When I was in 5^th grade, I had one of the best teachers!  She was young, sweet, and caring, yet had high expectations.  I often find myself trying to emulate this wonderful role model.  Amongst the memories that I have of her, one I will never forget is her “dirt.”  As a reward, she would make each one of us a cup-full of smooth, rich, worm-filled dirt!  It was always the most requested incentive. 

1 pkg. (3.9 oz.) JELL-O Chocolate Instant Pudding

2 cups  cold milk

1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed

15   OREO Cookies, finely crushed (about 1-1/4 cups), divided

10 gummy worms

Make It

BEAT pudding mix and milk in large bowl with whisk 2 min. Let stand 5 min. Stir in COOL WHIP and 1/2 cup cookie crumbs.

SPOON into 10 (6- to 7-oz.) paper or plastic cups; top with remaining cookie crumbs.

REFRIGERATE 1 hour. Top with fruit snacks just before serving

*Recipe borrowed from Kraft at http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/dirt-cups-57763.aspx

 My husband would say that I have a bleeding heart.  What can I say; I’m a softy for animals, particularly the homeless.  It would come as no surprise then, that the day I found a malnourished puppy casually sitting outside of our school that I had to do something.   It was mid-October of 2009 that I found Zane.  At dismissal I spotted him but had a meeting, so decided to check back afterwards.  Sure enough, there he was, still waiting for me.  Unfortunately, I already had two dogs at home, so thought that the least I could do was take him to the pet shelter.  However, after waiting 3o minutes, I learned that they did not have room for him and so he went home with me.  This was to be a very, very temporary thing.  I vowed that I’d find him a new home. 

Well, a year later his was still with me.  While he became one of the family members, three dogs and a new baby was quite a handful.  Then, out of the blue, a good friend of mine called wondering if Zane still needed a home.  She wanted to give the dog to her mother whom was recently widowed.  While it was sad to see him go, it seemed like he’d be a blessing for his new momma.  And so, Zane now has a new home where he has land to run free and is reportedly, doing very well!

What would you have done?

As I drove to work today, I anticipated our much-needed holiday break.  I was excited about the thought of getting to spend lots of quality time with my family.  However, despite all of the holiday hype, I had thought to myself, “It just doesn’t feel like Christmas.”  My tree has been adorned, cookies have been exchanged, presents have been wrapped, lights have been hung, and cards have been sent.  So, why then, was I not “feeling it?” 

When I went home, I mentioned my mixed emotions to my husband.  I said, “I’m so excited about this break, but I wish it felt more like Christmas.”  He replied, “You say that every year.”  I laughed to myself and recalled that what he said was true.  So, my reflection continued.  What I discovered was that my memories of the holidays were associated with driving around looking at lights on Christmas Eve, followed by attendance at the midnight service.  Mystery solved, I was missing out on this family tradition.  I now eagerly plan to instill a new Cook family tradition. 

So, what makes you “feel like it’s Christmas?”