Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Jackson Hole, Wyoming Accomodations
If you are planning a trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming take my advice and make reservations at The Lodge at Jackson Hole. You DO NOT want to stay at The Jackson Hole Lodge. It's worth it to pay a little more. Trust me.
Monday, June 15, 2009
True Stories for Kids
We ventured out in the rain last week for a trip to the library. This was our first trip to the library since we had the new baby, so I hired a neighbor girl to go with us to hold the baby. So glad that I did. Our library is pathetically small but the kids quickly found some books to take home. The boys had their books about space and anatomy. The girls found some "princess" stories. And I picked up a couple of story books that caught my eye.
This morning my daughter climbed in bed with me while I was nursing the baby and asked me to read some books to her. She brought one of the books that I had picked up at the library. I read it to her and nearly cried. When my husband came in, I insisted that he read it. He did cry. And then he read it again when the boys woke up and joined us in bed (it might be time for a king-size bed).
Nora's Ark by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock is based on the a true story of neighbors who helped each other survive the devastating 1927 flood in Vermont. It is charming, sweet, funny, sad and poignant. The beautiful illustrations are done by award winning artist Emily Arnold McCully.
While you're looking for it at your local library or buying it from your favorite book seller (I jumped on amazon.com and ordered our own previously-read copy first thing this morning) check out a few more great children's books based on true stories.
Letting Swift River Go by Jane Yolen has been my husband's favorite children's book since we checked it out from a different library years ago. We loved Yolen's Owl Moon and went searching for other books that she has written. Letting Swift River Go tells of her childhood home in the valley that would one day be covered by a reservoir.
We also like The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein. This book tells the true and somewhat crazy story of Phillipe Pettit's tight-rope act between the World Trade Center Towers in 1974. And if the adults are interested in learning more about Pettit there is a recent documentary titled Man on Wire about his daring and illegal act. My husband and I watched it last week and were thoroughly entertained.
These are just a few children's literature gems. Have a great time discovering more this summer!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Happiness
I am once again the sleep-deprived, engorged, emotional mother of a gorgeous new born with jaundice.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Car Seats
By the end of the month our new baby should arrive. We have been trying to prepare. We've painted the kids' bedrooms and moved the girls into the bigger room. We've purchased new blankets and onesies. We got a second crib. We've been throwing stuff away.
This week I bought a new infant car seat. The car seat that has faithfully kept my other babies secure has expired. Yes, expired. I always thought expiration dates were for milk and driver's licenses. Who knew that car seats expired as well? At first, I was incredulous. Then, after a little research, it began to make sense.
Car seats spend a significant amount of time in the car. They are exposed to extremely cold and extremely hot temperatures. The plastic can warp. The straps and fabrics wear out. Technology and advances in safety, such as the LATCH system, change and are updated. You can read more about car seat expiration dates on the Safety Squad website and others. Check out the car seat manufacturer's website. By the way, toddler car seats expire too.
So, I bought a new one and will throw the old one in the garbage--where it apparently belongs. It was an expensive purchase for a last baby but it is worth it to keep the little one safe.
Once this new baby joins our family, every seat belt in our car will be filled and all five of my children will be safely secured in car seats or booster seats. My oldest two are in booster seats. My three year old and 20 month old are in forward-facing car seats (my 20 month old just barely hit 20 pounds a few weeks ago and got to face forward). The hand-me-down car seats from their older siblings have also expired. Fortunately, we recently bought a minivan with two built-in car seats.
Utah State Law has recently been changed so that all children under the age of eight are required to be buckled in a car seat or booster seat. Utah Safety Council's website has important information about safely securing your children. Please make sure they're safe.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
HypnoBirthing - My Experience
We had been told by the medical professionals that it was unlikely we’d ever have children without costly procedures, so when I began feeling fatigued and nauseated I blamed it on my current work schedule that had me flying back and forth between New Hampshire and Chicago. After weeks of feeling ill, my husband practically dragged me to the doctor and we both gasped at the results: we were expecting our first child.
