Yes, I said “skort.” Before you assume that I’m dressing like a 2 year-old, they do make cool skorts nowadays that look like miniskirts but that have shorts under. It’s more ladylike not to flash people.

When it’s hot outside, I like to sit on my front step drenched in sunscreen and mosquito repellent. I’ll bring out a book, a cup of ice water, and a frozen treat. This week, these peanut butter fudge pops are getting a lot of play. They require only two ingredients, so get cracking!

Lately, I’ve been trying to up my crossword puzzle action. Studies show pretty much everything you want them to show, but one of those things is that crossword puzzles keep brain function higher as we age. I don’t know if it’s true, but by golly, I’m gonna do them anyway. After all, crossword puzzles are fun, and if they’re maybe healthy for my noggin, why not?

My grandmother was a big crossword puzzle enthusiast. After she retired, she would wake up in the morning and start a puzzle before going for her daily swim. When she got back, she’d dry off and make lunch, and then after lunch, she’d make a cup of tea and finish the puzzle. What I remember most is that she always used an erasable pen, a habit that I plan to mimic when I hit retirement. After all, writing in pencil is no fun, but mistakes in pen don’t work with crosswords. She was a very sensible woman.

When I was a kid, I’d spend every third Sunday with my grandparents. My grandmother would honk her horn and I’d come outside quickly, dreading a second honk. Then we’d head to the pool together, where she’d forego her usual laps to watch me splash around and play with me. When we go home, my grandmother would make me a pizza with extra cheese while she prepared sandwiches for my grandfather and herself, and she’d always let me snack on cheese while the pizza was cooking. And dessert was always ice cream in a fancy ice cream parlor-style glass with Magic Shell on top.

Back then, I didn’t know what the word “pamper” meant, but that was definitely it. Nobody pampers like grandparents. My relationship with my grandparents was complicated, but I loved those Sundays of being indulged. I mean, I ate a whole pizza every time. It was amazing. And I was allowed to spend the afternoon doing whatever I wanted. Now I see my kids with their grandparents, and I know they don’t yet appreciate how lucky they are. But they will someday!

I always think of childhood when I make popsicles. Isn’t that the age when we’re most delighted with food on a stick? Oh, who am I kidding. Everyone loves that!

These pops are made of two things: peanut butter and chocolate milk. That’s it! Mix and freeze. You’re done. It’s like a frozen fudge bar, but with a peanut butter twist. Calcium and protein in one shot, friends! How is that for healthy?

And if you’ll excuse me, I have a crossword on the front porch to attack along with one of these. Hope you have a moment to yourself today!

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!