Why are you worth knowing?

We all circle the drain of qualifying our worth/what we are giving back to the universe...…. don't we?  I sure do.  Like, all the days.  I think this constant whirling around an idea is one of the roots of my anxiety/nervousness.  On average, I wonder if I'm an effective human being 5 times a day.

I know I'm an effective* human being because I've managed to keep two human beings alive for 6 years.  I know I'm an effective human being because my dog hasn't died yet, and she is almost 9.

Perhaps its the Catholic "selflessness" that was ingrained in me as a child.  "You are not the center of the universe."  OR the fact that I have a handful of siblings to remind me that it isn't just about ME.  Though the axis isn't spinning because I'm breathing, I want to know that my footprint in this life isn't left without positive impact.

Effective = kind, compassionate, empathetic; live a life with a/any/some passion, make waves to help the greater good; making your mark; touching people's lives

I'd like to think I'm worth knowing because I have balls.  Yeah.  Balls.  I'm most of the time decisive, passionate and feel strongly about things I feel.  I don't tolerate littering, ignorance, and most certainly n-word jokes (no one should).  I'm not afraid to speak my mind; if you ask me my opinion, I'm giving it to you.

I also rule at pop culture trivia, putting ridiculous outfits together that involve sweatpants and am a connoisseur of judging how soft a dog's ears are.

I'm a loyal friend.  I'll give a stranger the shirt off my back.  I believe in second chances and I have only held one grudge in my life.  Can one grudge be my mulligan?

My worth is equal to that of any other person.  I may know more about Hall & Oates than your average Joe...… and the show Friday Night Lights.

If you can't figure out why you're worth knowing, its time for legit professional help.  Every person has something to contribute.

This post may have been all over the place; I haven't had my ADD meds in 4 days and I'm listening to the "Big Chill" soundtrack = multitasking.  So sorry if there are random song lyrics to "Wouldn't It Be Nice" by the Beach Boys.

I concluded my last post with the following question: "What is one thing you love about this time in your life?"

With confidence, I can name several things that I'm loving about this time in my life.  First of all, I am loving NOT being in high school.  (sigh)  The late 90s for this chic was an interesting time; turtlenecks, the Seattle sound and Victoria's Secret Romantic Bouquet body lotion were probably the high points.  High school for most, I am going to assume, is a challenging time for every single person.  Teenage years are rough enough with all the physical changes happening (in the bod).  Lets throw in hormonal bs, homework, social pressures...…. to summarize with the phrase a comedy of errors is an understatement.

A 3-sport athlete and an AT-BEST B- student, high school through my eyes would have been an amazing reality show.  I had lots of friends and excelled in sports.  I never felt like I fit in-- rather, I wasn't "in" the popular clique.  All things aside, I loved all the boys I graduated with and felt more comfortable with them than the girls.

There is something to be said about age and wisdom.  The simpler things in life become precious while superficial crap falls to the wayside as age creeps up.  I have found my tribe and want to cultivate those relationships instead of finding drinking buddies (in my 20s).

While still very much wanting to evolve and better myself, I am growing more comfortable in my own skin.  I still have insecurities, and Lordy B having kids does NOT help that, but I am more accepting of how I am wired.  I will never be an introverted person.  I will never be soft spoken and timid.  I can no longer wish to have a less passionate approach-- its the way God made me.  Ya gotta work with what ya got.

In my 20s (this is hindsight) I was searching.  I can't tell you what I was searching for-- acceptance?  A husband?  A smaller ass?  Who knows.  My search is more or less a path now.  I'm walking the path and looking at whats around instead of just looking forward.

Conclusion:  This season of life feels good.  I feel comfortable yet not complacent.  There is still progress to be made.  I know who my friends are and I have a wonderful family and life partner.

Things I'm lerving

Its a low down dirty shame that I haven't won the lottery; there are just so many things at Ulta and Sephora that I want to get my mitts on.  Seriously, if a Powerball winner was in our safe, both stores would be seeing a lot me...… and Costco, and all sushi restaurants on the daily.

Things I am Lervin'

Aside from the Target Lady, if you've never tried Acure skincare products do yourself a favor and start; your epidermis will thank you.  As someone was has had a variety of skin stuff, take my advice and start taking care of the largest organ in your body.  Skin y'all.  Sunscreen.  The whole 9.

DirecTV offered free movie channels over Thanksgiving weekend, so I juiced up on all things Friday Night Lights.  I forgot, foolishly, how amazeballs that show was.  Need some good binge watching material?  Tim Riggins will soon be a staple in your dreams.  You're welcome.

