College Football Picks Week 5 Results

1. Clint -16 tiebreaker 62
2. Rex -18 tiebreaker 0
3. Tammy -23 tiebreaker 63
4. Lisa -24 tiebreaker 72 

actual tiebreaker 64

Done Got Out of Hand

Waylon Jennings had a song out many years ago called, "Don't You Think This Outlaw Bit's Done Got Out of Hand".  Referring to himself, Willie and the boys being called outlaws in country music.  Because they didn't conform to the way things were done in Nashville, and did it their own way.

I'd like to put a spin on old Waylon's song by changing one word in the title.  Don't you think this racism bit's done got out of hand?

I've noticed that white people are glaringly absent in commercials nowadays.  And when they are present it's usually more of the southern European Caucasians with the darker complexions.  I don't know when the last time was that I saw a blonde haired blue-eyed person in a commercial.  It's a rare occurrence now.

Out of curiosity, I just looked up the demographics of the United States population according to the 2020 U.S. Census.  Here is the breakdown:

White alone, percent 75.8%

Black or African American alone, percent 13.6%

American Indian and Alaska Native alone, percent 1.3%

Asian alone, percent 6.1%

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, percent 0.3%

Two or More Races, percent 2.9%

Hispanic or Latino, percent 18.9%

White alone, not Hispanic or Latino, percent  59.3%

I'm not sure how accurate these numbers are but they certainly don't represent what I see in commercials.  According to the U.S. Census demographics, white people still make up the majority of this country.  There is a big push to over represent, as they say now in woke terms, "people of color".

I have no problem with people of color – after all, we are all just children of God.  But I do have a problem with what's going on now with racism against whites.  The woke mob and liberals are trying to make white people disappear.  Racism has now turned against white people while people of color are elevated.  Nobody should be discriminated against.  But that's what's happening.  Racism is now okay if it's directed at white people.

Not only is it okay, it is celebrated.  I read an article a week or two ago about a large company laying off something like 1500 workers.  I don't remember the exact numbers.  But what stuck out to me was that the company made the point that they would take race into consideration – meaning they would lay off the white people.  As their way of showing antiracism.  Seriously?  That is the definition of racism!  Whatever happened to laying people off according to seniority or skill level?  Not by the lack of melanin in their skin.

The left has been pushing the racism agenda quite hard lately.  So much so that people are making up racism where there is none.  To paraphrase a quote I heard the other day, "the demand for racism far exceeds the supply".  This is evidenced by the Duke volleyball player who accused a BYU fan of spewing the N-word every time she served the ball.  Come to find out, after an extensive investigation, the story was fabricated – it never happened.  Jussie Smollett – same thing with is made up racism hate crime hoax.  And I'm sure there are many more stories like this.

In fact, people nowadays are hypersensitive to anything that might look like racism.  And avoid it like the plague.  In fact, the N-word is so taboo now that anyone who uses it is ruined.  They lose their job, they're ostracized, they are canceled.

But, using profanities – including graphic sexual profanity and blasphemous profanity – is totally acceptable by most in our society.  There's something very wrong with that.  You all know how averse I am to all profanity.

It's never okay to use any type of profanity.  It is offensive.  It is not acceptable.  And should not be acceptable in polite society.  But for profane racial slurs to be considered taboo while sexual and blasphemous profanity is accepted by society is nonsensical.

Critical Race Theory, white privilege, all of this garbage that is being taught is insane.  White people are being taught that they are bad for being white.  White people are being blamed for the sins of their ancestors.  No one is responsible for someone else's actions.  That is ridiculous.  Yes, racism in this country has historically been white against black.  And yes, many bad things have been done historically to black people.  And there is no excuse for that.  But that doesn't justify white racism.  As the saying goes, two wrongs don't make a right.  Man should be punished for his own sins and not for someone else's transgressions or wrongs.  

There are many people now turning the tables on white people to punish us for things our ancestors did.  Most notably Oprah and Obama are two classic examples of racism against whites.  And pretty much every woke liberal leftist has jumped on the bandwagon of racism against whites.