For so many years our focus had been on getting pregnant, that I hadn’t even considered how or where I would have the baby. Our primary care physician suggested that we see the group of obstetricians at the local hospital. My husband took the day off work and we went to our first appointment with high hopes. I was already far enough along to be able to hear the baby’s heart beat. When we arrived, the nurse insisted that my husband remain in the waiting room during the examination. The doctor conducted a very clinical examination and seemed irritated by my questions. Before the doctor started to listen for the heart beat, I reminded him that my husband was waiting and would like to be present to hear the heart beat. The doctor responded that my husband would be able to hear it another time and proceeded without my husband.
Furious, I cancelled all future appointments that afternoon and made a few phone calls. My friend had recently delivered her baby and recommended her midwife. Lucy White, a certified nurse midwife, had recently opened a practice with an obstetrician in the neighboring town. The first time we met Lucy, we knew we had found the right person to deliver our baby. She welcomed my husband at every appointment and answered our questions in a thorough and genuinely concerned manner.
It was during an appointment with Lucy’s partner, Dr. Segel that we first heard about HypnoBirthing. He asked us if we had thought about pain control methods during labor. I hadn’t even thought about it. He told us about several patients who had recently delivered using the HypnoBirthing method and the wonderful experiences they had. My first reaction was disbelief. I associated hypnotism with the comedy shows I occasionally attended in college. It was certainly not anything I was interested in. I prefer to be in full control of my body at all times.
I went home that afternoon with the book HypnoBirthing by Marie Mongan—and out of simple curiosity began reading it on a business trip. Her belief that a woman’s body was created to give birth and that birth was a natural event was something I already agreed with. I learned that HypnoBirthing uses self-hypnosis techniques that allow the woman to relax her body and let the muscles work naturally without tension caused by fear. While in this relaxed state, the woman is not in a trance or under the influence of anyone else. She is aware of her surroundings and in control of her body.
I finished the book before I returned home and convinced my husband to enroll in the classes. Initially, he thought I was ridiculous and made jokes about witches, crystals and magic potions. My sister-in-law accused me of wearing Birkenstocks and eating granola. I simply wanted to have the best birthing situation possible and I didn’t mind avoiding the epidural—like I said, I prefer to be in full control of my body at all times.
My husband and I took the classes offered at our midwife’s clinic from Deb, a local doula and licensed HypnoBirthing instructor. We learned several techniques for relaxation, including my favorite—the light touch massage. We practiced the techniques each night. I would almost always fall asleep before we finished and experienced very restful nights even at the end of my pregnancy. I was ready and I was looking forward to labor and the delivery of our first child.
My water broke at four a.m. on the day before my due date. After a check-up later that morning confirmed that my water had broken and I was in labor, I returned home. I was quite comfortable in my bed but as my contractions were consistently two minutes apart my husband insisted that we go to the hospital. I remember being very aware of every detail as I prepared to leave my home and I insisted that my husband didn’t need to drive so fast.
I was dilated to an eight when we arrived at the hospital. There were moments, as the nurses were trying to slow my labor so that my midwife could arrive, that I struggled to stay calm. My husband was a wonderful birthing partner and helped me return to a peaceful state. My midwife arrived and I gave birth to our beautiful son who weighed in at nine pounds six ounces.
We moved to Utah in 2002. I delivered my daughter the next spring at the University of Utah Hospital. The certified nurse midwives at the Madsen Health Clinic were wonderful and anxious to participate in a HypnoBirthing delivery. Since then, I have delivered two more babies using the HypnoBirthing method. In the subsequent deliveries, my husband and I have been able to control the birthing situations better and have had positively wonderful experiences.
The idea of HypnoBirthing, or relaxation of body and mind, has been around for centuries. In the 1920’s, Dr. Grantly Dick-Read pushed the idea of natural childbirth forward but was largely ignored. Years later, Marie F. Mongan would develop a unique method using self-hypnosis techniques during labor and delivery. There are now hundreds of trained HypnoBirthing instructors around the world.
