Extreme Sports
I am such an extremist. It’s always black and white with me. Actually, it’s not even that simple. It’s always either really, really, really black or really, really, really white. My family rarely believes a word I say anymore because they know I can’t stick by my guns forever.
Take a look at the extreme positions that came out of my mouth just this weekend:
We are never buying anything from a garage sale ever again.
I caught Pea Daddy eyeing this monstrosity in our neighbor’s yard, pulling out his wallet and counting his bills. You may think that this castle would be a steal for $30, but do you see how ugly it is? And more importantly, how big?
Bigger than our neighbor, who I unknowingly captured with my large lens. Sorry, neighbor.
Of course at any mention of setting up Hogwarts in our backyard, I flew off the handle. We don’t need any more Dairy Queen collectible glasses, we don’t need any more island themed knickknacks for our bedroom, we don’t need any thing anyone else not directly related to us has worn, slept on, eaten out of and potentially left their DNA on. And we sure as sugar don’t need a Hearst castle made of spray painted cereal boxes, which led to the aforementioned extreme statement. Of course, all bets are off if someone finds a pair of mint condition Gucci sunglasses for $5.
Don’t ever even go near the cat.
I caught Lulu trying to accessorize Pea Kitty, which surprisingly, Pea Kitty didn’t seem to mind.
That is, until Lulu was trying to force a 4-inch bracelet over a 6-inch head.
There were no scratches or tears, but a few howls, a fast getaway and some destructive bannister clawing, which led to the aforementioned extreme statement. Of course, all bets are off if the litter box needs cleaned.
Despicable Me is the best movie I’ve ever seen!
Since it was 100 degrees out yesterday, we took the girls to see Despicable Me. I can’t be the only one who enjoys G-rated kids’ movies more than the grown-up movies, right? Oh, I guess your mom would rave about a good family flick, too. I’ll call you tonight and tell you to eat something, ask when you are going to make me a grandma and diagnose you with a rare illness I heard all about on House. The writing in these movies is just smart, quick, witty jokes that are creative and intelligent, which led to the aforementioned extreme statement. Of course, all bets are off when I finally see Inception.
I am NEVER buying dairy again!
I didn’t just say it, I wrote it.
I was feeling a little guilty about not letting the girls make more food choices for themselves, so I offered to buy them some organic dairy products while we were at Trader Joe’s. Maybe it was just getting to decide for themselves or getting to try something new, but they were all over it.
When we came home and made dinner, I offered them “real” omelets and “real” yogurt parfaits. They were so excited they could hardly wait. And then, they wouldn’t touch them.
Gigi poked at her eggs and said, “I’ll try a bite…if you will!” Gulp. There were a few tears, near gags and pleas for whole wheat bagels with Tofutti and apple slices for dinner, which led to the aforementioned extreme statement. Of course, all bets are off when pancakes are involved.
Berry Power Pancakes
Serves 2-4
- 1 c. old-fashioned oats
- 6 organic egg whites
- 1 c. organic cottage cheese
- 1/2 t. baking powder
- dash of cinnamon
- splash of vanilla extract
- sweetener to taste
- 1/4 c. blueberries
- 1/2 c. strawberries, chopped
Combine all ingredients except berries in a blender and blend until smooth. Batter will seem thin, but let stand for several minutes until it thickens.
Pour batter into a skillet sprayed with cooking spray and placed over medium heat. Sprinkle berries on top of batter.
Cook pancakes for several minutes on each side. Serve with maple syrup.
As you can see, the pancakes were detested.
So maybe we will buy dairy again…but don’t even think about buying that castle, Pea Daddy, unless you want to sleep in it. Maybe Pea Kitty will keep you warm.
She’d look nice in a crown.
LOL sarah you always crack me up. those pancakes look delicious!
