Practical Hacks for Parents: Making the Most of your Doors

Posted on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 by Angie

Welcome to a new series we’re going to have here on occasion called, Practical Hacks for Parents.

Like you, were are always looking for ways to make the tasks that come with parenting easier, or looking for tips and tricks to help us get more organized around the house or in the car.

We’ll be sharing things we find on Pinterest, on the playground, things we learn from other Moms, or if brilliance happens to strike, we’ll be sharing some tips we actually come up with on our own.

Kicking off this first Practical Hacks Post is learning to make the most of your doors.

Last weeks extreme cold snap sent me into a hat/scarf/mitten meltdown. Our coat closet was out of control with coats too small, missing gloves, hats that the girls had outgrown, you name it. The closet was a mess.

Now, I wish I could take credit for coming up with this on my own, but when I was up in Pittsburgh visiting my BFF, last winter (it was 9 degrees) I noticed she had done this on her coat closet door.

Complete brilliance! A $7 over the door shoe organizer just rocked my world.

My girls now have a space to store everything that comes along with winter, everyone has their own pockets (the higher ones can be used for Mom and Dad.)

Bonus Hack: For smaller doors, take this one organizer and cut into two. Think about these on laundry room doors for cleaners, bathroom doors for hairbows, brushes etc.

Are you making the most of your doors?

Building Strong Families from Diverse Individuals

Posted on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 by Angie

Have you ever wondered how members of the same family, from aunts, uncles and cousins to siblings born of the same parents and raised in the same household, can be so very different?

“We see it in every family – Grandma’s so easygoing and her son be so strict; Mom’s a zany beatnik and her sister’s a corporate v.p. Anyone with brothers and sisters will even see it within their own sibling group,” says Lynn Shafer, award-winning author of “Stories from Brooklyn: Ancient Voices, Ritual Chants,” (www.jo-anbooks.com), a timeless look at the interplay of disparate members of an extended 1940s family.

A ground-breaking study by researcher Robert Plomin in the 1980s is still the preeminent resource for psychologists seeking to understand personality diversity within families. Even among siblings, the study showed, while physical traits may be very similar, personalities can be as varied as random individuals from the general population.

“Expand that to the extended family, including the vast non-traditional extended families we see today, and you’re likely to see more differences than similarities,” says Shafer. “Still, many of these families are tight-knit and cohesive. They serve as an inspirational example for humanity as a whole. Despite a union of very different people, we can all love, learn and grow together.”

How can you build a strong family? Shafer shares timeless tips:

Establish a solid foundation based on shared values. It’s no secret that very religious families tend to be close-knit and strong. Why? “Because religion provides a structured means of sharing beliefs and values, a process that begins in infancy, when babies are taken to worship services and undergo the rituals that mark their membership in the religion,” Shafer says. While fewer American families are religion-focused than were in decades past, they can all still strive to emphasize the importance of family values and their role in reuniting every family member. Creating rituals and traditions are one way to emphasize values.

Make your family history a story to celebrate. The story about how brave Uncle Joe once rescued a dog from a well; the singing talents of the three great aunts who performed at county fairs as little girls; the one-cheek dimple that is the family hallmark — these are the stories that make your family special. “It’s not about memorizing the family tree, but about ensuring children know that they are part of something greater than themselves – and that is both a privilege and a responsibility,” Shafer says. A child who is constantly reminded, with fondness, that she’s the spitting image of wonderful Aunt Bessie will feel a bond with Aunt Bessie – even if she’s bee gone for decades.

Commit to attending, or hosting, family gatherings. Often, the places for sharing those stories are family gatherings – weddings and funerals, holidays and anniversaries. “It may be a question of the chicken or the egg,” Shafer says. “Strong families tend to have many shared family stories. Strong families also tend to gather together frequently – and that’s where those stories are most often shared.” Family gatherings are also a good place for family members with very different personalities to learn to find common ground and practice getting along for the sake of everyone at the special event. “Imagine what a more peaceful world it would be if we were all forced to play nicely with our obnoxious cousin as children!” Shafer says.

