the family we don't get to see very often & lots of fabulous memories!

Blake snuggled up in Grandpa's lap

My guys!

Uncle Craig had to get his nap in too!! LOL


HAPPY baby boy!

Yes, they were bringing it back to the old school!

Breaking the wishbone


Cousin Crista with the munchkins

Playing outside with Grumpy (Uncle Craig)

What a smile!

Mia (Aunt Margie), Baby Lily, Grumpy (Uncle Craig) and Blake

Cousin Chris and Jax

Cousins, Rylee and Greenlee

On the road back home......





When she woke up she was saying, Mommy I want to get out and snuggle with you!

So we stopped for gas & a little snuggling! Then she wanted to take pictures.


Silly faces!!

Staggs' family photos

Love by Laura