Cue the Waterworks
Today was the first day of swim lessons for the little peas. You could say they were slightly excited.
They’d barely leaped out of bed before they’d put on their swimsuits and declared themselves ready to go. Three and a half hours before class started.
This meant that every time they had to go to the bathroom during those three and a half hours, socks, shorts, t-shirts, swimsuits and swim diapers were removed and then put back on.
Talk about a workout.
Finally, when our bladders were emptied for the fifth and sixth times, and we had our snacks packed and spare underwear rolled up in our towels, we headed off to class. Both of my girls haven’t had a lot of time in the water, due primarily to my dislike of waterproof cosmetics and the amount of time I spend straightening my hair. There, I said it.
The girls were told by their sweet teacher to stay on the stairs of the pool until she could instruct them individually. Lulu decided to make the stairs jealous by making out with the side of the pool.
This is her method of “blowing bubbles.” I was so proud. The wall and Lulu have set a date and are registered at Crate & Barrel. I think she could do better, but if the wall makes her happy, I support her decision.
The girls then took turns paddling out on a kickboard. For some reason, after Gigi’s turn, Lulu chose to NOT stay on the stairs and took a step off out into deep water. She immediately went under, I darted down the stairs into the pool in my clothes, and Gigi reached down, grabbed Lulu’s ponytail and yanked her up by her hair. She essentially saved her sissy.
Once I got Lulu calmed down and all the chlorinated water coughed out of her lungs, I teared up thinking of how worried Gigi must have been watching Lu go under and also when thinking about how bravely she acted. Eventually Lulu decided to go back into the pool for her turn on the kickboard. Gigi gathered the four other little girls around her and said, “Let’s all cheer for Lulu!” The five older girls watched Lu kicking around the pool, chanting, “Go Lulu! Go Lulu! Go Lulu!”
Lulu beamed. I cried.
There’s no better feeling than when your child does something wonderful and kind. Except maybe when your child brags to her swim teacher about your career accomplishments.
“My mommy wrote a book! It’s a cookbook! Full of recipes that don’t have any meat!” Her teacher said, “That’s nice. How about you kick and put your face in the water.”
I cried again, shaking with laughter. When swimming was over, I was determined: these girls deserved a special snack.
When I took swim lessons when I was little, my mom would always buy a bag of Corn Nuts out of the vending machine at the pool, and something about licking the salt off of our wet fingers when we were so hungry and exhausted was completely satisfying. Especially the days when we got BBQ Flavor. I don’t know how to make Corn Nuts. But BBQ, I can do. And these are so good, I could cry.
BBQ Kale Chips
- 1 t. paprika
- 1/2 t. garlic salt
- 1/2 t. sugar
- 1/4 t. onion powder
- 1/4 t. chili powder
- 1/4 t. dry mustard
- pinch of cayenne (optional)
- 1 head organic kale
Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Wash and tear kale into chip sized pieces and place on a cookie sheet that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
In a small bowl combine all spices.
Spray kale with cooking spray and then sprinkle with spice blend.
Bake kale chips for 20-30 minutes, checking every 10 minutes. Chips should be light and crisp, but watch them so they don’t burn.
Delicious!
Gigi and I made quick work of the batch,
and Lulu, bless her heart, rested up for tomorrow’s lesson.
You can bet I’m putting her hair in a ponytail again…and wearing my waterproof mascara.
oh my gosh – my little brother did that before, where he just hopped off the stairs and went into the pool. it’s so scary.
i’m so glad lulu is okay, and i’m even more proud that gigi rescued her and was so supportive. you have two wonderful girls, sarah!
Shhh. What sweet girls you have. It is definitely the best feeling when my children are kind and loving with each other.
OH my word. Cutest story EVERRRR. Just love your girls. If I ever meet them, they are going to get squeezed to pieces
MmmMmmm kale chips
How sweet! I’m not sure I would have had the same reaction if it was my sister and I while growing up. Don’t worry, we’re much closer now
. What a great big sister Gigi is.
P.S. I think its about time I tried kale chips!
Kale chips are the BEST.
Good to hear swimming lessons went, well, swimmingly.
I shall have to try making kale chips on a lower temp instead of the quick 10 min at 425. I tend to burn them if I’m not hovering over them the whole time.
best. post. ever.