I love my coffee.  With extra cream please, no sugar.  I don't like Starbucks coffee; too motor-oily.  Ready to feast your taste buds with some amaze joe?

Yeppers.  Cameron's Highlander Grog.  Found at Menards and I think Target (or for you Amazon disciples).  Best stuff ever.  Almost.  Tim Horton's coffee is the BEST but we don't have that here in Chicago because all of Illinois is too busy raising taxes and making it impossible to have any extra money for Sephora purchases instead of making people WANT to live here by having Tim Horton's.

Pinterest.  Like the time suck continuum of Target or Amazon, Pinterest too can be a deep dark abyss of magic.  I find myself traveling down the rabbit hole of Pinterest once the kids go to bed and Chris and I are laying in bed (he watches lame shows like Oak Island or whatevertscalled).  It starts with one search (usually involving words/phrases such as "dupe" or "large breed dogs") and then all of the sudden BAM....  you are Alice in the "Repurposing Pallets" Wonderland wondering where you can get your hands on some old wood.

But seriously, Pinterest is awesome because its also a useful tool when looking for ideas on what books to check out for the kids at the library.  YES.  I read to Beau and Casey EVERY SINGLE night.  Sometimes three books, but mostly two, I try and pick out books that have an easy lesson to learn.

Said books are the fan favorite around here.  All have great story lines and adorable illustrations.

Lets wrap things up with a question.  What is one thing you love about this time in your life?

The Arrow

An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward.  Ain't that the truth.  Here we are in 2018, almost 2019 and current events are (and I suppose always will be) still circling the drain of retrogression.

• "Texas Roadhouse manager asks nursing mother to cover herself due to complaints from other patrons."

• Pence is our Vice President and signed the Religious Freedom law.

Good stuff if I were living in a parallel universe whilst completely inebriated from Quaaludes.

I was raised to believe that we as humans are born with basic rights.  I am in control of my body and my mind.  Treat human beings with decency and respect.  Be nice and show empathy; you never know a person's situation unless you've walked in their shoes.  SIMPLE, right?

"All change is not growth, as all movement is not forward."  Looking forward towards 2019, I can only hope and pray that the US and all who are in positions of power can LEARN empathy; rework basic rights into our decision making.  I also am saying some big hail Mary prayers for POTUS to get off Twitter; its embarrassing.

Moving forward-- to summarize this morning's lecture:  Lets let nursing moms feed their babies.  Lets not discriminate against people.  Outlandish.  I KNOW.  kthanksbye

Seasons Change

Here we are.  Almost a year later.  Expose was right.  Seasons do change.  I am now in the chapter of life with my children in school full time and I'm circling the drain of "what next?"  Not gonna lie, there is lots of regret goin' on right now; lots of the following thoughts: why didn't I go to nursing school?  Why didn't I get a Masters?  Why didn't get my cosmetology license?

In 2012 I was laid off from an amazing full-time career a few weeks before Beau was born.  Coincidently, Chris also made a career move and left residential framing to start his own construction business.  It was a very exciting and risky time for our family.

Chris' business got some footing, I was soon pregnant again with Casey and the stay at home mom thing was in full swing.  Oddly, I pictured myself pre-Beau as a working mom; I lined up childcare in the weeks before he was born, arranged my maternity leave with HR, the whole 9 yards.  I made sure to enlist the advice of other working mom friends to make sure nothing was left unchecked.

So Casey arrives.  Two under two.  Career life wasn't ever a nano-thought because I was knee-deep in nursing, diapers, chubby baby thighs and all things sweat pants and Bubble Guppies.  My heart was full.

Its hard to imagine what life is beyond the next hour when you have littles all around.  Groundhog Day is how I can best describe it; lots of monotony.  Awesome but monotonous.  Then, you blink and the littles aren't so little anymore.  

School age creeps up and BOOM.  One is enrolled in 2s preschool...….. then both.  Then time ALONE starts to happen.  "Whoa.  I can go grocery shopping by myself?!?!?!"

Seasons of life.  Everything is a phase.  Nothing stays the same.  Parents who now have grown children are so right in that in goes by in a flash.  Its sad to say that I struggle trying to remember when Casey was an infant.  I was so busy trying to manage.

We also slipped in a big move when Casey was just 3 months old.  Going from 1200 square feet to 3800 has been a huge undertaking-- since we flip while living in the house.

