One Fine Day
For all the days that I complain about dealing with diaper blowouts at the indoor park, having to clean toothbrush holders under the eerie watchful eye of Pea Kitty, intervening during peanut butter finger-painting on the couch and having sleep interrupted by announcements of, “There’s diarrhea in my crib!” there are some days when I absolutely appreciate that I have the best job in the entire world.
Wait, what do you mean I never mentioned the diarrhea in the crib? Oh yes, that’s because I didn’t write this post at 6:45 this morning.
Despite Pea Daddy and I spending the morning removing soiled bedding, giving pre-dawn baths and cutting short workouts, it still turned out to be one fine day. It’s not every job that greets you with this message on your way in the door,
and where a Thursday is “Casual Friday.”
Just what I need, another Tommy Bahama’s fan on my hands.
There’s always the woman in the office who uses casual day as an opportunity to wear something totally inappropriate, like an off-the-shoulder Tinkerbell hoodie.
Hussy.
Still, if we were taking a corporate outing to the movies, we needed snacks. Fortunately, my job affords me the opportunity to bake cookies at 9:30 a.m.
Soft-Baked Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Makes 1 dozen cookies
- 1 c. old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 c. whole wheat pastry flour
- 1/2 c. unbleached, all-purpose flour
- 2 t. baking powder
- 1 t. cinnamon
- 1/2 t. salt
- 1/4 c. organic brown sugar
- 1/4 c. organic sugar
- 1/2 c. vegan margarine (i.e. Earth Balance), at room temperature
- 1 t. pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 c. non-dairy or organic milk
- 1 c. organic raisins
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Using a stand or electric mixer, cream vegan margarine, milk, vanilla, and sugars together.
In another large bowl, combine oats, flours, baking powder, and salt together. Add dry mixture a little at a time to the wet ingredients, until combined.
Fold in raisins.
Spoon dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing an inch apart.
Bake 10-13 minutes or until cookies are set and edges are golden brown. Allow cookies to rest on cookie sheet for one minute before transferring to a cooling rack.
Store any remaining cookies in an airtight container.
Can you think of anything you’d rather do at your job at 2 p.m. than pack up some snacks,
and go see a movie?
Me neither.
Our CEO had rented out the entire theater,
or else maybe no one else had the interest job flexibility of seeing Marmaduke in the middle of the afternoon.
I realize I am risking looking unprofessional by admitting how much I loved the movie, but I did.
What does it say about me that I walked out of Get Him to the Greek on date night, but had to be dragged out of the closing credits to Marmaduke today? It says that the back pockets and waistband of my jeans are at least four inches higher than they should be.
It wasn’t time to clock out for the day yet, but my co-workers pitched in, unsolicited.
When quitting time finally came, we let off some steam. Forget Buster and Dave’s, our Happy Hour is insane.
Now it’s time for us all to slip out of our work clothes and into something a little more comfortable.
Oh, for heaven’s sake.
I haven’t had a day off in five years and I don’t expect to have a day off for at least sixteen more. My co-workers always eat my food out of the fridge, my company car now has two organic lollipop sticks lost somewhere inside it and I am consistently sexually harassed by my boss. I don’t have a 401 K or any benefits for that matter, unless you consider that while tucking in Gigi tonight, she looked up and said, “I love you and hope you never leave.”
I love this job.
I’m not sure why but when i read what Gigi said to you tonight i almost cried!! You are SUCH! an inspiration to me whenever I become a mother
Too funny!
“I am consistently sexually harassed by my boss!”
Mama pea, where are the oats?? I’m dying to make these!
I’m sorry…complete brain lapse on my part. I was going to say “brain fart” but I really hate that word. Almost as much as I hate typos and recipe omissions. Sorry!
awwwh, you absolutely do have the best job in the world! what a touching statement from Gigi.
there were so many funny things (as always) in this post but my favorite was “hussy.” LOL. hilarious.
questions:
1. do you menu plan weekly? i’m always so amazed at how you’re able to whip up fantastic dishes at what seems like a moment’s notices.
2. how much oats went into the recipe? do you recommend quick oats?