How about we all just follow the Golden rule and treat others as we would like to be treated?  Skin color has nothing to do with our status as children of God.  Even the Scriptures emphasize that we are all God's children.

2 Nephi 26:33

" … and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile." (emphasis added)

It would sure be nice if everybody took that scripture to heart and saw their fellow man as the children of God that they are.

Unfortunately, antiracism has gotten way out of hand.  It has turned into more racism – against white people.  So much so that it's hard to find Caucasians represented in commercials anymore.  Really, it's hard to find white people represented on TV and in any form of media.  The media certainly doesn't  represent people according to U.S. Census demographics.  The woke liberal mob is out to cancel white people.  

So while racism against whites is increasing and is acceptable in society, the demand for racism against Blacks or people of color is higher than the supply.  That's why there are so many people making up stories of racism against Blacks where it doesn't exist and creating hate crime hoaxes.

The liberal left loves their racism.

Don't you think this racism bit's done got out of hand?  I certainly do.

That's my two cents.

College Football Picks Week 4 Results

1. Clint -14 tiebreaker 58
2. Lisa -16 tiebreaker 47
3. Tammy -17 tiebreaker 63
4. Rex -17 tiebreaker 41

actual tiebreaker 85

20 Years Ago

20 years ago today my life changed drastically.  Not forever, but for the rest of mortality.  The last 20 years have certainly been difficult and challenging.  Especially for me because I'm so independent.  

So, what has gotten me through these last 20 years and through all the difficulties of life?  The Gift of the Holy Ghost – to help guide and comfort me; the gospel of Jesus Christ – to bring me peace and happiness; and the knowledge of The Plan of Salvation – to remind me that the difficult challenges of mortality are temporary.

One day, because of our Savior, Jesus Christ and His atonement, we will all be resurrected with perfect bodies.  This is a gift to all men who've ever come to earth and received a body.  I am so looking forward to this day!

And, believe it or not, we can find happiness and joy in life, despite our trials and challenges we face in mortality.  Yes, we all get sad, but true happiness and joy are found in living the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Despite the constant difficulties I've endured over the past 20 years, I can truly say that I've had a happy life.  I know there are many people who are miserable in their trials and life because they don't know the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, or choose not to follow it.

Most people aren't aware of the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  And many who are, take it for granted or choose not to live worthy of receiving his guidance and comfort.  The Gift of the Holy Ghost is truly a sacred treasure.  We receive The Gift of the Holy Ghost when we are baptized and confirmed members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Those who choose to receive The Gift of the Holy Ghost are entitled to his constant companionship to guide and comfort us as we navigate through mortality.  The Holy Ghost has helped me make good decisions, get out of dangerous situations, and has comforted me in times of sorrow.

I honestly don't know how people get through life without the guidance and comfort of the Holy Ghost, without the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the joy and happiness it brings, or without the knowledge of Heavenly Father's Plan of Salvation.

Life would be much more difficult if I wasn't blessed with The Gospel and all that it entails.  Life is hard enough with it, I can't imagine my life without it.  I have truly been blessed beyond measure!

That's my two cents.

Sunday School Lesson – Isaiah

Today's Sunday School lesson was on Isaiah.  This is the handout we gave the kids along with a blue-ribbon that said winner. 

It is easy to see the wickedness in the world

and sometimes feel that Satan is winning.

But Satan is not winning (Isaiah 14:12-16).

Satan has never won. And Satan will not win.

 

Isaiah has taught that all that is scattered will be gathered. (Isaiah 13-14)

All that is broken will be restored. (Isaiah 24-28, 30)

 

Isaiah's teachings always turn us to the Savior, Jesus Christ. 

In fact, Isaiah's name means, "The Lord is salvation."

Even his name testifies of Jesus Christ.

 

President Nelson has said, "Using a baseball analogy, we are in the

last half of the ninth inning.  Heavenly Father and His Son chose you

to be on Their team - when the game is on the line. This means

They know you, They trust you, and will help you..." (Aug. 17, 2021)

 

Remember we have access to priesthood power -- the power of God –

through covenant keeping.  Know your power!  Know your glory! 