About Lynn Shafer:

Lynn Shafer is a Brooklyn native and a graduate of Brooklyn College. A veteran English teacher in New York City schools, she has utilized oral history to create a body of work that can be read aloud. The story “Ancient Voices, Ritual Chants” was runner-up in the fiction category of the Pirate’s Alley Faulkner Society annual competition in 1995 for previously unpublished work, portions of which she has read aloud at the prestigious 92 Street Y in Manhattan. She has also written and performed poetry at the Truro Center for the Arts on Cape Cod, where she attended workshops for many years. “Stories from Brooklyn” is published by Jo-An Books – “Books that are making history.” Find it at www.jo-anbooks.com and anywhere books are sold.

Reading with Ringling 2014

Posted on Monday, January 13, 2014 by Angie

Reading with Ringling is back for 2014 and many Birmingham Area Libraries will be participating! Children ages 2-12 may visit the library and join the Reading with Ringling Bros. Rewards Club. Participants reading 5 books will receive a voucher for a FREE Kid’s Ticket with the purchase of a full-priced adult ticket. The voucher must be redeemed at the BJCC Box Office. December 16-January 24 or while supplies last.

*Participating Libraries Include:

Springville Road Regional Library (BPL)

Five Points West Regional Library (BPL)

Eastwood Branch Library (BPL)

Titusville Branch Library (BPL)

Southside Branch Library (BPL)

Avondale Regional Library (BPL)

East Ensley Branch Library (BPL)

*Please note that you may want to call these branches before heading out. This was the list we were given but we know some of the branches that previously participated are not this year. It’s always best to give a quick call, just in case!

Happy Reading!

Birmingham Events Calendar: January 12th – January 19th

Posted on Sunday, January 12, 2014 by Angie

Wow! What a difference a week makes when it comes to weather around here!

Today make sure to catch the BrickFair from 11am – 4pm at the BJCC, Exhibition Hall. If you have a LEGO Fan in your house, you’re going to want to check it out!

Lots of storytimes and there’s even a Teddy Bear Sleepover at the Vestavia Hills Library, what kind of fun will those stuffed lovies have when they’re away from their humans? Drop your bear off and find out!

If you welcomed a furry four legged friend into your family over the holidays, make sure to register for the FREE Housetraining Seminar hosted by Creative Dog Training.

Have a GREAT Week Everyone!

It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!

Sunday January 12th:

BrickFair LEGO Convention – BJCC Exhibition Hall
LEGO models, displays and winding trains sprawled out over 58,000 square feet. BrickFair brings together adult fans of LEGO from across the USA to show off their projects, great and small, and to share their passion for LEGO – the most awesome toy – ever. LEGO fan festivals like BrickFair are great fun for the whole family. Join in a game or two – maybe win a LEGO set.
$8 at the door. Children 3 and under are free.
11:00 am – 4:00 pm.
We recommend allowing 90 minutes or more to enjoy the show.
Doors close at 4:00 pm; expo is vacated at 4:30pm.

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Monday January 13th:

Tot Time with Ms Eve – Avondale Library
Bring your wiggles and your giggles and your death defying nerve, because the circus is coming to town. Join us as we celebrate with a circus of our own—Tot Time style.Geared for 2 to 4 years olds with a caregiver. 24-hour advanced notice of attendance required.
9:30am

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Tuesday January 14th:

Family Tours – Birmingham Museum of Art
FREE // Meet in the Main Lobby
Join us for an in-gallery family experience! Children aged 3 – 8 and their adult companions are invited to join Museum educators to explore our collection, discover activities that make looking at art fun and exciting, and create new family memories about art.

