Today in American history…former First Lady Barbara Bush was born on June 8, 1925 in New York City.

One of my favorite quotes from her is: “Never lose sight of the fact that the most important yardstick of your success will be how you treat other people – your family, friends, and coworkers, and even strangers you meet along the way.”

A few personal memories of her shared by those who had a chance to meet her were one of my former boss at The Pentagon. I worked for a high-level official who was invited to the Naval ship christening of the USS George H.W. Bush on October 7, 2006. My boss saw an older lady fussing with a camera and didn’t take notice at the time that it was Barbara Bush. Mrs. Bush saw my boss and and asked her, “would you mind taking a picture of my family together?” and then it dawned on her…this is Barbara Bush asking her to take a family picture. It was just so sweet and humbling. A woman who just wanted to take a private moment to have a picture of her family. of course, there were official photographers everywhere. There was the press. But she wanted a picture taken with her own personal camera.

Another is of when Mrs Bush visited my children’s elementary school and read to them one afternoon. They sat in a circle and she read one of her most recent published books about her dogs. One again, a very humble and real person who loved her family, children and her country.

Mrs Bush was known for her friendliness and fun but above all – she was truly dedicated and loyal to her family. It’s not surprising at all that she would have a treasure trove of family recipes and how generous it was of her to share them so that we could enjoy them too!

Barbara Bush’s Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies 

Ingredients

1 cup butter 
1 cup granulated sugar 
1 cup brown sugar 
2 eggs 
2 cups flour 
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups instant oatmeal
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 package (12 ounces) chocolate chips

Directions

Blend the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat in the eggs. Sift and add the flour. Add the baking soda and salt. Add and mix in the oatmeal, vanilla and chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Enjoy!