Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever

2 cups butter or margarine, softened
2 cups sugar
2 cups brown sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 cups flour
5 cups oatmeal
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 (12 oz) packages chocolate chips

optional: 2-3 cups chopped nuts

In a very large bowl, cream butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well. Add flour, oatmeal, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Mix well. Add chocolate chips and nuts (if desired). Stir gently to mix. Roll into 1 and 1/2 inch balls or drop by heaping tablespoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Bake at 400 F for 7-9 minutes.

From Vanessa Davis