No reservations required. Family Tours are also available by appointment for groups of 10 or more children aged 3 – 8. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 205.254.2964.
10:30am

Storytime for All Ages – Homewood Public Library
Story Time
10:30am

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Wednesday January 15th:

Family Story Time with Mr Mac – North Shelby Library
Storyteller Extraordinaire – Come join Mr Mac and his musical storytime complete with puppets! All Ages, no registration required.
10:45am

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for a reading of The Snatchabook, the heartwarming story about the animals of Burrow Down, who rally to help the creature that is stealing all their books. We will follow with a fun activity your child will enjoy.
11am

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Thursday January 16th

Teddy Bear Sleepover – Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest
The first-ever program for your Teddy Bear (or favorite stuffed animal). Drop off your friend at the library on Tuesday or Wednesday, then return to pick them up on Thursday and find out what kind of fun they enjoyed at their sleepover! We will have videos of your bears (or other fluffy friends) dancing, singing Karaoke and other fun things they enjoyed. We will also have a Teddy Bear Tea Party to re-unite you with your friend. They will have so much fun, and you will have fun seeing all they did! Your bear will be your registration, but you must bring them for the “sleepover” on Tuesday or Wednesday before the program. Ages 5 & under.

Chinese New Year Family Night – Homewood Public Library
Join us for stories, fun crafts, and a snack as we celebrate and learn about the Chinese New Year. It’s the year of the Horse!
6:15pm

Stories and Crafts with Ms Karen – Clay Public Library
Join Ms. Karen for Stories and Crafts, and enjoy some wintry tales and a related craft. Geared toward toddlers through second graders. All ages are welcome! Programs last approximately 30 minutes.
10am

Mommy and Me Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Story Time for our younger patrons (birth to 30 mo.) and their lap partner.
10:30

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Friday January 17th:

3 Rules of Housetraining Seminar – Creative Dog Training
Housetraining doesn’t need to be complicated, and can easily be achieved by following 3 Simple Rules! In this seminar they will give you the 3 Rules as well as discuss how to apply them and how to adapt them to your life with your dog.
FREE Seminar but you must register by going to this link on eventbrite
Creative Dog Training – Avondale
6:30pm

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Saturday January 18th:

Bridgeman/Packer Children’s Movement Workshop – Birmingham Museum of Art
Join Art Bridgman and Myrna Packer for a family-oriented movement workshop that explores the artists’ work with “video partnering” – the integration of live performance and video technology.

All ages are welcome! Please wear comfortable clothes, shoes, or socks (no hard-soled shoes). Be ready to move!
11:45am

Bart’s Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
This drop-in art program for kids and families features a different theme from our galleries and art activity each month. Happy Neigh Year! // Make cards to celebrate the Chinese New Year. This year is the year of the horse!
11am – 1pm

Bart’s Books – Birmingham Museum of Art
Bart’s Books is a storytelling program for children ages 4-7. Bart selects a new book and related work of art each month that he thinks kids will enjoy.

This month, Bart has selected Brush of the Gods by Lenore Look and Meilo So.
11am

Cartoon and Cereal – Homewood Public Library
Saturday morning cartoons and cereal.
10am – 6pm

Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.

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Sunday January 19th:

Holy Inappropriateness! We couldn’t find any special events happening in the ‘Ham today. Make sure to check our list below for fun exhibits happening daily at our local attractions.

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

IMAX
McWane Science Center’s IMAX® Dome Theater puts you in the center of the action by projecting breathtaking quality images onto the 5-story-tall dome screen and delivering intense surround sound through almost 3 tons of speakers and subwoofers.
Now Showing: Rocky Mountain Express, Great White Shark

Birmingham Zoo:

Lorikeet Aviary – Our Lorikeet Aviary has more birds than ever! Zoo guests can feed these exotic birds every day. You and your family will see these birds’ behavior as they eat nectar out of your hand.
Weekends 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

PELICAN FEEDING – A great way to see our pelicans in action is to witness them eating their favorite treats near the pelican boardwalk.

