The Replacements
Gigi has had Vacation Bible School each morning this week. It’s been fun to have a little one-on-one time with Lu, even if it is just dressing up like transient ballerinas.
Sometimes you really should just let your dreams die.
Gigi was very concerned that she would miss Lu all week while she was at school, but in her always humble way, she was even more concerned that Lulu would miss her. Always thinking of others, that one.
What better way to ease Lulu’s separation anxiety than by building an exact replica of yourself? I swear she came up with this one all on her own. I’d have chosen the purple unicorn nightgown.
At first we were a bit creeped out by Flat Gigi, as we’d forget about her while we ate breakfast and did chores, only to catch a glimpse of her out of the corner of our eyes.
Eventually Lulu took to her, though. They sat and shot the breeze. Thankfully Flat Gigi didn’t blow away.
If genetics have any role in her development, this name may provide a little foreshadowing of Gigi’s teenage years. I’m sorry, Gigi. Flat Mama loves you.
The girls watched Sponge Bob together.
And like all best friends like to do from time to time, they shared a cold drink.
We don’t go to sit-down restaurants that often, in part because “sitting down” with two kids under five is short-lived, and in part because there really aren’t a lot of kid-friendly, yet healthy vegetarian options. When we do go out though, as we did several times this weekend, the girls are attracted to the beverage options like Mel Gibson is attracted to the…beverage options. There is only one question on their mind, “Do they have lemonade?”
Lemonade, by nature, is a conscientious mom’s nightmare. Lemons are sour. In order to make lemon juice drinkable, you have to add a lot of water and unfortunately, a lot of sugar. If eating out with kids wasn’t hard enough, hand them a straw and free refills of 10% lemonade/90% high fructose corn syrup and you are just asking for butter knife juggling and macaroni flinging, complete with Lulu’s commentary at 110 decibels, “MACARONI OVERBOARD!” Yet they love lemonade. Bonus points if it’s pink.
So when I found the answer to my prayers at Trader Joe’s last weekend, I was so excited it was as if I’d sucked dry eight kiddie cups of the sweet stuff myself.
The primary sweetener of choice in this sweet nectar of the Peas? Stevia.
Bonus points if I can stuff spinach in it and call it Frozen Lemonade.
Strawberry Frozen Lemonade
Serves 1
- 1 c. lemonade (we used Trader Joe’s low-sugar version)
- 1 c. frozen organic strawberries
- 1 -2 c. organic spinach
- 1 T. rice protein powder (optional)
- 1/4 t. xanthan gum (optional)
- 1/4 t. guar gum (optional)
- extra stevia to taste (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix until thick and frothy.
The girls and I both loved this. And everything instantly becomes coveted when served in a restaurant kiddie cup.
Without the pink 5-hour energy shots powering their mornings, the girls were calm, cool, and ready for a little morning cat nap.
Or in Gigi’s case, a flat nap.
Yeah, sorry about that one too.
I had *just* heard about this lemonade myself but my brain hadn’t even conceived of the spinach addition – geeeenius!
I’m pretty much in love with my beet+ a million veggies and citrus juices plus VitaZero lemonade. It’s SOOO fuschia! Even Gigi would think it was a little too much, I’m afraid. Must be that lemonade is our only harbinger of summer these days (although yesterday we got up to a balmy 70 degrees – whoohooo!).
Flat Gigi….I die.
Haha, flat Gigi is cute, how funny that she thought of that on her own, hehe!
She is so funny… wonder where she gets that fabulous sense of humor of her’s? 
Glad you found a healthy alternative to lemonade for your girls! It sounds great!!
Oh I wish we had a Trader Joe’s in Wilmington, NC! My daughter LOVES lemonade, but I almost never give it to her because I am soooo mean… well, that and the boatloads of sugar in it and the unavoidable sugar crash that brings me within an inch of my sanity
Love your blog and your sweet little family . . . I live in Portland too, have two little girls (3&5) and am raising them vegetarian as well. A family/vegetarian-friendly spot is Laughing Planet – they have several spots in Portland but I’m guessing you are already familiar with it. It’s one of our favorites!