The HypnoBirthing courses teach a woman to rid her mind of the fear of childbirth. When fear is removed, the body and mind are able to relax to a state where a woman can control how she feels the surges and the progress of the baby. During labor with my first son, I used deep relaxation techniques and felt very little discomfort. With my later deliveries, I remained relaxed and able to control the level of discomfort but turned my focus completely to my body and the baby inside. It was during these deliveries that I became a true believer in natural child birth. It is difficult to describe the sensation as anything less than powerful and exhilarating.
Besides the obvious value of avoiding drugs, there are additional benefits to natural child birth. Being able to walk around can hasten labor. It also allows a woman to get into better birthing positions. During labor with my second baby, I was able to get on my hands and knees and using a pelvis rocking method, rotate my baby from a posterior to an anterior position. For those who are concerned about the expenses of childbirth, delivering naturally can save money. The charges for the epidural and anesthesiologist are eliminated.
HypnoBirthing requires a quiet birthing room. This also allows for a spiritual atmosphere where a husband and wife can connect and experience the birth of their new child without the noise of outside interference. Hospital staff, who are familiar with HypnoBirthing, will be happy to accommodate a woman’s requests for a quiet birthing room.
When considering a HypnoBirth delivery, I definitely suggest taking classes from a trained instructor. Success rates are much higher with women who have taken the courses than with those who have simply read the book or tried it on their own. These classes are comprehensive and can take the place of other birthing classes. Some insurance companies will even pay or reimburse the tuition for the course. Success is also higher for those who practice regularly before delivery.
It is also very helpful, possibly necessary, to have a supportive birth partner. The birth partner should attend the classes and be willing to practice. Before the delivery it is important to have a discussion regarding the woman’s ideal birthing experience and plan with the care provider and the birth partner. They will serve as the woman’s advocates in the delivery room.
I recommend reading HypnoBirthing by Marie F. Mongan. It is a great resource and guide. The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer and The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin are additional resources of great value to the woman considering a HypnoBirth natural delivery.
Open your minds to a truly incredible experience—learn more about HypnoBirthing.
For so many years our focus had been on getting pregnant, that I hadn’t even considered how or where I would have the baby. Our primary care physician suggested that we see the group of obstetricians at the local hospital. My husband took the day off work and we went to our first appointment with high hopes. I was already far enough along to be able to hear the baby’s heart beat. When we arrived, the nurse insisted that my husband remain in the waiting room during the examination. The doctor conducted a very clinical examination and seemed irritated by my questions. Before the doctor started to listen for the heart beat, I reminded him that my husband was waiting and would like to be present to hear the heart beat. The doctor responded that my husband would be able to hear it another time and proceeded without my husband.
Furious, I cancelled all future appointments that afternoon and made a few phone calls. My friend had recently delivered her baby and recommended her midwife. Lucy White, a certified nurse midwife, had recently opened a practice with an obstetrician in the neighboring town. The first time we met Lucy, we knew we had found the right person to deliver our baby. She welcomed my husband at every appointment and answered our questions in a thorough and genuinely concerned manner.
It was during an appointment with Lucy’s partner, Dr. Segel that we first heard about HypnoBirthing. He asked us if we had thought about pain control methods during labor. I hadn’t even thought about it. He told us about several patients who had recently delivered using the HypnoBirthing method and the wonderful experiences they had. My first reaction was disbelief. I associated hypnotism with the comedy shows I occasionally attended in college. It was certainly not anything I was interested in. I prefer to be in full control of my body at all times.
I went home that afternoon with the book HypnoBirthing by Marie Mongan—and out of simple curiosity began reading it on a business trip. Her belief that a woman’s body was created to give birth and that birth was a natural event was something I already agreed with. I learned that HypnoBirthing uses self-hypnosis techniques that allow the woman to relax her body and let the muscles work naturally without tension caused by fear. While in this relaxed state, the woman is not in a trance or under the influence of anyone else. She is aware of her surroundings and in control of her body.