I concur with elise, above. Cryin’ too! And I didn’t use waterproof today…
Gigi is my hero. And Lulu is too. And you’re not so bad yourself MP.
xoxo
p.s. One good thing about swimming… it makes you tired! See last pic of La Lu. And ravenous, for fruit, veggies, and cheese, at least in my case… my Mom put a pool in our backyard when I was a child, and in four weeks of summer I was taller, muscled, 15 pounds lighter and tanner than Brooke Shields in “The Blue Lagoon”. They are gonna LOVE IT!!!!
p.p.s. They are in healthy snack Heaven at Pea Manor! And those kale chips are being made here tomorrow…i’ve never had kale. Time to be brave and nutritiously motivated!!!!
p.p.p.s. Gigi and Lulu spend so much time in their bathing suits anyway, they’re ready to swim!
the kale chips look great, love the spice combos…
but..
OMG heart attack reading this:
“I darted down the stairs into the pool in my clothes, and Gigi reached down, grabbed Lulu’s ponytail and yanked her up by her hair. She essentially saved her sissy.”
Jesus christ almighty you must have been FREAKING OUT!!!! I can’t even imagine!
I had a tear fest as a mom today too; it involved cleaning out Skylar’s old dresser in anticipation of the new one being delivered (was supposed to be here today, i waited at home ALL DAY and the delivery company never showed…truck broke down…no calls…ever been held hostage in your own home from 8a-5p with a 3 yr old ? yeah fun…)
Anyway my tear fest was seeing all her little baby stuff that I hadnt previously donated and realizing how fast they grow and how precious they are.
I cannot believe your day though…wow…how scary!!
Look at how big they are getting! Saving each other and setting dates and registries.
That is so scary… I would have been in that pool in my clothes too… I can’t even imagine.
Oh my goodness! Little swimming peas. How precious!
That’s an extra great post! Mommy love, sister love, sister lifeguard. I’m a little teary myself. Hurray!
Oh great – now you’ve got me crying! Very sweet, and the BBQ kale chips sound great. I’m making them today~
I just today made the kale chips and they are addictive! I’m trying to save some for my husband and son who ran out to buy me a bottle of red wine, I mean run errands, but I’ve almost killed the tray. Love the BBQ seasoning–way more interesting than the plain old sea salt and olive oil I usually use. Thanks!
So Sweet! Gigi is such a great big sister! Its so nice to see that, and how sweet Gigi is so proud of you and the cookbook!!!! Love it!!! I think that is great your daughters are taking swim lessons, that is so important for young kids to know how to swim, well anyone really : )
Have a great day girl!
Thank goodness everyone is safe.. It makes me tear up cause your girls LOVE each other. It’s a great foundation of love and patience you’ve built at home….hopefully itll carry over to when they are in high school!!
These girls make my heart melt – honestly. you make me want to have kids… NOW! Okay, not really, but I have visions of having little girls who enjoy eating kale chips. ::sigh::
Gigi is the best sister ever!!!! My sister would have let me drown.
oh my, gigi is the best big sister ever. she’s such a wonderful kid (so is lulu).
i gotta try to the kale chips. i just threw out a bag of organic kale yesterday, boo!!!
Gigi is definitely a bucket-filler. If you haven’t read it, you’ve got to get it! It’s called, “Have You filled A Bucket Today?” by Carol McCloud. So cute…and make sure you’re wearing your waterproof!
I loved swimming lessons as a kid, brings back great memories. Your girls are so cute! But I know you know that already
Very sweet! Annnnndd…. those kale chips looks delightful
laura
I actually have a trophy from when I was 7 and my brother fell in my pool and I dived down to save him. Me and Gigi are totally fab!
Love your postssss
Your kale chips look amazing! I love the seasoning you put on them. Usually I’ll just go with salt instead of thinking about all the other stuff I could add.
Swim lessons must be fun to watch…and terrifying to watch!!! Sounds like Lulu has a great sister looking after her though…my sister might have just let me sink, ha!!
What a sweet story. Despite any day-to-day squables, those girls look like they have a wonderful relationship. I wish I had a sister growing up
Cute story. It’s so precious when siblings take care of eachother.
I love Gigi.
As a former swim coach, this post makes me SO happy. I love to hear kids excited about swimming AND having fun.
Ditto!
That was so cute! I teared up, too. Take that, mascara!