Because of Jesus Christ and His atoning grace--we WIN!

Isaiah spoke a lot about the Second Coming of our Savior.  President Nelson said we are in the bottom of the ninth inning of the last days before the Savior comes again.  I would venture to guess that we are in the bottom of the ninth with two outs.

Isaiah also spoke a lot of our Savior and prophesied of his first and second coming.  Isaiah lived 700 years before Christ was born.  In fact, the writings of Isaiah prophesying of Christ are so important that the prophet Nephi quoted much of Isaiah in The Book of Mormon.  It's no coincidence that Lehi and his family left Jerusalem (600 BC) just 100 years after Isaiah lived and prophesied.  And were able to take the writings of Isaiah with them.

Isaiah wrote of the scattering and gathering of Israel.  President Nelson said a few years ago that the gathering of Israel is the most important work we are doing in these last days leading up to the Savior's Second Coming.  The gathering of Israel being bringing people to Christ and His Church.

Another part of the lesson that we touched on was when Isaiah mentioned Satan and how we will be astonished at what a pansy he is and how he was able to deceive so many people.

Isaiah has always been stigmatized as hard to understand.  But, even though Isaiah lived and wrote 2700 years ago, his words are written for us in these last days to help bring us closer to Christ.  I believe Isaiah is the most oft quoted ancient prophet.  With even Jesus Christ himself quoting Isaiah.  It would be wise of us to study Isaiah's teachings.

That's my two cents.

College Football Picks Week 3 Results

1. Lisa -12 tiebreaker 51
2. Clint -12 tiebreaker 52
3. Rex -12 tiebreaker 55
4. Tammy -15 tiebreaker 53

actual tiebreaker 42

College Football Picks Week 2 Results

1. Clint -14 tiebreaker 54
2. Tammy -15 tiebreaker 43
3. Rex -15 tiebreaker 66
4. Lisa -19 tiebreaker 51

actual tiebreaker 46

College Football Picks Week 1 Results

1. Rex -12 tiebreaker 42
2. Clint -13 tiebreaker 48
3. Tammy -16 tiebreaker 37
4. Lisa -19 tiebreaker 48

Actual Tiebreaker 55

Proverbs and Ecclesiastes Lesson

Our lesson this week is on Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.  Lisa had the fun idea to put Proverbs in fortune cookies to have the kids crack open and read them and discuss them.  But then we realized it was Fast Sunday so she made fortune cookies out of paper instead.

So it will be a fun, different lesson with each kid getting to open their "fortune cookie" to read and discuss.  Hopefully it will encourage more participation.  We are also getting new people in our ward with boundary changes last week.  So we may have more kids in our class.

Here's a list of the Scriptures we put in each fortune cookie.  And I will include pictures at the end.

Proverbs 1:7  "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Proverbs 3: 5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."

Proverbs 3:12. "For whom the Lord loveth He correcteth..."

Proverbs 4:18. "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."

Proverbs 20:1. "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."

Proverbs 30:5. "Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him."

Proverbs 15:1. "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."

Proverbs 31:10. "Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies."

Proverbs 31:25-26 "Strength and honor are her clothing...she openeth her mouth with wisdom and in her tongue is the law of kindness."

Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."

Ecclesiastes 9:10. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might..."

Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

Proverbs 17:22. "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine-"

Proverbs 16:24 "Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones."

Proverbs 16:9 "A man's heart deviseth his way; But the Lord directeth His steps."

Proverbs 6:20-23 "My son, keep thy father's commandments and forsake not the law of thy mother. Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.  When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou wakest, it shall talk with thee. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light..."

Proverbs 8: 32-35 "Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways, Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my door. For whoso findeth me findeth life..."

Handouts and fortune cookies ready to go for the lesson on Sunday.

Paper fortune cookies with Proverbs inside.

Back of hand out with Kind bar attached.

Handouts in the basket

This is the handout I designed as per Lisa's instruction.

Elvis and Me

My friend, Crista, sent me an email a few days ago informing me that she had sent me a gift in the mail and to be expecting it.  She and her husband, Aaron, and their four kids came to visit last month on their way to Guam.  Aaron is in the Navy and was being stationed in Guam.  It was fun seeing them again.

