Conventional wisdom dictates that one should consider donating clothes that have gone unworn for a year or two. I don't know what the rule is for kitchen gadgets, but I'm guessing that items that have been untouched for 5 years are no longer entitled to their dusty shelf in the closet. Such was the fate of one KitchenAid Mixer.
The KitchenAid Mixer is ubiquitous on bridal registries. It is found in the kitchen appliance section of the registry and is typically followed by the numbers zero and one. This means that the bride has requested one mixer and that her request has yet to be "fulfilled." At approximately $300 a pop, this is one serious gift. When I registered for my own tawny colored mixer, I had big plans. My sundaes would be topped with dreamy whipped cream and my meringues would have perfect snowy peaks. I was giddy upon actually receiving the mixer, a generous gift from the women who organized my bridal shower. Little did I anticipate that so much time would pass before its first use.
So here it is, my big confession. I just (for the very first time) used the mixer this week. It has been in my possession for over five years, and there is no good excuse. I love to cook, and I bake every week. It is embarrassing to admit, but the mixer daunted me. I was comfortable with my dinky handmixer and intimidated by its stunning rival. I was afraid of the voluminous instruction manual and certain that the thing would take forever to clean. That said, I never contemplated getting rid of the mixer. I had every intention of using it, one day.
That day arrived without warning. It was raining outside, and I had decided to bake with Elijah. We settled on a recipe for oatmeal raisin cookies, and I had already begun pulling out ingredients when I noted that the recipe required use of a mixer. I hesitated. Should we use the handmixer? Should we select a different recipe? I was about to "discuss" this with Elijah when I realized that it was time to overcome my fears.
Needless to say, my concerns were entirely unfounded. The mixer's operation was virtually self-explanatory and no special clean up was required. The cookies were a hit, and I have already whipped up a second batch. Imagine, a device that actually makes baking easier. I feel a bit foolish for having waited so long to use it, but I am excited about the recipes I can finally try.
Aiva and Elijah
Dani and Kara
Terri and Shayna 
Elijah sure loves his Savta
Adin helps Clarissa make matzo pizza
Adin and Elijah, happy as clams
The first spring flowers have bravely poked out of the ground and sandbox season is in full swing. Elijah and I spent a good bit of the weekend excavating at our favorite sandy spot. We always bring three buckets, a green shovel, a pink rake and big dump truck. The truck is part of a $5 set of plastic sand toys purchased two summers back. The green wheels are well worn and the cargo bay requires frequent repairs, but it is always a hit with the five and under crowd. I like to bring alot of toys because it affords Elijah the opportunity to practice sharing with other kids. We've also been working on the concept of trading, "Can I have the green shovel please? I'll give you the pink one!" Elijah still love the swings, and he even went down the slide today!! It's been about a year since he's shown any interest in sliding, and I was quite proud to see him fly down into a pile of woodchips.
I am so happy that spring is here!! Elijah's third year has brought about some unique challenges, and we are all happier when he has plenty of time to run wild in the park. His constant need for movement has caused a few injuries to Mommy and Daddy. That said, he is exceedingly affectionate. He loves to kiss us, and "hold me" is one of his most frequent requests.
Just two more months until I begin residency and I am savoring every day with my little pal.