Also, my sister and I were swimming in an indoor pool once many years ago…except we couldn’t really swim, and she started floating toward the deep end. I left my comfortable shallow waters to pull her back in my direction. Gigi’s rescue of Lulu sounds much more dramatic and heroic, though (and cuter, since we were older and, well, not nearly as cute as your kids).
Great post! It’s so nice to laugh first thing in the morning! Must try Kale Chips. I tried a Kale smoothie the other day, didn’t work out so well. Too bitter. Maybe the chips will be more towards my taste!
your girls are so sweet to each other! Thank goodness lulu is alright!
Wow, what wonderful girls you have – and what an AWESOME Mom you are!
Adorable! What a great big sis!
I love your stories. Your girls are adorable. I want to be you in approximately 6 years.
Awwww, such an endearing story!! It made my eyes water a little.
So sweet, you must be so proud!!
Jenn
Awww poor Lulu! When i did swim lessons I accidently fell into the deep end. I don’t remember what happens but I remember my mom let me buy a magic kit because she felt so sorry for me.
Great story! I love reading your posts
These kale chips are going on my: ‘make immediately upon my return to a kitchen in two weeks’ list.
pure excitement, I tell you!
oh my goodness! how fun and beautiful! your girls have the best personalities and really say the cutest things!
Your girls are setting really high standards for my future children. I wonder what my husband will say when I tell him, “I just hope they are a little Lulu and Gigi”.
I’ve just recently started reading your blog and now i’m obessessed. I read it every morning!! You are so funny. Your girls are adorable and so sweet to one another. Great job on the blog and being an awesome mom and raising such sweet children!! Can’t wait until your book comes out.
Thanks Cynthia! I am happy to be your morning obsession.
Aww Gigi is such a good sister. I’m glad your girls enjoyed swimming. I was on a swim team for years and it’s a lot of fun.
Love those kale chips! BBQ flavor is the best.
Another great recipe and story! I cannot wait for the book to come out!!
What a success! Both the swim lessons and the kale chips.
Lulu’s smile is so precious! I love these photos. And Gigi telling the instructor about your accomplishments…obviously she’s proud of you! So sweet.
(and now I totally want daughters….now. My poor husband.)
I haven’t tried kale chips yet. The bbq seasoning you added to them makes me want to run to the grocery store! I keep waiting for our csa to have kale but it hasn’t happened yet.
What a couple of cuties! We’re going to the beach today and my 3 year old came out dressed in her swimsuit ….ready to go! She’s wearing a bikini today, so the bathroom thing is a bit easier.
Your posts always make me tear up. Even when I think you don’t mean to. And I read them at work … it’s kind of awkward …
I’ve never used dry mustard and always wanted to see what it looks like.
Wow your girls are so adorable — I’m pretty sure I say that every time I comment on your posts! Go Gigi for being so brave and saving Lulu! Lulu was just too cute on the kick board and being romantic with the side of the pool
Your girls are so cute! I used to be a swim instructor and it sounds like they both did AMAZING for their first lesson! I’m glad Lulu went back in the water after her little scare.
Have them practice blowing bubbles in the bathtub
I can’t wait to try the bbq kale chips, they look divine.
Your girls are such sweet sisters!
I hated taking my little one to the pool for the same reasons you stated. However, once she got old enough to safely swim without needing me within arms reach, I didn’t mind so much. She swims, I sit under an umbrella and read.
Too cute! i love that gigi organized a cheer squad for lulu. What a great big sister.
Wow what a day. Your girls are so sweet.
I love kale chips! I’ve never fancied them up with anything but salt- the BBQ seasoning looks great.
Snacks after swim lessons were the best! Can’t wait to try these BBQ kale chips. I think I will skip the swimming part though. I sympathize with the straightened hair dilemma : )
How long do kale chips stay good for?
Not sure…I’ve never not eaten a whole batch!
Love this! I have such VIVID memories of swimming lessons with my sisters when I was little. I was TERRIFIED of the water. My middle sister – a total fish.
Yummy kale, too.
Your girls are so cute!
ahhhh….so darling! that girl is gonna be able to swim in an olympic triathlon some day!
only a few more weeks!!! i can’t wait to see you!!!
I LOVE this post (and your whole blog). So adorable!
I used to be a swim instructor/lifeguard, and I can’t count how many times the younger kids would just decide to jump in the deep-end! (sometimes before the lesson even started!). In fact, I think most lifeguards just expect small children to throw themselves into the water whenever their instructor isn’t watching!
