Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Mine didn't look as pretty as the picture online, but it tasted great! I like using the Slow Cooker when it's super hot outside, so we don't have to heat the house.

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Servings: 8
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Ease of difficulty: Throw in the crock pot and let it cook. Easy!
Variations: Change up the pasta, cheese, and pasta sauce
Source: Tablespoon

1 (15 ounce) container part-skim Ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1 pound ziti pasta
2 jars of pasta sauce
2 tablespoons fresh finely chopped basil leaves
2/3 cup water

In a medium bowl, combine all three cheeses and the salt. In another bowl, pour the pasta sauce and stir to combine if using different flavours.

Pour ziti into colander and rinse with cold water allowing water to stick to the pasta.

Spray the inside of the crock pot with cooking spray.

Pour half of the pasta in an even layer on the bottom of the crock pot. Pour half of the sauce on top. Evenly distribute half of the cheese mixture on top of the sauce. Repeat again, layering pasta, sauce, and cheese mixture. Sprinkle the chopped basil on top.

Pour water into slow cooker and place lid on top. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or until pasta is tender.

Early Christmas

Long story short, my brother has decided not to do Christmas with my parents this year. Instead, he asked to come over this past weekend and open gifts, and call it a day. If nothing else, the girls loved playing together, and Isaac showed Addison and Morgan the mandolin.

 Hannah

 Morgan

Mando

 Morgan's first RC

 Hannah opening crayons

 

Hannah eating crayons

 Addison's first car

 Morgan likes to help open gifts

 Addison was more interested in the scotch tape than the books

Addison's new winter sled

Just.Stop.Screaming.

Someone help this poor girl out. Addison is teething like crazy and it's awful, to say the least. She's chewing on everything (especially her hands) and doesn't want to eat. She's had a fever, puked, had a runny nose, and hasn't slept in a week. Not just slept poorly. No sleep at all. No nap for three days in a row, and up countless times each night. Thankfully Isaac came home on Wednesday so I had an extra set of hands, which is always much appreciated. It's really hard, and incredibly exhausting. Thankfully this semester is done and Christmas is right around the corner, so we'll be home together a little more often over the next few weeks. I hope Addison feels better soon so she can actually enjoy it.

"Oh yeah"

RIP Mike M

My parents neighbour and a great man. At 67, he leaves behind a wife, three children, and three grandchildren.

Cancer is an "ugly, disgusting, hateful disease." (MSC)

Update

My posts have been pretty scattered lately. Sorry. I've been really busy with a sick baby and reading for school.

Addison's finally starting to get back to her normal self. I can see a few teeth coming in, so that on top of a nasty cold equals one angry baby! Yesterday I had a break from both baby and school. I did a little shopping while she stayed with Grandma. I'm told she had a great time dancing, checking out the Christmas tree, and playing with all the kittens.

I bought all my gifts a while back but still needed some stocking stuffers and had to (finally) put up Addison's Advent calendar. This year she's getting LeapFrog's Fridge Phonics Magnetic Alphabet Set. Most days will be one random letter, but there are some snacks in there as well. On the 25th she'll get an ornament and the remaining pieces to put it all together on the fridge.

I have no idea what anyone's getting her for Christmas. I had a few toys we had been looking at for her for her birthday, and she got every single one! Now our house is over-flowing so who knows what this month will bring, or where we'll put everything. I'm trying to stick with the four present rule from us, as well as one thing from Santa. Something she wants, something she needs, something to wear, and something to read. Check back with me in a few years and I'll let you know how we're doing.

As for me, I've been reading, reading, reading. I've never been stressed about an exam until now. The one on Friday is worth 70% of my grade! 70! It's a subjective final, where I'll be asked to write short essays on a select group of topics that we've discussed this semester. I have a decent grade going in but I'm worried because a) 70% is an awful lot, and b) I don't know that much about the topics for this half, compared to those we discussed for the midterm. I was much more interested in that half than this. It's also hard to buckle down and read about child soldiers or terrorism for a day, while you have a baby attached to your feet. I think I've got the basics down pat. Hopefully. Wish me luck!

I'm considering applying for a few local jobs in the new year just to get out of the house a few times a week. We'll see. I think it would be good for me to have some adult company, and good for Addison to spend more time with the Grandparents. I'm so thankful that I am able to stay at home full-time with her but part of me wants a little change. Again, we'll see.

Tortellini Spinach Bake in Creamy Lemon Sauce

Bacon. Cheesy pasta. Spinach. What's not to love? Addison devoured this.

Tortellini Spinach Bake in Creamy Lemon Sauce

Servings: 4-6
Time: 45 minutes
Ease of difficulty: I was pretty worried about doing bacon in a pot, or burning the sauce. It was all easier than I thought, and I had a screaming toddler at my feet.
Variations: The original recipe calls for dry pasta. I used fresh because it's all we carry. It says you can omit the bacon for a vegetarian meal, but who would ever omit bacon?
Source: Our Best Bites

12 oz bag Barilla Cheese & Spinach Tortelini (find them in the dry pasta aisle)
4 oz bacon or pancetta, (about 4 strips bacon)*
3 cloves garlic, pressed in garlic press or finely minced
2 Tbs flour
2 C milk
¾ tsp kosher salt
⅛ tsp black pepper
1 1/2 tsp dry basil
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp or more if you like spicy)
1 medium lemon
2 C loosely packed fresh spinach, roughly chopped
¾ C grated mozzarella cheese, divided
¾ C grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Fill a large stock pot with water and bring to a boil.  Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions.

