Dealing with Stress

I've been a little stressed. To keep it simple,

1. Iivana (see explanation below)

2. The end of the school year = very, very silly kids

3. Of course, always in the back of my head is my hubby's absence 

My darling Iivana:

A week ago as I was putting Iivana to bed, I noticed a big swollen bump on her hind paw.

I was worried. She was either bitten or stung by something in the backyard, but I'm not quite sure by what. I frantically attempted to take these pictures and send them to Justin for his opinion on the situation.

So the next day I made her an appointment at the vet. They confirmed she was either bitten or stung, but they knew as much as I did about what little critter it could be. They gave me some ointment and asked if we still had her e-collar. Remember this? The doctor said she would need to wear it so she wouldn't continually lick the wound.

Well that blue, comfy one didn't block her from licking her paw. She could easily reach it, so it wasn't much help. Over the weekend I went and bought her a plastic one. However, I have one smart pup. While it is difficult, she still figures out a way to maneuver her foot under the range of her mouth.

The plastic one is not very comfortable and she runs into everything. I also recently ordered her a thundershirt and thought it might relax her so she'd forget about her foot. She doesn't mind the thundershirt, but she still remembers her foot. I couldn't resist taking a photo of her like this.

When I'm home with her I don't make her wear the plastic e-collar. But I have to keep a close eye on her. She'll try to go in another room and lick her foot because she knows if she does it near me, I will yell at her and spray her with water. I think it looks to be healing.

But honestly, I have no idea if it is getting better. I'm hoping it continues to heal because I am supposed to board Iivana this weekend. I have a girls' weekend in Houston planned!

But don't worry people! I have ways to deal with my stress.

1. A weekend out of town is planned!

2. I worked out today.

3. I received some letters from my hubby today and also some travel information on Michigan. Yes, Justin signed me up to receive not only Pure Michigan emails but an information packet as well. I couldn't help but smile when I saw it in the stack of mail.

4. I bought a Kindle Fire and have been reading more. I just finished the The Hunger Games. I'm excited to continue reading the series. Plus, I've also enjoyed playing Draw Something.

5. I still am showered with lots of attention! My sister called me. Another sister emailed me. I talked with two of Justin's co-workers this week as well. Everyone is checking up on me. Some neighbors invited me over for a BBQ. 

6. I blogged! I don't know how I manage to neglect my blog again for so long because writing also provides a release.

Only 6 1/2 more days with my kiddos! I think when the school year is done I will feel a huge sense of relief. Not only should everyone continue to keep Justin in their prayers, please pray for my students to be well behaved for the final countdown.

Gluten Replacement

So I'm sitting here half watching TV and half playing on my computer (I was supposed to be cleaning.) When all the sudden during a commercial I hear "gluten free." I'm used to the Chex commercial, which I love.

But this was definitely a different commercial. There was a man riding a bike with bread on his head. Luckily I have a DVR so I was able to rewind and watch it over!

Intrigued, I began to look for more information and came across this on Dow's website.

Being Celiac Awareness Month, it's good to see more awareness on TV. While I like the idea, I do have lots of questions about this plant based replacement. I know Dow is a chemical company, so I wonder how natural a gluten replacement would be. But some delicious tasting bread would be nice too. Are there any companies using this ingredient? I really just saw this commercial 15 minutes ago, so I really haven't had much time to research it...but I was excited about the idea. Anyone know anything else about it?

Also...Happy Birthday to my GF sister! Love you and hope you were able to enjoy a gluten free cake.

Rainy Thursday

I'm reaching the end of the work week which means the food supply in the house seems to be diminished. Plus, I've been trying not to buy that much junk food. So when I get a late night sweet tooth craving, I start to raid the pantry looking for something to fulfill my craving. Tucked away by the flours I found a single serving package of Pamela's Chocolate Brownie Mix. It was a freebie that I scored at the GF Expo. Ah yes, I found something sweet! Just like the package says, instant gratification.

It's the perfect solution because it is quick and only one serving, which means I won't be eating brownies for a week. You simply mix in oil and water.

Pop in the microwave for 1 minute.

Out comes a warm single serving of brownie.

Storms have been brewing the last couple days. It's been fun with my students to have it thunder and lightening while we read Harry Potter. But my backyard, really doesn't enjoy being flooded. There's no in between here in Texas; it is either a monsoon or a drought. I also don't enjoy muddy paw prints through out the house.

And I'm really starting to get annoyed with Direct TV! Bad storms and rain always mean that my satellite goes out. No Office for me. I'll have to try to find it online over the weekend to watch.

Late Night Treat

I usually don't eat much gluten free bread. But for whatever reason this weekend, I felt the need to make some late night cheese bread. 

I followed the simple directions on the back of the box. I only had to add oil, cheese, eggs, and water.

I think the cheese is what makes these so amazing.

These aren't an exact replica of the bread at Fogo, but an easy version to enjoy at home.

The bread is delicious when it is warm out of the oven. The left overs taste amazing in the microwave for a few seconds too.

Just the Facts

May 1st brings Celiac Awareness Month. You know how much I love Pinterest and Udi's! I couldn't help but pin several of their facts about celiac disease. Check out more of them here.

No pills, no crumbs, and no cross contamination.

So many undiagnosed out there.

My sister! And quite possibly more family members who have not yet been tested.

Eek, for me it was 18 years! I'm glad there is more awareness now.

Here's more information about celiac disease.