I finished the book before I returned home and convinced my husband to enroll in the classes. Initially, he thought I was ridiculous and made jokes about witches, crystals and magic potions. My sister-in-law accused me of wearing Birkenstocks and eating granola. I simply wanted to have the best birthing situation possible and I didn’t mind avoiding the epidural—like I said, I prefer to be in full control of my body at all times.
My husband and I took the classes offered at our midwife’s clinic from Deb, a local doula and licensed HypnoBirthing instructor. We learned several techniques for relaxation, including my favorite—the light touch massage. We practiced the techniques each night. I would almost always fall asleep before we finished and experienced very restful nights even at the end of my pregnancy. I was ready and I was looking forward to labor and the delivery of our first child.
My water broke at four a.m. on the day before my due date. After a check-up later that morning confirmed that my water had broken and I was in labor, I returned home. I was quite comfortable in my bed but as my contractions were consistently two minutes apart my husband insisted that we go to the hospital. I remember being very aware of every detail as I prepared to leave my home and I insisted that my husband didn’t need to drive so fast.
I was dilated to an eight when we arrived at the hospital. There were moments, as the nurses were trying to slow my labor so that my midwife could arrive, that I struggled to stay calm. My husband was a wonderful birthing partner and helped me return to a peaceful state. My midwife arrived and I gave birth to our beautiful son who weighed in at nine pounds six ounces.
We moved to Utah in 2002. I delivered my daughter the next spring at the University of Utah Hospital. The certified nurse midwives at the Madsen Health Clinic were wonderful and anxious to participate in a HypnoBirthing delivery. Since then, I have delivered two more babies using the HypnoBirthing method. In the subsequent deliveries, my husband and I have been able to control the birthing situations better and have had positively wonderful experiences.
The idea of HypnoBirthing, or relaxation of body and mind, has been around for centuries. In the 1920’s, Dr. Grantly Dick-Read pushed the idea of natural childbirth forward but was largely ignored. Years later, Marie F. Mongan would develop a unique method using self-hypnosis techniques during labor and delivery. There are now hundreds of trained HypnoBirthing instructors around the world.
The HypnoBirthing courses teach a woman to rid her mind of the fear of childbirth. When fear is removed, the body and mind are able to relax to a state where a woman can control how she feels the surges and the progress of the baby. During labor with my first son, I used deep relaxation techniques and felt very little discomfort. With my later deliveries, I remained relaxed and able to control the level of discomfort but turned my focus completely to my body and the baby inside. It was during these deliveries that I became a true believer in natural child birth. It is difficult to describe the sensation as anything less than powerful and exhilarating.
Besides the obvious value of avoiding drugs, there are additional benefits to natural child birth. Being able to walk around can hasten labor. It also allows a woman to get into better birthing positions. During labor with my second baby, I was able to get on my hands and knees and using a pelvis rocking method, rotate my baby from a posterior to an anterior position. For those who are concerned about the expenses of childbirth, delivering naturally can save money. The charges for the epidural and anesthesiologist are eliminated.
HypnoBirthing requires a quiet birthing room. This also allows for a spiritual atmosphere where a husband and wife can connect and experience the birth of their new child without the noise of outside interference. Hospital staff, who are familiar with HypnoBirthing, will be happy to accommodate a woman’s requests for a quiet birthing room.
When considering a HypnoBirth delivery, I definitely suggest taking classes from a trained instructor. Success rates are much higher with women who have taken the courses than with those who have simply read the book or tried it on their own. These classes are comprehensive and can take the place of other birthing classes. Some insurance companies will even pay or reimburse the tuition for the course. Success is also higher for those who practice regularly before delivery.