No joke, my mother fits that explanation to a T! I remember watching an episode of House with her one night and a patient came in who had symptoms that i have had at some point in my life and she looks over at me with these unbelievably wide-eyes and asked if i talked to the doctor about the actors illness. This had me laughing on the floor. Although i am not a big fan of dairy products, i definitely would not think twice about downing those pancakes if i was a breakfast guest at the Pea Household! I hope you guys enjoyed them! Also wanted to add a little to your previous post regarding labels and “veganism”… I hate how people frown upon vegans or vegetarians who “slip-up” and add some dairy or fish to their plates every once and awhile. This frustrates me big time because i actually know a few “vegans” who eat ridiculously unhealthy, believe it or not. Apparently white bread, certain cupcakes, donuts, and copious amounts of pasta classifies one as vegan now a days? To me vegetarianism is more about eating a diet full of healthy, colorful foods. Limiting processed as much as possible, and cutting out preservatives and additives. Apparently there are some folks who chose to criticize others dietary habits without thinking twice about why… Case in point: Whether you eat fish, farm-fresh eggs, greek yogurt, just veggies, whatever… Healthy is up to us as individuals and how we feel, not how others see our diets!
Pretty sure your family’s lifestyle never warrants a second look!
The first garage sale I ever went to (I was six) I bought a used pinata. Why anyone ever let me buy that is beyond me.
I heard Despicable Me was amazing and I’m sure I would love it. There’s nothing wrong with a little G-rated fun.
Even though I’m not sure if it could top Inception…
I REALLY want to see Despicable Me. My friend sent me a clip to cheer me up one day and I was smiling the rest of the day. It looks so funny.
I love kids movies more than most adult movies too. Andy and I went to see Toy Story 3 and we both teared up. (Ok, ok I bawled like a baby and Andy wiped away a single tear. Whatever.)
I always say things like, “I’ll never drink alcohol again!” Never quite works out for me. haha. Never say never! Those pancakes look delicious! I should try blending my batter next time.
Bahahaaaa, that castle is HORRIFIC. LOL. Kids movies are definitely some of the best and they usually find some way to sneak some adult humor in there as well. We’ve seen SO many flops lately we need to start checking out the G-rated movies for sure. Love the color in those pancakes, and I’ve never thought to add cottage cheese before. mmmm pancakes
I am very familiar with extremes as well!! One day I was eating eggs about 3 times a day and then suddenly I couldn’t touch them with a ten foot pole. I haven’t had one in a while now and I am sort of like your kids…poking at my eggs and wondering why I wanted them in the first place!
I didn’t know you had a cat?! Well how would i, but she’s beautiful! She reminds me of my RIP kitty named Karma. Anyway,accessorizing her..LOL.
Dairy. Skylar eats minimal cheese like once a month. I mean such a ridic small quantity that I can make 1 block of cheese last a whole month. Scott eats a little in his lunches but I dont buy milk or eggs for them. Skylar is vegan aside from her trace cheese, Scott is whatever-he’s-served and since Im the cook, he’s vegan or veggie at home and on biz trips, chokes down chicken but says he doesnt even like restaurant food anymore. Score!
Anyway the pancakes look great and i love the perfectly placed fruit. Nice!
The pancakes sound delicious…but why not use the whole eggs? There’s lots of good stuff in them there yolks – vitamin D, biotin, folate, iron.
I’ve never cared for egg yolks! I’m sure there are plenty of benefits, but I just can’t get past ‘em!
Haha! Princess Pea Kitty- and what a pretty kitty she is too! And so very tolerant of being accessorized
By the way- love your new (old?) ‘do- super pretty with the highlights!
Oh that castle… takes me back to days of our housing plan garage sale… nightmares.
Just goes to show that kids will love what they are exposed to and not need other things. Parents need to learn that feeding your child nutritious things isn’t a challenge if you start them young enough. Dairy is, of course, also nutritious, but you know what I mean.
And I would have fought against that castle to.
I heard that movie is great! And my friend who is a mom says that when you have kids, you loose all connections with any movie rated PG -13 or higher.
Fresh berries in pancakes are awesome! Not only delicious but so beautiful!
You are so funny and I would be LIVID if the husband brought anything like that home!!!!
I’ve been meaning to see Despicable Me, so I definitely have to now!
I rarely buy dairy… which makes the husband a little upset – I only buy him milk, which he would freak if I didn’t.
Ha, too funny that they wouldn’t touch the eggs. I can see how they would seem a little strange if you were eating them for the first time.
That castle kicks serious ass.
oh no! pea daddy, what did you DO?!
i like that you added cottage cheese to the batter too…can you feel the curds at all when you chew? i’m intrigued!