Place bacon in a medium sized skillet on the stove-top at medium-high heat.  Cook until crisp.  Remove bacon from pan with slotted spoon and set on paper towels to drain.  Reserve two tablespoons bacon drippings in pan and discard the rest.  Add garlic to pan and cook until fragrant and tender, about 1 minute.  Add flour to pan and stir with a whisk for about 1 minute. Slowly add milk and continue to stir with whisk until smooth.  Add salt, pepper, basil, and red pepper flakes and bring sauce to a simmer.

While sauce is heating, use a microplane grater or a fine-holed cheese grater to zest lemon.  Then cut lemon in half and remove juice.  Add 2 teaspoons zest and 1 tablespoon lemon juice to sauce.  (Note:  I really love lemon so I added this to my tastes.  If you don’t want as strong of a lemon flavor, I suggest cutting it down to 1 teaspoon zest and 2 teaspoons lemon juice) .  Continue to stir until thickened, 2-3 minutes.  Remove from heat.

Drain tortellini and place back in stock pot.  Reserve 1 tablespoon of the cooked bacon and add the rest to the pasta mixture.  Add spinach, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.  Add sauce and gently stir to combine.  Place pasta mixture in an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish and top with remaining 1/4 cup mozarella and 1/4 cup parmesan and also crumbled bacon.

Cover pan with foil and bake for 20 minutes.  Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until cheese on top is melted and pasta is bubbly throughout.  Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Rough week for baby

We thought it would be nice to visit Isaac at the apartment. A change of scenery, and more time with Daddy (who has been working 6 days a week). Fun, right? Not so much. She has a really hard time sleeping anywhere other than her crib (where she sleeps great). We left in the wee hours, hoping she'd sleep the whole way there. She normally passes right out when we drive. She did sleep in the car but woke up right away and basically stayed awake for three days straight.

We were there from early Tuesday morning until late Thursday night. No naps, and very little sleep. What little rest she got was when she slept on top of me. The minute I moved her she'd freak. It was rough.

On Saturday she picked up a bad cough (which quickly passed) and the runniest nose in the history of runny noses. The poor girl can't breathe. Hopefully she feels better soon and gets back on track!

Thankfully we got our Christmas shopping, so Addison will be happy to see these brand new boots Daddy picked out for her! They're way cuter in person. The online picture doesn't do them justice. I can't wait to see her wear them!

I officially hate shopping

For jeans, anyway. If Isaac hadn't been with me today, I would have lost my mind. He hates shopping, hates crowds, hates the mall, and hates having to go into more than one store. He's very much an in-and-out shopper. Yet today he successfully conquered all of the above to finish up Christmas shopping and get me some jeans!

Pre-pregnancy, I never really had problems buying jeans. Hell, it wasn't even that hard when I was pregnant. Granted, beforehand, there were few stores that I could choose from. Post-pregnancy is a whole other ball game, and not in the way I would have thought.

The 35 lbs I gained quickly fell off, and then some. I'm really struggling to gain any weight these days, and it's hard for me to accept that this is my new (smaller) size and shape. I recently decided it was time to update my wardrobe, upon realizing every single pair of pants I own was falling off of me. I really didn't think it would be so damn hard.

First off, can no two clothing companies follow the same guidelines when it comes to sizing? Why is a 1 at one store the same as a 3 at the next, and the same as a 00 at the next? Why isn't anything standard?

Also, why do so many stores start at 25 or 26? That's considered their XS. I often asked before even looking, just to be sure. I'm sure there are plus size girls out there thinking the same thing, that their favourite stores stop before their size. I feel their pain, and it sucks. God forbid you ever complain, though. People will look at a big girl and say they'd have no problems if they just got some exercise, and look at a small girl and tell them to eat a sandwich.

Then there are the grumpy, under-paid workers. Here's lookin at you, bitchy sales woman at the AE change room. Why would anyone think it's okay to look at a customer and say in a totally whiny, snotty voice (that I cannot easily interpret into writing) "Oh it must be soooo hard to shop when you're small." Seriously? Big or small, it can be frustrating as hell. Your passive aggressive, rude-ass comments are not helping.

I tried on no less than 20 pairs of jeans today before I FINALLY found one that fit. I should've bought three of the same ones. Maybe I'll go back later this week. I seriously lost count after 20 because I was just about to give up. Pants were falling off of me. Honestly. I could get most of these jeans on and off without even undoing a button.

