In case I don’t die tomorrow, I need to earn us money.

Yep. That basically sums up what was always in the back of my mind. I remember being worried about money all summer before we even moved here, and I worried even more once I got here. While we were were still living at Steph and Mike’s place, I was talking about things we couldn’t do that we used to, such as going to a movie and going out to eat. Lawyerboy exclaimed, “We’re not desolate!” I replied with, “Pretty much.”

With being a substitute, you weren’t guaranteed work each day. Luckily, I had proven that I was reliable and was getting called every day. I remember emailing my mom that I had four days subbing for Sue and was so grateful because I knew we needed the money. Not just to pay for our rent, vehicles, insurance, food, and all our other bills, but because it was now December and Christmas was drawing near. No one expected a gift from us, but my family always did fun exchanges and games and I am a huge advocate for giving on Christmas! Plus, I love going shopping for others. This year we would definitely be on a tight budget! We also needed to travel home, which you guessed it, costs money! While I was stressing about paying the bills and how we were going to purchase some gifts and get back to North Dakota for Christmas, Lawyerboy was stressing for other reasons. He was starting to get ready for finals.

His grade in four out of five classes, was depending upon one test. Other than the one class that he took a practice test in, he had yet to experience what a final in law school would be like. His legal writing class had points throughout the semester, so that was one class he could feel good about. The rest, were cause for concern for all One L’s in their first semester. There was a lot of pacing going on around our apartment. One of Lawyerboy’s go-to study methods was to talk aloud to himself while he walked around. I was rarely here to see it happen, but it was happening.

What we both needed was something light and fluffy to ease our minds. We’d be getting it soon since it is one of my mom’s staples at holidays. The men in my family: my dad, my brother, my Uncle Ray, and Lawyerboy, are all big fans of it. I like it, but prefer apple pie, bars, and/or cookies. 🙂 It being, Fluffy Dessert. It truly is light and fluffy and a great way to forget your troubles for as long as it lasts… Which isn’t very long.

Fluffy Dessert:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees – Bake: 15 minutes – Prep Time: 40 minutes – Serves: 8 to 15

Layer 1:

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup flour

1/2 cup nuts, chopped ( I only use 2 to 3 Tablespoons)

Layer 2:

1 (8 ounce ) package cream cheese, room temperature

1 cup powdered sugar

1 (8 ounce) container Cool Whip

Layer 3:

2 (3.4 ounces) packages instant chocolate pudding

2 1/2 cups milk

Layer 3:

1 (8 ounce) container Cool Whip

Layer 1: Mix the butter and flour together. Nuts are optional. I added a few tablespoons of chopped walnuts. Press into a 13 X 9 pan. I use a glass pan and spread a little butter on the bottom. Then, I press the mixture onto the bottom of the pan. Bake it in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes. (It may be a few minutes less based on your oven.) Take out and make sure it cools completely before adding the next layer. *My mom usually makes the crust the night before. She lets it cool. She then covers it and puts it in the fridge.

Layer 2: In a medium or large glass bowl, add cream cheese and powdered sugar. Stir really, really well with a spatula. (You may also use a mixer.) Add the container of Cool Whip and whip it all together until it is smooth and fluffy. Place on top of the cooled crust layer and spread evenly.

Layer 3: In a bowl, put 2 packages of instant  chocolate pudding plus 2 and 1/2 cups milk. Use a mixer or hand mixer to beat until well mixed and thick. Put on top of layer 2. Spread evenly. Chill for a few hours in the refrigerator.

Layer 4: Before serving, add the last layer, which is good ‘ol Cool Whip.