It got real in this house last night. Really real.
The first weekend after school starts is invariably a little hairy. The kids are tired and therefore cranky. As parents we’re trying our best to enjoy the final weekend before sports and schedules and crazy start up because some grandparent told us that we’d better “relish the moment” because before you know it they will be grown and you’ll regret it (talk about guilt), and we are usually frustrated at the failure to enjoy it because of the aforementioned crankiness by approximately 9:15 on Saturday morning. This weekend was no exception.
In his infinite wisdom, God deemed eons ago that in every family with multiple children, only one can be haywire at a time.* I’m pretty sure this came down with the stone tablets that the 10 Commandments were etched on. But I’m a little fuzzy on the actual details.* In true form, my family decided to be the exception to this rule this weekend. Both Dillon and Kenzie were off the chain crazy. It’s not rare for Dillon to be like this. He’s our most special challenge when it comes to behavior. I’ve spent many an hour on my knees praying for strength because of this boy. But typically, Kenz is pretty easy. As long as she’s entertained she’s doing ok. Once deemed the “happiest baby ever seen” by Jeff’s nana who knew a thing or two about babies, she has lived up to that moniker for almost 7 years. Until yesterday. The amount of whining, screaming and comparison shopping (you know what I’m talking about, parents. “I only got 2 chocolate chips while he got 3” thing that makes you crazy) was mind-numbing.
*probably not true.
It was so bad that after church, I sat everyone down in an emergency family conference trying to re-establish some sort of normalcy. I begged for peace and promised to do my part to foster it. I cited scripture and tried to appeal to their spiritual side.
Nothing worked.
And then it happened…….
The back to school stomach bug hit poor #3 pretty badly. The poor babe didn’t see it coming and was a hot mess for the entire evening. Thankfully, the “action part” of the flu was blessedly short for her and by 10:00pm she through the worst of it, resting peacefully in her bed, bucket close at hand just in case. As a parent, this did two things for me. The first thing it did was evict from me a huge sigh of relief that there was a logical reason for her insanity, and that reason was not my mediocre parenting. The second thing, however, is the most important, I believe. It re-instated my nurture mode. There is nothing a momma won’t do to soothe her sick baby. There is no amount of exhaustion that will keep her from rocking her child. In those moments, self really does disappear. And the only thing that matters is making your childs hurt better. It’s primal. It comes out without thought or consciousness. I’ve seen it in hospital waiting rooms and know that it transcends socio-economic class and culture. Moms are at their best when needed the most. And my heart was aching last night for my sick baby.
So today, as her poor sore tummy tries to regain equilibrium and she tries to rebuild the strength that this pox ripped out of her, I channel my mom, who was at her best when soothing me, and make her chicken noodle soup. Nothing is more nostalgic or comforting than a steaming bowl of homemade chicken soup. Nothing makes me long for the comfort of my moms care while hoping that I am creating the same in my children. It’s a labor of love that I am glad to make. It’s a process that takes time and patience, but it’s a balm to the soul and body when it’s hurting. And it’s pretty darn good even if you’re not.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs Bone-In, Skin-on Chicken Breast
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 large carrots, two cut into large chunks, two finely chopped
- 4 large celery stalks PLUS leaves from the heart, 2 cut into large chunks and two finely chopped
- 1 bunch flat leaf parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon Chicken Bouillon (I use Better than Bouillon)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 lb wide egg noodles
Directions
- Step 1 Place chicken in a large stock pot with enough cold water to just cover the tops. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Step 2 Once boiling, use a slotted spoon to skim off the fat that has risen to the surface.
- Step 3 After skimming, add the onion, large diced celery and carrots, the tops of the parsley (just rip the leaves off and throw in), curry powder and pepper to taste.
- Step 4 Bring back to a boil and cook for 1 hour.
- Step 5 Remove chicken to a cutting board and let cool.
- Step 6 Using a mesh strainer over a second pot, strain the broth, making sure to as much liquid as possible out of the veggies. Return to the pot and place back over medium low heat.
- Step 7 Taste broth, if more chicken flavor is desired, add the bouillon and season with salt and pepper.
- Step 8 Finely dice (or shred depending on preference) the chicken. Return about half to the pot (you’ll have some leftover for sandwiches or tacos or chicken salad).
- Step 9 Add in the remaining chopped celery and carrots and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Step 10 Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package directions. Drain.
- Step 11 To assemble, place noodles in bottom of a deep bowl and top with soup.
- Step 12 Enjoy!
Welcome to BurntToast! My name is Meaghan, and this is my safe space, a place where we can share stories, share recipes and share life. It’s my dream that you can come here, kick your shoes off and pour yourself a glass of wine while you read, laugh, and maybe even hop into the kitchen. This is my heart, for all of you to see. And ALL are welcome here.