Snow, snow and more snow

We got lots and lots of snow here the past week. Today is supposed to be a high of 7 degrees. Brrr. The snow is so pretty. The birds have been flocking to the feeders, and we have been getting about 6 males cardinals at one time, along with the females and other birds. The snow is about 14 inches deep right now. I am supposed to go out in about 3 hours for a playdate, and thankfully it is in the neighborhood. I am going to have to drive though because we have a ways to walk, and it is too cold to be out in this weather. I hope I don't get stuck in the driveway!

With all this snow, I am trying to find new things for us to do. Evie and I have had several tea parties. She loves to do that, and it is fun. The conversations we have can be pretty hilarious though. She pretends she is married, and her dolls are her kids. I asked her the other day what her husband's favorite food was, and she said ravioli and ketchup. I had a hard time not laughing my head off when she said that. We have been playing lots of board games, and card games.

I started doing a gluten free and casein (dairy) free diet for Evie and I this week. For kids diagnosed in the autism spectrum, this diet can be extremely beneficial. I have been amazed at how much stuff has gluten or casein in it. Things labeled "non dairy" still have casein in them, which is a milk protein. Even the vegan cheeses at the health food store have casein in them! And gluten is in almost everything prepackaged. It is insane how much it is in everything. It is in most soups, chips, salad dressings, etc. It has been a challenge, but it is amazing how much information and recipes can be found on the internet. I made a pizza yesterday, and it was unlike any I have ever made! The sauce wasn't tomato sauce, it was "un-tomato" sauce. It was made with beets and carrots and spices. Evie tested positive for an allergy to tomatoes, so I try and steer clear of them if I can. Jeff tasted the sauce and had no clue it wasn't tomato! The crust was a pourable crust made with gluten free flour. On half the pizza I put real cheese for Jeff, and on the other half I used a recipe I found online for a cheese that was gluten free/casein free. It actually tasted really good! So I made a pizza without tomatoes or cheese. Crazy! I have been making all kinds of stuff to help us on this diet. I made a peach crisp the other day, and today I'm going to try making a cobbler. I'm still steering clear of refined sugar, so I'm really having to be creative. I'm trying to make things that are in Evie's diet, but also are fun foods for her. This weekend, Evie is going to a birthday party. I already know that they are going to have chips for a snack, and then cake. I am planning on making her some gfcf (gluten free/casein free) chocolate chip muffins with frosting to take so she can eat that when they eat the cake. I'm also going to take some gfcf chips and goodies for her to have as a snack. Hopefully all will go well. So far she hasn't complained much at all, so I am thankful for that.

I should probably get off the computer so I can make some lunch. All this talk of food is making me hungry!