What's Cooking Wednesday - The BEST Chicken Noodle Soup EVER!!

"They" say necessity is the mother of all invention. I was sick on Monday and really wanted my mother-in-law to make me some chicken soup. But she lives 10 hours away...

On my trusty laptop (it's a MacBook) I typed in 'easy chicken soup recipie'. Google then asked if I meant 'easy chicken soup recipe'. I clicked that and I found a simple recipe calling for 2 cans of cream of chicken, 1 can of mushroom soup, and some water and veggies and seasonings if you want. Easy.

Then I went to my pantry. 10 cans of cream of mushroom, 0 cans of cream of chicken. Not sure what the heck I was thinking when I bought all those cans of mushroom soup but girls and boys, this is why you need to MAKE A GROCERY SHOPPING LIST and TAKE IT WITH YOU. I'm just sayin'.

I did have 4 cans of Campbell's chicken noodle soup. It is cold season. So, I improvised. Basically, I did what I could feeling like crap. I sat down to chop this stuff (normally I stand, like they do on TV) and I took a few breaks.

The BEST Chicken Noodle Soup EVER Recipe

Ingredients

2 cans of Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup

4 cans of water

4 cups of water

1 big carrot, chopped

1 big celery stalk, chopped

1 green onion stalk, chopped

1/2 small onion, chopped

2 gloves garlic minced or chopped

2 tbl powdered chicken bullion

2 handfuls rotini noodles or any kind of thick pasta noodle

3-4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (or leftover chicken)

Seasonings

(I know it seems like a lot but I just throw this stuff in 'cause the spice shelf is right there.)

1 bay leaf

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp salt

1 tsp Nature's Seasoning

1 tsp Lowry's Seasoned Salt

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp majoram

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp ground sage

1/2 tsp basil leaves

Pasta Noodles

Boil in salted, oiled water like directions say.

Drain. Set aside.

Chicken

I used a hybrid. 2 frozen chicken breasts that I threw in a pot of water and boiled until cooked. But don't cook it at boiling or all this gunk floats up (I learned that from Martha Stewart). Drain. Shred. While the pasta and chicken were cooking, I picked off the last of the chicken on a whole chicken I had roasted the day before. Set aside.

Soup Directions

Add all the ingredients (except pasta, chicken, veggies) to stock pot and bring to a boil.

Lower stove heat, add veggies and chicken.

Cook until veggies are tender.

Add pasta.

Simmer on the lowest setting with the lid on the pot until your people come home.

Serve with crackers, corn bread, or bread or nothing.

Serves 6-8 adults (minimum)

Be sure to head on over to the Home of What's Cooking Wednesdays at The Fairy Blogmother.

Darkness Overcoming Beauty

The darkness of fear overtaking

the power of beauty

The latest painting by my incredibly talented husband.

Happy Valentines Day - 2010

Yes, this posting is 1 week late.

I've been busy and had some issues with

Blogger and iPhoto.

Not sure who to blame, really.

Most likely Blogger. Mac is perfect.

I wasn't putting much effort into Valentines Day

until Motor Mouth was all excited Saturday evening.

Here is what I mustered up...

Pink Heart Pancakes

Heart Ice Cubes

Lots of Pink Heart Pancakes

Pink Milk for the Kiddos

Red Raspberry Iced Tea for Mommy

Red Plates

Happy Kids

Table Decorations

Both kids wearing pink/red

J did come home with chocolate for everyone

And he surprised me with floor seats

to the Mariah Carey concert!!!!

I am ready for next year!!

We found some discounted items Monday

My fav find are the cookie cutters

We'll have heart shaped sandwiches next year!!

I even found a red box to store it all in...

And a green one for our St. Patty's decorations

Yes, I know we need to fill the green box...

Finished for Friday - Pond Friends

Finally, something I can post on

Finished for Friday!!!

Pond Friends Stacking Toy

Frog pole, Dragon Fly, Lady Bug, Bumble Bee, Blue Base

I crocheted this for one of my friends who has a new baby. Not sure which friend yet. I have to choose from 10 people who are about to pop out a kiddo.

I thought I could just bang it out because it is simple. It really took a long time to make. J likes it a lot. I don't think he wants me to give it away...

