Medals for Mothers

  Times are very different. The 21st is cruel and unforgiving for women. Economic times are at their toughest. I've been in both shoes, ladies. I've worked a full-time job whilst juggling being a full-time mom. I've also stayed at home with my children and by no means is it a piece of cake.
   I get frustrated sometimes when I hear people bash stay-at-home moms or working moms. The point of bashing is just to make oneself look better, when in reality, they wish that they could trade places with the one they are bashing. Either types of moms have a tremendous load to carry, and no amount of money can compensate us for what we do. BUT, we relentlessly do it every day because we love our families!
   Some families (I fit into this category) need the extra money but cannot afford to return to the work force because babysitters are expensive, or jobs are just not in abundance. They enjoy being a stay-at-home mom but they also feel helpless when it comes to helping with finances. However, I'm a happy stay-at-home-mom. I've just learned to adjust our budget to fit our financial shrinkage!
   Some moms have no choice because of financial issues and have to reluctantly return to the workforce. Sure, they'd rather be spending time nurturing their precious babies, but food has to get on that table somehow.
   Some moms love their career and they effortlessly juggle being a full-time mom and work a full-time job. They are not MIA moms, they are just trying to support their children and do the best they can the same as anyone else.
   Lastly, there are those so-called "lucky moms" . There are some wonderful moms out there that are determined to be 130% involved in their children's lives plus juggle all the demands of being a 24/7 mother, housewife, etc. They are no different than all the other moms; they have just as tough of a job.
   It's no contest; all moms need medals!! None of these jobs are any less important. Each requires skill, temperance, love, commitment, endurance, etc. Instead of bashing other moms, lets just realize that we all have something in common! WE ARE ALL MOMS!!! Be that supportive friend and encourage other moms to vent and talk. Be the shoulder to cry on when life gets tough. When you're in a rough patch, they will be there for you. We are all in this together and we need each other.

~Acts 2:38, Obey it!~

Chicken and Gnocchi, Olive Garden style!

Recently, I was asked how I made my Chicken and Gnocchi Olive Garden style, and so I thought I would write a blog on how to! Since fall is in full swing, in my opinion, soups are the best way to warm you up! Soups also provides the necessary nutrition in order to keep you from getting sick during the cool months! This particular soup is very wholesome and healthy! I hope y'all enjoy this yummy soup as much as my family and I did!

1/2 stick butter
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup  diced onion
1/2 cup diced celery
2 Tbsp of minced garlic
1/4 cup flour
1 quart half-and-half cream
2 (14-ounce) cans chicken broth
Salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1 cup finely shredded carrots
1 cup chopped fresh spinach leaves
1 cup diced cooked chicken breast
1 (16-ounce/500g) package ready-to-use gnocchi (I found mine at Wal-Mart in the pasta section.)

Melt the butter into the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Whisk in the half-and-half. Simmer until thickened. Whisk in the chicken broth. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, the thyme, parsley, carrots (best if ran over a cheese grater to shred), spinach, chicken, and gnocchi. Simmer on medium heat until the soup is heated through. Before serving, season with additional salt, if necessary.

~Enjoy!~