Yes! We are down with anywhere with dinosaurs on the table. CPK was Pea Daddy’s Father’s Day pick, so I got vetoed.
Ha! Flat Gigi! Funny AND creepy
My kiddo loves lemonade too – aka “lemmolade” – especially pink, of course. I twitch every time I fill a paper cup full of that junk! What a mom does to keep a preschooler happy – sigh. Next time I go to TJs (it’s an hour away – I don’t go often) I may stock up. And I’ll serve it in our favorite to go cups – with Monkeys on them – http://www.monkeyjoes.com/ – sigh.
IALLTMRNWISBW – (I am literally laughing to myself right now while i should be working). Short comment, not a blog-reading computer, you know the deal…
I’m impressed that you’ve gotten GiGi to think of Bible camp as a vacation. I seriously didn’t like it so much as a child that I somehow convinced my grandparents to not take me but not tell my mom I wasn’t going. Grandparents are the best.
GiGi is always thinking isn’t she! Your girls are just so precious. Thanks for sharing them with us.
I have a food question for you. Could you explain why you use xanthan gum and guar gum? I’m sure I could google it, but you’ll probably tell me in a much more entertaining way. No pressure.
Thanks! Rachel
Hey Rachel, xanthan gum makes things thicker, guar gum makes things creamier. You know, if you like things thick and creamy. I do. Here’s a link to where Deb explains it far better than me:
http://smoothiegirleatstoo.blogspot.com/2009/12/saturdaysunday-smoothie-guar-and.html
bahaha flat nap! i love it…i’m laughing hysterically under my breath at work (oops!)
thank God Gigi was so concerned about y’alls well-being without her
I love that girl!
great post as always. loved the transient ballerina;-).
i’m hoping you can help me w/this question … i get a little confused w/the purpose of the two gums. i see them in many recipes and sometimes it’s both and sometimes it’s one or the other. i think you explained it in a post once before but either i’m too lazy to look that far into the past or maybe it was all in my dream.
A transient ballerina…HILARIOUS.
I saw that lemonade at TJ’s the other day and was curious, but not curious enough to pick it up and read the ingredient list. Wow, Stevia is really becoming more mainstream, eh? I’ll definitely give it a try now that it has the MP-seal of approval
I’m reading, just lurking more…ya know, in case you were sitting around wondering where I was.
Good that they think of each other! Sorry about the flat gene! Ironically, I was called boobs and Dolly Parton in elementary school…however, now, I am flatter than at 12 year old boy! I blame the boys!
CPK? Am I missing something I need to know about?
Ew, no. California Pizza Kitchen. I’m not a fan, although I did enjoy a creamless asparagus soup.
Ah vacation Bible school. I miss those days.
Anyway, love this recipe–I need to get some xantham gum, stat!
I am so sad that I missed the Pink Lemonade at TJ’s! Pink Lemonade was my FAVORITE summertime drink as a kid. Only, I think we had Crystal Lite or some kind of store bought brand that was loaded with sugar and HFCS.
I love that you are always satisfying your girl’s childhood favorites with healthy and reasonable options. You’re such a wonderful mom!
Talk about creative! I’m still laughing about flat Gigi!
Wonder what her reaction will be when she sees what Lulu has done.
And thank you for the tip on TJs lemonaide. I go there at least once a week and next time I’m coming home with that.
You are brilliant! I plan on purchasing your book the minute it comes out and raising my kids (if I have them) in a similar manner
Thank you for sharing all your gorgeous family pics and fantastic kid friendly health ideas!!
Oh, you are welcome! Thank you, Sarah!
This was such a cute post…reading your blog always makes me happy and brightens up my day.
4 words:
Best
Food
Blog
Ever.
(every post…seriously)
I must be hormonal, because this made me teary. Where’s the chocolate, chardonnay, Pamprin and New Moon DVD?