Anyway, a couple of days ago I received the gift in the mail.  It brought a smile to my face. I had Lisa set it up for me and, well, here is a picture of me with the gift. 

It's a life-size cardboard cutout of Elvis.  Thanks Crista.  Now, Elvis is always with me while I'm on my computer.

I didn't remember that Crista knew that I was an Elvis fan.  But Lisa reminded me that we sang Elvis songs when we did karaoke.  Crista and Aaron came to my apartment in San Francisco a few times when we all were in podiatry school there.  One time we had dinner and sang karaoke.  The cops may or may not have been involved.  :-)  I do have a vague memory of Aaron singing some Elvis stuff.  Fun times!

Anyway I had Lisa take this picture of me with gold lame Elvis this morning.  :-)  

Now, there are two good-looking people.  :-)

That's my two cents.

Lasagna Recipe

I've been wanting to post this recipe to my blog for over a year and never got around to it.  Since I designed this recipe to feed an army for the reunion,  I was going to quarter it to make one large deep dish lasagna before I posted it.  But I never did, so I'm just going to post it as is and let you do the math.  :-)

I designed this recipe by combining two recipes together and including what I thought would taste the best.  I think it turned out pretty good.  The only variation from this recipe that we did when making these for the family reunion was instead of using the dried noodles, we used frozen whole sheet lasagna noodles from the freezer section at cash and carry.  One sheet fits perfect for each layer in the lasagna pan.  Makes assembly a little easier.   But using the grocery store dried noodles will work fine.

This is a good recipe for making a bunch of lasagnas to freeze for later use.  If you do use the disposable aluminum half sheet pans, this recipe actually makes six not four.  Since they are a little smaller than the deep dish lasagna pans. If you don't have that much freezer space you can certainly half or quarter this recipe.  Or share with friends.  :-) It's about the same amount of work to make one as it is to make four or six.  So freezing or sharing is a good option.

Enjoy!

lasagna for Stone family reunion (makes 4 half sheet pans)

BOLOGNESE

• 4 pounds mild Italian sausage bulk or casings removed

• 4 pounds lean ground beef

• 4 large white or yellow onions chopped

• 1/2 cup minced garlic (20-30 cloves)

• ¼ cup sugar

• 1 Tablespoon fennel seed

• 1/4 cup dried basil

• 6 Tablespoons dried parsley

• 2 Tablespoons dried oregano

• 2 teaspoons EACH dried thyme, salt, pepper

• 1 #10 can crushed tomatoes

• 1 #10 can tomato sauce

• 2 cups water (or chicken broth)

• 1 29 ounce can tomato paste

CHEESE FILLING

• 1 (5 pound tub) whole milk ricotta cheese

• 1 (2 pound tub) sour cream (or 4 cups)

• 1 (2 pound tub) cottage cheese (or 4 cups)

• ¼ cup dried basil (or dried parsley)

• 1 teaspoon nutmeg

• 6 eggs

• 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

LAYERS (for each of the four pans)

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese x4

• 1 pound shredded mozzarella (4 cups) x4

• 15 classic lasagna noodles (NOT no-boil) x4

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place lasagna noodles into the bottom of a long pan. Pour hot tap water over the noodles until they are submerged. Let them soak while you prep the lasagna – at least 30 minutes. Agitate the noodles with your hands occasionally to prevent them from sticking together.

2. In a large pot, brown ground beef, sausage, and onions over medium heat. Add garlic and and cook 30 more seconds.

3. Add Bolognese spices, stir. Then add liquid ingredients, cover, and bring to a boil. Remove lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently uncovered for 30-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until Bolognese is reduced but still saucy.

4. While sauce is simmering, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Add all of the Cheese Filling ingredients to a large bowl and mix until combined.

