My Life is Complete Again!

I've been meaning to update at some point in the last couple weeks, but have been completely occupied. This time my excuse for not blogging is a valid one. My hubby is finally home from Afghanistan! 

 Best hug ever!

Justin and me with the sign I made.

Love the volunteers at the airport too that welcomed home all the heroes. 

I feel such a sense of relief and truly feel like my life is complete once again. It was a difficult 6 months, but we made. This obstacle will only make us stronger. I would like to thank everyone once again for the prayers and support through out this journey.

It's almost been 3 weeks since my hubby has returned to the states. I feel like I've already done more in the last three weeks than I have in the last 3 months. We went to South Padre Island for a long weekend and to Michigan for another extended weekend. Both trips were amazing! I have so much to blog about; once we get back into a normal routine I should have more time.

I have one more amazing thing to update about. My diploma came in the mail yesterday. I officially have a master's degree!

SAWP is Over

A week ago today, was my last day of SAWP, but also my last day of class for my degree. Yesterday I turned in my comprehensive exams. And now I just have to wait to hear if I passed, then I'll get my M.A. in Literacy. 

My last day of class was special because we had a visitor's day and I was blessed to have my parents and mother-in-law in town. They all accompanied me and experienced what a day in SAWP was like. They wrote their own 6 word memoir, listened to pieces, and participated in other demonstrations.

Me & Denise

Dad, me, & Mom

Here is my poem, turned into a digital literacy story with pictures. I shared this on visitor's day. It's about my sister, Kristen and me! I decided to write this poem to describe some of the silly things we did as kids. I figured a poem would be the best genre, because people wouldn't have to totally understand everything I was talking about. But of course it turned sentimental at the end.

I'm also including a video I was playing around with that I made with various clips of Iivana. It was somewhat inspired from 1st writing piece.

After SAWP, me and all my parents went to Fogo de Chao for some good eats! I didn't take any pictures, but if you're interested in a previous experience click here.

Traveling, Birthday, & Food

Well, we hung around the hotel while they fixed the van. Iivana enjoyed looking out the window at the hotel.

She especially liked laying in the bed.

We had a late start on Thursday due to the fixing of the van tire, and spent the night in Indiana. We arrived in Michigan on Friday, July 6, my hubby's birthday. I was even able to Skype with him! I sent him a package for his birthday that included a microwaveable brownie packet in a mason jar with a candle. The brownie mix is gluten free, Pamela's individual packets.

I also filled the package with balloons, an idea I saw on Pinterest. In each balloon, I included money or a note. Apparently I didn't keep track of the money and only sent him $11. His co-workers wondered if there was a significance to the number 11. (No, just a zany wife!)

For dinner on Friday, we enjoyed some Carlo's Pizza, a local place right by my parent's house.

Of course my pizza was gluten free. I ordered mine with mushrooms and green peppers. The crust was thinner, but tasted decent. It must not have been too bad, because I ate half of my pizza for dinner.

Iivana has been adjusting to my parent's house. She has more room to roam around, so we've been trying to think of ways to contain her. She managed to squeeze through the chairs anyways. She is loving all the attention from my mom and dad.

And now I'm brought to today. Sipping on Biggby coffee, I was working on comps for my master's most of the day. They are due tomorrow! Hopefully this will mean more regular updates in my future.

A Poem

During today's demonstration at the San Antonio Writing Project, we learned about poetry. I wrote this concrete poem about gluten. It's very rough and random, but I thought I'd share it. I skyped with Justin this weekend. He's like I thought I was behind on reading your blog, but there were only four posts. In other words, I have been behind. 

Gluten

I spent my whole weekend working on my comprehensive exam for my master's degree. I'm trying to get my essays done before my parents arrive THIS FRIDAY! That also means my house needs to be cleaned up. I spent 4 hours tonight scrubbing, vacuuming, and sweeping tonight.

Painting with a Twist

Since I am in my final semester for my master's degree, I have to pass comprehensive exams. I received the questions on Friday and have three weeks to answer them. I spent most of my weekend writing and researching, but I did find some opportunities to have some fun.

On Friday I went to Painting with a Twist with a friend from class.

We enjoyed some wine while we painted.

Our masterpiece was a Starry Night in San Antonio.

The class was fantastic and they walk you through how to do everything. I definitely want to do it again. There are some in Michigan, so if anyone wants to go with me when I'm home.

Justin already committed to going sometime with me down here and I have to go with Genevieve again, because it will be my turn to bring the wine. So there will be more art work classes in my future.

My posts lately haven't been too much about eating gluten free. So I thought I would throw this gem in this post. I used up a Groupon to the Little Aussie Bakery this weekend that was about to expire. I bought some cranberry bread that I haven't tried before.

