Crushed Oreo cookies, layered with chocolate pudding and whipped cream. A pudding dessert we all grew up with and love.
I’ll admit it. I’m a weary mom. Who isn’t? My kids are at the age where they need my attention just about every second of my life. Some days I love it. Other days I hate it. Does this make me a bad mom? Of course not!
I thought that when Judah started preschool this year, that I would have more time to get my own work done. But, guess what? Simon started crawling. Changed everything! So, instead of being able to lay him down with his toys while I write a few articles, edit a couple of photos and brainstorm some recipes, I am now laying on the floor with him, making sure he doesn’t scoot on over to grab something that will be harmful to him.
Sure, his Jumperoo keeps him busy for a few minutes, and he can be contained in his bouncer or swing for a portion of the time, but when my focus is broken, it is hard to regain it. My work time during the week is now limited to the quick 1 1/2 to 2 hour nap he takes while Judah’s in school two days a week, then that’s about it! (Which is why I started him in Mom’s Day Out at Judah’s school last Thursday.)
So, stay at home moms who have a job or hobby on the side – how do you find time?? In addition to playing with your kids, how do you find time to:
- clean your home,
- do your hobbies,
- read a book,
- serve in your church,
- browse on Pinterest,
- post on Facebook,
- get your work done (in my case, this little blog of mine),
- volunteer in your community,
- stay up to date with current fashions,
- watch your favorite TV shows,
- keep in touch with your friends and family, etc. etc. etc.
Can you tell I want to have my cake and eat it, too? 😉
How about an Oreo pudding dessert instead? This is one of my favorite desserts of all time, including my childhood years. I’m willing to bet most of you have had this heavenly dessert at one time or another. Easy to layer together, no baking required, but you must have people to share it with.
- 1 (14.3 oz.) package regular Oreo cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter , melted
- 3 1/4 cups cold milk
- 2 packages (3.9 oz each) chocolate instant pudding mix (generic brand is fine)
- 16 ounces Cool Whip
- 8 ounces cream cheese , at room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
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Place all of the Oreo cookies into a large zipper sealed bag. Seal and lay flat on the counter. Using a rolling pin, crush the cookies in the bag.
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Reserve a heaping 1/2 cup of the crushed cookies then transfer the rest into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Melt the butter and pour it into the pan with the crush cookies. Toss to coat. Press the buttered Oreos to line the bottom of the pan.
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Pour the milk into a large mixing bowl, then whisk in all of the pudding mix until well combined. Cool in the fridge to thicken until ready to use.
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In another mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat again until smooth. Mix in the powdered sugar until well combined. Using a rubber spatula, gently stir in half of the Cool Whip. Evenly spread over top the Oreo crust.
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Remove the pudding from the fridge and layer over the cream cheese mixture. Top with the other half of the Cool Whip, then sprinkle with the reserved 1/2 cup crushed Oreos.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Best served within 2 days. Store in the refrigerator.
I have four children, all grown. When I was expecting the first, I was working on a needlepoint rug. It fell by the wayside because my husband and I wanted to clear all our debt (except for house) before the baby came. I thought “I’ll have more time after the baby is born.” It’s still on the stitching frame. First baby is 34. The time I had to work on my own projects was after they went to bed at night. The youngest is just now planning to leave home, and I’m very sad. My problem is the reverse of yours. Now it’s “What am I going to do all day?” They are going to grow up very fast! You might have to drop a thing or two. You’ll remember what you did with the children, but you won’t remember Facebook.
Thanks, Wanda. I can already feel my kids growing way too quickly! 🙂 Which is why I choose to play with them and wait to do any of the other things listed during nap time. I wish I could give up Facebook completely, but we live far away from all family and Facebook is the easiest way for the grandparents, aunties and uncles to keep up with the kids. And, after moving around the country so much, it is also our way to stay in touch with friends all over. So, I have a love/hate relationship with Facebook, but at least I’m not addicted to it like some people I know. 😉
I’m sorry your youngest is moving away. Hang in there! My 35 year old sister just moved back to be near my parents, so there’s always hope they’ll be back! 🙂
It’s really a constant struggle to get things done, and I only have one baby so far! He just started walking and I spend all day feeling like I can barely keep up with him, let alone my other responsibilities. I feel like if I wake up with just ONE thing I must get done, like the laundry or calling about an error on a bill or getting to the grocery store – it helps. If I get that one thing done anything else I get done is just extra.
I like your thinking, Trish! 🙂 Checking off at least one “to-do” for the day is an accomplishment for sure!
I could eat a lot of this! Look yummy!!
I have two kids that I think are just a year or so older than both of yours. In the last couple of months, it has been easier to get things done b/c their schedules are more predictable and I am smarter about what to try to accomplish while they’re awake 🙂 So hang in there!! When I’m in the crazy season (like you’re in), I don’t bother trying to do extras — clean closets, organize their scrapbooks, etc — and instead just try and get the basics done (and have lowered standards — that is so hard for me!). It’s also not the season for much volunteering outside of the home — you are “feeding the hungry and clothing the naked” by cutting up their food and washing endless laundry. Lastly, I also try and cut out anything extra that may be taking up my precious time or brain power — magazine subscriptions, keeping up with too many shows, blogs, or books, attending everything I’m invited to, etc. I hope that helps!! I definitely feel like I have to re-adjust my mindset at every new stage my kids reach.
The dessert looks great! I’m glad you’re back to regular non-sponsored posts.
Thanks, Kari.
I’m glad to hear your advice (as I started working on cleaning my closet today…lol!). I will admit, though, I’m really just trying to unpack the many boxes that I haven’t reached yet after our move in January. 🙂 This stage definitely is hard, but I do love it at the same time.
As far as the sponsored posts, I did have quite a few the last couple of weeks as it helped to schedule them while I was out of town. I hope you understand, though, they are all from products I use and love. I turn down quite a few offers every day, but do accept the ones that fit for my tastes in order to help fund all the time and work it takes to keep up with this blog. 🙂 It really is a full time gig.
Thanks!
Thanks for your explanation about the sponsored posts. That would be a tough balance to find. You do great work on your blog!
That is funny that you were already cleaning closets today. A move combined with a baby would be tiring!
Thank you, Kari. 🙂 I definitely didn’t finish with my closet… another day! haha!
I have three little ones at home and I have learned over the last 5 years that ‘you can have it all’ is a myth. You CAN have it all, but not all at the same time. But I don’t think you have to give up who you are in the process. Things that are important to me get done early in the morning before they are up or at night when they are asleep. And I have changed my thinking — reading stories, cuddling and good attitudes now count as ‘getting something done’ 🙂 But there are definitely a lot of days when I think that working outside the home would be WAY easier than being a stay at home mom 🙂
Wow this looks indulgent 🙂 I am so excited to dig into this!
I TOTALLY LOVE THIS RECIPE, time to revive it…