I felt like I should be shopping in the juniors department. I already look young for my age, and I'm sick of people looking at me thinking I'm a teen Mom. I don't need to look like a frumpy Mom on top of that, with pants around my ankles. After going to every single store in our mall that carries women's clothes, you'd think I'd be able to find something. If you can't fit into a 00 at 24 years old, what size are you? Where exactly are you supposed to shop?

I've never shopped at American Eagle but thought I'd give it a shot. I'll be sure to never go there again. I took three pairs (00) into the change room. They fell off of me. I told the Sales Associate they were no's and she offered to get me another size. I said "No thanks, they're actually too big." She actually looked at them and said "00, 00, 00" and rolled her eyes dramatically. It was one of the rudest things I may have ever seen, and I've worked retail before. She kind of laughed and went on to say "It must be soooooo hard" (as I mentioned above). Needless to say I will not be going back to look at their over-sized $70 jeans again. It's not like I walked out and said "Look at me! I'm so skinny these don't even fit! Are you jealous?" Ugh!

This post is pointless and shallow but it was really disappointing, and I needed to vent. It's really frustrating to be a Mom and not look presentable in public. *sigh Hopefully I'll find a store soon that works for me. In the mean time, if you see a 12 year old pushing a baby down the street with baggy, ill-fitting jeans, please say Hi. It's probably me.

Lemon and Brown Sugar Chicken

Lemon and Brown Sugar Chicken

Servings: 2
Time: 25 minutes
Ease of difficulty: I was pretty worried about doing bacon in a pot, or burning the sauce. It was all easier than I thought, and I had a screaming toddler at my feet.
Variations: You can't screw this up.
Source: Bless This Food

1 lb chicken breasts
1 cup flour
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
2 tblsp canola oil
1 lemon (juiced) or just use lemon juice (approx)1/2 cup dark brown sugar (approx)
Pre heat oven to 350

Trim the fat from your chicken. Combine the four, paprika & salt in a shallow dish. Coat each chicken breast with the flour mixture.

Heat the oil over medium/high heat in a cast iron skillet (if you have one)
Place each chicken breast into the hot oil & brown on both sides (4-5 minutes should do it)
Remove the chicken breasts & set aside.

turn the heat down loa & pour the lemon juice into the pan & stir to deglaze (if all the juice cooks off- ad a bit more. you should have about 1/4 cup worth of liquid in the skillet)
Put the chicken breasts back in the pan & turn to coat.
Sprinkle the brown sugar on top (make sure each piece has a good of sugar on it)

Put the skillet in the oven & bake for around 20 minutes (until the chicken is done)

Update

Final midterm marks for both classes: 70
I'm not happy, but I'm sick of complaining. Onward and upward.

In other news, I took Addison to the cenotaph for Remembrance Day today. We followed the parade down to the park and watched the ceremony with Nicole. It was cold, but nice. I plan on taking her every year until she's in school.

After that, we came home and she had a wonderful 2.5 hour nap. Mom came over and we went to town to get some Christmas shopping done. She got a bunch of goodies. I can scratch Dad off my list now. I also picked up a Christmas sleeper for Addison (on sale for 8.99 + no tax day + 20% discount = $7.20), and a toy each for Morgan and Hannah (that Nicole had suggested). I still need to get them books. And I have no idea what to get Isaac, as per usual. He'll be the last one I buy for. So far all I can think of is coveralls. Boring, but practical. I'll keep wracking my brain...

I haven't decided what to get Addison yet. Her quilt will (hopefully) be done by then, which is a huge thing. Not sure what she'll need. I feel like she was just bombarded with toys for her birthday. It's hard to stay on top of everything. I'd really like to stick with the "Something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read." This year that could be _____ (a big, fun present), the quilt, a holiday dress/PJs, and a Christmas book. I don't know. Maybe something will catch my eye in the next two weeks. I really want to get this done before finals roll around, though.

PS: It's 1:19 am. Wtf? Why am I still awake?

Oh school, how I've missed you

/sarcasm

I have no assignments and I'm losing my mind. My grades this semester are entirely based on exams. I hate exams. HATE. Especially multiple choice. Long story short, I've spent far too much time grumbling and groaning about a recent midterm I wrote. It was not well written, and the shitty class average (mine included) reflects that. It pisses me off that so far, the only "advice" the prof has given is that we should think about how we studied for the midterm, and do something differently for the final. Thanks for nothing, right? WebCT has blown up with complaints, as well as suggestions for the future. It's beyond frustrating. I studied my ass off for that exam and I am not happy with my mark whatsoever. The worst part is that there are so many distance students that extra credit is not an option. So we're stuck.

Poop.

I didn't miss you, CU. Nope, nope, nope. I didn't miss shitty midterms. I did not enjoy spending a weekend in a hotel in Ottawa with a screaming baby who refused to sleep in her play pen, only to go write a shitty exam and come out with a shitty grade.

Poop.

/rant

Jingle Bells

Addison has learned some sweet new moves recently.

I think she likes her new toy

We bought her this play table for her birthday. She loves it! This was her first time playing with it.

ONE YEAR!

Jeez louise, you're twelve months old already! Where did this past year go? Unfortunately the card reader is being stupid again so I STILL don't have pictures to add to this post. Anyway, A's one year appointment was November 2 and it went well, screaming aside.