RHINO ENCOUNTER – Embark on an African adventure and experience one of the world’s most extraordinary animals, the Southern White Rhino. Watch from only feet away as our zookeepers engage in hands-on interaction with the animals inside their African-themed exhibit. Don’t miss this exciting encounter with one of the largest mammals on the planet!
Weekdays: 3pm – 3:30pm
Weekends: 11:30am – Noon & 3pm – 3:30 pm

GIRAFFE FEEDING – This up close and personal animal encounter is a memory you and your family will have for a lifetime.
Weekday: 11am – Noon
Weekends: 10am – 11am & 2pm – 3pm

Vulcan Park and Museum:

Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue; made of 100,000 pounds of iron and 56 feet tall, he stands at the top of Red Mountain overlooking the city of Birmingham. But, Vulcan is more than a statue. Vulcan Park and Museum features spectacular views of Birmingham, an interactive history museum that examines Vulcan and Birmingham’s story, and a beautiful public park for visitors and locals to enjoy. With an official information center that is operated by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, Vulcan Park and Museum serves as the first stop for visitors to the Birmingham area!

Railroad Park:

Railroad Park is a 19 acre green space in downtown Birmingham that celebrates the industrial and artistic heritage of our great city. Situated along 1st Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets, the park is a joint effort between the City of Birmingham and the Railroad Park Foundation. Hailed as “Birmingham’s Living Room,” Railroad Park provides a historically rich venue for local recreation, family activities, concerts, and cultural events, while connecting Birmingham’s downtown area with Southside and UAB’s campus.

Southern Museum of Flight:

Earn Your Wings – Bring your little pilot and soar above the clouds in our little pilots room. Kids enjoy building aircrafts, flying kites, and more.
Museum Open Tuesday – Thursday
9:30am – 4:30pm

Do you have or know of an event you would like to have added to our weekly calendar? Please email us at contact@birminghammommy.com, subject line “Events Calendar” – We would love to hear from you!

** All information listed on our calendar is subject to change without notice to us or you… We do our best to keep the information accurate and will always update as soon as we learn that something has changed. It’s always best to double check with the event via their website or a quick call, especially when weather can impact the event.

52 New Things, 2014. Week 2

Posted on Friday, January 10, 2014 by Angie

What have we been up to that is new this week? Find out!

Angie –

I *may* have moved one year closer to 40 this week, which could of course be my new thing, but it’s not. I’m going to get personal and tell you about how I had my first mammogram. Now that I’m “one year closer to 40,” my Dr ordered up my first baseline mammogram. That’s right! I got my boobies mushed by a stranger. (Also a new thing, by the way) I was a little nervous because I had always heard that it hurt. I consulted a friend who has had the boob check and she assured me that the nervousness was overrated. She was right. It was a little embarrassing and uncomfortable because my body doesn’t bend and hold easily in some of those positions, and the whole having to hold my breath threw me off a little but over all, I have to say it was super easy and completely uneventful.

If you’ve been putting it off for any reason, don’t! It’s something that is super important for you and even if you don’t have a history of breast cancer in your family, do it for yourself and your own piece of mind!

Kristen –

The 8-month-old has started reciprocating kisses. So that is my new thing for this week! It is awesome. If there is an 8-month-old in your general vicinity, you should totally teach her this. (Warning: Lots of drool involved.)

Shirley –

Contemporary Romance Books, aka “Mommy Porn.” I’m in LOVE with reading the new genre (and completely ok with this admission. No Shame.. Head is held high.) These books are such a wonderful escape it makes carpool line a mini vacation! Trust me, you may even thank that “nice” Mom that just cut in front of you.

What did you do new this week?

Creative Kids Lunches

Posted on Thursday, January 9, 2014 by Angie

We’re about half way through the school year and let’s face it, you and I both know that the kids are getting tired of that same ole’ peanut butter sandwich and cheese stick combo you’ve got going on.

I came across this article the other day and it gave me a little inspiration to spice up my girls lunches. Or at least put forth a little more effort. I’m not an artist, so outside of a smiley face on the bag, this won’t happen in my kids lunches but I can focus on mixing up their daily options.

Peanut Butter and Apple Sandwiches.
My kids love apples and they love peanut butter. Use apples in place of bread by coring and slicing apples, smear with peanut butter and done.