Hey Heather, you blend the batter all up so there are actually no curds at all. I understand the curd aversion, for sure.
Your posts always make me laugh! I hope our cats are as tolerant as Pea Kitty…I agree with Deb – LOVE your longer hair and the color! Though honestly every picture you’ve ever posted of yourself has always been a pretty one.
this just goes to show that kids will eat what you feed them and what is normal for THEM – isn’t it something like it takes 10 tries for a kid to like a new food or something? moral of this story: kids can like tofu, brussel sprouts and spinach if you make that normal healthy eating in your household. i hope the point of this comment came across. it’s 7:30 in the morning, and i am contemplating not showering before work.
p.s. i need gigi’s blue ribbon headband. please tell me i’m not too old for that.
Just buy the castle for ME! I’ll pay you back, promise.
DIAGNOSING FROM HOUSE! Amazing. You should also write a comedy book. My mom just diagnoses off of Web MD since she “doesn’t care for Dr House’s surly disposition”. Eggs are a powerful gagging tool. I can only eat them if if I’m REALLY in the mood, otherwise…blurg!!!!! but the pancakes look awesome!!!!
could it be, does gigi have on shorts? how did you get her to make that extreme decision?
LOL! For some reason, shorts are okay, but anything that covers the knees is forbidden!
I went to see Despicable Me the day it came out and loved it! It made me laugh more than any movie, kid or not, in years.
The pancakes look delicious!!
My family went to go see Despicable Me yesterday too and loved it! Especially “the physical appearance of please will not make me change my mind” haha that was too funny. Inception is amazing on a whole different level, but definitely a must-see!
hahahah, my mom is always buying ridiculous things at the garage sale for my boys. One time she brought over a giant paper mache alien she’d found for like a dollar. It gave my oldest son nightmares for about a week.
Heavy is the head that wears the crown, PK. Beware!
I, too, fall prey to making absolutisms that I promptly backfire on. Hey, it’s not our fault, Mama Pea. Life is full of options. I am pretty sure you have many positive ones, i.e., “I will never ever allow the Pea Princesses to play in traffic.” You see.
As for me, I will never, ever refuse a date with Channing Tatum or George Clooney, which is so likely to happen that it makes my head spin. My husband seems to understand this. Didn’t you write a particularly funny entry once on “free passes”? Lol.
Love Despicable Me! My sister-in-law and I took my nieces to see this when it first came out. We loved the youngest character…her obsession with unicorns and “It’s so fluffy I’m gonna die!!” I think I quote that way too often now……oops.
Recently found a trader joes within driving range from our home! Yippee. I was like a kid in a candy store…so many goodies to pick from!
Ha, my husband and I proclaimed Despicable Me to the best movie we saw this year…..and we don’t even have kids! We also saw Where The Wild Things Are, How to Train Your Dragon, and Old Dogs though, so maybe that’s just us!
I always wanted one of those dreadful castles. And now I see why my mother did not purchase one for me.
Gosh, I could never give up dairy – for myself or my kids {and not only because we have one} in my opinion, it is so beneficial. My kids eat a ton of raw veggies also, but I couldn’t give up dairy. I’ve seen the generation after generation in my family live well into their 90′s….all raised on dairy
I’m with you on the castle
the pancakes look so pretty!
Cottage cheese in the pancakes, nice! I did that once and promptly forgot about it. I’ve got an open container so I’m going to have to do it again!
The word curd makes me laugh/ smile for some reason ;P
Pea Kitty looks like my childhood cat Tiger
Miss that little kitty!
You probably smile because curd rhymes with “turd.” That makes me giggle.
I LOVED despicable me. I made my bf take me the first weekend it came out …. and we’re in our 20s no kids …
“It’s so fluffy I’m gonna DIE!!!”
Haha–you sound like my mom. We had a Little Tikes playhouse years ago, but she only let us have one because we had a heavily wooded backyard. The house was settled amidst several Evergreens in the corner of the yard. Hm. Guess she didn’t think a bright yellow plastic house would add much curb appeal
Pea Kitty is a handsome (beautiful?) kitty! I love tabbies.