Weight: 18.5 lbs
Length: 29.5 inches
Recent milestones/new things: Climbing down stairs, new babbling sounds, pointing to her mouth when we ask "Where's your mouth?"
Words: Mama, Dada, Nana
Favourite toy: LeapFrog Leapstart Learning Table, and all kinds of toys she got for her birthday. They're all brand new and AMAZING to her at this point
Sleep: 9 pm - 7/8 am, quick bite to eat, and getting up for the day at 9 am
Diapers: Just starting Pampers Baby Dry (4) but they're huge
Food: Everything! She picks at her food but she'll eat just about anything, just in small portions.

Happy Birthday, Stinky Poo

I can't believe tomorrow's the big day. At 11:59 tomorrow morning, you, my baby girl, will be one year old. I wish Daddy could be here to see you when you wake up in the morning, but he's stuck at work until Thursday. I know he'll be in Toronto thinking about you, and all of the amazing things you've accomplished this year.

At this time last year, we had just come home from the hospital. I was making no progress, so the doctor's had scheduled an induction for October 26. I went in for a different procedure to get that started on the night of the 25. In typical 'unlucky T.J.' fashion, my water broke as soon as we got home, so we basically turned right around and headed back to the hospital. 16.5 hours later, you were here.

Where has this past year gone? Sometimes I look back at newborn pictures and find it hard to believe that you were ever that small. Other times I feel like just yesterday, you were learning to crawl, and the day before that you were learning to sit up on your own. Now you're a walking, talking, soon-to-be toddler.

You love being outside more than anything. It doesn't even matter what we're doing. You can be having an absolute meltdown, and your face lights up the minute you take a breath of fresh air. You say "Mama" and "Dada" somewhat regularly, even if you don't know exactly what those words mean just yet. When Nana tries to get you to say her name, you laugh every single time. You dance like a rock star, shaking your butt and wiggling your shoulders. Adele is your favourite, but Beyonce has also got you moving on more than one occasion. You decided a few days ago that you're too cool to crawl, so you're walking more often than not these days. You like to tickle Mommy's feet, saying "Daydayday," and then laugh about it. You were pretty proud of yourself when you recently learned how to flush the toilet. You love playing with the volleyball, and keyboard, and it's hard to keep you away from any sort of electronics.

You're such a happy, easy-going baby. With four teeth currently coming in at once (making eight total), it can be an absolute nightmare for everyone at times, but your smiles and laughs get us all through the day. It's all worth it, just to see your face light up. The most amazing feeling is when I see the look in your eye every Friday night when Daddy comes home from work. It usually takes you a minute to figure out what's going on as he comes into the house and calls your name, but then it clicks. You smile and laugh, and stomp your way over to him.

You've taught me patience and how to enjoy the little things in life. Sometimes it's hard to be alone all week with a cranky baby, while trying to do school, and keep a clean house. Then I look over at you crawling into the cabinet beside the crockpot eating your own sock. Sometimes all it takes to make you happy is letting you roll an empty container across the floor, or pretending to sneeze (which always makes you laugh).

This year has been amazing. Thank you for being such a wonderful little girl. I'm so happy to have you in my life and I cannot wait to see what this year brings. Happy Birthday, to my favourite little girl in the world. I hope you enjoy it.

Mommy and Daddy love you more than words can describe.

- Mommy xo

So What

Local justice has been served

Belleville, Ont., man Dean Brown found guilty in 2 murders

Dear Ellen

Dear Ellen,

I am writing this letter to you on behalf of an amazing mother from Louisiana, named Courtney Roth. She is living every mother's worst nightmare of having to raise a sick child on her own.

Courtney's son, Tripp, has a rare, genetic skin condition called Epidermolysis Bullosa, or "EB". His skin is missing the anchors that hold it together, meaning any type of friction causes his skin to blister- inside and out. He was not supposed to live to be a year old, and is now 2.5. Courtney states in her blog that "Tripp doesn't know a day without pain. He wakes up in pain, he goes to bed in pain." He has a breathing tube, he cannot speak, and has lost his eyesight.

October 25th - 31st is EB Awareness week, and I request that you help spread awareness about EB and Tripp's story. Courtney has also entered a contest through Reader's Digest to have Tripp's story published. If she wins, she will be awarded the grand prize of $25,000, which she could put toward her ever-growing hospital bills.

It would mean so much if you would take to your blog and Twitter account as well. Reading her story is heart-breaking, and life changing. In less than three years, Tripp has already touched the lives of so many. Courtney is an amazing woman, and a role model for every Mother out there. A blog entry sums it up nicely:

"I have wanted to be a mom since I was about 12 years old. I have loved children my entire life and dreamed about having children of my own. Am I a good mom? Of course... but for me, there was no other option than to step up to the plate and fight with everything in me to give my child everything he needs- healthy, sick, disabled, or whatever comes our way."

Anything you could to to help share this woman's story would be amazing.


