To puke or not to puke

Well, so much for the girl theory. This pregnancy is just like my others. Sicker than a dog. I kept trying to tell myself that I haven't been very sick with this one, but I guess holding in vomit doesn't really count.

It's amazing how different I feel about messes when I feel sick 24/7. I even napped (or rested-in and out of sleep) for almost 3 hours on Sunday when the boys were down. I never nap. Anyway- I'm almost done with the 1st trimester, so let's pray that it gets better.

Christmas is so close and I've been savoring every moment of my 2 weeks off. (every moment that I'm not puking or nauseous.gingerbread house.......

snow angels.......

And of course, .......

Christmas cookies....

Sorry for the sideways photo.....This time I decided for time and arguing purposes, I would frost the cookies and hand them to the boys to sprinkle. Luke kept digging his fingers into the icing and sneaking a lick. I kept saying, "Luke, don't eat the frosting, just put the stars on.".....In the most sincere and innocent voice, he would respond, "Mom, I not doing anything." while, continuing to eat the icing. A line in which he picked up from his brother and seems to know the perfect times to use it. I had to laugh under my breath. But- if I were you, I'd stay away from the cookies with the large star sprinkles on them. :)

Speaking of Luke, the latest update. Although he did test negative to celiac disease (which means you are gluten-intolerant), I started the gluten-free diet and he has been doing very well. It's been an adjustment, and it's difficult at times, but it's not the end of the world, and it's nice to see him feeling better. I send a lunch similar to whatever they are having at daycare (thanks to the many gluten-free options they have available at Fred Meyer- for a PRETTY PENNY- of course) and he has been doing well eating them. They even have donuts that we take with us and put our own sprinkles on them so he can't tell the difference when we go to donuts. Almost anything you can think of, you can get gluten-free. It looks different and taste different but he is getting use to it. I got some cookie dough and made a few cookies and froze them so when we have cookies- (like today) I just put icing and sprinkles on it and Luke is happy. It's difficult to go out to eat (but that is so rare- that it doesn't effect us that much). He can't have ice cream, so our Dairy Queen treat visits, have stopped, but he can have all meats, vegetables, rice, potatoes, sugars, fruits, etc....anything that doesn't have wheat, rye, or barley. It could be a lot worse! It will take me awhile to figure out our grocery budget to include all of his foods, but God will provide.

Anyway family is going to be surrounding us over the holidays and we are looking forward to making memories and teaching the boys the real meaning of Christmas.-........while Jer begs me every night to open a present.

Have a great Christmas everyone! I pray that you cherish the moments with those you love and recognize the Savior's gift to all.