I am confused why you would want your family to eat MORE animal products. Did you feel they were being restricted? Or not “normal”?
Not sure if you are keeping this as a vegan blog or if your book will be vegan. I don’t really care how you eat personally, but I am very committed to veganism and see eggs/dairy in the same way as I do meat. It’s very hard for me to look at nonvegan blogs. Some clarification would be great.
Hi Bitt, I respect your questions.
I didn’t really feel like my kids were being deprived, but I wanted to give them a choice. I try to empower my children as much as I can, and after seeing Ramona eat an egg in Ramona and Beezus, Gigi expressed interest in eating eggs. I had no problem with allowing her to try organic, free range, vegetarian fed eggs. Turns out she wasn’t impressed. Rather than throwing $10 of groceries away, I turned them into something she would eat. And I shared it on my blog. Do I intend to share non-vegan recipes regularly on my blog? No. But I’ve never labeled this blog as “vegan.” In fact, I’ve tried to break free of that label.
If you look at previous recipes, I try to give readers an option of using organic or non-dairy products in the ingredients. I want my blog and my book to reach people who aren’t necessarily vegan, but show them how to try vegan recipes, or at the least, try recipes using dairy products from more ethical sources. My book will also reflect this, and all recipes will have a vegan option.
I have to make the decisions that are right for my family. I don’t ever want my kids or husband to resent the choices I’m making for them and by allowing Gigi to try eggs and discovering that she doesn’t like them, it’s no longer me controlling her, but her making a choice for herself. And honestly, I feel pretty good about that. I’m truly sorry if I’ve lost you as a reader. But maybe if/when you are a parent, you’ll see where I’m coming from a little bit (no pun intended).
I 100% agree with ya, MamaPea. I live a 99% vegan life yet my husband and son both eat meat and dairy. I want my son growing up with feeling that he has a choice in this world. I will teach him the pros and cons of anything with hopes that he will have enough facts to make his own educated decision.
On a side note, I am in the process of having my own chicken coop (someday) and while I don’t eat eggs now, I would eat eggs from my own chickens. I would never slaughter them but I would enjoy a lovely, organic, totally free range, loving egg sunny side up. =)
Ok, thanks for the explanation. I am not trying to come down on you, really. I think other people have probably labeled you as “a vegan blog”. I get very saddened when people leave the vegan lifestyle, it gives the people who say “veganism doesn’t work” more fuel for their fire. I am glad to know you will keep the blog and book with vegan options. It would be hard to lose me as a reader, I am a big fan. But it is important to me to know if I refer people to it as a “vegan blog” or “vegetarian one”. Yes the label of veganism is important to me, and lots of other vegans I know.
Thank you, Bitt! I absolutely understand where you are coming from. As an individual, I definitely felt guilt driving home from the store with dairy products in my car (I even texted my best friend and said, “What am I doing?!?”). But a lot of times I have to do things I’m not 100% comfortable with as a parent. Otherwise, I’d keep my kids in a bubble (and believe me, I’d like to). I think veganism DOES work, and we aren’t “leaving the lifestyle”, and certainly not for health reasons, boredom with diet, or any other possible anti-veganism fuel. And if you wear the label “vegan,” by all means wear it proudly! Again, I so respect that we could have this dialogue, and thank you for respecting my beliefs as well!
Those pancakes look delish especially with berries
Love berries! I think its great that you are givin your kids the chance to try different food. I think that finding what works best for your health is the most important.
I really applaud you for trying to break out of the “vegan” label. I personally do not like labels either. And I think it’s great you want your own children to make their own guided choices and figure out for themselves what they like and what they don’t.
I loved Despicable Me!! My husband and I went to see it at the drive-in and we don’t even have any children, lol. We were surrounded by mini vans, but embarrassed, I was not.
Animated kids’ movies rock.
Jenn
I’m a little bit annoyed for you that it’s even being called into question what your intentions are with your blog and your future book. I’ve only been reading for about a month now, but you’ve mentioned several times what your stance is on your kids trying things, or your husband, and you even recently mentioned being over being labeled.
I don’t know, I just don’t get how Bitt is asking you to clarify something that has never been hidden in the first place. Keep on keepin’ on, Mama Pea.