Pattern is Lion Brand Vanna's Choice

Baby Pond Friends Stacking Toy

Pattern Number: 90075AD

Now, please head on over to the home of

Lit and Laundry to see what fabulous thing she

Finished for Friday!

Baby Showers are for Babies

I know some people don't believe in having baby showers for the 2nd or 3rd or other babies. Or, they feel it is okay for the 2nd baby if it is a different sex. However, I believe EVERY baby deserves a baby shower, whether it is the mom's 1st or 5th.

Widney Grandbaby #5 (not ours)

I believe the shower is for the baby, not the mom. Each child deserves to be celebrated and showered with presents. And let me tell you, by the 3rd or 4th kid, that mom needs new stuff! I do think the big ticket items like cribs, strollers, high chairs, play yards, swings should to go to the 1st baby and be reused for the next. But what baby doesn't need diapers or bibs or burp cloths or sleepers? It's so nice to have fresh new clothes for a fresh new baby.

Motor Mouth age 1 month (ours)

This thinking might come from my adoption world experience where some adoptive moms received baby showers and then the birth mom ended up changing her mind and taking the baby back (failed adoption). Many of those incredible adoptive moms gave EVERYTHING she had received for the baby to the baby and the birth mom. Why? Because ultimately, those were gifts for that baby.

I wish we would look at all baby showers that way. It's for the baby. Not the mom. Let's celebrate every baby's life and shower every baby with material and immaterial love.

Works for Me Wednesday

In my previous post: Tackle It Tuesday: Inconvenient Lifestyle, I wrote about what I am working on this year. 6 weeks into it, this is what has worked so far:

1 toy at a time

Making the kids stick to only playing with 1 toy at a time was lofty goal. But they got it. They sometimes play with 1 toy and leave it out while they play with another then another. But in the grand scheme of things, it is working.

5-minute bedtime clean

Which leads me to the kids' 5-minute clean at the end of the day. Because they don't take out 50 toys to play with and leave them everywhere, it makes the cleaning at the end of the day super easy. And, more importantly, the kids no longer argue or resist cleaning the play/bedroom. The amount of peace that brings to our home is priceless.

No Movies or Wii during the week

This was not on the original list but I no longer allow the kids to play movies in Motor Mouth's room after school. If it is a school night, they are not allowed to have big screen time. They are allowed to play with their little screens - Leapster games, Leapfrog books, kiddie laptops, math games on the desktop computer. Basically, if it is an educational screen, they can watch on a school night. Otherwise, nope.

15-minute clean

This worked for 3 weeks then fell apart when I got sick. When we do abide by it, it works amazingly well for general tidiness. If someone would help with this more, it might work better.

Activity Jar

I haven't pulled anything from the jar, but I did spend a lot of time crocheting a baby gift so I feel like this is accomplished.

Updates on the rest:

In January, I had 2 weeks of 45 hr/wk at my normally 32 hr/wk job and I got really sick for 4 straight days. Not that this excuses stuff, but I do believe it played a major role in the breakdown of the following:

- Widney Wednesday. I didn't get to Widney Wednesday in January. We did go to the top of the Hancock Building. I think I need to schedule this. But I have to say, we do a lot together as a family, so it's not like we are strangers running in crazy directions.

- 1 load of laundry per day. Sore subject as I lost The Mommy Project's laundry throwdown and still have not tackled that mountain.

- Night Prep. The prepping meals and clothes at night fell by the wayside but I do see the benefit and need for it.

- Home Cooking. I have cooked at home more. It's just hard when I have evening meetings at 6 pm across town.

Mini Me's Catalog Ad

Mini Me had her 1st modeling gig for

Land of Nod, a higher end kids furniture & accessory store.

You might recall Mini Me's 1st professional photo shoot.

If not, go here.

Here is a photo of Mini Me schlepping rugs

I snapped this pic of the catalog

w/my phone in low light.

J was disappointed you can't see more of her face

It could always be worse.

Imagine THIS being your child's ad...

You can order your own Spring 2010 catalog for free at www.landofnod.com (unless you are not living in the U.S.).