I don't think I've eaten this much bread in a long time! I devoured half the loaf and really didn't want to admit it. At least I have been working out routinely.

For the Love of Dogs

I said I would post my first writing piece that I worked on during my time at the San Antonio Writing Project. It is about, of course, no other than Iivana!

It’s a funny thing how a person forms an identity as a child, but as they grow and experience life that person seems to change. I often reflect back on my life thinking about the many paths I’ve traveled down and sometimes wonder how I arrived where I am. How did I end up in Texas of all places? Can a mid-western girl with a nasally accent turn into a Southern belle who says y’all? And when did I turn into a crazy dog lady?

Yes, I am a full-blown obsessive dog lover. All I need is a bumper sticker that reads: “Honk if you smooch your pooch.” My dog, Iivana is my child. When I am tired after a long day at work, I must find the time to play with her.  If I don’t she will be into everything! She’ll steal pillows off the couch while I chase her screaming, “drop it.” Iivana will wave her face over the sensor on the trashcan to open it and gobble down some goodies. She is even an experienced counter surfer who intercepts anything from peanut butter jars to paper towels. Just like a toddler, you have to monitor her every move.

I never had a dog growing up. We traveled to Wisconsin several times a year to visit my mom’s side of the family. So my parents always used the excuses, “There’s not enough time, we’re too busy, and we’re never home.”  We settled for a rabbit instead. I now understand my parents’ logic. Dogs are a full time commitment and aren’t cheap either. Now, whenever I go visit my family in Michigan, boarding her needs to be budgeted into the vacation costs.

Never having a dog, I seemed to be distant from dogs. You could probably even say I was scared of them.  When visiting friends’ houses with dogs, I would curl up on the couch and act standoffish towards the pet. A screaming of “gross” was often accompanied when one would lick me.  My sister’s dog, Ceci must have sensed my uneasiness around dogs. She always seemed to take this as an invitation to sniff and get in my face.

I decided I would never have a dog. Their hair seemed to stick to everything and the smell is ever present when you enter a house where a dog lives. As an adult, I seemed to develop allergies towards dogs. Plus, I wanted the freedom to go where I wanted when I wanted.

But then there was my husband. My husband is the complete opposite of me, yet common interests unite us. However, this fondness of dogs was something we disagreed about since day one.  In my mind, I assumed I would get my way and win this “discussion.” Being in the military would not allow time for a dog.

My husband, Justin, is very clever. He knew he couldn’t get me to Petsmart and just pick out a dog.  My husband is observant and knows the way to my heart.  Justin recognizes that I am a giver and love to help.  He presented the idea of fostering a military working dog for three months. You take a Department of Defense dog and socialize them. You play fetch with them and tug-a-war, but no other real training. I agreed and figured this would be a solution to the dog discussion.  He would get his fill of having a dog. We wouldn’t have the puppy forever. I would have three months of commitment and then it would be over.

Along the way I repeatedly tried to ignore the responsibility of her. In fact, we planned a weekend away at a Dude Ranch.  Before bed one night, I shot up and announced, “We can’t go to Bandera, we have a dog.” My husband did most of the caring for her. He would take her out most mornings and to the required appointments. I tried to disconnect myself from this rascally creature.

But something occurred that I didn’t plan on. Along the way, I started to fall in love with her. I knew Iivana wasn’t mine to keep, but her personality weaved through my heart.  The way she would squeeze under my husband’s legs while he rested on the couch. Her intelligent mind of how she caught on to new games and commands. She would lay her head against the ground and give that watery big-eyed look that meant please don’t leave me. 

Time swept through like a racecar and before I knew it; our last night with her had arrived. We had a photo shoot with hugging, showing what she had learned, and simple poses to remember the way she was. The next day before my husband was to return her, I quickly uttered my final goodbyes in an attempt to keep myself composed. Unfortunately, I felt melancholy all day at work. Something at school set me off.  I was crying about the way a student acted, but really I was whimpering about Iivana. I used to hate dogs, how could I feel this way? I was always emotionless when others talked about their prized pet; I just didn’t get it. But now, it was facing me in the eyes and I finally understood what everyone else saw in the pedigree.

Justin and I often wondered how she was fairing in the program. We got word that she was on the cusp of making it! At this point, I felt proud. What an honor it would be if she was to become a working military dog and I had something to do with her upbringing. But in the back of my heart, this also meant there was chance we could get her back. 

And get her back we did!  Justin received a call that Iivana finished the first training, but was not going to be selected. She was too sweet. The trainers labeled her as a loving housedog.  Later we came to find out when they approached her with the bite suit, she tucked her tail and ran. We also learned that she was the second to last one from her litter to stay in the training. Her sister, Iimagine was the only one who made it further than her; Iimagine was fostered by a dog trainer and eventually failed out too. Even though my brave dog didn’t get accepted for further training, I was pleased with what she had accomplished. She made it far in her program! Besides, I wouldn’t want a dog that would attack and bite anyways.