It is also very helpful, possibly necessary, to have a supportive birth partner. The birth partner should attend the classes and be willing to practice. Before the delivery it is important to have a discussion regarding the woman’s ideal birthing experience and plan with the care provider and the birth partner. They will serve as the woman’s advocates in the delivery room.
I recommend reading HypnoBirthing by Marie F. Mongan. It is a great resource and guide. The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer and The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin are additional resources of great value to the woman considering a HypnoBirth natural delivery.
Open your minds to a truly incredible experience—learn more about HypnoBirthing.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Give-a-way
We are having another give-a-way for the items pictured above at www.babyblvd.blogspot.com for anyone interested. THANKS!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Christmas Movie
In the winter of 1914, Europe was deeply embroiled in World War I and soldiers hunkered in trenches along the front line. Enemy lines were separated by a narrow stretch of land referred to as "No Man's Land". Fighting had been vicious and brutal but on Christmas Eve the sounds of men celebrating the holiday with music and the familiar spirit of Christ united the men. The enemies fraternized and "No Man's Land" became a place for building friendship, worship and even an occasional football game.
This true and moving story is portrayed beautifully in the French movie "Joyeux Noel" made in 2005. My husband and I fell in love with the movie last Christmas season. We watched it again last night. I highly recommend it. It is a story of the true spirit of Christ and Christmas.
Add it to your Netflix list or look for it at your local video rental store, but definitely watch it this season. It is moving and beautiful. Be sure to the watch the director's interview in "Special Features" to find out more about this amazing event in our history.
You can read about this story in the picture book "Silent Night, Holy Night" illustrated by Robert T. Barrett and featuring the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Sandra Boynton
If you're a mom of toddlers/preschoolers/children and you're not already familiar with Sandra Boynton's adorable books, you are definitely missing out (and maybe not on our planet). My kids and I *LOVE* Sandra. Her illustrations are darling and her writing is poetic, ironic and funny.My kids and I and even my husband especially enjoy her music. Her lyrics are hilarious and endearing and the music is great. The songs are performed by professional entertainers such as Kevin Bacon, Meryl Streep, Allison Kraus and Hootie and the Blowfish. We love to get up and boogie to "Philadelphia Chickens" and rock out to "Dog Train". You can find these and her latest book/CD at any local book store. And don't forget to check out Sandra Boynton's website.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Book Review: Room for a Little One
Our family loves books. I am not sure if a love for reading is one of those nature or nurture characteristics; it is probably a little of both. My dad loves to read. I never saw him without a book in his hand, books in his car, books at the breakfast table. Whether I inherited that quality, or just learned it by example, I am the same way. I read at least a book a week, and rarely go anywhere without a book shoved in my bag or car - just in case. I am afraid I have passed it along to my son, and my daughter might be doomed for the same destiny, it is too early to tell.
At nursery, my two-year-old son spends his time with the books. At home, he sits for hours reading his books, or being read to. He lugs them all over the house with him, and will ask just about anyone to read to him. When I took him to the children's museum in our town, I lost him for a second, only to look over and one of the workers was sitting with him, reading a book he had found. I was not at all surprised.
So those are my qualifications for writing book reviews: I love books. My kids love books. We rarely buy our children any other kind of present besides books. I am not an expert in children's literature, just a lover of words.
Book Review #1: Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell, illustrated by Jason Cockcroft
We bought this book for my son's first Christmas. What a terrific find! We read it all year. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is so simple. It begins: "Kind ox lay in his stable."
Kind ox encounters several kinds of animals: a dog, a cat, a mouse. They are all invited into the stable, a place of love and devoid of fear. Each time, kind ox tells them: "Come inside, there is always room for a little one here." Finally, tired donkey comes. He carries Mary, and is led by Joseph. They are invited into the stable. And Mary has her baby with the animals all around. It ends, "That cold winter's night, beneath the star's light, a little one came for the world."
The poetic verses are beautiful and capture the spirit of Christ, and the spirit of Christmas. And, my son loves animals, making this book even more enticing.