Unpredictable

When Motor Mouth was an infant, J played instrumental lullaby CDs in his room 24/7. Sweet, melodic baby music. Very calm nursery.

We tried the same music with Mini Me.

She wasn't having it.

In his infinite wisdom, my darling husband realized Mini Me needed some hard bass tunes and searched his white boy CD collection until he found the closest thing that fit the bill.

Unpredictable by Jamie Foxx.

It WORKED!!

Who knew.

Knowing Me, Knowing You - Feb '10

It's time again for the monthly blog questionnaire hosted by one of my bloggy BFF's The Fairy Blogmother.

1. The Olympics are right around the corner, are you planning on watching?
Nope. J wants to watch the opening show but other than that, nope. Before I married this artsy man, I never missed an Olympics.

2. Which is your favourite Olympic Winter sport?
Figure skating. I knew who the skaters were when I was a good Canadian living in my home and native land. I did enjoy watching the ski jumping and the downhill, and the luge.

3. Okay you're in the candy store, what's the first thing you grab?
Either the Jelly Beans or sour gummy candies. Or both. Both.

4. What is your favourite John Hughes movie? Not sure what movies he made? Well, first you should be ashamed of yourself and I'm not sure we can be friends anymore. Secondly, click the link and see his impressive list of films, you'll be surprised...... go ahead I'll wait.

I'd have to say "Maid in Manhattan" for my most recent like. And "Ferris Beuler's Day Off" for my back in the day like. I still use quotes from Ferris Beuler and am amazed I live in Chicago - the city where Ferris sang 'Danke Schoen' in a parade.

I predict NAMK (The Mommy Project) will say 'Pretty in Pink' or 'Sixteen Candles' as her favorite. I know this because I watched it no less than 16 times each with her back in the day.

5. Okay you're going into the witness relocation program and you get to pick your new name, what will it be?

Kiki Freedmar

Alright, now please head on over to The Fairy Blogmother to see her answers and give some linky love if you decide to join in on the fun!

Super Nanny Trial Period

J and I watched Super Nanny for the first time in forever. Because of Super Nanny, we are going to start putting Mini Me on the Naughty Chair every time she cries. Something HAS to work with Mini Me. The crying all the time is not getting any better.

This week, my MIL was considering taking Mini Me for her Spring Break and asked what makes Mini Me cry. Mini Me cries...

- if she is hurt

- is tired

- is hungry

- has to leave

- has to stop doing something

- has been told 'no'

- thinks she is in trouble

- is in trouble

- if it is time to wake up

- if it is time to go to bed

- if it is time to go potty

- if Motor Mouth says 'Me 1st!' when it's time to pray or shower

- if she wants her hair straight/up/down/anything other than what you did

- if you ask her to get dressed

- if you ask her to put on her coat

- if you ask her to carry her backpack

- if you eat a restaurant other than McDonalds

- if she doesn't hear me say 'goodbye Mini Me' when I leave the car

- if she can't eat a sugar glazed donut in the car

- if she gets injured (but this one is justifiable)

- I know I'm missing at least 10 more scenarios...

For the last few months, I have taken to asking Mini Me if someone has hit her or if she is in pain when she starts crying. I tell her if someone has not hit or she is in pain, to stop crying. And I tell her I can't understand what she is saying when she cries and to please stop crying and use her words. It pretty much works.

In March, Mini Me will be 4. From birth, this child has been crying. Well, maybe 1-2 weeks after birth there was that honeymoon period. But as a baby, it was one thing after another: thrush, reflux, ear infections, formula/tummy problems, etc.

If Mini Me's pacifier fell out, she screamed and wailed. She had no lips so that thing fell out all the time. I couldn't sleep, I couldn't drive 5 minutes to church without the pacifier falling out and her screaming the whole rest of the way there. One night, I was so exhausted, I begged God to show me what to do because I had to sleep and couldn't deal with this. 'Medical tape' popped into my head. Yes, I taped her pacifier to her face with medical tape so it wouldn't hurt when it came off or leave marks. I always made sure there was enough room so she could spit up if need be. And I told her pediatrician and the children's pastors and adoption agency director so they knew what was going on.

