Mother's Day

I had a wonderful Mother's Day! Tal made my favorite breakfast of french toast and bacon. He even brought me homemade Orange Julius while I was still in bed that was delicious. I had some leftover Coconut Syrup that I made last week and that was absolutely perfect on the french toast.
Then we went to church, on-time, with all the kids. We even got to sit in the padded rows and not the folding chairs. It was great!
The kids all had something sweet for me - flower plants, hand-prints, candy, and cards. The ward gave the mom's a strawberry plant and Tal got me a great gift card and a digital frame that I have been wanting.

We had friends over to play games after dinner although we are still mourning the loss (move) of the Wood family.

We were able to visit with Taylor on Skype for a while. It was great to see him and hear his voice. He is doing very well and has a great companion. The families in his wards seem to take good care of the missionaries.
I am so proud of him and his service to the Lord. He is working hard and learning a lot. We have encouraged him to remember that the Lord didn't ask him to become a cookie-cutter replication of the image of a missionary but instead learn to serve Him and follow His way as who you are - or really a better version of yourself. Everyone has different talents and abilities, different personalities and senses of humor. It takes all kinds to reach the souls waiting to hear the gospel message and Taylor has some unique gifts that he is blessed with and through the Lord, he will be able to share the spirit and touch hearts.

I am so thankful to be the mother of these children. I am also grateful to have a supportive and encouraging husband to work through this parenting challenge with.

Mint Fudge

Dallin made some mint fudge this weekend. It was a huge hit - even Tal (who doesn't love mint) and Dallin (who doesn't love chocolate) really enjoyed this fudge. We used Christine's easy fudge recipe. It didn't set very firm but good enough to cut into pieces that held their shape.

Chocolate Mint Fudge
3 cups Andes Mint baking chips
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
Dash of salt
1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Line 8x8 pan with wax paper. 
Melt chips in microwave. Chocolate burns easily. Be sure to stir every 30-45 seconds and cook just until melted. 
Stir in milk and microwave for 1 more minute. 
Stir well and add vanilla. 
Pour into pan. Let set at room temperature or put in the fridge for 15 minutes if you can't wait!
Once it's set, pull out by the wax paper and cut into squares. 

AAS in the Bag!

I thought I would never get through this last math class. All I can say is that whomever it was that told me Statistics was easier than Algebra needs their head examined! For certain, the two hardest classes for my Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree were the math classes. But they are over with now!
I ended up with a B- in Statistics by some miracle of chance. My professor must have really liked my extra credit to get me over the 79% on my final exam. Thank you!
I am graduating from Salt Lake Community College with high honors. I am not walking for this one but I will when I finish my Bachelor's at UVU.
I've done almost every class on-line. Some are much harder than others but it was the only realistic option for me. My advice to anyone considering it is this:
Do NOT take Algebra, Statistics, or Anatomy & Physiology on-line. Find a classroom with a living, breathing teacher and you will be much happier! (Unless you are my brother-in-law with a genius memory.)

I get to tick off another goal for this year and for my life goals. Whoo-hoo!