Middle Child and Garage Sales

Would you believe the one in the middle isn’t the middle child. Nope, that would be the sister to the left. The one to the right is the youngest of this group. And the one in the middle is the first born.

They say birth order has a lot to do with personality traits. In some ways, I guess that must be true. Why else would there be so many studies about birth order? Our family became a blended family of teens, pre-teens and young adults. According to my sister, who puts a great deal of stock into all these studies, we did everything wrong went we blended. (She would be the second from the left) I say if there is a playbook out there on how to do it right, maybe someone should hand it out as part of blended family wedding packages.

You know what they say, you can pick your friends but you cannot pick your family. When we pick our friends, it’s because we like their company. We have things in common. And that all makes sense. God puts together families. There are differences for a reason. Now I could be wrong, but here’s my though: diversity is a teaching tool. While we might never see eye to eye, families teach us to love those who are different from ourselves.

Wow – I hadn’t noticed this before, we are standing from left to right youngest to oldest. Would that make the three in the middle all middle children?

Today is also National Garage Sale Day. Ann was the middle daughter before our families blended. When Hubby and I bought our very first home, her son bought a house warming gift from a garage sale. It has hung in every kitchen of every home we’ve lived in since. He died when he was just sixteen in a car accident. His gift to me is a daily reminder of a child’s capasity to love.

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Beefy Chorizo Nacho Casserole
Cooking Spray as needed
1 (10 oz) can Corn, drained
2 cups crushed Tortilla Chips
1 lb Ground Beef
1/2 lb Chorizo
1-1/2 cups thick Salsa
3/4 cup Miracle Whip
1 teaspoon New Mexican Red Chili Powder
3 cups Mexican Cheese Blend
1 Avocado

Heat oven to 425-degrees. Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray, set aside.

Drain corn, set aside. Crush tortilla chips, set aside.

Place ground beef and chorizo in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, crumbing meat as it browns. Drain well. With skillet off-heat, stir in salsa, corn, Miracle Whip and chili powder. Return drained meats to the skillet, stir to combine.

Layer the meat mixture, tortilla chips and cheese twice, ending with cheese on top. Place in the heated oven and bake for 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and dish is heated through.

Remove from oven. Let rest on the counter while the avocado is peeled and sliced. Garnish with slices of avocado, serve and enjoy. Great with margaritas!

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Praise the name of the Lord,
for His name alone is exalted;
His majesty is above earth and heaven.