If you didn't get her food that second, you had hell to pay, my friend. I put her on a schedule to get her food to her 15 minutes before she needed it.

My mother-in-law was not happy with us because we wouldn't let her have Mini Me overnight for about the first 3-4 months. Motor Mouth had been spending the night with his grandparents from 4 days old. Then I let her have Mini Me overnight. DonnaMomma never said a bad thing about Mini Me when asked how the night went. My sister-in-law was not so tactful and told me that Mini Me was a different kind of baby. For this reason alone, I could have love my sister-in-law for life - someone validated what I had been experiencing and trying to save others from. We didn't want J's parents to not love Mini Me as much as they loved Motor Mouth and we were terrified they would figure this out as soon as they got her overnight.

Mini Me cried herself to sleep every night. She wouldn't let you hold her or rock her to sleep as a baby. By the time she was a year old, I gave my baby rocking chair away. It had been my prized possession when Motor Mouth was a baby. I know I rocked him around the world and back again.

I kept thinking that when she gets over this sickness she will stop the crying. When she gets old enough to talk she will stop crying. If this or that or this or that she will stop the crying. It has been 4 years and I am exhausted. Her crying is the one thing that can set me off in 2 seconds.

We have started putting her on the naughty chair every time she cries. I pray to God it works. I need some relief from the crying.

Parent Fail #327

Thursday, I got to work with Motor Mouth on time and with such a wonderful, peaceful morning under our belts. Everything just flowed and went so smoothly. I even got to work early! Then Motor Mouth saw another kid from his class and said, "Mommy! It's Pajama Day today!!"

In a shocked and dazed state, I quickly made it to his teacher who...was wearing HER pajamas. Nice.

I had an 8:00 am marketing meeting and spent 7:35 to 7:50 trying to reach my husband to ask him to head back home to get a pair of PJ's for Motor Mouth. Did I mention J was to be in the 8:00 am meeting with me?

Clearly, Daddy saved the day as I found Motor Mouth's discarded jeans and shirt in a heap next to my office chair. I have since learned Motor Mouth's Star Wars PJs were a big hit with the kids in his class. Seems he has cool hair and cool PJs.

Friday morning, Mini Me told us it was Pajama Day at her school. Naturally, we did not believe our 3 year old because we thought she just wanted to wear PJs like her brother did the day before. We told Mini Me her teacher would have given us a note if that were the case. Mini Me said she heard her principal talk and say to wear pajamas on Friday. On went the uniform.

As J was putting her lunch in her backpack, he noticed the note from her teacher saying that for a $1 donation, Mini Me could wear pajamas today. Did I mention the kids and I had our coats on and we were on time so I could get to work on time??

Mini Me looked very cute in her pajamas with her robe hanging down past her coat. And she has a great time at pajama day. I was 15 minutes late for work.

Reunited and it feels so good!!

This is me in grade 9 or 10 with my friend Churcher. I had good times with Churcher. We used to volunteer at the hospital every Friday after school to deliver flowers to patients. I got involved and suckered her in some how. Not sure how I managed it. We were supposed to be Candy Stripers. You know, pink and white striped dress, ankle socks. Well, Churcher was not exactly the dress wearing type. We very soon began wearing blue jackets instead.

I met Churcher in grade 8 when her family lived in our school area. I remember how excited she was when she won a battle to attend our high school. Churcher took a couple city buses every day to get to school. We lost touch after grade 12. I have missed this girl for all these years and wondered where she was and what happened to her.

Months ago, I commented on this photo of Churcher posted by a mutual high school friend, basically asking if anyone knew what happened to her. This week, the mutual friend's sister works with Churcher and passed on my email address and I exchanged emails with Churcher tonight. How awesome is that?!!

What Is Going On??!!

I've been a bit busy lately. For 2 weeks straight, I worked 45 hour weeks at my PART-time job - that doesn't include the volunteer meetings or my Client work. Or the fact that I am a parent of 2 kids and a wife. We had dinner guests, so of course mi casa had to be clean for that. I did put on a Winter Carnival for about 200 kids and their parents. And to prove that I should not work, I got sick. Down for 4 days!! Truly, I should be a housewife and community volunteer - please be sure to let my husband know...