I usually cry when I read this book. I usually finish with a resolve to be a little more welcoming, a little more loving. And I always love feeling the spirit of that stable, where Jesus was born. Like the birth of the Savior, this story is simple. It is beautiful, and it is poignant. Whether you are two, or thirty-two, you will love Room for a Little One.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
The Winner Is . . .
The winner of the Twilight "Sparkle" T-shirt is . . . (drum roll please)
Kara!
Please contact me at cindibraby@msn.com asap and we'll send your new T-shirt. Congratulations!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
FREE PICS
I found this website through a friends blog and just ordered one 11X 14, three
8 X 10's, and like thirty 5 X 7's. And it cost $14.00!! (shipping is free I think, it didn't charge me for it).
You can get 15 free 5 X 7's when you enter, at checkout, the code 7789io
5 X 7's normally are like .35 cents and 8 X 10's are .90 cents.
Check it OUT!
http://www.coryadams.lifepics.com
8 X 10's, and like thirty 5 X 7's. And it cost $14.00!! (shipping is free I think, it didn't charge me for it).
You can get 15 free 5 X 7's when you enter, at checkout, the code 7789io
5 X 7's normally are like .35 cents and 8 X 10's are .90 cents.
Check it OUT!
http://www.coryadams.lifepics.com
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Another Twilight T-shirt Give-Away
We had so much fun last week with the Twilight T-shirt give-away that we decided to do it again. This T-shirt is pink and says "I want a man that SPARKLES!" on the front and says "Twilight" on the back.The rules are the same as last time. Just leave a comment and the winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will be announced on Wednesday, November 19th so check back to see if you got lucky and don't forget to go to Everything Twilight to check out the other hot styles.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Holiday Boutique
HI! I just thought I would announce a boutique I am having in South Jordan, UT if anyone is interested. THANKS!
If you would like a postcard invitation with a number on it that could win you $10.00 worth of free spending money at the boutique, email your address to babyblvd@live.com and we will send you one.
There will be three winners out of all the postcards. Winning Numbers will be displayed at the Boutique! Hope to see you there :)
There will be three winners out of all the postcards. Winning Numbers will be displayed at the Boutique! Hope to see you there :)
Monday, November 10, 2008
Congratulations!
The winner of the Twilight T-shirt is:
Congratulations. Please contact me at cindibraby@msn.com with your information and we'll send your new T-shirt right away.
And guess what! This was so much fun that we're going to do it again later this week. Check back and enter to win in our second Twilight T-shirt Give-Away.
Jonathan-holly-taylin
Congratulations. Please contact me at cindibraby@msn.com with your information and we'll send your new T-shirt right away.
And guess what! This was so much fun that we're going to do it again later this week. Check back and enter to win in our second Twilight T-shirt Give-Away.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Reading the TV
As much as we try not to, nearly every mother has had that crazy day where we turn on the TV to "babysit" our kids. Sometimes we just need that half an hour to finish making dinner or pay the bills.
My friend was telling me the other night about a study that shows that children who watch television with the closed captioning improved their vocabulary and reading fluency. Obviously, our children still shouldn't watch excessive amounts of television, but next time you turn the TV on don't feel guilty--just turn on the closed captioning as well.
For additional ideas on using the television to promote reading with your children, read Read to Me: Raising kids who love to Read by Bernice E. Cullinan.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Online Geography Games
We love Geography at our house. There is a huge world map hanging on the wall next to my seven year old son's bed and he requested a globe for his third birthday. My other children have also enjoyed learning about our world and we spend many hours reading the many atlases in our home. My husband even takes his very own atlas into the bathroom with him.
