Graduation Gift

I must say I almost cried on Wednesday. I knew something was going on though when my husband calls me, tells me he's going somewhere with his mom but I can't come with. Whatever, I'll just sit home and read my book till he calls me back. This time he wants me to come to his mom's house. Ok... Not that I have a problem going over there but why couldn't he just come home? Well, luckily I was dressed, which is a feat even though it was like 4 pm, so I slipped on some flip flops and drove over to Barbara's. I walk in the door and the first thing I hear is, Happy Graduation! (Since I just decided to be done with school we are now celebrating my belated graduation) Thanks I reply but too soon. Mike steps to the side revealing total surprise. At first I was slightly confused, why does Barbara have one of these on her counter in a box? She already has one in the corner she uses. Then it hits me. This is for me! This meaning:

A Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer!!!

Tears were coming to my eyes, my throat tightening in happiness and thanks. Ever since my mom got one when I was still living at home, I've wanted one of my own, dreaming of all the cakes and cookies and bread I could make with it. I definitely had not been expecting this! I was so excited to take it home an use it! Unfortunately, plans and work got in the way, so I wasn't able to use it til this morning. Barbara had given me a couple of bananas to use so guess what I made? My most favorite Banana Bread ever!

Mike wanted to help so I let him. That is his awesome hand modeling job going on. We couldn't take body shots cuz, well, like I said earlier, its a miracle if I'm dressed by 4 pm, and this was taken at like 11 am. Needless to say the banana bread turned out delicious!
Here's the recipe:
2 medium bananas
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup veggie oil
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
3/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Mash bananas with potato masher until all lumps are gone. Dissolve soda in 2 Tbsp hot water. Add soda to bananas and stir well. Mix all remaining ingredients into bananas. Pour into greased 8x8 cake pan. Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.