You heard me right, birthday cake COOKIES.
The reason I decided to make these instead of a birthday cake, was that I had no more icing. And since it had just snowed so, I was not going anywhere. These cookies though, are so yummy and they are super easy to make; just take any cake mix box, add the required amount of eggs and oil - omit the water, stir and drop teaspoon size onto baking sheet. Bake approx. 8 min or so. Mmm...
I ended up making homemade icing. I thought I would give it a try and it turned out pretty freakin' good, if I do say so for myself. Hubby asked if I had more! To make the icing I took cream cheese and 1/2 stick butter (softened) and 1/2 t. vanilla extract mix it until it was smooth, then gradually added powdered sugar. I would add a 1/2 cup pwd. sugar at a time stirring until it was a nice consistency. I put it into a plastic bag, cut off the tip and piped it onto the cooled cookies.
My little man had the idea to put cherries on top. Cherries happen to be a favorite of my dads, so that was no problem. And I added some chocolate chips because you just can't have enough chocolate!
You know you want one...My dad is a great man. Not too many men would have done what he has. He has made many sacrifices in his life for me and for his family. My dad joined the military when he was 18 years old. When he was 20 he went on his first deployment to the Philippines. There he met my mom and me. I was 2 years old. He fell in love with my mom and within another 2 years we were living in the United States. My dad at such a young age got married and had an instant family. He never had children of his own, but he has always loved me as his own. Rheumatoid arthritis left him unable to continue his career in the Navy. And last year he lost his best friend/his dad, my papalan. Life hasn't always dealt him the best hands and there have been times where he questioned his purpose. After, my parents got divorced, my dad was reborn and was baptized in the baptist church. I was so proud of him.
Today, just before I wrote this post, I found this book called; Birthday Wishes For You, while cleaning up the kids toys. This is for my dad.
God has chosen this day especially for you!
In His infinite timing and wisdom, He chose this day to bring you into this world and to make you a part of His plan. He created you with special talents designed for His purpose. He has blessed you with the desire to fulfill His purpose and the ability to succeed in His plan. Setting you free, He designed your path for life. Celebrate your life by honoring the days you've had and have to come! For this coming year and the years to follow, may everything that you've dreamed of come true!
p.s. In case you were wondering why I didn't have any icing, in these parts we like to sometimes eat frosting straight from the container. I know, it's kinda gross, but it.is.so.good.

