Caring for the Sick Ones

She's finally seeing the fruit of generosity, though she might not know it yet. From the first crossing of the threshold, big one has set the standard of giving. Bring Sissy's blankie. Find Sissy's passie. Carry Sissy's bottle to the sink. Share favorite toys with her new favorite person. She cultivated a relationship of caring. Now Sissy's responding in kind.

Bunch of sicko's yesterday. The BRAT diet and pedialyte trying to calm upset stomachs. Small one's been the longest sufferer. But when big one tripped and caught her fall with her face, small one raced to find Lambie for comfort. During afternoon pit stop, small one snatched both bottles from me and marched off to find her sister, ready to share the spoils. I still smile reflecting on how they care for each other.

Caring starts at the top. Tired from hopping out of bed to clean up sick, a migraine brewing from the lost sleep, self-pity and self-interest threatened to run the day. They learn caring and selflessness at home from mom and dad who learn from Christ. He was never too tired for the sick. I don't need to be either.

Food might not be for comfort. ButI think when sick, comforting food speed healing. My mom always made spaghetti and clam sauce. To this day, every time my nose runs, I start graving garlic and seafood. DH ate chicken noodle soup. Classic. Since he was the really sick, I set about making chicken noodle soup with no noodles and no chicken. An exercise in culinary creativity.

 

White Bean Chili

I am clearing out my pantry. Hence the winterish dish in the middle of July. Although, I think a white bean chili is less seasonal than a traditional style.

This recipe is very easy and provides excellent nutrition, qualifying for Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet (the most restrictive phase) while filling up the whole family. Even Baby G enjoyed some of the beans for dinner last night. She ranked it "one big toothless grin."

3 chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
2 cans white beans
1 can green chili
1/2 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
2 t cumin
1 t chili powder
1/2 t red pepper
1 t salt
Cilantro - add 2 T fresh cilantro at the end or 1 t dried cilantro at beginning

Best directions ever: Throw all ingredients into your crock pot and cook on low for at least 6 hours or high for at least 3 hours. No need to cook the chicken ahead of time. The crock pot will take care of that for you, and the cooking chicken will provide the needed juice for you chili. Top with shredded cheese and sour cream. Serves 4.

A fabulous no-fuss meal for tired, busy moms!