For something a little extra, add some raisins, or granola.

Super Simple, Super Healthy.

Cheese and Grape Kabobs
Alternate cheese cubes and seedless grapes on a toothpick,and then top off with a blueberry or other fruit. Easy Peasy.

Pinwheels
Roll cheese and/or deli meat in a tortilla and slice into pinwheel chunks. Hold in place with toothpicks.

Sushi
No, we aren’t talking anything complicated. Use anything from Peanut Butter and Fluff to Cheese Sticks and Sun chips. The possibilities are endless.

Banana Burritos
Using tortillas, bananas, peanut butter and jelly, you have a new twist on an old favorite.
Place tortillas on a paper towel and microwave for 10 seconds. Spread peanut butter on the tortilla, and add your favorite flavor jelly to each tortilla. Place the banana near the edge of the tortilla and fold up the ends of the tortilla.  Roll and that’s it.

As I mentioned earlier, I’m not an artist, but I do love sending my girls notes on occasion. Next time you pack a banana, write on the outside with a sharpie or pen. A quick little “Hi” or “I Love You” will make their day.

If you’re not inspired by any of these or are craving more ideas, visit this site for a printable PDF.

Have any ideas you can share with the class? We would love to hear them.

3 Rules of Housetraining Seminar with Creative Dog Training

Posted on Monday, January 6, 2014 by Angie

Did your household welcome a new addition over the holidays? Many families will give in to the pleas of the tiny humans and use Christmas as the chance to surprise their kids with a new puppy. What could be cuter than a new puppy with a big red bow around his neck under the Christmas tree, on Christmas morning, right?

Well, with this new addition comes new responsibilities, and Creative Dog Training developed this program to help families that are welcoming new puppies into their households over the holidays to deal with what can be one of the most frustrating training areas, housetraining!

Creative Dog Training learned a long time ago that Housetraining doesn’t need to be complicated, and can easily be achieved by following 3 Simple Rules! In this seminar they will give you the 3 Rules as well as discuss how to apply them and how to adapt them to your life with your dog.

Housetraining is easy – people make it hard! It really doesn’t take any more of your time to train your dog – it just takes restructuring the time you already spend with your dog. Their method is simple and easy to follow. There will be a question and answer session following the presentation.

What You Will Learn

Teach your dog where to go to the bathroom
Teach your dog where not to go potty
Teach your dog to go quickly on command
Teach your dog to ‘hold it’ when she needs to
Teach your dog to let you know when she needs to go

This Seminar is all about education for you, there is no need to bring your dog and it’s not just for puppies! It will work for any age dog.

The price is free, but registration is required. You can register by going to this link on eventbrite.

The Seminar will be held at:

Creative Dog Training, Avondale.
January 17th, 2014
6:30pm

Watch the promo video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJ9STcTcXgo

Birmingham Events Calendar: January 5th – January 12th

Posted on Sunday, January 5, 2014 by Angie

The Birmingham Events Calendar is back! It’s a little light kicking off the New Year but there are still several things to choose from, like the upcoming BrickFair LEGO Event happening this weekend at the BJCC.

You can catch a LEGO Mini Build at the Galleria on Tuesday and the Libraries are getting back to their regularly scheduled storytimes and movies.

Looks like we’re in for some super cold temps, make sure to keep an eye on the weather and the list of school closings and delays.

Stay warm and have a WONDERFUL week!

It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!

Monday January 6th:

Monday Movie – Homewood Public Library
Join us for hot popcorn and a COOL movie.
3:30

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Tuesday January 7th:

LEGO Mini Build – Riverchase Galleria
One free per child. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. See store for more details.
LEGO Snowplow: begins at 5:00 pm while supplies last.