When Ari leaves for tour, he makes a “clothes Ari” out of a shirt and pants. It’s nice.
Love the lemonade. And LOVE the replacements.
LOL. As always, you are forever having fun with your gals. They are so lucky to have such a fun, smart, and witty mama as you. I wonder what Gigi would say about her flat self, though?
I’ll be worried when she sets up the tutu and photo and then runs to get toilet paper to stuff in the top.
Loved the Flat Gigi. Have you read the girls the book Flat Stanley? I saw that lemonade, too! Gotta try it!
We haven’t read it. I’ll have to check it out now!
crap was just at TJs today for my weekly run and had seen that lemonade on blogs but spaced it out. Now, of course, I have to go get it tomorrow!
1st pic of Lulu is to die for cute!
I saw that lemonade at TJ’s just the other day! I thought “40 calories — must be loaded with fake sugar” so I didn’t take a second look. But now I must try it! Good thing I have a regular Friday night date with TJ. He’s my main man.
sometimes us ladies get the boob size from the dad’s size. thank god my sister and I did. only problem is my mom knew nothing about bra shopping.
This frozen lemonade sounds perfect for a hot summer day! Gigi’s flat nap, love it! too cute
hahahahah this was such a lovely post to read!! flat gigi! hahahahah i laughed while reading this. so endearing =) kids say/do the darndest things don’t they (Very clever though i must say… maybe i should make a “flat natalie” when i go back to school to the east coast (my parents are in california))
That lemonade sounds fab.
Bible school was one of my most favorite times in the summer. I bet Gigi loved it!
LOL..love this.
I adore lemonade. I am always orderin the *bad for you stuff* I wish we had a tjs around here…I would totally buy that!
Frozen lemonade smoothies..all the better!
This reminds me of the book Flat Stanley!! Also… i’m still amazed that your kids eat their veggies and enjoy them, even if they don’t always know they’re present in smoothies.
if i ever have kids, you’ll have to share your secrets!!
TOO CUTE of a post..
lulu looks absolutely precious too
Aww, so adorable. I remember the first time I went to camp and when I got in the car to go home my little sister was crying because she was so happy to see me and it made me cry and realize how much I loved her.
This post seriously made my night. Flat Gigi is too cute! Sisterly love is the best.
Flat Gigi is hilarious! I’m giggling that she put this together all on her own.
‘do vegans even have sex?’ LMAO!!!!! omg, this cracked me the helllll up. Love it.
mama pea, can you repost deb’s link about the gums (in your response to comment #8). perhaps it’s my pc but i don’t see the link.
Hmm…try this instead: http://smoothiegirleatstoo.blogspot.com/2009/12/saturdaysunday-smoothie-guar-and.html
You need to get them the book “Flat Stanley!” It’s a fun read, although looking back now, a bit creepy.
We have VBS next week. First time I will have all three in it. So excited about the TJ find. I am going to make popsicles out of it.
Oh jeez! I’ve gotta get myself to TJ’s to try that pink lemonade! Thanks for sharing!
Gigi is too funny!! How hilarious that she thought of that herself. haha!! That frozen lemonade looks super summery and refreshing. Reminds me of italian ices!! yum!
I think I am scared of flat Gigi, LOL!! I’ll take one of the smoothies though
ROFL, I am cracking up @ flat Gigi! So funny… and cute, SO cute!!
I love lemonade, too. I found a great solution: 1.5 oz lemon juice, 1 cup water, and 1 packet NuNaturals NuStevia. It’s sooo good, but probably needs a little more sweetness for kids that haven’t acquired “more on the tart side” love for lemonade.
Jenn
Hi Mama Pea!
Hope you don’t mind, I linked to your blog on mine (I appropriated a cookie recipe). Always enjoy reading you, your girls are adorable!