I’m a mama to two girls myself and I totally get how important it is to give them choices!
Personally, I admire that, despite your vegan lifestyle, you have let your young daughters make choices for themselves. I’m totally with Gigi…eggs are definately meant to be mixed into pancakes rather than eaten in the form of an omlette!
I am not a vegan, however I have tried a few of your recipes and <3 them!
It's nice to be able to eat animal free sometimes and still have it taste delicious. I can't wait until your cookbook hits the shelves!
I love how you handled the comment above and the whole egg situation! I feel like I learn something from you as a mom each day!
Thank you!
Those pancakes look amazing. I think its wonderful that you are allowing your daughters to make some of their own choices and allowing them to figure out their own tastes. That being said, I have to agree with some of the other posts, kids will crave and eat the food that is normal for their household and surroundings.
I really appreciate your explanation of why Gigi tried eggs and the mindset of your parenting choices. It is so true that empowering your children and giving them choices makes them strong and more educated adults. I think knowing that you aren’t forcing your girls or limiting them makes you such an amazing mom; so many parents tell their kids “my way or the highway.” Even though the decision may have disagreed with your values, it was a great lesson for you girls, and for you readers!!
Way to go Mama Pea!!!!
Thanks everyone. I really am just figuring this parenting thing out as I go. I know I’ll make mistakes a long the way, but I’ll never stop trying to be a better mom!
Pea Kitty is adorable.
I love that you listen to the requests your family makes and let them make their own decision. My favorite thing about your blog (well one of many favorite things) is that I can read it as a non-vegan without feeling like I have to become a vegan, and get all kinds of new recipe ideas.
I may not be a vegan, but I try and make one or two entirely vegan dinners a night, just for fun, and your blog is a great source of inspiration. Plus, my boyfriend actually likes your vegan recipes, eats them without complaint, and will request them specially. All good things as far as I’m concerned.
I’m really interested in the above discussion. I talk about my dislike of labels (healthy/unhealthy, good/bad, athlete/non-athlete, etc) and I respect your choice to not cling to labels for you and your family either. It’s helpful to hear your thought process and the daily struggles/balances that being a parent involves.
It’s funny I never really give a lot of thought to parenting since I’m not a parent yet but oh man. It freaks me out thinking about helping them make choices with their eating. I think it’s great that you give them options and let them think for themselves.
My 9 year old brother recently decided that he LOVES bacon. It’s the oddest thing ever and my mom has been slowly trying to get him to enjoy it in moderation and try some healthier options. (Just because bacon is full of nitrates…you know) I wonder if just having more healthy options around the house would help. I’m so sending my mom your blog.
I hate to laugh at your mom’s dilemma, but I’m cracking up. Actually a really good (vegan) friend of mine has the same issue with her kids. Her solution is to buy one package of organic, hormone free bacon (which costs her a small fortune), and allow her boys to have a piece once in awhile. She just can’t sell them on the tempeh bacon. I think she’s hoping that since it is now demystified and not “forbidden,” they’ll eventually grow out of wanting it so much!
IT’S SO FLUFFY I’M GONNA DIE!
I love that you found a yummy use for the dairy products that may have otherwise gone to waste. I think wasting food is much worse than once in a blue moon (in your family’s case) consuming animal products here or there, especially when they are raised responsibly. I love your attitude about exposing your children to different food choices so they can participate in the process. Thanks for having a great outlook as always (even when you are having EXTREME days).
GUESS WHO’S BAAAAAAAAAACK!
So I have silently been reading forever obviously. I miss you like crazy, again, obviously. And I don’t know why I didn’t come out of the woodwork sooner because I have secretly been blogging again and I think you would LOVE IT.
Not the blog I listed, which you may love too. But my uber secret even more uberly amazing blog:
http://adventuresofonlinedating.wordpress.com
That one I have a feeling is over with for now though. Twas amazing while it lasted
Just trying to get my blogging mojo back.
Live laugh love forever,
Sarah
I think it is great you let you girls pick what to eat, even though it is hard. Our mom did that, we made some bad choices, but now we learned and make better ones.
