In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, put chicken, water, onion, celery, parsley, bouillon, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Remove chicken from broth. Strain broth and skim fat. Return broth to pot. Remove chicken from bones and add to broth. Add carrots, celery, and other vegetables as desired. Bring to a boil again; reduce heat. Add packaged or homemade noodles. Cook10to15minutes,until vegetablesaretender and noodles are cooked.