My favourite memories are before my sister was born, because then it was just Mom and I. Soon after my sister was born, I inherited two step brothers and a step father, so me and mom time was cut off! Soon after all that happened, Mom started to go through Menopause. Still to this day she hasn't gone to the doctor to look after herself. She's in denial about it all. Growing up with a mother who acts like she has a multiple personality disorder was tough. There are lots of ups and downs.

Eventually I moved out, then moved far away, but now that I’m back I can say I have a better understanding of my Mom, and we have a much better relationship now then I ever thought I'd have with her.

I'm diabetic so, my mother was extremely protective, to the point that I can actually REMEMBER when I had my first penny candy from the store on the corner. It was a week away from my 5th birthday! In grade 1, my mother started making Sugar Cookies for every single holiday or special occasion. Christmas, Easter, Halloween, my Birthday etc. She'd make dozens and dozens for my Class, the Teachers and anyone else! This carried on till grade 9, when she realized making cookies for high school classes was just not feasible! She carried on her tradition with my younger sister.

Now, this recipe just doesn't work unless you like to get your hands messy! When that I think of it, my mother NEVER had a mixer. She had an electric beater but for cookies it was useless.

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Sugar Cookies 1 1/2 cups sugar 2/3 cup shortening or butter* 2 eggs 2 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 1/4 cups flour 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt Early in the day or the day before: In a large bowl cream the shortening and the sugar. Add the eggs, extract, and milk. In a medium bowl mix the dry ingredients. Add the dry ingredients to the large bowl. Mix it all together with your hands till it's all combined. With hands, shape dough into a ball. Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease cookie sheets Roll 1/8 " to 1/4" thick. With floured cookie cutter, cut into shapes. Re-roll trimmings and cut. Place cookies 1/2 inch apart on cookie sheets. Bake 8 minutes or until very light brown. With pancake turner, remove cookies to racks; cool. To decorate you just take icing sugar and use food colouring. It's so much fun, kids love to decorate cookies! Mom made Easter cookies this year. They were in the shape of eggs, with all kinds of squiggly, polka-dot, designs. I love Mom! *I've found that if you want "sturdy and tasty" cookies you should use 1/2 shortening and 1/2 butter. Shortening makes cookies sturdy and butter makes them tasty. Yields: About 6 dozen cookies Preparation Time: This is a labor of love, so take the time!