The Cold Thrill of the Deal

Last week we purchased a brand new Cuisinart ice cream maker off Craigslist. The previous owner had received it as a wedding gift and never used it. We took that treasure off their hands for $30.

Today we are making our first batch of frozen, delicious goodness. We're starting out with the basic recipe included, but I'm sure we'll make quite a few modifications as we experiment. 

Look at that deliciousness. Nothing but milk, cream, sugar, vanilla and cold. Simply wonderful.

And since this is a series of experiments I feel completely comfortable calling this activity science. 

/ 

The Cold Thrill of the Deal

Thankful Day 4

I am thankful I live in a country where I get to vote. Simple, but true. 

Friday was the last day of early voting and while J was at his Web Design class I went to cast my ballot. I guess everyone in the free world had the same idea judging by the lines.

Not that I'm complaining, mind you. I drove in to the parking lot and nearly ran over a campaigner (shame that) to take one of the few spots left to park. I was at the same time horrified by the line and proud as all get-out that so many people were there to vote. 

After an hour of waiting and voting, I took my "I Voted Early" sticker and left with a full heart and tired feet.

I am blessed.

/

Thankful Day 4

Thankful Day 3

Today I am thankful for my mom. Well, I'm thankful for her every day, but today I will say it loud and proud. My parents divorced when I was 2 so we have always been close. There was a brief teenage rebellious period on my part, but with surprising little fanfare we transitioned to an adult relationship. 

My mom is someone I can tell anything to and not worry about her reaction. I laugh until I cry when I'm with her. We spend a lot of time sewing, thrift store shopping and eating out. All the things you'd do with a BFF. Pretty cool that my bestie is also my mommy.

/

Thankful Day 3

Thankful Day 2

I am thankful that I get to spend so much time with my sons.

I left my job after I had my first son back in 1999. I actually went on maternity leave at the end of 1998 because of complications with my pregnancy. I had fully intended to return to work after my 12 weeks of leave under the Family Medical Leave Act, but my plan wasn't the one we were to follow. 

After 36 hours of labor my OB informed me that I wasn't progressing as much as she would like. Actually what she said was the baby via c-section since his fetal heart rate was showing signs of distress and I agreed by telling her I didn't care if he came FedEx just make sure he's okay. Within 10 minutes I was under the bright surgical light. We spent the next 8 days in NICU and then the fool hospital sent that helpless baby home with us. What were they thinking?!

The first week was spent in the hospital so by the time 8 weeks rolled around I wasn't sure I could turn my baby over to someone else. My husband knew at this point that I wouldn't be going back to my job, but he had to wait for me come to that conclusion on my own. I was a child of the Working Girl 80's and I could do it all! 

But I didn't want to it all. I wanted to do with less to be able to stay home with my baby and then later with my second baby.

This month marks my 14th year at home with my kiddos. I've done work along the way that has allowed me to remain involved and available in their lives. I surely haven't made a lot of money, but I think the time together has been worth it. 

Thankful Day 2

Thankful Day 1

Today starts the annual "30 Days of Thankful" and I'm getting in just under the wire. 

I am thankful for my big crazy family. I love that a Sunday lunch with my husband's side of the family is 25 people. I love that we the ladies on my mom's side of the family meet once a month for lunch. Not a lot of people can say they know their aunts, uncles and cousins from their great-grandparents down. 

I grew up with cousins that were as close as siblings and we always have a session of "remember when" the times we get together now. We've all stayed pretty close to home so the family roots are deep and wide. 

For all this I am thankful.

/ 

Thankful Day 1