chicken rice soup...just like home

We've been fighting off some colds over here.  Nothing sounds quite as good as my mom’s chicken rice soup.  Of course, what sounds even better is my mom making it for me...  How lovely that would be.  And was.  But it's my turn now, to give my kids the same memory I have of this hitting the spot on an under the weather sort of day.

Chicken Rice Soup

6 c. chicken stock

2 carrots

2 celery ribs

1/2 onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 c. cooked chicken (or leftover thanksgiving turkey I'd frozen)

2 c. cooked rice

1 c. cilantro

Cook chopped veggies in chicken broth until tender.  Add cooked chicken, rice, and cilantro until heated through.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.

I've been well-cared for, as you can see.  Jude made me some lunch of his own too - fresh fish he caught from the ocean and told me "your food is weady, mama" (above pic).  

He even made me some hot tea (again, using his "skeeky bath toys").

Jack's motto all-around is that laughter is still the best medicine. 

There is a super-fun new club that just opened in our living room.  And I was invited!  

I am so blessed to be learning from Ann Voskamp's 

One Thousand Gifts: a dare to live fully right where you are   

"What will a life magnify?  The world's stress cracks, the grubbiness of a day, all that is wholly wrong and terribly busted?  Or God?"

Magnify Him with thanksgiving.  Psalm 69.30

"As long as thanks is possible, then joy is always possible."  
above excerpts from Ann Voskamp's book

Even here. Even today. Even under the weather. Abounding in thanks, for

the chance to be home with my loves,

lingering hugs in the kitchen before work,

morning fellowship with a couple who is ready to leave it all for the sake of Your name,

little one stopping his cry when he hears my voice,

continued direction with our house,

years that have built trust,

hope and peace!

magnify Your name in this all.