1. I DO plan a menu weekly. In fact, right now I’m making next week’s. I’m down to the last few recipes I need to make for the book (can you believe it?!). I’ve been doing one recipe for the book and one for the blog each day. I’m tired.
2. See #1, namely the “I’m tired” part. I edited the recipe to add in the oats. My gosh, I just really wanted you to use a lot of flour, I guess!
i passed by tommy bahama today and thought of you. there was a sale and there’s a candy shop next door. if you are ever in seattle.
Love love love this post! Every mom should read this one. It’s the best job in the world, I totally agree. And the rewards keep paying forever.
I have been scouring the internet for a recipe like this without finding anything to my complete satisfaction! I will make these as soon as cookies are on demand again in the household. That means probably…later today. Obviously I haven’t reached the stage – which I am pretty sure exists – when one can throw something like oatmeal cookies together blindfolded so thanks for posting
That sounds like an awesome job!! I enjoy kid movies (and cartoons) more than a lot of what’s out there these days. In fact, if I had one channel on TV with nothing but classic cartoons, I’d be a happy camper.
Jenn
Lulu looks like she’s getting really blonde!
I can never get over how different the girls are in colouring and appearance. Does one take after you and one after Pea Daddy?
The cookies look delicious. I’m always sitting here with a gluten and oat allergy, sadly admiring your baking! (I know, break out the violins, Laura, and go eat a gluten-free cookie!). Have you by any chance had any luck with gluten-free baking before? I’ve found a reasonable gf flour mix, but I’d love to be able to make some baking with more fiber again.
I’m convinced Lu is not our kid. We got mixed up at the hospital. Pea Daddy and I both have always had dark hair (well, except for when I’ve colored mine). I think Lu’s looks lighter because the blond ends are poking out the top of her buns?
I have done gluten free baking before. We thought Lu was gluten intolerant when she first started solids. Let’s just say that my job then was cleaning up puke 24-7. I think I counted 113 times between 6 months and a year. Anyway, she outgrew it, but I DID have to go gluten free myself since I was breastfeeding. My best luck came from mixes, honestly. Anything I tried myself was just a brick. Bob’s Red Mill makes a great line of GF baking mixes and my absolute favorite are the Pamela’s mixes. The baking mix and the cakes are so good! Hope that helps!
You always make my day (or night when I read this…) lady! I can’t wait (or maybe I can a little…) for the day I can be a mother and be able to whip up tasty creations for my kids that are not only plant based but also delicious. Your humor really shines through, even with the early a.m. bathroom mishaps, etc. The cookies look great of course too.
your hair grows overnight. omg it’s visibly longer in like 3 days. my nails grow like that but not my hair..go figure. hope the movies were fun..cookies look great. I seriously need to figure out GF baking. I can GF un-bake, but not really bake. The flours just arent the same. I LOVE soft oatmeal raisin cookies. Childhood swoon. Memories of Grandma’s.
Awww, what a fantastic day in the office. Wish my days at work were this much fun and involved some vegan soft baked oatmeal raisin cookies!!! Soft Oatmeal cookies are my favorite!!
Hope today is just as fun!
Are you hiring?
Will work for food, as long as you make it.
Sweet post!! That Lulu pic should be blown up super huge and framed and hung – it’s so hysterically adorable!
everytime i see tommy bahamas i think of your family -> I’m creepy. Also I didn’t even know marmaduke was out -> I’m not a mom. BTW I told my 5 readers the hummus/cheese combo was your crackwrap cause I HAD NO IDEA that was exactly what was in it -> I read your blog for personal stories/gigi lulu pics sometimes guilty.
You crazy kid, I wasn’t trying to call you out on the crack wrap…I was celebrating that you had discovered its deliciousness! Crack on, sister!
I can’t wait til this is MY job! Only three more months!
Love this post! There is nothing better than being a mom. Unfortunately it’s not my only job but it is most definitely my most important one! Seeing you bring Lulu to a movie makes me think maybe B could handle it . . .
(oh and I love Lulu’s pigtails! though she does look more kid than toddler with her hair like that)
What a sweet post. I love being a Mommy, I always say it’s the best job in the world. It really is.
lol love this post!