No reservations required. Family Tours are also available by appointment for groups of 10 or more children aged 3 – 8. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 205.254.2964.
10:30am

Storytime for All Ages – Homewood Public Library
Story Time
10:30am

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Wednesday January 8th:

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
We’re celebrating kindness and compassion as crucial components in the fight against bullying. Join us for a reading of Llama Llama and the Bully Goat by Anna Dewdney, because you are never too young to show kindness.
11am

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Thursday January 9th

The Fresh Beat Band – BJCC Concert Hall
The Fresh Beat Band, Nickelodeon’s preschool music group and stars of the hit TV series of the same name, are giving fans one more chance to see them live as they hit the road again for 60 performances on their nationwide concert tour. In 2012, more than 400,000 fans saw the concert making it one of the year’s more successful music tours.

$37.50 Ticket + $14.10 Fees = $51.60
$27.50 Ticket + $12.55 Fees = $40.05
Tickets available through Ticketmaster and the BJCC Central Ticket Office. The CTOL is open 9-5 daily.
6:30pm

Mommy and Me Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Story Time for our younger patrons (birth to 30 mo.) and their lap partner.
10:30

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Friday January 10th:

Penguin Craft – North Shelby Library
Stop by the library to make this craft that is sure to warm your heart. All ages welcome. Registration is required.
4pm

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Saturday January 11th:

Kidz Kitchen with Ameilia Bedelia – Hoover Public Library
Join Amelia Bedelia in the kitchen as she attempts to “dress the chicken,” make “baby food” and whip up one of her world famous pies.
11:30

Family Movie Day – North Shelby Library
This is the story of a little penguin named Mumble who has a terrible singing voice and later discovers he has no Heartsong. However, Mumble has an astute talent for something that none of the penguins had ever seen before: tap dancing. All ages are welcome with a caregiver. No registration is required. Snacks served.
10:30a

Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.

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Sunday January 12th:

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

Birmingham Zoo:

PELICAN FEEDING – A great way to see our pelicans in action is to witness them eating their favorite treats near the pelican boardwalk.

GIRAFFE FEEDING – This up close and personal animal encounter is a memory you and your family will have for a lifetime.
Weekday: 11am – Noon
Weekends: 10am – 11am & 2pm – 3pm

Vulcan Park and Museum:

Railroad Park:

Southern Museum of Flight:

Giveaway: BrickFair LEGO Convention

Posted on Saturday, January 4, 2014 by Angie

The BrickFair LEGO Convention is back at the BJCC next weekend (January 11tth and 12th) and BirminghamMommy.com has a family four pack of tickets for one lucky reader!

Here’s what you can expect!

LEGO models, displays and winding trains sprawled out over 58,000 square feet.

BrickFair brings together adult fans of LEGO from across the USA to show off their projects, great and small, and to share their passion for LEGO – the most awesome toy – ever.

LEGO fan festivals like BrickFair are great fun for the whole family!

Join in a game or two – maybe win a LEGO set.

Vendors will be offering all things LEGO, including shirts, hats, minifigures, custom-molded weapons, unique models, keychains and really, everything you never imagined.

To enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post using the word “BrickFair” in your reply.

2. Share this post on your Facebook Page, make sure to use “@BirminghamMommy” when you do.

Giveaway will end Tuesday, January 7th at 10am. Winner will be notified via email and on Facebook.

Good Luck!

Pinspired Recipe: Crockpot Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Posted on Friday, January 3, 2014 by Angie

Cold weather is here and colder weather us coming. It’s time for soup in the crockpot. Comfort food at it’s finest!

We found this recipe on Pinterest and it’s Delish. I chose to not add the noodles to the soup and cooked up a batch of noodles and a batch of rice (which is good if you’re gluten free) and they both worked well just adding the soup over the noodles and rice.

Chicken and Noodle Soup
5 cups of chicken broth (boxed or can is fine)
One 10.75 oz can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup onions, chopped fine
1/2 cup celery, chopped fine
1/2 cup carrots, chopped fine
1/2 cup green onions, sliced
One 15 oz can of whole kernel corn, drained
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 1/2 cup Egg noodles
2 cups cooked chicken chopped or 2 cans canned cooked chicken