Sincerely,


Vote for Tripp: https://apps.facebook.com/yourlifecontest/content/ebing-mommy

Read more: http://randycourtneytripproth.blogspot.com/

To-do List

Between now and Nov 7:

• Clean the house!

• School: PSYC readings: Chapter 2, 3, 4, 5
• Wash Addison's birthday outfit (The one gift she'll open on her actual birthday)
• Ottawa: Pick up playpen from Mom's, Book hotel (Oct 28-29), Pack 1/2 bags (1/2 done), set aside outfits/shoes with a blanket and coat, stock up diaper bag, pack play pen sheets
• Addison's party: Banner, wreath, quilt, table for presents/cake, buy tablecloth/card/drinks, make cupcakes/mac salad, blow up/hang balloons
• Halloween: Buy box of Candy to bring to Ryan's, set aside outfit/shoes to wear under costume, with a blanket and coat

• Oct 26: Addison's birthday
• Oct 28: Ottawa/LAWS midterm
• Oct 29: PSYC midterm/home from Ottawa
• Oct 30: Addison's birthday party
• Oct 31: Halloween
• Nov 7: Isaac's birthday

To the young man who hit my stroller today

When I got to the intersection of V Street and J Street, I waited for the appropriate walk signal before I crossed. At the same time, despite not having the right of way, you decided to quickly make a left hand turn in front of me, hitting the stroller I was pushing. Unfortunately I did not get a chance to record your licence plate, as you sped into the distance. Thankfully two other strangers were kind enough to stop and make sure both my one year old and myself were okay. They did see your plate number and you have been reported. Shame on you for not having the decency or the courage to stop. Driving is a privilege. One that you do not deserve.

Sneak Peek

Meg recently came over to do some one-year/Fall/Halloween pictures. Here's a sneak peek:

Halloween kitty (with no whiskers)

Three weeks?

That's it? Just three weeks until she's one? 21 days until she's a "toddler," not a "baby?" It can't be true.

Someone hold me.

Where have I been lately?

Busy, busy. School is keeping me on my toes and I'm loving every second of it. I have great profs and interesting courses. Unfortunately I still haven't gotten one of my text books yet, so I'll be behind very soon with the readings before my midterm. Speaking of midterms, I only have two! While that may sound like a good thing at first, it also means they're worth a boat load. Not cool, CU. Not cool. I hate exams!

In other news, Addison has been a crazy screaming, teething monster for the past few days. It's exhausting. She's so much fun (most of the time) but she has so much energy and just wants to go, go, go. When she's not feeling well, she makes sure everyone knows it. She wants to be the centre of attention and loves being held. I feel bad on days like today when I just can't do anything to make her feel better. She hasn't been eating or sleeping well, and she's really whiny. Her nose was running a mile a minute today, too, on top of everything else. Hopefully it is her teeth, and if that's the case, I hope they pop through quickly. This is not fun.

Ryan and Nicole moved in to their house earlier than anticipated. I love it! It's really cute and has a nice back yard. They had painters in this weekend and the girls room is set up. No one likes unpacking, but they'll be settled soon enough. They've had a crazy year and a half, so I'm sure it'll be nice to FINALLY settle down and relax.

I say Addison is full of energy but I swear she's got nothin on Morgan. That girl plays hard and crashes hard. She keeps me on my toes and makes me laugh so hard that I cry. She points at everything and asks "Wasat?" It's beyond adorable. She also says "hi" and "bye" again and again and again.

Hannah is the happiest baby. She rolls over and wants to get in on the action. She makes silly noises and grunts, and smiles all day long. I can't wait until she's crawling around. This Christmas at my parents will be insanity.

Isaac has been working six 10-hour shifts lately. It's the worst. The.worst.

Addison's birthday is quickly approaching, and is right in mid-term season. Go figure. We'll be going to Ottawa on Friday so I can write Friday night and Saturday morning, then the party is Sunday afternoon and Halloween that Monday night. I figure I'll sleep that Tuesday away!

Speaking of her birthday, I think it's all basically taken care of. I made a pendant and have her invitations basically written up (to send out this week). I got cups, a table cloth, and paper plates at the dollar store that all colour co-ordinate with the fall theme. I'm planning on getting some fresh flowers that weekend to use as the centerpiece, and I made a wreath for the front door. Shawna offered to bake her smash cake so all I really plan on making is cupcakes (for everyone else), cookies, and a few little things here and there. Afternoon party means I won't have to make a big lunch or dinner. Score!

As for presents, Isaac might want to get her something more between now and then, but I think we're done. I'm making her a quilt (started today). Check out my deals:

• Happy Birthday, Little Pookie (Sandra Boynton book) $7.99 on sale for $5.99
• LeapFrog Leapstart Learning Table $59.99 on sale for $15.00
• Children's Place shirt: $12.99 on sale for $6.49
• Children's Place leggings: $9.99 on sale for $5.99
  

I also scored these Baby Gap snow pants for $12! Regular price $49.95. They might be a Christmas present. I haven't decided yet. 3795+400+6.50+45+2


The only thing I bought at regular price was a three pack of sleepers, but they're still only $12. They're George, from Walmart. Zip-up and really cute patterns.