OK.  So present day.  Beau is in all day kindergarten and Casey is in all day preschool.  We LOVE the school they are at and both are thriving!  Beau has become quite the artist while Casey is little miss social pants (wonder where she gets that from).

Though kept busy with all things housework, I would like to now invest in my future and get back to career mode.  The kids wont be littles forever and while I am loving this season of life with them, I need to think about when they are older.  Sooner than I'd like to think, the kiddies will be more independent and have different needs.

I wish I had gone to nursing school or received a cosmetology license so job hunting was less challenging.  (there seems to always be need for someone who can throw in good highlights and a person to administer medical care)  Having a skill/trade would've been a good career move for me post college.  Instead I throw my eggs into the corporate black hole of ever changing oddities.  LinkedIn, Glassdoor and all that jazz can't seem to navigate me to a well paying, fully benefitted mildly flexible job.  WTF.  

I haven't lost all hope; I'm trying to go outside the box for income.  My dream job would be on Sirius as a show host.  Who wouldn't want to listen to my lark-like voice every day?

Until a lottery is won I'm tossing my words into the universe in hopes that something happens for me.

TAPS

Hubs and I went to Washington DC this past weekend for the burial of my uncle.  "Uncle Miko" passed after a seven year battle with Alzheimer's.  His life up until the illness was vibrant, just like his personality.  His professional life was mostly dedicated to the Navy, but eventually Uncle Miko closed that chapter of his life and worked as a civilian (but not before traveling all around the world.)

The burial was at Arlington National Cemetery.  There are rows and rows and rows of headstones...... kind of like a cornfield; its goes on forever.  Strangely, the park is absolutely gorgeous in a serene way.  You cant help but feel overwhelmed emotionally when you pull in-- every single person buried there has served in the United States military.

After a short chapel service, before which Naval officers walked in his American flag dressed coffin, the ceremony concluded with an outside procession.  Uncle Miko received full military honors which included a caisson platoon (I think that is what its called) pulling the coffin while a group of soldiers marched in front.  At the grave site there was a Naval band as well as officers for the 21 gun salute.  Taps played and everyone sobbed. 

The whole occasion was absolutely beautiful and bittersweet.  I'm so lucky to have known Uncle Miko and will miss him dearly.  I am NOT sad that his long battle with Alzheimer's is over; it was a tortuous road for him and all who loved him.

Beau had this past Friday off and Monday (Chicago's Casimir Pulaski Day), so I thought what would be a better time to hit up the Mitten and see my fam?  The parental units snowbird in Maui right after Christmas through the end of February.  While home, I surprised them by picking them up at the airport!?!  The look on my dad's face was priceless....... he thought my little sis would be curbside.  Moreover, they got a little bit of time with Beau and Casey before heading back to Chicago.

Perusing Instagram this morning, something popped up on my feed.  Burn Boot Camp.  45 minute stationed work out, boot camp style.  FREE childcare.  Technically, the studio closest to me hasn't opened yet however, I have this sneaking suspicion the monthly fee will be super high.  I'm intrigued so standby for more information.

Things I'm Loving

Eyelash Extensions
That's right.  Erlash eckstenshins.  I found a lady on Facebook that was looking for models as she completes her eyelash extension certification.  The process takes roughly two hours; two hours of laying still on your back, so basically a nap..... which rules.

Clients can choose several different types of extensions, whether you're looking for a natural look or a glamorous look.  I opted for the half way point-- just enough length to make me look awake yet non-YouTube Makeup Personality.  When I walked out of Deka Lash, I had a legit set of amaze lashes.  This will never happen again without tons of mascara and possibly falsies.

The eyelashes should last about 3 weeks and will fall out as your own lashes do.  I'm to avoid any oil-based soaps, lotions or products near my eyes (the oil will break down the glue bonds).  Sophia (the tech) gave me a spoolie to comb through the lashes every couple of hours to keep them from tangling up.

Normally, a new set of eyelash extensions cost about $150.  Since I was a model, my set were free.  Score.  Fill-ins or touch-ups cost about $75.  So, its a pricey addition to beauty, not one I'm willing to pay for :)

Spring Weather
I have managed to get outside every day for the past four days-- with temps in the mid to upper 40s and sunny skies, I need to soak in as much Vitamin D as possible.  I keep checking to the weather to make sure we aren't being thrown a curve ball, aka a winter storm warning.  Fingers crossed that it stays nice.

