Hearty Chicken Soup

My kids will actually eat this soup, vegetables and all. I'm sure it's because the veggies are pretty much pulverized and even though the kids know they're eating them, the fact that the healthy stuff isn't really recognizable makes all the difference.
Ingredients:
*1/2 small-medium onion
*handfull of baby carrots (or about 3 regular)
*3 stalks celery
*1/2 red bell pepper
*3 cloves garlic
*6 cups water
*1-2 chicken breasts, cooked, cubed and seasoned
*1 cup frozen corn
*2/3 cup barley
*2 Tbsp. chicken bouillon
*1 tsp. salt
*1/4 tsp. basil
*1/4 tsp. sage
*1/4 tsp. thyme
*1/8 tsp. pepper

Directions:
1. Shred or grate the onion, carrots, celery, red pepper and garlic. (I use my food processor.)

2. Combine all ingredients in slow cooker.

3. Cook on high for 3-4 hours (3 hours is plenty in my cooker) or until veggies are tender and barley is done.

Goes great with french bread.

Notes:
-This can also be done on the stove top. This version would be much faster but requires more vigilance. (Don't let it sit there and cook for 3 hours.)
-Add more water as needed.