The Requested Receipe for the Yummy Brownies from Kirk's Graduation Party Enjoy!

Yummy Mint Graduation Brownies From My Friend Boni

2 boxes of brownie mix

Mint Frosting:
4 cups powdered sugar
1 cup soft butter
2 Tbsp. water
1 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract
4 drops green food coloring

Chocolate Topping:
12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup butter

1) To make the Brownies follow the recipe for "cake-like" brownies (6 eggs total). Pour into a large, greased cookie sheet/jelly roll pan, bake and let cool completely

2) To make the mint frosting, combine powdered sugar, butter, water, peppermint extract and food coloring. Mix. Spread over cooled brownies and refrigerate until hard on top.

3) To make chocolate topping microwave chocolate chips and butter for 2 minutes. Stir until all chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is smooth. Add 1-2 tsp. peppermint extract. As soon as this mixture thickens and is no longer hot, spread over mint topping on brownies. Put back into the refrigerator until

Unlocking the World

The other day I received an e-mail from Zachary's teacher stating that his Reading had tremendously improved since the beginning of the year. Report cards come home soon, and she said that she was confident that he would be on grade level. I was so excited for him because since the brain bleed happened on the first day of school I had not been in the classroom and I have not had a lot of energy to provide extra help to Zachary. Considering that the kiddos have had to endure a lot of changes in routine during the past few months, I'm very proud of Zachary and his accomplishment! I told Zachary he now has the ability to see the world through reading books. Congratulations to Zach!

I could NOT forget to add the silly face photo minus Isabella since she was busy playing.....

So we did a big group photo! A few of you are missing in action including Isabella. However, Miss Bells has been really cute about the surprise party she woke up at 5:00 A.m. super excited for it! Zachary even shared everything about it to everyone at school. They are very Proud of their Daddy!

Celebrating The Master's Degree with our Seattle Family

What a Journey! Last night Kirk completed his MBA program and is Graduating with High Honors! Tonight we had a huge Surprise Celebration for him with many friends and my cousin and her family got to celebrate this great event with us too! Some of my sweet friends helped me plan, prepare food, and decorate for this event, and it turned out wonderful. I do not think there are enough words to express our thankfulness for all of the love and support that has been given to us during this challenging time of our life. Tears of joy streamed down my face when I looked at each of you tonight and thought about all of the love that you each have given to our small family. Thank you, and Thank you for helping Kirk attain his Master's degree. You each hold a special place in our hearts and thanks for helping us create a beautiful memory tonight. Once again I was thankful to be here tonight to celebrate this moment! Enjoy the wonderful photos!

A week of Progress

Yesterday I attended PT and the therapist informed me that my balance and vision are doing a lot better. I'm also able to ride the bike at the gym for 30 minutes. It feels good to be able to workout for 30 minutes now. I'm still in swallowing and Cognitive therapy with the Speech Therapist. This is slowly coming along. The cognitive exercises are challenging. We are working on my deductive reasoning and higher level of problem solving skills. I now have a deeper appreciation for my brain since this happened. The brain hemorrhage has and continues to change me. I know that I'm not the same person that I was on August 31st. I continue to discover strengths that I did not even realize were inside of me. However, it was difficult to admit that it is challenging for me to remember certain activities or even events at times. I also in the middle of a conversation will sometimes forget the topic that is currently being discussed. I have discovered that I need to write certain information down and take a few notes occasionally during conversations. However, this will improve over time.

"I Know My Heavenly Father Loves Me"

Isabella wanted her picture by Christ yesterday so we took a photo of her. She really brings a sweet spirit to our home.

Happy New Year!

We celebrated the New Year with friends and family! We wish you all a happy and wonderful year ahead!