Bob Running Stroller
With the nice weather and kids often in tow, my double Bob stroller rocks for transporting the kids.  With a 100 lb weight limit, I'm still able to safely use it with both kids.  I run with it and use it for walks.  I can store miscellaneous items underneath in the mesh and have my phone/water bottle close by in the Velcro compartment at the handle bar.  I recommend this stroller for all moms and dads with kids.  Yes, its bulky and heavy.  Yes it is indestructible.  Yes it has withstood the test of time in weather, long days at the zoo, trail running, mall gallivanting and countless parades,  Forget the fancy bullshit..... parents need strollers that are reliable and basically bomb proof; the Bob is all the things.

Lordy be, gun violence.  The US has some big changes to make.  BIG.  HUGE.  Obviously, things have gotten WAY out of hand with the amount of school shootings (amongst other countless incidences involving guns).

I was in college when the Columbine High School Massacre occurred.  It was absolutely devastating to see things unfold, especially since I was living in Colorado at the time and friends with people who attended Columbine.  Back in 1998 there had not been a reported school shooting.  My how things can snowball.

So here we are.  More school shootings later.  Obviously the issue goes beyond what is happening in places where children learn but, its hits the hardest when victims have yet to reach 18 years of age.

Below is something I read on Facebook.  My sister posted this and it sheds light on the whole gun issue from a different perspective.

My brother’s response to my mom’s email about the recent shooting. I want to share, particularly because of the way he explains things. As a veteran and a gun owner, he knows much more about guns than I do. Hopefully his arguments and information can help any of my friends trying to sway people on gun control laws.

“Completely agree with the sentiment here, Mom. However, in order to make educated arguments for gun control, it's important to actually know what you're proposing and use the right language. Otherwise, you'll just get completely shut down as "not knowing anything about guns" to people you're trying to convince. And if you don't know anything about guns, you can't really advocate for responsible gun policy.

AR15s are not the problem alone. Yes, it's the most popular military-style rifle, and it is designed to kill people effectively. But banning one model of weapon will just make people switch to other, equally effective killing machines. If you banned the Toyota Camry, would people stop buying midsize sedans? No, you'd just end up with more Honda Accords on the road. If you want to fix the problem, you have to ban all semi-automatic rifles. Semi-automatic means the weapon is loaded with a magazine (or belt in some cases) with multiple rounds; and for every trigger squeeze, one bullet is discharged. There is no real need for these weapons in civilian use. They aren't necessary for hunting, where the point is to kill the animal with one shot. It is only useful for killing a lot of things in a short amount of time or having fun at a gun range. I think our children's lives are more important than a fraction of the population's fun shooting a bunch of rounds quickly at a range. They'll cope.

Handguns are far more responsible for gun deaths in America than semi-auto rifles. You mentioned the kid who brought a gun to school as only having a "handgun, not a semi-automatic." Well, almost all handguns are semi-automatic. They have magazines and one bullet per trigger squeeze. Though most handgun rounds aren't as deadly as rifle rounds, it's inconsequential at short range. And handguns are far easier to conceal than a rifle. With the exception of maybe revolvers (which have 5-6 round max before reloading), I believe handguns should be outlawed. The Virginia Tech massacre, the most deadly school shooting in American history, was accomplished with handguns only. Don't underestimate their lethality. I think military style rifles only account for about 2% of gun deaths each year. If you want to solve the problem, semi-auto handguns have to go, as well.

If we really want to make a difference in gun deaths, we need to do WAY more than universal background checks and better mental health screening. Banning all semi-automatic weapons would make that difference. Keeping shotguns, revolvers, and bolt-action rifles legal accomplish all the typical, common uses of guns. (Bolt-action rifles are typical hunting rifles that you have to reload between shots.) With these types of firearms legal, you can still hunt, defend your home, and compete in sport shooting.