Did you really walk out of Get him to the Greek? That’s pretty funny, I saw that movie two nights ago and I thought it was a bit much.
Yes, we did! I was completely repulsed, and for me, that takes a LOT. I still love Russell Brand, though. P. Diddy? Not so much.
How sweet!
So sweet!
Awwww I heart this post so much!
Also – your hair is CRAZY long these days – love it! Also, again – the girls look SO GROWNUP ANYMORE!!!!!! What happened to them, they just used to be bebes YESTERDAY!
Your girls just get prettier and prettier!! You DO have the best job in the world!! And you do a darn good job at it!!
Thanks, Em.
That is the best job ever. I had to be dragged out of Marmaduke too. Hunni and I were laughing more than the kids in the movie at points.
Every morning, I look forward to sitting down at my desk when I get to work and reading your posts! This one was especially sweet and funny as always! It makes me excited to eventually ditch the 8-5 for the 24 hour job of being a mom.
Thanks, Veronica. I’m glad I bring a smile to your morning. This comment brought one to mine
That last paragraph was seriously hilarious
I love this post. I don’t even have much else to say! Looks like you have the best job ever.
ohhh..again, another post that just left me smiling! I love the picture of you with the girls at the movies
And those cookies look yummy! I would take those at the movies over the greasy popcorn, anyday!
I second that! Nothing better than diarrhea and oatmeal cookies! Through all the frustrations, you have to step back and really think about what you have! My youngest, who is also the most bullheaded, tells me he wants to live next door to me when he grows up. It makes my heart melt! Enjoy your Friday!
I so want to see Marmaduke. But since I don’t have any children, I fear that it would be strange and that other parents in the theatre would call the cops and tell them that I was trying to snatch babies or something! I just like Great Danes. Is that a crime?
I would also choose Marmaduke over the Greek any day. Although both main characters have probably sniffed plenty of butts.
I think your job has LOTS of benefits.
Can I use the Splenda mix or use Stevia instead of the sugar?
Sure, give it a go! Let me know how they turn out!
Hey Mama Pea! Your girls are super cute!
I made your Chocolate PB Protein cookies and they turned out awesome! I just need to know how you store them. I made them on Monday. Today I went to eat the last two but one had mold on it.
Ew, sorry! You could keep them in the fridge but I usually eat them right away because of the banana/high moisture content!
Awww Gigi is so cute! I actually really want to see Marmaduke. It looks absolutely hilarious. Good thing I’m nannying for a dog-loving 8 year old boy.
Mama Pea, this post gave me chills. Yes, I know it’s going to be difficult at times, but I am so excited about being a mama! You know I’m going to be emailing you often for advice, right…like best diarrhea cleaner-upper.
Your high-waisted jean crack made me laugh out loud. Can’t do the low waisted ones myself – I like to keep my crack covered thank you very much!
If your company is ever hiring please keep me in mind. I am hoping to find myself in a similar vocation one day soon.
In the meantime I’m sending a link to this post to all the moms I love most.
Oh Pea mama, you described my job to a tee as well, I’m over worked,under paid and get excited to put on makeup and real clothes to leave the house!! I wouln’t change it for the world. I too have the best job ever!! PS I don’t think the sexual harrassment from the boss will ever end he he !! -Hailey-
I guess I’d be worried if the sexual harassment ever does stop…
One of your best posts ever! You are such a great mom. and those girls are so beautiful. But the best part of your posts is how freakin HAPPY they look in every picture. (well, except for Lulu…sometimes..) But seriously. Everyone should be so lucky to have just ONE moment a day where they dance in their night gown and hug their sister.
Thanks for the tip on Get him to the Greek- I really wanted to see it! Guess I will play it safe and use my precious ‘date night’ on something else.
(chanting) “Marmaduke! Marmaduke! Marmaduke!”
You are a great mother. My son manages to wear me out completely in just the few hours we have together after work. You are impressive.
I have to say, I’m jealous of your job – and impressed that you can keep up with the hectic pace! Two new recipes a day is VERY impressive, especially with two young “helpers” on hand who, at least in my house, often complicate the process.
