Golden
After 22 years of waiting, I finally got to celebrate my golden birthday! For some reason, as a little girl, I thought a golden birthday was so cool and was jealous of my brothers and sister whose birthdays fell on 3's and 12's.  I think I was just a liiitle more excited about it 10 years ago than now, but it's fun to remember my little girl anticipation. My siblings and I all had our respective birthday traditions: My brothers, whose birthday fell on July 3, always had a 4th of July celebration. Aliza, whose birthday is the 12th of January, usually celebrated a little early so we could have a New Years party for her-always complete with either homemade pizza or her favorite, shrimp.  And for my big day, we always had a barbecue.  I love those days at home on our farm: playing football in the backyard with the smell of the grill and the feel of grass between bare toes.  This year was a little different without my annual tradition but it was special in a new way; my first birthday with a husband to celebrate with!  Here's a snapshot of our fun weekend:

• Homemade Pizza + Monster Cookies+Wine+Harry Potter= Perfect Rainy Friday Night In 
• Hours spent at City Museum+Chava's+Pirates of the Caribbean at the Drive-In=Incredibly Fun Day/Night Out
• Mickey Mouse Pancakes made by Josh+New Church that we like+Katie's Pizza+Spending Time Together=Relaxing Day to Regenerate our Spirits & Connect With Each Other & God

 So needless to say, it was a wonderful weekend filled with lots of love, LOTS of laughing, and lots of time spent hanging out with my best friend. Thank you for a wonderful golden birthday, Josh. Love you.

Killer Monster Cookies

• 3 eggs
• 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 12-ounce jar creamy peanut butter
• 1 stick butter, softened
• 1/2 cup M&M's
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup raisins, optional
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal (not instant)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats. Mix the eggs and sugars. Add the salt, vanilla, peanut butter, and butter. Mix well. Stir in the M&M's, chocolate chips, raisins, baking soda, and oatmeal. Drop by tablespoons 2 inches apart onto cookie sheets.Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.