Combine the following with the semi-auto ban.
Government buy-back program of all semi-automatic weapons. Once a grace period for turn-ins ends, possession will be a felony without a special (and rare) license for Federally approved dealers and collectors.
Gun licenses for all who want to continue to own approved firearms. Licenses will be granted by completing a comprehensive background check, psych evaluation, safety training, marksmanship training, and meeting strict storage requirements. Storage requirements would include safes, weapons unloaded, with ammo stored separately. Licenses expire after a certain number of years and all the requirements must be completed again for license renewal.
Registration of all firearms.
Insurance for all firearms. If your gun is used in a crime or if there's a accident with your gun, your insurance company is liable for damages. Let the insurance market set rates based on their analysis of risk. Then, people can decide if it's financially worth it to own a gun.
Finally, here's your counterarguments for the most common pro-gun arguments:
Pro-gun argument - assault weapons aren't an actual thing. Banning them won't make a difference.
Counterargument - none. This is true. Classifying a gun as an "assault weapon" is something people who know nothing about guns do. Having a bayonet stud (a place to mount a bayonet) used to be one way to classify a gun as an assault weapon. Last I checked, we don't have a bayonet problem in this country. Talk about banning semi-auto guns instead of made-up things like "assault weapons."
Pro-gun argument - 2nd Amendment guarantees my right to bear arms!
Counterargument - sure, it does, but there can be limitations. And in case anyone needs a history lesson, the individual right to bear arms has only existed since 2008. From the adoption of the Constitution until the DC v. Heller decision in 2008, the 2nd Amendment had never been interpreted to mean private citizens have a right to own guns. (Thanks, Scalia.) But that decision is now the law of the land and precedent for future court decisions. Nevertheless, even in Scalia's majority opinion, he asserts that there are limitations to the 2nd Amendment. Weapons allowed should be those in common use at the time. And limitations should be made on "dangerous and unusual" weapons, per previous precedent in United States v. Miller. I argue that semi-auto firearms should now be considered "dangerous and unusual," given their lethality.
Pro-gun argument - if law-abiding citizens get rid of their guns, criminals won't follow the law, and we'll be in more danger.
Counterargument - this is an argument against having laws. Since criminals don't follow the law, there should be no limits on anything. Also, when we do outlaw things, it can work. Purchases of large quantities of ammonium nitrate fertilizer was restricted after the Oklahoma City bombing, and there hasn't been a similar bombing since. We outlawed fully automatic weapons, grenades, rocket launchers, etc. in the 20th century, and what has happened? We don't see violence with those types of weapons. Most weapons used to commit crimes are purchased lawfully. If we change the laws, it will work to reduce gun deaths.
Pro-gun argument - if we ban guns, people will just use knives or baseball bats
Counterargument - there are plenty of incidents around the world of mass stabbings or clubbings, etc. Show me one that is as lethal as a mass shooting.
Pro-gun argument - we need armed security guards in every school
Counterargument - do you trust the security guard won't become a mass shooter? The Texas church shooter was an Air Force veteran. The Pulse nightclub shooter was a security guard. Further, it's relatively easy to get the drop on a security guard. Shoot him first when he's not expecting, then keep going. That's what the Pulse nightclub shooter did. It's not difficult if you draw first. Columbine had armed security, too. Adding more guns to schools adds more risk, it doesn't reduce it.
Pro-gun argument - it's a mental health issue, not a gun issue *or* guns don't kill people, people kill people
Counterargument - The United States has the same rates of mental illness as other developed Western countries, but we're the only ones with this type of violence. The mentally ill are actually less likely to commit crime than those who aren't mentally ill, which many find surprising. Also, those who are mentally ill are more likely to become the victim of a crime than those who don't have mental illness. It's a common refrain to hear "anyone who would do that must be crazy." That's not true. Being a murderer doesn't actually mean you are mentally ill, which is why you hardly ever see successful insanity defenses in trials. And if "people kill people," then we really should stop giving all these people guns, right? We don't allow private F-22s or nuclear weapons, do we? Why? Because people would use them to kill other people. People use people-killing machines to kill people. Go figure.
Pro-gun argument - We, as a society, have turned our backs on God. This is why crime is getting worse. We need God/Jesus to heal people's hearts, not get rid of law-abiding citizens' guns.
Counterargument - Crime has actually decreased overall in recent decades. Things are getting better, not worse. Murder rates and violent crime overall have trended down as we've advanced as a society. Mass shootings have remained steady, though, because angry people have easy access to guns.
Pro-gun argument - we need guns to fight against the government in case it becomes tyrannical.
Counterargument - I doubt semi-automatic weapons will defeat a tyrannical government with fighter jets, bombers, tanks, artillery, drones, advanced cyber capabilities, and nuclear weapons.
Pro-gun argument - gun registrations will make it easier for the government to disarm us
Counterargument - The registration is necessary to keep track of deadly weapons in case they are used in a crime, or in case a law-abiding citizen commits a crime that revokes their right to guns. There's over 300 million privately owned guns in America. If the government wanted to take everyone's guns, they'd do it the same way they would if there wasn't a registry: by going door to door and searching everyone.
I truly believe we need to do far more than anything advocated by most mainstream gun control organizations like Everytown and Moms Demand Action. We need to follow the lead of countries like the UK, Australia, and Canada. They've figured it out. Why can't we?”

