This Amazing, Crazy, sometimes Tragic, Wonderful Life

This is my new favorite Summer soup. It is quick and easy. It is best with some cracked tortilla chips, chopped avocado and a little cheese. We make it just before we go to the pool and it is very light and just a little spicy. If you love lime then add extra and you can always opt on the lime if you do not like it. I do not like cilantro so I skip it.

2-32 oz chicken broth
1-15 oz black beans
1-15 oz pinto beans
1 can Rotel
3 c chopped chicken
1 can white corn
1 tsp lime
1/2 tsp cumin
cilantro optional
salt/pepper as taste

Add all ingredients and simmer for about 20 minutes. Garnish with grated cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips.

My oldest daughter, Linz has had it tough these past 8 years. She started a hair pulling disorder in 2001 and her anxiety has worsened over these years as well. Her faith was strong and confident, but these years have really shakened her faith in God and religion. I tell myself, that part of this is normal development, in questioning God and Christ but I know a lot of it is why? I can hear her...I prayed to be delivered from this difficulty and why does He not hear me?

I breaks my heart to see her struggle over these years. Yet, I have this confidence, that He will make it right. He will take these sad times and take it into compassion and something greater. I see progress in my young woman, she is now 18 and I sometimes forget, how much progress she has made. She has gone so far and despite the anxiety, she stands up for doing the right thing most of the time.

Do you know those people, who just beat in another way that other's do? That is my girl and I am so proud of her. I hope she really knows that. So... sometimes she wears crazy clothes (think Medievil clothing or Japanese street rock clothing) and wears wigs. She is 5'10" tall and she is always noticed. Most of the time, she looks pretty awesome. I just don't care, as long as she feels good and doesn't look like a hooker. (heehee)

Lately, Linz has taken to cursing online, not at home but Yuck. I guess I should count my blessings that it isn't outloud around her siblings. She has this friend, Kay, who I am not so excited about. I know Kay has her own problems and has not been the best example to my girl. Today, I was a bit relieved when I heard her "wicken" phase has fizzled and she has decided to checkout different Religions. So now I am bringing this girl to our Church this soon. So my prayer is thank you Lord...You do hear me!

The one thing that keeps me sane with my 5 kids, is coffee. My kids know I am addict, at least in the mornings. Don't talk to me unless I have had 2 full cups of my coffee. I love the mornings before the kids wake up. I have to gather my thoughts and read my e-mail, maybe even a blog post to share or read.

So my boys had their first official day of Summer. I creep early to get my Joe and the kids are UP! Wow! I really hope they don't talk to me until I get that second cup! 

This year has been a blur so far.  I never know what the year will bring our family.  The last 5 or 8 years have been very challenging and I want that boring year.  So far, that has not happened.  We went from the Winter ice storm's to the news that we could possibly move near our family in Florida.  At this point, we are still in our home, hoping that we can sell it.  We assumed my husband's company would give us a relocation but that has not happened.  Company policies have done that.  We have not heard absolute NO so we keep waiting.  We listed our home on ourselves last week.  Lots of sadness thinking of leaving our friends and much joy knowing we can live near our family. 

The last few months, are just a blur of paint and handymen coming through my door.  Five kids and many years of little updates to our home and it was a major job.  It feels good to clear the clutter and see the fresh paint.  I love my new wood floors but they scare me as I fear a toy or dropped item denting them.  Glory's dog hair is more evident but I am use to swiffering more often.

Now we wait for interested buyers...hopefully.  I don't fret.  I just know it is in God's timing and if it is meant to be, we will be there. 

Care is getting ready to graduate from Junior High.  She is excited to be on the High School Cheer Team.  She has boyfriend who seems to be perfect in many aspects (faith and athleticism).  I like him.  MJ is getting so tall!  Taller than my 5'7" and he is still 12.  He plans to do some basketball camps this Summer and so smart.  He still helps at home and I appreciate him.  Feed him good food and he will keep coming back!  Bella is very attached to her Dad, watching the Office almost every night.  He is so busy at work.  I hope his new job should bring us back to Earth.



Linz is the usual drama but we are working on biofeedback and she will take her GED this June.  She is so unhappy about our religion and she wants to shun our Catholic life.  This is a new road for me.  I thought all my kids would love the same faith we share.  Her depression and anxiety has kept her in a dark place for too long but she longs for her own freedom.  She is still my sweet girl, so creative and beats to her own drum and I just pray she finds faith on her terms.  She is now 18 and she just want independence despite her anxiety.  We are seeing some relief with biofeedback and I can only hope it will keep freeing her from her pain.  Medications have been a nightmare.  Her arts and writing is so awesome.  I hope she can get her GED and find an outlet for her creativity...school or work.





Almost June...WOW! Blessings!
 

I have not fallen of the blogosphere but close...first, Easter Blessings to my blog friends! 

Chaos...more chaos and even more chaos continues around our home.  We had a tummy virus that took several weeks.  The roofers took their sweet time but did get it done.  They told me 2 days and it was more like 2 weeks.  We continue wait on a possible relocation.  The chances are very high that we can move to Florida near our family but this has dragged on since February with no definitive answer.  Of course, it is in God's timing and I see it clearly.  We had our wood floors replaced and they are gorgeous dark cherry wood. We had to sell the home eventually and the floors needed it badly.  The floors and roofers overlapped and then I had a handyman fixing doors and painting...my head was spinning while kids were sick...all around Easter week. 

Things are slowing down more and I am clearing out my attic.  My Homeowner's association will bring a big dumpster for a week and I plan to purge some big items that no one wants.  I am bringing boxes to Salvation Army and Cancer support groups.  It is so great to release more clutter.  The worst is the clothing...5 kids...things out grow and it is a job to resell, purchase, return, get rid of and shoes as well. 

That reminds me...time to fold more laundry!  I am passing on my favorite crock recipe of late...lots of veggies and so easy!