I ended the day last night with a floater in the tub (my son’s deposit, not mine), and I have to say I would prefer that to a morning poo wakeup. Thanks for the perspective!
Oh man, crying at work. Your heart had to melt when Gigi said that, I know mine did reading it.
you have an aspiring trader joes employee working that awesome floral shirt
Beverly Hills Chiuhaua (I know I spelled that incorrectly, but my dictionary is covered in Horizon Chocolate Milk right now) was my favorite movie with the kids.
I only had to deal with pee sheets this morning so thank you for making my morning look like a breeze.
you know, if you’re ever hiring for an assistant, sign me up! and 2 more things: 1, i told my hubby you said he was hunky…i think he got embarrassed/excited (ha!) and 2, i think it’s hysterical you said “hussy” after lulu’s photo with the tinkerbell top! i might have laughed out loud at that one…
Man, I am a sucker for a good mom-jeans joke. You got me good. Y’all enjoy the weekend.
You’ve done it again.
I laughed.
I cried.
I was on the edge of my seat.
And I am just dying to make those cookies.
FOUR ENTHUSIASTIC STARS!!!!
Mama Pea – you make me laugh every day! Your writing is so clever and I love how you bring things full circle at the end of your entries. I always look forward to your posts in my reader. Thanks for being such a great writer (and having such cute baby peas) and making me smile day after day!
Aww, Bonnie Jean! I’m a little weepy, I must admit. Thank you so much!
I absolutely loved this post. You make me want to be a parent so badly! That is scary!
You just reminded the good old days when my kids were babies. Yeah, I remember the soiled crib beddings alright.
Gosh, Mama Pea. I am so emotional today that that last night has me crying. Absolutely adorable.
Love this, you and your girls are so cute. You do have a great job and great co-workers
You are such an inspiration to so many mothers out there, I hope I do as great as job when it is my turn as you do. 
Glad the movie was good!
hahaha so cute! Gigi’s comment makes me want to be a mommy sooo badly!!!
I was at Rite Aid the other day and saw Tommy Bahama’s cologne on the clearance rack to which I exclaimed, “Omg Mama Pea!!!” and my mother looked at me with the weirdest look. LOL
Wonderful post as alwaysss!
-Lena
I just read this comment to Pea Daddy and he grabbed his keys and threw open the door and I heard tires squealing on the pavement. I hope we are in the same state or he has a long drive ahead of him.
What a sweet post! I can’t wait to be a mom. I’ve recently decided to speed up the plans, so maybe it’ll be sooner rather than later. It’s always nice to remember how great being a mom is…even though it’s often more fun to complain or point or the crazy parts of life. I’m definitely that way. But I love the little reminders of how great life is.
One question: I’ve now been completely vegetarian for almost a month. I’ve had 2 slip-ups. The first was going to a barbecue restaurant I love when my parents visited. The second was tonight when I made Trader Joe’s orange chicken since it’s been in the freezer forever and I didn’t want to waste it. Both times I immediately developed a horrific cramping stomachache that left me hunched over for hours (as I am right now). Have you heard of that happening when bringing meat back into your diet? Definitely makes me want to stay veggie.
Hi Alison, I have heard of people having stomach pains when they eat meat again, but it may just be partially psychologically induced? Maybe you are expecting to not feel good about eating meat?
I’m a little intrigued by you calling eating meat “slip-ups.” I’d hate to think that you were depriving yourself of something you wanted! I’m all for encouraging people to try vegetarianism and/or veganism, but not if it’s sacrificing things that you want and that you feel like a failure if you choose to listen to those desires. Honestly, I didn’t/haven’t wanted meat at all, but I don’t really consider that a “success,” I just see it as a choice. If the girls or Pea Daddy want meat when we are out to eat (they haven’t thus far), I’m not going to consider them as “slip-ups.” What I’m trying to say, is don’t be discouraged or disappointed with yourself…it’s just a label!
I hope your stomach feels better soon!