Happy Singles Awareness Day!  Hope your day (thus far) has been filled with all things love related; puppies, flowers, hearts, chocolate, Target sweatpants and Air Supply.  Today also happens to be Ash Wednesday, which I was reminded of by my 5 year old.  "Mom.  Jesus died on the cross.  Then we went to church.  I closed my eyes."  Well said Beau, well said.

I'm not really a Valentines Day kinda gal, but I am a mild participant of Lent.  I think it's a nice idea to sacrifice a little/give back a little more at least once per year.  My maternal grandmother always gave up beer and sweets for Lent (Keystone Light, Caramel Creams and All Sort licorice chews).  I usually try and not to swear/be a little nicer when I really don't want to be, but it only lasts about one day.  Here is to giving it one more try!

All Things Winter

It's the beginning of February.  Not gonna lie..... I'm loving winter this year.  Last year at this time, we had only one big snow (more than 1-2 inches) and it was fairly mild (above 30 degrees).  In fact, Chris and I didn't get to ride our snowmobiles; the trails in Wisconsin did not open ONCE.

Luckily, last night we were covered with a lovely blanket of fresh snow.  Beau and I slapped on our snowpants and played outside til our faces were frozen.  He, like me, loves the snow.  While outside I was trying to get together a dinner game plan (something I struggle with on the daily).  Then Beau, like the words from a magic unicorn, says, "Mommy-ah.  I want chicken noodle soup for dinner."  Perfect.  So below is my recipe for chicken noodle soup that will warm your bones on a cold winter night.

You can go ahead and cut some corners on this recipe (i.e. buying an already roasted chicken), but honestly doing everything from start to finish isn't that hard...... it's just a bit time-consuming.

Ingredients
Whole chicken
2 small onions
4 cloves of garlic
4 carrots
3 celery stalks
Olive oil
12 c low-sodium chicken broth [3 32-oz containers]
1 24-oz bag of Reames Egg Noodles

Directions
To make roasted chicken at home: Buy a roaster chicken-- any size.  Bring to room temperature, take out insides, rinse, and pat dry.  Whip out your Crockpot (everyone has one).  Make 4-5 baseball-sized foil balls and put them at the bottom of the Crockpot.  *This is a great tip when doing a big roaster bird*  Stuff the chicken with half of an onion, 4 whole cloves of garlic, half of a carrot and half of a celery stalk.  If you can fit more/less in the cavity, go for it.  Place stuffed chicken on top of the foil balls so it's not touching the bottom, set on High, and cook for 4 hours.

Once chicken is done, pull out in the best way possible while keeping the bird whole.  Let rest and cool.  Once you're able to handle it comfortably, pull all the luscious meat off the bones.  Discard what remains of the carcass or save for broth.

To make this delicious soup:

Get out your largest stock pot, turn stove to a medium heat, and let's start prepping.  I take 3 carrots (because I love them) and do a fairly large chop, 2 stalks of celery with the leaves (amaze flavor, similar to Italian parsley) chopped small, and a small diced onion, and add to the stockpot with about two tablespoons of olive oil.  Let the veggies get happy and hang out until they are smelling up the kitchen.  Add 12 cups of low-sodium chicken stock (I love Target's Market Pantry brand).  I know it sounds like a lot but once it's all said and done, there is plenty to freeze or share with neighbors.

Bring stock to a boil and add one whole 24-ounce bag of Reames Egg Noodles (in the frozen section of the grocery store).  Let the noodles and liquid come back up to a boil then lower the heat to a simmer.  About 25 minutes should be the perfect cooking time.  Once done cooking, add as much chicken as you prefer.  Voila.  Serve in oversized bowls for maximum awesomeness.

Pro-tips: My mother and both grandmothers taught me a great trick with any soup-- once it's cooked, freeze the soup.... or as I did last night, put it on the back deck or porch.  Reheat for even better-tasting soup.  Another tip is to not add too much salt (hence the low-sodium stock).  There is nothing worse than having SALTY soup.  Plus, if you are entertaining guests, not everyone likes salt, and some would probably prefer to add their own salt and pepper.

I just had a bowl of second-day soup and it was awesome.  Not to mention, I shoveled our driveway, plus the neighbor's, and I needed some thawing.

Enjoy this beautiful day.