5. To assemble, lightly grease 4 disposable aluminum half sheet catering pans. Spread 1 ½ cups of meat sauce in the bottom of each prepared pan (layer will be thin). Place 4 noodles lengthwise and part of a 5th noodle on top to cover. Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture for each pan. Top with 1 cup mozzarella cheese followed by ¼ cup Parmesan cheese for each pan. Top with another layer of noodles. Repeat layers (meat, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan).  To finish, top with meat sauce, remaining mozzarella (1 cup) and remaining Parmesan cheese (¼ cup). (Pans will be very full.) Cover with disposable aluminum half sheet lids.

6. Place lasagna pans on a baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove lid, and bake an additional 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Let stand 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Honesty and Truthfulness

At first glance you might think that being honest and truthful are synonymous.  But there actually is a big difference in the two qualities.  Truth is a constant.  Truth is unchangeable.  It is what it is.  Regardless of your beliefs, truth is truth.  Honesty on the other hand is based on your beliefs.  Honesty is not always based on what is true.

For example, eye witnesses believe what they say they saw is true, but often times are very wrong.  An eyewitness might say they saw the perpetrator drive off in a blue truck wearing a red shirt.  When in fact, truth of the matter is that truck was red and the shirt was blue.  But, they were honest in their description of what they saw, because that's what they believed they saw.  Eye witnesses are notorious for honestly giving wrong information while being adamant that they are right.

Another example of being honest but not truthful are liberals.  They believe a multitude of falsities and honestly spew them as truth.  One example that comes to mind is abortion.  Liberals keep pounding into everyone's head that abortion is women's healthcare.  And many people honestly believe that.  But the truth of the matter is that abortion is murder.  Abortion is the furthest thing from healthcare.  People are easily brainwashed into believing the lies from the left. 

One more example.  Atheists believe there is no God.  They would probably pass a lie detector test professing as much.  Because they honestly believe it.  Although, I think deep down in their subconscious mind everybody knows there's a God.  But I digress.  Regardless of what atheists believe and profess, the truth of the matter is that there is a God.  So an atheist may be honest in his claim of not believing in God.  But, he would not be truthful because God does exist.

People can honestly believe untruths, unfortunately.  In fact, this is one of Satan's greatest tactics.  To get people to believe lies.

For those who may be deceived into believing Satan's lies, there is a way to decipher truth.  The answer is found in The Book of Mormon.

Moroni 10:5

"And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."

The Holy Ghost reveals all truths.  How do we access that power?  Through prayer, with real intent, having faith in Christ.  That's how truth is manifest to us through the Holy Ghost.

The reason I have been thinking of the difference between truthfulness and honesty is because of the Johnny Depp trial.  I know, we all thought I was done talking about the Johnny Depp trial but, apparently I'm not.  :-)

There were many text messages and emails presented by the defense during the trial.  Many vile, vulgar, and profane messages.  And while admittedly embarrassed and ashamed of what he said and of the language he used, Johnny Depp, nonetheless, owned them and admitted to writing them.  Except for two.

There were two text messages that Johnny Depp denied writing.  I wondered why he would deny writing these two, when he owned up to all the rest.  After pondering this for a while, I've got a couple of theories.

Perhaps, knowing that he wrote them, he felt they were so "grotesque" that he couldn't bear to own up to them.  Which would be deceptive and dishonest.  Or he really didn't think he wrote them.  In which he would be honest in his denial.  Regardless of the truth.

I think it's the latter.  Here's why: what was written in those text messages goes against Johnny's core beliefs, and who he is as a person.  When Mr. Rottenborn (opposing counsel) asked him if he believed what was written, Mr. Depp replied that, no, that was ludicrous.  He said he didn't have that kind of hubris.  Mr. Depp was very adamant in his denial.  In fact, when Mr. Rottenborn said, "pull-up exhibit such and such", Mr. Depp said, "you can pull up what you want, I've never said those things".  Then when he saw the actual text messages on the screen, he had a sincere look of shock on his face.  So, even if he did write them, he obviously wasn't aware of it.

Now, as to the truth of whether Mr. Depp did actually write those text messages, I don't know.  At first I thought he did because they are written in his style of writing.  Using all caps on some words with multiple exclamation points.  But that's easy to decipher and copy.  So someone else could have easily written those messages using Johnny's phone.  So I'm kind of split on whether he actually wrote them or not.  