Truthful Tuesday - MAM

I have this friend that I really like and finally got to spend about an hour or so with yesterday at a coffee shop in Oak Park. You see, MAM has deserted me in the city and has moved to Oak Park. I can't say I didn't see this coming. Afterall, I met her through her blog post on Chicago Mom's Blog when she talked about their plans to move to the suburbs. I just thought it would have taken a few more years to happen.

MAM and her partner, Math Wiz sold their amazing penthouse in the city that I really, really wish we were in a financial position to have purchased as it is in the most perfect part of town for us and I do love rooftop decks and wide open living spaces with Brazilian Cherry floors and, to be honest, the designation of 'penthouse' doesn't hurt one's ego either. Abandoning the city, they moved to Oak Park for it's wide treelined streets, family and stroller friendly sidewalks, homes set back from the road, proximity to the university at which they profess, and the great big homes that you can renovate and make perfect for you to live in for the next 30 years. Chicago has all of this but for some odd reason, they didn't want to spend $1.5 million to attain it.

MAM loves Oak Park and for this I am so happy. A book could be written about the drama they endured when selling said condo/penthouse and trying to purchase - with CASH - another home. You would think a seller hearing the words 'cash sale' in a down economy would skip hop to the closing table. These Oak Park people own the term 'pride of ownership' let me tell you. If MAM wrote a book about it - and she is a published author with a wikipedia page devoted to her, so she could easily do so - no one would believe it to be true. If I hadn't been privy to the torment and tears, I might wonder myself.

At any rate, MAM is loving Oak Park and hanging in there as a new mom for the 2nd time. It was great to sit and chat and get crochet ideas and advice from her. I practically had to arm wrestle the woman to let me pay for a cup of tea for her. Why was it so important to me? Reciprocity. You can't leave MAM's home with just what you walked in with. I have plants, yarn, crochet needles, books, Vermouth ("I like to have a home that has Vermouth in the pantry"), you name it. Yesterday, I bought MAM chai, but left with a little Valentines' pail and coloring pages and cookie cutter for Mini Me and a space heater for my office. She's not quite like a mom figure, maybe more like my mom's best friend, only she can't be because she is younger than me and has never met my mom.

I think I might be rambling. However, I do want to be sure you realize how special MAM is and if you ever get the chance to meet her, you will figure this out sometime between the delicious and exotic food she feeds you and upon arriving at your vehicle with your arms fuller than when you knocked upon her door.

I Love Chicago - Reason 2,403

Technically, this is J's drive home from work. This is one of the many reasons why I LOVE Chicago!!

Freaky Friday - Insane Allergy

A few years ago, I noticed the tip of my mouth started to tingle when I ate one of my favorite foods - an apple. It started happening every time. Kind of bizarre for an allergy to pop up at age 35!

Last month, my throat started to close after eating

an apple.

It was scary!!

The other day, I ate a peach. I LOVE peaches.

Guess what? Yes! Peach allergy, too!

According to an eHow article by Jonae Fredericks, apples are part of OAS - Oral Allergy Syndrome and are associated with birch pollen. Now it makes sense. What I didn't realize until I read the article is that peaches and hazelnuts are part of the same family as apples, the Rosaceae family of fruits. It only applies to raw fruit because the allergy causing proteins can't survive when cooked or pasteurized.

Learn something new everyday.

Urban Boy

My son is so cute!!

Wordless Wednesday - Joker Mini Me

Tackle It Tuesday - Inconvenient Lifestyle

When I started back working last year, I thought I knew how to do the working mom thing 'cause that is what I did for 5 years in Tulsa. Yes, but I forgot that J did ALL the cooking, 90% of the grocery shopping, picked up the kids from school, bought the kids' clothes and did their hair (or MotorMouth's hair 'cause Mini Me didn't have hair until she was 2).

Since I was home full-time, all of this fell on my shoulders and it was fine. Until I added work to the mix and having to go to different stores for groceries and the laundromat when our NEW washer stopped working.

I've evaluated our lives - my life - and here is what I came up with. I need to write this stuff down somewhere I can be accountable for them. Here goes on my plans to make life easier for 2010.

