These are some delicious scones

John and I have gone gluten-free since the beginning of January. We aren't hard-core, avoiding things like malt flavoring and chicken bouillon, but nevertheless it has been an adjustment. I had been wondering about the diet for John for a little while, because it can help children with problems like his. So when my doctor suggested I try it for my tricksy tummy, it seemed like a great time to start.

In the past month, I have learned that wheat -- or gluten -- must be some kind of chemical marvel, provided by God to make cooking easy. To attempt to replicate its qualities in a baked good requires at least three ingredients. There's no single thing like it. Gluten-free recipes call for a mixture of a) one or more grainy flours, b) one or more starchy flours, and c) the mystical zanthan gum.

You'll never guess what zanthan gum is. When I was pregnant with Liam and could not tolerate wheat, I refused to make gluten-free baked goods because I refused to use zanthan gum. (I was nauseous and it was so easy to get grossed out). Zanthan gum is dehydrated bacteria -- the kind that begins to form on your veggies when they get old and slimy. Or least a byproduct or something. Anyhow, I wanted to vomit thinking about it.

But now I'm not pregnant, and I also have a 6 year old who is expecting his pancakes and bread and bagels, and I husband who said I tortured him last time. So there's a canister of zanthan gum in my pantry. And ooooo did I just make some delicious scones using it.

I'm still not happy with my pizza crusts yet. But I guess my gut is happy.

Baby, it's Cold Outside

A little hat for your nose. I don't know why this accessory hasn't caught on more.

Jeremy has been commuting to work, on his bike, in wind chills in the single digits. He rides something like 80 miles in a week, so I made him go to the bike store to get proper clothing (I had to "make" him because he didn't want to spend the money). Now he says he's great except for his nose. So last night, while we watched Dr. Who save the earth again, I made this little contraption. I wouldn't tell him what it was until I was all finished (nor could he figure it out without me putting it on him).

You should see it on Jeremy -- it fits his face so much better and looks mahvelous.

Surprisingly, people actually make these (besides me). I found four separate instructions online. This one is particularly worth having a laugh look at. Mine is much more masculine, don't you think?

Now why in the world did he leave it at home today???

These are handsome boys

My two bigger boys went to BYU's bowl game here last month. Liam and I came for the ward's tailgate party, then went home for nap time. You can't mess with nap time.

 I've always thought Jeremy looks great with hat hair. Not kidding. See what I mean?

 The players doing their football stuff. Whatever that is.

 This is Mitch Payne, BYU's kicker. Seems like a nice guy. He holds BYU's all-time scoring record. John and Jeremy were just in the right place at the right time to get this picture.

BYU wins the game, and John seems to be pleased. Jeremy said it was close for about the first two minutes. UTEP never stood a chance against my alma mater.