Total birthday savings including snow pants: $95.50

ELEVEN MONTHS

I cannot believe she'll be one next month!!

Weight: Almost 17 lbs, last we checked (but it's been a while)
Length: TBA
Recent milestones/new things: Standing up unassisted (not every time yet), more steps, more teething, waving bye bye (with her hand near her waist), clapping every time we say "YAY!"
Favourite toy: Leap Frog Mix and Match Fridge Farm Phonics
Sleep: 9 pm - 7/8 am, quick bite to eat, and getting up for the day at 9/10 am
Diapers: Love Pampers Baby Dry (Still size 3)
Food: Everything! We haven't found much she won't eat, though lately she's been taking food out of her mouth and/or throwing some on the floor from her high chair. That's fun. She loves shredded chicken, pulled pork, ground beef, and bacon. Every fruit and vegetable. Nutrigrain bars, goldfish crackers, Mum Mums, Gerber Graduates Little Crunchies, Cheerios, Rice Krispies, yogurt, scrambled eggs

Walk A Mile in Her Shoes® Toronto: Why I Walk by Kirsten Walkom

Walk A Mile in Her Shoes® Toronto: Why I Walk by Kirsten Walkom: Why I Walk…. On January 28, 2010, I lost someone very important to me.  She was a friend, confidante and sister.  On January 28, 2010 someo...

RIP Benjamin "Benji" Baller

Laine's cat passed away this morning. RIP, little buddy.

:(

Slow-Cooker Shredded Beef Tacoes

I love tacoes.

Slow-Cooker Shredded Beef Tacoes
Servings: 4
Time: 4-6 hours
Ease of difficulty: Crock pot = easy
Variations: I completely omitted the pepper
Source: Gimme Some Oven

1-2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 pounds beef (boneless chuck roast)
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
1 cup beef stock
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
1/2 large sweet onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
Flour tortillas
Favorite taco toppings

Method:

Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, combine the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.

Rub the spice mix into the beef, covering each side evenly. Once the oil is hot (it will shimmer a bit in the skillet), place the beef in the skillet and sear on each side.

Remove the beef from the skillet and place in the bottom of a slow cooker. Leave the pan on the heat, and add in the beef stock to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the tomato paste and minced chipotle and whisk into the pan sauce. Bring the sauce to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly.

Add the diced onion and minced garlic on top of the seared beef in the slow cooker. Pour the pan sauce down over the onions, garlic, and beef. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Use a slotted spoon to remove the onions from the slow cooker, and mix into the shredded beef.

Serve the beef in the flour tortillas, topped with your favorite taco toppings.

I'm a giddy little school girl

Isaac is helping me pay for two classes that were still available, and I couldn't be happier. They both sound great!

Crime, Law, Process and Politics: Criminal law process in Canada; structure and use of the process examined for fairness, defects, and possible reform initiatives. Issues concerning gender, race and class bias in the implementation and application of the criminal law.

Criminal Behaviour: Psychosocial approaches to the classification and treatment of offenders; theories and research relevant to selected patterns of law breaking and selected offender types; the effectiveness of offender treatment.

Sweet! Classes are Thursday night and Saturday morning, so my plan is to watch the lectures Fri and Saturday around noon once Addison goes to bed, doing my readings once she's up, and writing Monday-Thursday. That's tentative, of course, since I haven't seen the syllabuses yet, but I think it's good to have a plan going in. It'll be hard to stay on track if I don't have a schedule in place.

Wish me luck.

What's next?

• September 5: Meg's birthday
• September 8: SCHOOL!
• October 1 September 24: Ryan and Nicole move to their new house 
• October 6: Provincial election
• October 10: Thanksgiving
• October 26: Addison's 1st birthday
• October 29: Addison's 1st birthday party
• October 31: Halloween
• November 7: Isaac's birthday

Throw some mid-terms in there, and I am booked solid this October! More details to come. I'm too tired right now.

These are just a few questions I had

Compiments of Ali:
1. Five ways to win your heart: Hugs, acoustic guitar, smooth Kraft Peanut Butter, laughter, remembering the little things

2. Something you feel strongly about: Wrongful convictions, equal rights, music/gym/extra-curriculars throughout elementary and highschool, animal cruelty

3. A book you love: Anne of Green Gables, by LM Montgomery

4. Bullet your whole day:

• 730: Wake up, and don't go back to sleep, as per usual, thus dealing with a crank-ass all day
• 930: Drop of Mom's chairs at her place, get a load of manure from the farm for the new plants and have breakfast with MIL
• 1130: Come home with a sleepy baby that refuses to nap
• 1145: CRANK the music as loud as we possibly can against the door leading into the apartment, thanks to Rachel insisting on playing the sax at all times of day/night. We thought this might piss her off and teach her a lesson. It didn't work but it was funny, and therefore worth it. We went for a walk with it blaring.
• 1200: Visit Ryan and Nicole and their cranky babies. ADDISON TOOK HER FIRST STEPS! She walked back and forth about ten times, between Nicole and Isaac. So exciting!
• 1245: Go for a quick bike ride back up to the house with Isaac. The sax had stopped, so we shut off the music. Addison, in the mean time, didn't even care that we had left. She was content laying on the floor with Nicole, eating canteloupe.
• 230: Time to go home and clean up, and have a bite to eat. Perogies and bacon for dinner.
• 315: Isaac left for the week
• 316: Addison went right down in her nap, without a fuss, as soon as Isaac left. Go figure.
• 518: She's still sleeping, as I write. She hasn't made a peep.