In anticipation of her return, we prepared for her like a baby. We bought her toys, food, a leash, a collar, and a new crate. After researching the size of a full-grown Belgian Malinois, we decided to buy an extra-large sized crate. Shock riddled our faces when we went to pick her up and she was the same size! She always was the rare black one with dainty paws. Oh well, we figured she would have more space to sleep.

That is just the beginning of how I became a crazy dog lady. I didn’t have the opportunity to explain how she excelled in agility class at jumping through hoops and running through zigzags. Or when my heart nearly stopped because she was attacked by a Pit Bull. Actually, I appreciate Iivana now, more than ever since my husband is deployed in Afghanistan. She has become my companion, my shoulder to cry on, and the one who can put a smile on my face when I really need it!

Start of Summer

My husband is thoughtful and warms my heart. He sent me these peonies to celebrate then end of another successful school year. Aren't they just beautiful! The end of the school year also means we are half way through the deployment. It is all downhill from here.

I also celebrated the end of the school year by purchasing a new pair of florescent orange Tom's.

Since my summer off from work has been in swing for 2 weeks, it actually means I've been taking classes for two weeks. I am participating in the San Antonio Writing Project (SAWP) and it is amazingly fantastic. I already gave an 1 hour and 1/2 demonstration about Pre-writing. I've created a video log to document a day at SAWP.  Of course, I've also had the opportunity to write! While I've been a little distracted from my blog, I've been trying other genres of writing. I think I am going to post my first narrative in the days to come.

Yes, I talk with my hands.

Last night, Iivana discovered a scorpion! I saw her playing with something and knew it was some sort of bug. Upon further investigation, I screamed and shooed her away when I saw it was a scorpion. Unsure what to do, I of course snapped a picture. Then I decided I needed to take action. I grabbed the broom, opened the door, and swept it outside! Hopefully there aren't any more in the house. Believe me, I am definitely watching everywhere I step.

I freaked out at Iivana because I didn't need another wound to heal! Of course, she is fine. Plus, her back paw is almost healed all the way. 

GF Glazed Doughnut Muffins

I am a procrastinator. I always have been, but I always manage to get what I need done. With that said, I have a final paper due for class. However, it's not due for a week, but my initial intention was to have it done and turned it at class tomorrow. I'll tell you this: that is definitely not happening. Oh well, I still have plenty of time.

So what did I do to avoid my paper? I haven't baked in a while and pinned a new recipe yesterday that intrigued me, but I would have to make it gluten free. I followed this Glazed Doughnut Muffins recipe. Of course, I subbed the flour with Cup 4 Cup gluten free flour. But other than that I followed everything just as the recipe said. It was fairly simple! 

I was also excited because I had the opportunity to use my new owl measuring cups from West Elm. I found the West Elm site through Pinterest because there are no stores in the area here. I actually ordered them back in early March but haven't had the chance to try them out until now!

The batter was very elastic-y.

The recipe said to fill 12 muffin cups. Mine were overflowing with my sticky batter. I even had an extra glob that probably would have made one more cup. If I make these again I will use more cups and put less in each one.

As you can see, my doughnut-muffins were out of control!

I dipped them in the glaze twice. Look at those glistening doughnut-muffins!

I have 12 of these massive creations. I should probably take some to my gluten free friend at work so I can share my hard work.

Unfortunately I don't have my hubby taste tester to tell me if he thinks they are comparable to gluten filled foods. So my review is that these are moist, fluffy, and so doughnut-like. Making them in the muffin tin makes the process a breeze but still gives the sweet flavor. These are almost a cross between muffins, doughnuts, and cake! I'm not a huge frosting person but this glaze is on point! The glaze pairs perfectly with the cinnamon & nutmeg spice. I am also joyful that the Cup 4 Cup flour was an equal substitute and that these turned out.

Fruit Dip

Last week, my time after work was consumed with paper writing. My plan of working a little each night panned out. I'm still a procrastinator, but not like I was in undergrad staying up all hours of the night. I finished Wednesday night with time to talk to my hubby on the phone. 

Pinterest is the land of ideas! From recipe ideas, DIY projects, decorating tips, and any other random thing you can think of. I found another priceless tip on Pinterest: mixing greek yogurt and Nutella to make a fruit dip.

I mixed two spoonfuls of Nutella with the yogurt in my new West Elm bowl. (I also came across these on Pinterest, and had to order them!)