I love your blog, and especially this post! You always make me fantasize about becoming a blogger-, writer-, mommy-extraordinaire rather than putting in insane hours at my accounting firm. One day…
Thanks, Emily. You can absolutely make it happen. It was only a few years ago that I was putting in insane hours at my law firm. I’m still putting in insane hours, come to think of it, but with far greater personal rewards!
Nom. Nom. Nomnom. Great recipe! I always have preferred soft cookies to crunchy ones — there are carrot raisin cookies at the Union Sq farmer’s market that I adore! Just carrots, oats, ww pastry flour, applesauce, and vegan goodness. I’ll treat you to one when you’re in NYC
This is the best post I have ever read!!!! I am loving it, and you have made me realize I need to change the way I think about my job! I’m a SAHM to 3, they drive me crazy sometimes, but it truly is the best job in the world! Thanks for posting this and making me realize that
Jen
Here’s the truth: I used to think stay-home moms had the worst job in the world. But add to that another stressful job of writing for a book? Not my idea of the “best job in the world”. But then, I read your blog, and I always see you having so much fun. I don’t know how, but you always make even the misadventures…fun. I still don’t really think being a mommy is the best job, but I think YOU make it the best job in the world simply by being the best in it.
Gosh, Sophia. Thank you so much. I really do feel like I am living my dream right now, and I feel so grateful that I have readers, family and friends like you that make it all possible.
Thanks for the response. You’re right that we shouldn’t feel guilty about eating meet or feel like we’re sacrificing. “Slip up” probably wasn’t the right word choice, because I don’t feel that way. I’m having fun doing a vegetarian diet right now. Maybe I’ll stick to it and maybe I won’t. I don’t feel deprived at all right now by not eating meat. But the stomach response was very weird. Last night might have been psychosomatic but I don’t think the first time was. I have a lot of stomach issues so who knows why adding meat back in triggered a bad reaction. Oh well.
Also, I want to buy some protein powder to use in my smoothies. I’ve tried spirutein vanilla and like it pretty well. Which do you think tastes better – spirutein or nutribiotic? I haven’t tried nutribiotic since I can’t find any sample sizes. I figured I’d buy something at vitacost or vitaminshoppe since they seem cheaper. Are the shipping prices reasonable?
Alison, Spirutein tastes MUCH better to me, but it is higher in sugar and carbs than Nutribiotic. I’m used to Nutribiotic now, so I don’t mind it. I buy it from Vitacost and shipping is $5. Hope that helps!
You are my favorite, and you’re the perfect expression of someone doing what they love/being exceptionally awesome at what they do! I love reminders that moms don’t have to be denim-jumper wearing gals who take everything too seriously. And who actually make efforts to get laid. LOL!
such a sweet post! We love you guys!
This was a great post…and those cookies look great. I took my daughter to see Marmaduke last week and was surprised that I liked it so much. Normally my husband takes our daughter to kid movies because I don’t usually like them (read: I’d rather poke my eyes out), but I was on movie duty last week and was pleasantly surprised by Marmaduke’s charm.
It is most lovely to while away the hours at the theater wth your best friends aka Mommy and sissy, ultracomfortable snack-smuggling apparel (hoodies-my personal favorite to avoid $30 nachos and popcorn), and a great animal comedy to cozy up with.
I was watching “Up” the other day, and I noticed that most of the jokes are geared toward the over-15 sense of humor anyway! Although they’re all so sophisticated these days!!!!
Anyway, Mom taking you to the movies is the best, but I loved this post in general. Your gratitude toward your motherly duties is so beautiful in general.
One word: awwwww!
That was SO sweet, Mama Pea!
Would adopt me?
Brazilian XOXO´s,
Gabriela
Awesome post..too cute.
You are such an amazing mother and I have no idea how you do it! Lucky girls
this is the sweetest pea post
loved it. and i realllly wanna see that movie! i am sure i can convince marshall to go. he is as much of a dog freak as me.
LOVE YOU!
Mama Pea! I made an adapted version of these last night (which I had also done a little while ago, with only some success) and they were fantastic! You are such an awesome source of inspiration. I hope my followers check your blog out! I certainly encouraged them to enough.
just made these cookies–SUCH a good recipe!! Thanks, Mama Pea! : )