Today’s my birthday, y’all. And I’m not taking the day off. Too many good desserts to share, too little time!
If you recall, a few days ago I turned my nerd on and explained why time passes faster as we age. Because of that unfortunate phenomenon, I’ve come to an important resolution.
This past week has been my family’s annual beach week. We go to the Eastern Shore with all of the family and enjoy time in the sun, sand, and amusement parks. While I was riding on the merry-go-round at Funland earlier, I realized that there’s only one thing I can do to stop time from moving so fast. Ready?
Stop. Rushing. Everything.
I don’t know about you, but I’m always thinking forward to the next thing. Next week, next month, next year. I’m a big planner and list-maker, which means that things stay nice and organized. The downside? It’s hard to remember to live in the present when all you can think about is the future.
Listening to my friends and wiser elders, I’ve grown to realize that time standing still is actually a good thing. For instance, my kids are still young and cute and cuddly. From what I’ve observed as a high school teacher, children grow away from parents. It’s natural and appropriate. So why on earth can’t I just stop and enjoy the time I have with my little chubby-cheeked crew? It’s high time things slowed down a bit. Especially since as of today, I’m a lot closer to 40 than 30. Ick. My dad tells me that it’s no big deal, but it’s all about perspective.
Last night, Kenny and I were walking on the beach and talking about our upcoming 10-year wedding anniversary. As of this August, I will have known Kenny for half of my life, which is mind-boggling in itself. But in the past ten years, we’ve done an awful lot. Had our children, solidified our careers, grown together. It’s been quite a ride. The next ten years are really startling, though. That will produce teenagers and complexities that I don’t even want to think about.
So, are we all agreed? Time will now stand still. Who’s with me?
Summer is almost over, so I’m fighting the gradual ebb by making a totally summery treat. To be honest, I wanted to make these pudding pops of the peanut butter and chocolate variety. But then I thought about my poor son, the one who hates all things chocolate. He really loves vanilla, though. And sprinkles. So these funfetti pudding pops seemed like the right thing to do.
After all, I always want to be the mom who makes the food that everyone loves. It doesn’t always work out that way, but the glory is in the effort. My own mom tried to make me Reese’s peanut butter bars from a mix for my birthday. They tasted good, but looked a little…special. She kept blaming the mix. I think it’s human error. But either way, I loved that she baked for me, and that she picked out my favorite kind of dessert.
Life is about cherishing the moments as they happen, not waiting for something better to come along. I’m not sure how to achieve that delicate balance between anticipating the future with hope and not rushing the present, but I’m going to give it a shot this year. Wish me luck!
Ingredients
1 package vanilla pudding mix (for four pops, use the 3.5 oz. size)
milk (as directed on package)
rainbow sprinkles (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the vanilla pudding mix according to package directions.
- When the pudding has set, mix in the rainbow sprinkles.
- Spoon the pudding into popsicle molds or Dixie cups with popsicle sticks. Freeze overnight.
3.1
http://justaboutbaked.com/funfetti-pudding-pops/
Oh girl, there is so much to say here. I think the most important thing is that you need to cherish your little babies now. Some advice that I got when my baby girl was about 3 was to always hold their hand when you have the chance because they are not always going to want to. I want to be a big girl! I can do it myself! Heard that before? It’s true. But they are also always your babies. Sigh…. The life of an empty nester….
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks recently posted…Roasted Beets – Homegrown!!
Awesome advice, Rachelle. You are clearly quite wise. I’m not looking forward to the empty nest thing. I hear it’s very quiet.
Happy birthday, Mir! Hope you have an amazing day! I totally agree with you about rushing time. It’s so hard for me to live in the moment at times, but I really need to work on doing that more. I often look ahead rather than what I have right here and now. These birthday pops look delicious! Pudding ones are my favorite to make, so easy and mouthwatering!
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Raspberry Moscato Mojito
They are totally easy, Gayle. You’ve posted some great ones! It’s so hard to live in the moment. I try to, though!
Happy belated birthday!!! Hope it was amazing…and filled with this delicious pudding pop!!
Aimee @ ShugarySweets recently posted…Chocolate Cookie Dough Fudge
Thanks, Aimee. It was pretty good! Ice cream cake happened. 🙂
Happy Birthday!
Yeah, I struggle with time, as it really is going way too fast.
I also wish that I had loads more room in my freezer, so I can make lots of delicious frozen treats like these.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on Honey Bread Rolls by Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie
Thanks, Dannii! I need more room in my freezer, too. I freeze so much dessert!
Mir, I love this post . . first off, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Do today right, yo.!!! love these funfetti-pudding-pops!! I’m also a big planner and list-maker, and you are so right about remembering to live in the present! I have deep thoughts like this when I am watching my kids sleeping at night . . makes me think. . am I doing enough? playing with them enough? spending time with our little chubby-cheeked crew sounds like a fabulous idea. . and hey, no worries on 40 yo. you got this. Age is just a number. and cherishing the moments as they happen, not waiting for something better to come along . these are words of wisdom. Thank you for sharing today, Mir!! LUCK!!!!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom recently posted…25 Healthy Back To School Lunch Ideas
It’s SO awesome to watch the kids sleep. They always look so sweet and cuddly and innocent. I know I’m going to miss these days, so I want to hold on to them and not wonder if tomorrow will be better! Thanks, Alice!
Happy birthday! I hope you have an amazing day! These pops are so fun and such a great way to celebrate!
Jen | Baked by an Introvert recently posted…Nectarine Crumble Bars
Thanks, Jen! I did have lots of fun!
Happy birthday!! And 10 years, gosh it seems like the time flies. Like, one minute you’re a kid in love with a boy and then you’re married a decade. Crazy! I wonder what it’ll be like at my 15th and 20th. !!!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted…Easy Apple Strudel
I know. Where is the girl who fell in love with the boy? We’ve both changed so much, but I’m glad we’ve changed together. And you’re coming up on 15. Wow!
Happy Birthday Mir, I hope you have a fantastic day! 🙂 The pops look fantastic!
Manali @ CookWithManali recently posted…Aloo Kulcha
Thanks, Manali! You’re so sweet!
Yay, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIR!! What a perfect dessert to share for the occasion, so festive!
And I am with you 100%… I need to stop rushing things too. Always looking forward and not focusing on the moment isn’t the way it should always be… I really enjoyed reading this post!
Sam @ SugarSpunRun recently posted…Chocolate Pie With Mint Whipped Cream
Thanks, Sam! I wanted to be festive. If not now, when?
Happy Birthday Mir! Hope it is a great one! These popsicles look so cool, love the idea! You are so right, time is moving way to fast and I feel like I’m always in a rush! Pinned !
Mira recently posted…Chewy Blueberry Almond Granola Bars
Rushing is such a problem. We all need to slow down. Thanks for pinning!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I feel you on the thinking ahead- I plan my life pretty obsessively, even day to day. It helped me to get a physical planner instead of just using my phone, because it allowed me to limit how much I overplanned. (Writing “drink water” seems pretty crazy when you write it out) These pudding pops are so festive- love funfetti 🙂
Medha @ Whisk & Shout recently posted…Vegan Peach Galette with Coconut Pastry
Physical planners are so much better than phones. I like seeing it right there in front of me, too. Thanks, Medha!