Strawberries and my dip = a pretty healthy snack which is also filling

Ice Cream Sandwiches

I wanted to update tonight but have to keep it short. Why, you might be asking? I think that procrastinator should be my middle name. I had a whole week off for spring break and have a literature review due for class this week. Am I done? No...I spent most of yesterday reading articles and today I finally started writing. But I found time to go to the gym, watch my spartans win, and cook dinner today. I successfully avoided it the rest of the week. Oh well, I need the pressure to focus to get it done. I figure I can knock out 2 pages tomorrow, 2 pages on Tuesday, and then on Wednesday I can reread, revise, and edit. Oh yeah, I also need to do the reading for class. Ah well, my break is coming to an end.

Before Justin left he wanted some monster cookies. I made them big this time and omitted the Chex.

We made them even better with some vanilla ice cream!

 Our very own GF ice cream cookie sandwiches...so yummy.

It Had To Be Said

I've successfully avoided updating for two whole weeks and it's not like I didn't have new things to write about. I told you I had new products to write about and have been busy completing more Pinterest projects. In the back of my head, I felt like there was something I needed to write about first, but wasn't quite sure how.

I think I'll start with the way the news was shared with me back in September. I remember the Friday clearly because Justin was cooking Ginger-Orange Glazed Cornish Hens.

We had wine, a candle was lit, and Justin explained to me he was going to be deployed. It was something that we had talked about through our entire 3 years of marriage, and it was unreal that those words were finally true. I shed a few tears, but was able to accept what he had just told me. The good part was that we would have 6 months to prepare before he left.

This meal will forever remind me of that day.

Like I mentioned above, we had 6 months to prepare, talk about, and go through all the emotions. Honestly, if this would have happened 3 years ago when we first moved to Texas I don't think I would have been okay. But I feel that I can write here today and say that I'm okay. Sure it sucks, but it is part of his job and he'll be back in 6 months.

Part of me didn't want to litter my blog explaining to the world about my husband being deployed. I figured those who are close will know about it anyway. On the sidebar of this blog I wrote, "I have celiac disease and live gluten free. While that is what I often blog about, it doesn’t define me. I’m also a teacher, a student, and a military wife. I live with my husband, Justin and our crazy dog Iivana in Texas. Although we’re originally from Michigan; we visit our friends and family there whenever we get the chance." I say being GF doesn't define me, and the military is a very present part of my life: it's why we live in Texas! So I couldn't just avoid the topic, because him being gone changes normal routines. That's why Justin was at training a few weeks ago. 

With that said, I probably won't be sharing all of my feelings for the world to see, but I will write about changes. I'm sure I'll write about a day that sucks, a day that I realize I'm very independent, or a day that Iivana is getting on my last nerve! Justin has been gone for over a week now and already I have felt so much love and support. Thank you to everyone who is praying for Justin and myself, we really do appreciate it.

Okay, now that that elephant is out of the room, I can have a normal post and I just finished a Pinterest project that I'm pretty proud of!

Football Season

The end of summer means the start of football! I love me some college football too. Friday night, Michigan State played their first football game of the season. It was a nice way to end the work week and start the weekend. We stayed home to watch the game on the Big 10 Network. In order to properly cheer on my Spartans, we made appetizers to enjoy through out the game. 

At the GF baking class last weekend, we picked an awesome jalapeno corer along with the GF flour. It was the perfect tool to use to help me make some jalapeno poppers. My only suggestion is to wear gloves, because the seeds were burning my hand long after I finished coring 12 jalapenos.

The corer cost $9 at Williams Sonoma. Justin and I had first spotted it at grandma and grandpa's and became intrigued to get one ourselves.

Justin made a cheese mixture of out half a block of cream cheese, some shredded cheddar, and shredded gouda. I'm sure any mixture of cheeses would work!

I then stuffed the peppers using a knife with the cheese mixture.

The final step was to wrap them in half a slice of bacon. (The parchment paper was a great idea too for covering the pan.)

Then we broiled them for 10 minutes to an oozing perfection. We were a little nervous about the bacon grease in the oven, but I watched closely to make sure we didn't have a grease fire.

Justin also made his famous calgary hot wings but as hot tenders! He grilled them on the grill and they were so moist and juicy.

 Then he mixed the sweet and spicy sauce out of these 3 condiments.

Toss the tenders in the sauce and they're ready to eat!

My couch, my Spartans, my hubby, and delicious food! MSU didn't play their best, but I'll take the win!

Yesterday afternoon, we were also a part of history. UTSA, where I'm attending for my masters, had their first football game - EVER! Here we are ready to support the Roadrunners.

The inaugural game was held at the Alamodome and the team looked good.

They won 31 - 3! We left the game a tad early to hit up Las Canarias. 

We spent today cleaning, which wasn't very exciting. I need to find time to check some papers and do some reading for class. At least tomorrow is still part of the weekend! I love holidays.