2 pkg fresh cranberries

1 bunch green onions

1 serrano pepper or to taste

1 bunch fresh cilantro leaves (large stems removed)

1 cup sugar

juice from 2 limes

1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese brick or container  

tortilla chips or party crackers 

In food processors chop cranberries. Combine cranberries, sugars and lime juice and let stand. Chop green onions, cilantro leaves and serrano pepper in food processor. Add to cranberry mixture and stir. Refrigerate overnight. Let cream cheese warm to room temperature and just before serving float cream cheese in salsa. Serve with tortilla chips or party crackers.

Mom took Aunt Jayde and I to Ruidoso, New Mexico for some girl time. Like any GREAT trip we started off by getting a little displaced (lost but you are only really lost if you are by yourself and we were together). We had some good eats, went to a dinner show, hiked and laughed!

PoPs took us out on his boat and the guys got to do a little fishing. The fish were biting because they were feeding on top of the water. This was great FUN for Couper!

Uncle Kohle took Coupes for a ride on Abby and to feed the ducks. These duck were at a local pond and they charged us as soon as we got out of the car! I think they even bit Couper’s fingers.

No trip would be complete without a little wrestling!

Mid Summer MoMs and PoPs came to see us and brought lots of Black Eyed Peas. Couper loved shelling the peas and eating them. MoMs came again in late Summer and like always the time goes too FAST.

Couper had a hard time saying goodbye when we dropped MoMs off at the airport!  

Balance…what is that!?!? Here is the freedom that Pastor Zak (husband) gives me daily “there is no such thing as Balance”. But we should do everything through the lens of Loving God, Loving People (family, friends and others) and is it going to spark a Spiritual Revolution in their life. Less is always more!!! Hope you find Freedom in this.

2 16 oz. Cole Slaw Mix (without pre-made dressing)

1 Bunch Green Onions (chopped)

1 cup *Sliced Toasted Almonds

1 cup *Toasted Sunflower Seeds

2 pkgs. Chicken Flavor Ramon Noodles

Cracked Pepper to taste

Dressing:

2 pkgs. Seasoning from Raman Noodles 

1/2 cup Oil

1 cup Sugar

1 cup Vinegar

Mix and refrigerate over night with 1 pkg. Slaw Mix

*Toast Almonds and Sunflower Seeds in a 350 degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Watch carefully and stir often so nuts won’t burn.

Add second Cole Slaw Mix 1 hour before serving. 

***Add Almonds, Sunflower Seeds and Crushed Ramon Noodles right before serving!

Then God said, “Let the earth produce every sort of animal, each producing offspring of the same kind—livestock, small animals that scurry along the ground, and wild animals.” And that is what happened. God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock, and small animals, each able to produce offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. 

-Genesis 1: 24-25

Do you ever have days where you feel down, empty and your soul needs something? The Bible says you need a good laugh!

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

-Proverbs 17: 22

The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. It is proven that your body needs laughter. Even the medical field is in agreement with the Bible that a merry heart is good medicine. When you laugh your brain releases endorphins. These endorphins are nature’s natural pain killers. It is proven that laughter relaxes the skeletal system, lowers blood pressure, regulates the heart-rate, strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free and easy to use. So I hope you take time to laugh today!

When Couper’s teacher Mrs. Sheryl said that they were going to have a Fiesta at school and we needed to decorate Couper’s bike. I had to ask what is Fiesta? She said it was a celebration or a big party and it is full of lots of color. When I got home I researched what Fiesta in San Antonio was…so here is a little Texas history for those of you who aren’t from Texas (that would be me).

By 1890, San Antonio, Texas, was a thriving trade center with population of 38,000. In 1891 a group of citizens decided to honor the heroes of the Alamo and Battle of San Jacinto with the “Battle of Flowers.”

The first parade had horse-drawn carriages, bicycles decorated with fresh flowers and floats carrying children dressed as flowers. The Belknap Rifles represented the military. The participants pelted each other with blossoms.