As frightening as it must have been, if you are swimming at a public pool, then all the lifeguards (and swim instructors) are trained to react quickly to situations like that. Of course, with a big sister like Gigi, who needs them!
Awwwwwwww, what a heartwarming story about Gigi and Lulu!!
I used to LOVE swim lessons!!! Everything tastes better after a day of swimming!!
This is so sweet! Gotta love the sisterly bond those two have.
Why is it that swimming makes you SO hungry??
That was such a great post! It bought tears to my eyes! Kids are so cool!
Oh my – what a special special day
Can’t wait to try this recipe because every time I made mine, they tasted bitter. BTW, your girls are adorable.
This is my first time reading your blog, I found it via Twitter, and I must say…how beautiful! Beautiful kids, beautiful you, beautiful pictures, beautiful writing, and beautiful kale chips! I am very excited to try them! I hope all my meat-eating clan will like them…I used to be a member of their group but after being diagnosed with breast cancer at 30, almost 2 years ago, I have switched teams. Now it’s all organic (as much as possible), all natural, fruits and veggies that’s filling my belly and my soul. I was wary how my running would be affected (running 40-50 miles/week), but it has been great and better than ever!
I am so touched by your girls at their swimming lesson. I can’t keep from picturing G reaching down and plucking her little sister out of the deep water…yes quite the protector and the hero I would say!
I will definitely be following you and checking out more recipes. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Erica! I am humbled by your kind words! Congratulations on winning your battle with cancer. One of my best friends is a marathon runner and 100% vegan…so you both are proof that you can RUN on veggies for fuel. Me, I prefer (thanks to a nasty back injury) to watch from the sidelines. Hmm…maybe I’ll take up swimming. Now if I could just find a good teacher…
That recipe looks amazing! I usually like regular potato chips, but I am always looking for interesting ways to add more veggies to my diet. I will have to try it.
Wow…all I can say is that Gigi is one warm-hearted, loving, caring big sister!! How awesome was it that she rallied the other girls to support Lulu in the pool?! You know they turned out that way because of who’s raising them!
Good job Mama Pea!! This was such a great post..
These are the times you must be extra EXTRA glad you keep a blog! The girls are gonna be able to come back and read stories about their childhood, and their memories will be so vivid. This is preh-shuss.
Awww!
I had to jump in after my 8 year old when he was 3…went off the edge and under…scary stuff, that is! I was fully clothed, too! 
Can’t wait to try your BBQ kale chips. I made kale chips the other day, but I think they werejustthisside of burned…they had this funky aftertaste? Even my older son said it…so I suspect that’s why! Have a great night! 
I can’t wait to try the kale chips. I am totally hooked on kale chips made with olive oil and salt. thanks for the recipe.
I remember when I learned how to swim. Lori and I learned at a very young age, but with 2 older sisters, our mom felt it was best. And then she could never get us out of the pool, haha ; )
Kale chips look great!
this post made me cry, laugh, and feel all fuzzy inside…what must have been going through ur mind as well as gigi’s mind during lulu’s fright is just incredible! lovely post as usual <3 pea clan <3
also for some reason reading this post reminded me of when we use to feed peas to our fish because they were bloated and it acted as a laxative…the combination of peas, and lulu's last experience with water made me think of this fun little fact that i of course needed to share with u lol
Sarah, this is such a beautiful post. I almost cried reading it! Vicarious thrills and pride! GORGEOUS pictures. I felt and still do feel the same way about my “baby” sister, and often tear up just thinking about how much she has grown up and how lucky I am to have her.
I think this was one of your best posts yet! Hope you are doing well! You and your family are always in my thoughts.
Love,
Barbara
how do you manage to continually outdo yourself with this blog mama pea? love, love, loved this post.
Thanks for the recipe Mama Pea. I was looking for a side dish to make for our dinner guests tomorrow night, and I think I just found it.
I just made these and my goodness – DELICIOUS! I think I might be able to even sneak kale into my fiance’s gullet with this recipe. If it’s BBQ – he’s in! Thanks so much Mama Pea!
You are welcome! Glad you liked ‘em!
I totally did that when I was little. My mom had to jump in. I did it because I thought I was too smart for swim lessons. Obviously that was not the case.