So, we were excited to find the fun and educational geography games on the National Geographic Kids Website. The GeoBee Challenge has a daily ten question geography quiz that includes questions used in the Geography Bee. There are other fun games as well.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Twilight T-shirt Give-Away
We're having our very first give-a-way on Utah Mom's Life blog and it's an exciting one. Just in time for "Twilight" the movie, win your very own Twilight T-shirt. Jen from Everything Twilight
sells these awesome shirts and has donated one to be given away here. Check out Everything Twilight to see her other T-shirts designs.
Simply leave a comment on this post. The winner will be chosen randomly from the comments. The contest will be open for one week and the winner will be announced on this blog next Monday, November 10th.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Baby Blvd. Give Away
I've mentioned Baby Blvd. and the really cool handmade gifts and accessories before, but this is exciting news . . . Jen has recently added some new items to her inventory. You've got to check them out. And she is having a great big "Give Away Contest". Check out Baby Blvd. and enter for your chance to win.Thursday, October 23, 2008
Chicken Noodle Soup
I've been sick with a yucky head cold this week and I've been craving homemade chicken noodle soup. I finally realized that I was the mom and it was up to me to make the soup for my coughing, sneezing, wheezing family.
I had to make a stop at Costco anyway today during a long and stressful list of errands, so I decided to pick up one of the seasoned rotisserie chickens. Because if you didn't already know, those chickens from Costco make a great and easy chicken noodle soup.
Here's what I do:
1. Fill a big pot 3/4 full with water and chicken bouillon cubes (or chicken stock). Heat to a boil.
2. Pour those awesome drippings from the bottom of the chicken container into the pot.
3. Cut off all the meat from the chicken; cut into small pieces and set aside. Attempt to save the skin from the begging children.
4. Once the meat is removed from the bones, throw the rest (bones, skin, fat, etc.) into the pot and allow to simmer.
5. Chop one onion and three to four carrots and add to the pot.
6. When the carrots are the desired consistency (I like them soft) use a slotted spoon to extract the bones, skin, etc. from the pot and throw away.
7. Add the chicken meat and simmer.
8. Add a teaspoon or so of my favorite Cajun spices or season salt or whatever seasonings you like to desired taste.
9. Add a package of egg noodles and follow the directions on the bag (I usually boil them for 7 minutes) just before you are ready to serve the soup so the noodles don't get too soggy.
We occasionally add sliced fresh mushrooms or additional vegetables.
It's oh, so good. And it makes me feel so good--even after a stressful day of running a long list of errands all over town with my five, three and one year old, and a head cold. Now I'm looking forward to changing into those new, soft jammies I also bought at Costco today. Thank goodness for bedtime. Sigh.
I had to make a stop at Costco anyway today during a long and stressful list of errands, so I decided to pick up one of the seasoned rotisserie chickens. Because if you didn't already know, those chickens from Costco make a great and easy chicken noodle soup.
Here's what I do:
1. Fill a big pot 3/4 full with water and chicken bouillon cubes (or chicken stock). Heat to a boil.
2. Pour those awesome drippings from the bottom of the chicken container into the pot.
3. Cut off all the meat from the chicken; cut into small pieces and set aside. Attempt to save the skin from the begging children.
4. Once the meat is removed from the bones, throw the rest (bones, skin, fat, etc.) into the pot and allow to simmer.
5. Chop one onion and three to four carrots and add to the pot.
6. When the carrots are the desired consistency (I like them soft) use a slotted spoon to extract the bones, skin, etc. from the pot and throw away.
7. Add the chicken meat and simmer.
8. Add a teaspoon or so of my favorite Cajun spices or season salt or whatever seasonings you like to desired taste.
9. Add a package of egg noodles and follow the directions on the bag (I usually boil them for 7 minutes) just before you are ready to serve the soup so the noodles don't get too soggy.
We occasionally add sliced fresh mushrooms or additional vegetables.
It's oh, so good. And it makes me feel so good--even after a stressful day of running a long list of errands all over town with my five, three and one year old, and a head cold. Now I'm looking forward to changing into those new, soft jammies I also bought at Costco today. Thank goodness for bedtime. Sigh.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