I’m with you on letting kids make their own choices (within reason). I try not to make too many foods totally off limits so they won’t go hog-wild (pun intended) when not with me. I want them to grow up eating a primarily plant based diet, but have the choice to eat dairy and meat on occasion. Parenting is definitely a day by day, or hour by hour, learn as you go thing for me too.
I;ve really enjoyed reading the comments on this blog. Great discussion.
Love this post! You’re so funny when you include Pea Kitty—not that you’re not otherwise hilarious.
Also to sound like a broken record, this is a great Blog for all of us “Flirts” out here–isn’t that the work Alicia Silverstone uses? I’ll never be a vegan, heck I’ll never be a vegetarian. But I do love vegetables, the art of vegan cooking, and love a tasty alternative to meat dishes. I’d like to think I primarily take the Moosewood approach. I recognize that excessive meat consumption is neither good for our bodies nor our planet….and it’s expensive too! Thanks for the info and the entertainment. Buying the book when it drops!
Thanks, Alice! What nice compliments! In return for my gratitude, I shall give you Pea Kitty. We’ll see how hilarious you find her when she destroys your couch.
hehe eat your pancakes up munchkins, gotta fuel those protein tanks <3
NOM NOM NOM
Love this! Hypothetical question — what would you do if Pea Daddy insisted on maintaining an omnivore’s diet? What if he wanted Gigi and LuLu to also be raised omnivores? I ask because, as someone who’s recently adopted a vegan diet, I’ve been criticized by the vegan police for dating an omnivore and for planning a future with him. Practically speaking, my boyfriend and I have decided (for now — we’re not getting married anytime soon!) that we’d raise the kids to share in both of our lifestyles. As someone who was raised by a white American athiest father and Costa Rican catholic mother, I’ve actually relished the opportunity to find my own way amongst the contradiction and unorthodoxy. Would love your thoughts!
Hilarious!
I absolutely love your wit! I recently came across your blog, and have already shared it with my mom, and close friend. It has been so fun/entertaining catching up on your older posts!
p.s. I love kids movies, adored despicable me, and just turned 26. You’re not alone, no sire-e.
When I was 10, my little sister and I were dying to try KFC. I think someone at school had mentioned it and how awesome it was. My mother is a dietitian, but rather than flatly telling us no, she came home with a bucket o’ chicken one night. Little sister and I squealed with excitement. We each took a bite of the crispy, deep fried awesomeness – and were thoroughly disgusted. We could not believe people would eat that and ended up asking our mother for “real food” for dinner instead. So props to you for letting Gigi try eggs and figuring out for herself. Who knows – if my mom had banned KFC, would I be loving the forbidden greasiness now?
Team Pea Kitty! How could you not love that little fuzzy face!? Just kidding, I love my fur babies (2 cats, 1 dog) but they destroy my home.
Oh and I also have a little princess who refuses to wear pants of any kind EVER.
Do you read the Fancy Nancy books with your girls? Just curious, be careful if you do… My little one now refuses to ever leave the house unless she is very, very fancy since we started reading those books. And by fancy I mean wearing 2 pounds of plastic jewelry
Thanks for your blog, I truly enjoy it!!!
Hi there– I found your blog a little while ago and really like it! Love seeing your kids and your cat is adorable!
On the subject of “not letting the kids make more of there own food choices” I think that it’s the same for non-vegan kids. What I mean is, I don’t think you need to buy them dairy and eggs– they really aren’t meant for human kids anyway, and they are full of cholesterol, saturated fat, and animal suffering! By showing them a vegan diet you are showing compassion, health, and environmentalism conscious which I think is the best thing you can give them. A non-vegan family wouldn’t tend to go out and buy a tub of tufutti cream cheese to give the kids “more food choices”– they feed them what they have always eaten and what’s available in the grocery store. What’s available happens to be a lot of crap junk, and health-destroying/animal-killing products. Perhaps a child growing up all vegan (and loving all that “vegan” food), might decide to try chicken eggs, or cow’s milk cheese eventually. But hey could equally well NOT to, if they understand why they were raised vegan. They can be proud of it, rather than thinking they’ve “missed out”. You know your not missing out (hopefully) when you don’t eat animals products, so why give that message to your kids?!
I don’t want to offend you or anything, just wanted to offer my thoughts,
VEGirl