5. Things you want to say to an ex: There is one person I'd like to say sorry to, face-to-face, but I don't think I'll ever have the opportunity to do so.

6. Your views on mainstream music: When I listen to the latest top 20/any billboard these days, I imagine Neil Young and Bob Dylan tuning in and keeling over. What happened to song writers? Where have they all gone?

7. Five pet peeves: People who don't walk properly through hallways and sidewalks (not moving over, walking on the left, not turning wide etc), chewing with your mouth open, the misuse of homonyms, flicking quickly - and nonstop through TV or radio stations when you're with other people, the one student in lecture who asks 800000 questions

8. Breakfast: Scrambled eggs and toast, Lunch: Grilled cheese, yogurt and canteloupe, Supper: Perogies and bacon

9. Education is essential.

10. Put your music player on shuffle and list the first ten songs:

1. 100 Miles: Blake Shelton
2. You'd Better Go: Charlie Major
3. Rock and Roll Music: The Beatles
4. County Line: Sugarland
5. The Best Man: Blaine Larsen
6. New York State of Mine: Billy Joel
7. Where Are You: Classified
8. A Long December: Counting Crows
9. Sweet Dreams: Beyonce
10. This Year's Love: David Gray

11: Your family: Isaac and I met a million years ago when I started school with his twin brothers, and my brother started school with his sister. We've been dating for two years and have a beautiful 10 month old daughter Addison who is my splitting image, but thankfully has his laid-back demeanor.

12: Five guys whom you find attractive: Isaac, Tim McGraw, Ryan Gosling, Colin Ferrel, Ryan Reynolds

13. Your opinion about your body and how you feel about it: I'm starting to accept my brand-new, post-baby body. I'm smaller now than I was before I had Addison, and that's taking some getting used to. My belly makes me laugh, but it's all part of Mommyhood, no?

14. What you wore today: 3/4 sleeve black plaid shirt, jeans

15. Your zodiac sign and if it fits you: Taurus. Absolutely.

16. Something you always think "What if" about: I don't really think this often. Honestly. Maybe if I had finished school sooner or not gone back to highschool for a year. Maybe if I hadn't gotten pregnant so soon, or while I was in Ottawa. What if I hadn't gone to SK when I was 16? I don't know, that last one was long ago.

17. Something you're proud of: School. Are you sensing a theme here? I love school. I really do. I'm the first one in my family to really pursue a post-secondary education, and I am damn determined to finish it. It's important to me and my family, and I can't wait to show my daughter what I've accomplished, and how it's paid off for me.

18. A problem you have had: How about today's problem of having a cranky, cranky baby? *rips hair out

19. Five items you lust after: I wish I had a car, a coffee maker, more money, a degree, and braces

20. Your fears: Clowns, rivers, thunderstorms, anything happening to Addison

21. Your future: I hope to settle down in the woods with Isaac, Addison, and one more baby, as well as a goat, sheep, donkey, dog, and cat. He'll be working part-time or only during the Summer, and I will have used my degree to get a job in my field.

22. Your academics: See above and recent posts. I'm getting there.

23. Something that you miss: Having Kelly and Renee around all the time. I also miss having BBQs and nights at TG with the boys in Ottawa. I miss walking around campus. I miss Christina, before she moved way up north. I miss the flexibility of the call centre, and all the perks that came from being a lead.

24. Five words/phrases that make you laugh: Funky monkey (Renee), Bishop Jesus (Isaac)

25. Something you're currently worrying about: Finishing school online with a toddler running around, then paying for it.

26. Things you like and dislike about yourself: I'm honest, but sometimes to a fault. I don't have a filter. I'm impatient. I'm a loyal, trustworthy friend.

27. A quote you try and live by: The most wasted of all days, is one without laughter (E E Cummings)

28. Somewhere you'd like to visit: All of Canada, coast-to-coast, England, Ireland, Scotland, Australia

29. Five weird things you like: Dry cereal with a glass of milk

30: One thing you're excited for: Addison's birthday

Keep on truckin'

Mom and I got talking about school tonight and how on earth I'm ever going to finish this degree. I want it more than anything. I hung up the phone and I cried because I want it so bad, but it's not going to pay for itself. Having taken a year off to have a baby makes it a little difficult to fork over so much money to keep going. OSAP is nice enough to give me dick all. Go figure. I don't qualify for a penny this year. Fuck you, OSAP. Thanks for nothing.

I will finish it. I will! I just want to do it RIGHTNOW. It's so frustrating. On top of money, distance education is just hard all-round. Registration is difficult, exam locations have to be set and paid for, only so many classes are available...the list goes on.

