We're Still Here

It's been a while! We had a nice Christmas break and are now getting back into the swing of things. We were able to go to Utah for about 10 days during the holidays. It was really fun to spend time with both sides of our family. Jared's sister Julie and her family were visiting from Texas, so his entire family was together. We stayed with Jared's brother Joe and his family for part of the vacation and Jen's parent's the rest. It was fun getting to spend some extra time after the kids went to bed with them. The kids sleeping schedule was very messed up, but it was really fun getting to hang out late with family. We only had minor sickness during the trip this year... :) Some of our favorite memories from the trip this Christmas:

Lunch with Jared's family at Wallaby's
Acting out the Christmas Nativity
Playing games with both families
Watching the Utah vs. Boise State game
Going to the Art Show with the Jen's family
Hanging out with Jen's family on New Years Eve
Sledding
BYU basketball game
The surprise baby shower
Relaxing with family

Thanks to both families for helping us have a great holiday season. To me that is what the holidays are all about... spending time with family.

* We think Amaya threw away our camera... we're a little lacking on the picture area of Christmas. Good think everyone else took pictures :)

Jen's Famous Brother Cameron, an Internet Sensation with Kodiak Cakes

Who knew Cameron would be in so many commercials. We enjoy watching them. This one reminds us of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. What will be next, we are still on the edge of our seats.

The Girls Visit Santa at the Church Christmas Party

Amaya is our first kid with no fear of Santa. Rachel didn't want to go to the whole activity because of Santa, but she finally came. Aliza said she didn't want to see Santa either. Madeline seemed not to have a problem.

Amaya Needs a Hug

Amaya usual just needs a hug to stop crying.

Happy Thanksgiving 2010!!

I don't have pictures yet, but I just wanted to blog about Thanksgiving really quick before I forget and it's Christmas :) Jared's parents were able to come up and visit. It was so nice to have them come up. The girls just loved playing with both Grandparents. We like having visitors.

Jared played turkey ball yesterday and got his hand stepped on with a cleat in the third play of the day, but don't worry, he still played the rest of the game and had fun. He was the only adult to brave the cold weather, the rest of the players were teenagers.

I had fun going to JoAnn's this morning with Jared's mom and meeting up with my friend Tristan. I bought a LOT of fabric, but it was such a good deal, and it was SO fun to buy boy fabric :) We were there for 6 hours!!! Those lines are crazy, and I'm not sure if I'll do it again next year, but it was fun.

I am so thankful for many things in my life. I have a good life. Here are some of the things I'm thankful for...

Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Heated home
Answers to prayers
New fluffy socks
Kids
Families can be together forever
Understanding and
Loving husband (especially when I'm pregnant and a little emotional :))

Food Allergies = twist on Traditional Thanksgiving

This year was a new year for me for Thanksgiving. I've had many different health problems for quite a while, (like 7 years or more) and this summer I was thankfully finally able to figure out that I have food allergies. If I don't eat corn, wheat, some dairy, and peanuts and a few more things, I feel great.

So basically, I was pretty nervous for the holidays because food is such a big part of this time of year. I've been doing a lot of research online and have found that there are TONS of gluten free, and other allergen free blogs/websites with some really good recipes. I found a recipe for gluten free rolls, which I modified to also be corn free. I prayed that they would be good, and they were DELICIOUS!! I actually felt like I was eating real rolls. My father-in-law said he preferred my rolls over the regular homemade dinner rolls. That made me happy.

These recipes give me hope. I was able to eat rolls for Thanksgiving, I didn't venture out to stuffing, but I didn't really miss it, because I had my rolls :) I was a very happy girl.

So anyway. If you are in the same boat I am in, I want to post the recipes and websites so you can make them and have some delicious food again :)

gluten free, corn free dinner rolls To make them corn free, and potato free I just subbed in tapioca flour and they turned out just great. They did have a hard time rising, but they still tasted so so yummy. I doubled the recipe and froze the leftovers. Today I microwaved a couple and they still tasted great.

I made a yummy pumpkin cheesecake subbing gluten free/ corn free flour for the regular flour, and using a gluten free cookie for the crumb. I love the cheesecake and think it's way better than regular pumpkin pie, I'm sure the baby is loving it too, but probably my expanding belly will be showing quite a bit more very soon :)

My third favorite recipe, which I didn't make for thanksgiving, but crave it frequently is gf/cf waffles/pancakes. They are so yummy. Jared even liked them and was asking for more. (You do have to use a special baking powder mix, but it's just baking soda and cream of tartar.

Okay, one more. Homemade tortillas!! I really love these. It makes me feel not so left out when I'm making yummy grilled quesadillas for my family:) I do have to modify the recipe to make it corn free, but she tells you how to do it. If you have questions you can leave me a message and I'd love to help.

I am so thankful that we were able to finally figure out why I felt so horrible. Living without so many different foods is definitely not easy, but it is so worth it to be able to feel better. I am thankful for all the people who have put so much work into finding yummy food to eat even with food allergies. Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!

It's A .....

Can you believe it!?! It's true, we're going to be seeing blue! I had my ultrasound today and the baby looks healthy, which is great. He showed himself for a second and then curled back up into a little ball, but the doctor is sure. We're having a BOY!!! We are all very excited. (I had to post all three pictures because different girls looked good in each one :))