Mr. Depp certainly could have written those messages in a drug and alcohol fueled state where he doesn't remember writing them.  Or someone else could have written them, using his phone, pretending to be him.

But, that truth doesn't really matter.  I think, in this case, his honesty is more important than the truth of who wrote the messages.

Because Mr. Depp was so honest in all of the other embarrassing, vile, vulgar, profane text messages, I find it hard to believe that he would lie about these particular messages.  I fully believe that he was completely honest during the entire trial, including his denial of writing these two particular text messages.

Whether the denial was truthful or not is yet to be determined but I do believe that it was honest.

The way I see it, is that honesty is sincerely professing what you believe to be true, with no intention of deception.  And truthfulness is professing things as they really are.

So, yes, honesty and truthfulness to go hand-in-hand, but they are not synonymous.

I would say that truthfulness always comes with honesty.  But honesty doesn't always come with truthfulness.

That's my two cents.

Sunday School Lesson – Job

Yesterday Lisa and I taught our Sunday School lesson on Job.  I'm not going to include my notes because I had seven pages and I know nobody will read them anyway.  But I am including my handouts.  Front and back laminated.  No treats for the kids this week, just the handouts.

Nobody was showing up, so I thought word must have gotten out that I was teaching.  Then seven kids eventually showed up and we started late – at about a quarter after the hour.  I guess it went okay.  I don't fancy myself a very good teacher but I tried.  Anyway here are the handouts.

 

Johnny Depp Quotes

"Life is too short to lie."  – Johnny Depp, 2014

"I believe that if you are armed with the truth, then that's all you need." – Johnny Depp, 2021

"When there is an injustice against – whether it's you, or someone you love, or someone you believe in – standup.  Don't sit down.  Don't sit down on them.  Because they need you." – Johnny Depp, 2021

"No human being is perfect, certainly not, none of us".  – Johnny Depp, 2022

"I don't think anyone enjoys having to split themselves open and tell the truth.  But there are times when one just simply has to, because it's gotten out of control."  – Johnny Depp, 2022

"My goal is the truth.  My goal is the truth."  – Johnny Depp, 2022

"I pride myself on honesty.  I pride myself on truth.  Truth is the only thing I'm interested in.  Lies will get you nowhere.  Lies build upon lies and build upon lies.  It's too much to cover.  I'm obsessed with the truth."  – Johnny Depp, 2022

I know I wasn't going to do any more posts about Johnny Depp.  But, having watched a few interviews, I really liked some of the things he said about truth and lies.  So I went back and transcribed some of the quotes that I liked.  Some of the quotes are from interviews and some are from the defamation trial.

Though Johnny Depp and I are polar opposites in most areas of life, we do share a love for the truth. I especially love the last quote.  I can't help but respect the man for being honest and speaking truth.  Enjoy these words of wisdom from, of all people, Mr. Johnny Depp.

That's my two cents.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

These have been our favorite cookies for several years.  I made the recipe just big enough to fit in a KitchenAid mixer.  So this makes a lot of cookies!  You can half or even quarter the recipe.  This recipe makes five dozen (medium ice cream scoop sized) cookies.  These freeze well – so you can always have fresh cookies out of the freezer.  This is what Mom used to do.  We would make a huge batch and freeze most of them and eat them right out of the freezer, one cookie at a time, when we wanted a treat.  :-) Or you can let them thaw also.

I had Juliet make these when she was here for the race last week.  They were a hit!  Everybody loved them.  So will you.  :-) Enjoy!

Here is the recipe:

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

2 cups butter or margarine

2 cups peanut butter

2 cups granulated sugar

2 cups packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons baking powder

4 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

5 cups all-purpose flour

3 cups chocolate chips

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl beat the butter or margarine and peanut butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder. Cream together until combined. Add the eggs and vanilla. Beat together until well mixed.  Add flour and beat until just mixed together. Stir in chocolate chips.

Roll into balls and place on cookie sheet. Bake at 375°F for 7 to 9 minutes until lightly browned. Let cool on wire rack. Makes five dozen large cookies.