Christmas Eve Nativity

The day that Tanner's parents flew home and Parker was officially on Winter Break, I officially started feeling morning sickness. My morning sickness lasts all day. It's like I feel motion sick constantly and when it gets bad enough, I throw up. Throwing up usually makes me feel better but I try to avoid it at all costs. On top of that, my stomach is just not right- always churning. And I'm DEAD tired. Like, profoundly. And it's probably just in contrast to how I normally function and what my kids require of me. But man, I am slow. I am not firing on all 4 cylinders. I've been trying to stay creative with ways to keep them entertained while we have been "homebound". I made home made play dough which was a huge hit. We've been watching crazy amounts of TV and spending more time in the hot tub since it's been cold and rainy.

I decided that it was probably a good idea to get a look at what's going on with the baby before I announce anything to my family. I thought telling them on Christmas Eve would be fun. It's so frustrating not being able to scan myself or have access to a machine. But I found a place 5 minutes from home that will do a 10 minute scan for $25. I thought that was easier than making a doctors appointment (faster and probably cheaper too and there's no promise of a scan at the doctor) Luckily, Tanner was able to hop away from work for a little while to come with me. Here's the little bean. Just 6 weeks so it's tiny but we heard the heart beat. I asked her if I could scan myself and she reluctantly let me. I'm sure she hates me now but I don't care. HA HA 

Like I said, we've been going a little stir crazy...

But Saturday was Christmas Eve and the day we all decided to meet at my Mom's for our annual cousin Nativity pageant. We all brought a brunch dish to share and the kids had a blast playing together. This year, the older kids were very serious about their roles and some even tried to memorize their parts. Max in particular is very theatrical and loved getting into the part of a wise man. My Dad was the narrator and the rest of us played stage hands. Savy, Kim, and Ray were angels and Kaela was Mary to Parker's Joseph. Ben and Noah were shepherds. It was beautiful. The best yet for sure. When the play was done Parker said, "Maybe next year our new baby can play Baby Jesus!" Cami heard and lit up right away! Jon and Laura were so sweet and happy. Kari had to excuse herself to cry in the bathroom. She came to talk to me about 10 minutes later. Poor thing. I don't know what to say to her when she cries about wanting a bigger family. She's so sweet and only wants the best for me but I see how it pains her to see others lead the life she always wanted. The grass is always greener I guess. 

Rayleigh loves to climb on the counter and eat the snacks. It made me laugh to see her suck this cup to her face. I used to do this same thing! Bunch of weirdos. ha ha

Parker and Tavian checking out all the presents under the tree. All the cousins had gifts for each other and it was a free for all when they finally dived into them. They were so happy! Parker spent $20 of his own hard earned money at the Dollar Store and got each of this cousins, his siblings, and his grandparents each a gift. He was so thoughtful and so excited for everyone to open their presents.

Parker, always being hilarious.

Max studying his lines with Bebo.

Ray played catch with Bebo for a few minutes. This girl loves to run and throw a ball. It was so sweet to look over and see my Dad playing with her like that. She loves him so much.

We had this beautiful view of the snow capped mountains when we got home. I was going to make a turkey dinner on Christmas Eve but I didn't buy the turkey in time and it was frozen. Plus, I was exhausted, so we made green, red and white Chicken and Rice instead. I was even too lazy to bake cookies for Santa! So Oreos it was!

Tanner spent the day up in Santa's workshop, locked away in our bedroom. I was TOAST by 9pm. I'm glad for all of Santa's hard work to make Christmas so magical. 

As always, I love this time of year and am so thankful for the spirit of Christ and the lessons we are able to reflect on. Being so sick and tired has been hard on me- not being able to accomplish all of the activities and adventures on my bucket list. But slowing down has been so nice. My  kids are so happy to just be at home. No one ever complains and they have been so well behaved. They really are the best gifts.