On top of that, of course, we have Addison to deal with. It'll be hard getting back into the swing-of-things, especially with a needy one year old attached to my boobs hip. If I need to go to campus (three hours away), I have to make sure someone is available to watch her, or get her into the school day care for a few hours while I write my final. While staying in Ottawa, I'd need to find a place that can accomodate both of us. Just thinking of this is already stressing me out.

I thought about seeing if the local college had anything to offer that I could transfer into my degree. Maybe the campus in Toronto close to the apartment has something? *sigh

I got caught up in it and looked at this semester's registration at CU on a whim. Somehow there are still two courses open that I need! The kicker? $1251.77 before books and correspondence exam fees. 1200 fucking dollars for TWO fucking courses. Give me a break. I just want to keep going. I need to keep going, but I can't afford it.

Fuck you, post-secondary education. Fuck your expensive self.

Time to get a job.

RIP Jack Layton

I was not happy initially when an election was called this year. When it was all said and done, I was shocked, as was the rest of the country. I was so proud of my party and its leader.

The "orange crush" made history. The NDP, led by Jack Layton, had won 103 seats, becoming the official Opposition for the first time in the party's history. They took 59/75 seats in Quebec, which led to the collapse of the Bloc Quebecois.

In July 2011, Layton announced that he would be taking a leave of absence as he fought a new form of cancer. This morning it was announced (link) that he passed away peacefully in his home with his family. He was 61.

RIP Jack Layton, the man who somehow managed to catch my interest in Politics. You were a brilliant, sweet man, and a great leader. This country will not be the same without you.

You're almost one!

And the brainstorming has begun for her fall-themed party. Here are some ideas:

• Make/mail cards (layout idea) by September 26
• BBQ dinner: Pulled pork, chicken, salads, cookies, cupcakes and ice cream for guests, smash cake for Addison
• Make pendant for high chair, flowers or pendant for back wall behind gift/treat table, make wreath with burgundy/brown/yellow flowers for front door (and leave up for Fall)
• Buy Addison a burgundy/brown/yellow outfit, birthday bib
• Gifts: Finish baby scraps quilt, books, Leapfrog Potsy? Picnic? Violet?
• Birthday photos (Meg?)/scrapbook pages

Hi ho, hi ho. It's off to work [he goes]

Isaac, that is. He ended his leave on a high note with the wedding August 6, then headed back to a brand new work project August 8. They're just starting to build a power plant in New Market, so it's a nice change for him, being out of the city. The downside - and it's a big down - is that he now works five days a week. 10 years into this damn company and he goes from four days to five. *sigh

It's already been hard to get used to having him gone. It's more difficult taking care of Addison on my own now than it was before his Pat Leave because she's so much more active. She doesn't take a breath, and only has one nap a day. She's crawling everywhere and reaching for everything. She puts everything she sees in her mouth and knows how to push her boundaries. Thankfully we have the pocket doors closed and one gate up, so we can easily keep her in the Living Room, but it's still exhausting. I'm constantly pulling her back from the TV stand, and picking her up when she tumbles backward from standing alongside the couch.

I need to start job hunting asap to get money for school, but there isn't much here. I'm hoping to find something casual/part-time in town so that I can leave Addison with her grandparents or my brother and not have to worry about paying for day care. God only knows how much that costs. I also don't want her to miss out on what little time she now has with Mommy AND Daddy together. With Isaac only being home Fri night - Sun night, I really don't want to be working all weekend. I want to enjoy being a family.

It will pay off in the end. It will pay off in the end. It will p...

NINE MONTHS

Weight: 16 lbs 14 oz (Aug 15)
Length: 70 cm
Recent milestones/new things: Crawling at high speeds, walking along the couch, walking around and over obstacles, making noises with her mouth, mimicking, one "Mama" (nothing since then), clapping, kisses, pushing a ball back to you if you roll it to her first
Favourite toy: Rubber ducks in the bath tub, Bruin stacking cups
Sleep: 9 pm - 7/8 am, quick bite to eat, and getting up for the day at 9/10 am
Diapers: Love Pampers Baby Dry (Still size 3)
Food: Never did catch on to cereal but has recently begun eating just about everything, and loving it all. When she first started solids she'd pick here and there, but not get overly excited about anything in particular. Slowly but surely, she's catching on. She loves feeding herself toast and cheerios. She likes all fruit, especially pears, mango, oranges and peaches. She likes strong flavours like garlic, so I often let her eat whatever we're eating. She recently stole a bite of my grilled cheese when I turned my back. She likes broccoli, zucchini, peas, turnip, steak, chicken, ground turkey, sweet potato fries and cheese. She loved trying pasta for the first time with a turkey meat and tomato sauce.

She's still small and skinny but staying on the same curves, so we're not worried. The doctor has given me the go-ahead for Homo milk any time between now and a year, so we'll slowly start that transition soon. Probably around 10 months, in an attempt to be fully switched over by a year.

Can you believe she's almost one?