Tomorrow is my birthday! This weekend, my family pulled out all the stops to make it really special for me. M’s boyfriend, M’s birthday is only 4 days before mine. I’m not sure yet how I feel about having to share my celebrations with him. I mean, of all the people in the world, did she have to pick someone in my same birthday WEEK?!All joking aside, it was great to have the whole family together before the chocolate candy that melts in your mouth and not in your hand had to go back to school. It was sad to see them go but happy that we got to have one blowout celebration before they left.

They will be home soon enough; in fact, soon (for the first time in at least 3+ years) we will have three months where we are all in the same state; all within an hour from one another. I can hardly believe it and despite the problems I have had (and am having) adjusting to this place, I’m glad that I made the move. Being physically close to my family as well as emotionally close is everything I hoped it would be. Now, if only John could get his BEHIND down here, my life would really be complete.

Anyway, to celebrate my birth, I decided to showcase these sweet cookies. Nothing says sweet like sugar, and nothing says sugar like sugar cookies. The way I like them best is shoved on the ends of a round scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream. DELICIOUS. These are quick and easy because well, its my birthday!

Quick and Easy Sugar Cookies (adapted from here)
Serves: 24 (4 dozen = 48 cookies)
2 3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light in color and smooth (3-5 minutes). Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually beat in the dry ingredients. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 7-10 minutes, until just golden but still soft. Let cool. Serve immediately or store in airtight container for up to 1 week.

Until the next time my oven is on…