These are not resolutions. This is stuff I've been mulling in my head for a couple of weeks/months and after the restoration of order in our home the holidays brought, I can finally start implementing this stuff....

Widney Wednesday Once/Month

We do Family Friday every Friday evening but I have let our themed family nights (Widney Wednesday) fall by the wayside. The kids love this and I enjoy creating memories for them. So, instead of pressure to create it weekly - I work full-time now - I am going to do one per month.

15-minute clean

This one is basic but huge. If J and I spend just 15 minutes each per day cleaning, we should be able to keep the house tidy. If you think about, 2 adults doing it is 30 minutes/day and a whole lot can be accomplished then!

1 toy at a time

The Duggars (the family with 19 kids!!) implement this rule. I didn't think it was possible. But I've been doing it with the kids for the past 2 weeks and it works!! They sometimes have 3-4 toys out, but when I see that, I call them on it and order is restored. This is major for keeping their 'playroom/Motor Mouth's bedroom/guest room' tidy.

5-minute bedtime clean

I didn't make the kids clean up every day before bed and the toys got really out of hand. MotorMouth refused to clean up his room because he said he didn't know where to start. I ended up doing it. Not my room. Not my toys. Not gonna do that again. So now I am enforcing the 5 minute clean rule where the kids clean their rooms for 5 minutes before bed. What a difference!

1 load a day

Once my laundry is tamed, I am going to endeavor to wash 1 load per day. Seeing as our washer is working now (no thanks to the Purex 3-in-1 sheets that stopped up our drain at a cost of $135 +plus), I should be able to wash and put away 1 load of laundry per day. If I do that, I should be able to stay on top of things.

Night Prep

I finally started preparing lunches at night and laying out the kids' clothes at night. It really streamlines the morning and makes for a more peaceful morning - until the last 15 minutes when there is still utter chaos and some yelling to 'hurry up!!'

Activity Jar

I have an activity jar so I can do something instead of chilling. I feel guilty chilling, so at least I can do something productive. I was surprised at how many little things I would like to get done - not major cleaning projects but little things, like cut out squares for a quilt, or just go for a walk with the family.

Dinner at Home

Since starting work, I find it increasingly difficult to eat at home on evenings. It is so easy to run out and grab something on the way home, instead of taking 20-30 minutes to cook. That has to stop. I have a list of easy to cook foods and I'm going to be leaving work earlier each day so I can be home to work 1-on-1 with MotorMouth and jump start dinner.

Input Welcome

I still need to figure out a grocery shopping strategy because one store does not cut it for everything. And I need to figure out a weekly deep clean day strategy. Any ideas are more than welcomed.

(Oh, and please don't suggest I look at FlyLady.com - I've been there and have taken some of her ideas but I find some of her stuff time consuming to manage.)

It all seems so basic doesn't, it??

Knowing Me, Knowing You - Jan '10

knowing me, knowing you - january

Time once again for the monthly interview project The Fairy Blogmother started one year ago this month...

1. Showers or baths?
Showers. Always been a shower girl. Just never found the time or the enjoyment in a bath and believe me, I've tried. Maybe I need a big enough

2. What's your favourite thing for breakfast?
Bagel with cream cheese and fruit.

3. What is your favourite George Clooney movie?
You know, I couldn't think of too many of his movies. So I searched IMDB and as it turns out, he doesn't really have a lot of movies - or at least good ones outside of 'Brother Where Art Thou' (which I didn't really care for) and Oceans 11, 12, 13....30 - which I do like tremendously. Oh! And Batman. Remember that? I liked George very much as Bruce Wayne and kinda as Batman but Michael Keaton is my favorite Batman. I did love George in ER.

4. American Idol starts on Tuesday folks, how do you feel about Ellen joinng the judge's table?
I do love Ellen and American Idol. Not sure I'll really get in to the show this year. I think I'm done. But Ellen will make it worth watching, I'm sure.

5. Lets say you've got a gift card to Michaels... what would you spend it on?
Yarn. Crochet notions. Classes and supplies for said classes. Hey - how much is this gift card for? I could go on and on...

Now, head on over to The Fairy Blogmother and post your very own Knowing Me, Knowing You.