Trader Joe’s makes me sad I’m not American. Or sad they don’t open up in Canada with their full product line (unlike Whole Foods and countless other companies, who do not carry half the stuff they have in the US…not that I’m bitter or anything).
The Flat Gigi is too cute, in a creepy, flat sort of way.
MP – my husband is against using “chemicals” of any sort…I use Stevia for my smoothies and really like the taste compared to other calorie free sweeteners. As I look for ways to sweeten foods for our 22 month old, I have considered Stevia because it’s “all natural”. The husband has vetoed that idea. Can you point me in the direction of research that says Stevia is safe? I can do the research myself but wondered if you had already posted about it or had a link you could refer me too? My daughter just discovered a love of lemonade (thank you Moe’s!) and I would love to give her the TJ’s brand (the closest one is an 1 hour away!)
Any info is appreciated!! Love, love, love your blog! (and your hair!!) Best, Lisa in SC
Hate to get in the middle of a family fight, especially when kiddos are involved, but here are two articles discussing the safety of stevia:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/12/16/stevia-the-holy-grail-of-sweeteners.aspx
http://www.askdrhull.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=3878
*This one talks specifically about children and stevia
Another alternative might be to make your own “pink” lemonade by combining lemon juice, water and beet juice and then adding a little organic sugar until it is sweet enough for your child.
Hope that helps!
Okay, that is too cute. I feel like when we were growing up, my sister and I were SO not like that– we fought all the time! She gave me cat poop and told me it was chocolate, and I fell for it…repeatedly. Sigh.
flat gigi is hilarious.
Love this post and your blog! Gigi could really be onto something, I’m thinking I should make a flat baby sibling for B so he’ll stop asking for a real one!
Oh Lemonade! I love it so much I had to capitalize it.
I didn’t always like it though but now I find it terribly refreshing. I bet some agave nectar might work too in making it. Frozen lemonade idea is fabs!
Did she really build that replica of herself? I love it. Your girls are so cute!
So the tag ‘healthy alternative’…is that in reference to flat Gigi or the lemonade?
frozen lemonade to the next level!
your girls are sweet. I’ve tried to have sitdown meals with kids I babysit and it’s a terror to try. Even when they’re at the table, they can’t sit in a chair with their rear on the chair, facing forward, feet down. I have seen more ways to do playground gymnastics on chairs and tables…
poor Gigi just isn’t the same without her hair, lol
I had hair just like her’s when I was a kid (it seemed to have calmed down a bit as I got older 
your lemondade recipe looks awesome! most of my regular smoothies have seemed to heavy in the Florida rainy season humidity. Can’t wait to try it!
I love this post!
Have y’all read the children’s book “Flat Stanley”?
It’s so good! I bet Gigi and Lulu would LOVE it
Yum yes, I am making a frozen lemonade smoothie today!
Awww. Love the makeshift Gigi. Flat ladies, unite.
oh, sweet flat girl…
macaroni overboard totally made me laugh, and I don’t even have kids… we had one visit the other day, though, and my dog was well fed!!
that frozen lemonade sounds delicious! I will try this!
So I noticed you didn’t share your own ‘transient ballerina’ photo with us!
awww, i bet you loved spending some one on one time with lulu!! even with flat gigi hangin’ around
.
Haha- love the two girls sharing a cocktail – oh, did I make that part up? Yes, I believe you said a cold drink
I would have picked the purple unicorn PJs too, as that’s what I’m wearing at the moment.
Kidding.
Really.
PS Spongebob is seriously one of my favorite icons of all time.
Not kidding.
Really.
This post cracked me up so I had to share it with my husband who also got a kick out of flat Gigi! Best part? I woke up this morning to a flat husband on the couch! LOL
Oh how I laughed at this one. Gigi is still adorable even flat:)
Okay, flat Gigi was an amazing idea…of course it’s no 3D Gigi, 1,000-megawatt smile and all. But the Lu-ster looks happy.
What an awesome idea…lemonade that WON’T send a child or adult into diabetic shock!!!! Who would have thought.