Slow Cooker Lasagna

These days, I'm all about easy dinner recipes. I have a feeling after the baby comes, I'm going to be even more into easy recipes. So I found this one in an old Quick Cooking magazine, and tried it out. Turned out pretty good, if I do say so myself. And Jay liked it, too, which is always a bonus. The only thing I would change is to add some Italian spices, in addition to the oregano. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Lasagna

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (29 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 cup water
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 package (8 ounces) no-cook lasagna noodles
• 4 cups (16 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 1/3 cups (12 ounces) small-curd cottage cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

In a skillet, cook beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the tomato sauce, water, tomato paste, salt, and oregano; mix well. Spread a fourth of the meat sauce in an ungreased 5-qt. slow cooker. Arrange a third of the noodles over sauce (break the noodles if necessary). Combine the cheeses; spoon a third of the mixture over noodles. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining meat sauce. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until noodles are tender. Yield: 6-8 servings.

I'm pregnant and I know it!

I know some of you are saying to me, "duh, Amanda! Of course you're pregnant and you know it." I am, and I do. But that's not the point. The point is, one of the girls in my office, who is also pregnant, sent me this video today, and I have to share. Everyone says that being pregnant is so wonderful, and you glow, and look fabulous, and you feel sexy. Well, I'm here to tell you... I haven't experienced that yet. And I certainly don't feel sexy. So extra kudos to this woman who put it all out there for nearly 1.5 million people to see. That takes guts. And yes, I'm jealous, because she does look sexy, and she knows it. Enjoy!

Everyone loves a parade!

The Clear Lake Shores 4th of July golf cart parade was another rousing success. Kudos to the civic club for putting on another fun event!

Here is our cart all dolled up:

Mom and dad participated, too!

Our friends Dave and Adelia won... can you see why?

Hope you had a great 4th!

Happy 4th of July!

Ahhh... July 4th. My most favoritist holiday (yes, I realize that is not proper grammar). How can you not love a day that basically gives you the freedom and independence to do what you do every day? What is better than that? In my opinion, nothing. I love Independence Day because so many have fought for our freedoms, thousands have lost their lives, and thousands more continue to fight for us every single day. So please, hug and thank a veteran or soldier today (and their families!). They are the reason we're here today.

And speaking of today, there's another reason today is so special. Three years ago today we moved back into our house after Hurricane Ike. We were bound and determined to make it happen, and we did. I still remember (like it was yesterday) that first shower back in our house. There is no better feeling. Just one more reason to love July 4th.

I hope you have a safe and happy holiday. We will be participating in the golf cart parade (pictures to follow), and then the island-wide picnic, and then it's WW V (aka Water Wars 5). That is where the battle line is drawn, it's east versus west, and it is on. If you're out in your golf cart between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., you're subject to getting wet from a water gun. And I'm not talking the little squirt gun kind. It's an all-out water war, and it is so much fun. Reason #468 that I love living in Clear Lake Shores. And then we'll close out the evening with fireworks. Unfortunately, I can't go out on the boat these days, but that's OK. We'll hang with all our neighbors at Chicken Lickin, and watch the crazies in the boats.

Happy July 4th!