More than Swim Lessons
I promise not to talk about the girls’ swim lessons for the next two weeks straight. I can’t help it, though. It’s an amazing experience watching my girls learn and grow (from a “I can dive in and rescue if I have to” distance). They aren’t the only ones learning, though. They taught me some valuable lessons today. Like:
Lead by example.
I think Gigi is starting to now grasp how much Lulu dotes on her and wants to do everything she does.
Yes, this has led to jumping from the coffee table to the couch in treacherous gymnastics displays, swishing and spitting yogurt during dinner like they are trying to uncover the flavor and ingredients behind the creamy finish, and going through 1/2 a tube of toothpaste every time they brush. Do yourself a favor, buy stock in Kids’ Crest.
But the mimicry has also led to perfecting pirouettes, hugging a friend when they are hurt, and now, learning how to hold your hands during a dive. Lulu was a little apprehensive to get back in the pool today, but “her teacher,” Gigi showed her that quitting wasn’t an option. I hope to be an equally good example to both of my girls.
Take chances, even when it’s scary.
When it came time to jump off the side of the pool at the end of lessons, Gigi looked right at her teacher and said, “I want to jump off the diving board!” And away they went. I hope to take such risks in my life and not let fear deter me.
There’s no shame in backing out when you’ve bitten off more than you can chew
Once she reached the end of the diving board, I think Gigi realized exactly how high up the board was, exactly how far away I was, exactly how deep the pool was and exactly how absorbent those swimsuit liners are. And then she retreated saying to herself what I’m sure was the five-year old equivalent of, “Oh HELL no!”
I was proud that she even made it out to the end of the board. I hope to use this lesson when canceling yet another overambitious dinner I was planning to host on Friday. (Oh hell no?)
A little jealousy can be a great motivator.
Gigi was heading back to the other end of the pool, when another girl in her class took the plunge. I could see the look on her face. It wasn’t spiteful, it wasn’t shame, it wasn’t envy. It was inspiration, it was encouragement, it was self-belief. I hope I always congratulate others on their achievements, and allow them to inspire me to achieve goals of my own.
Always have a soft place to fall or at least a trustworthy spotter.
Gigi trusted her teacher to catch her, even though she just met her yesterday. She didn’t doubt for a second that she’d have a pair of arms waiting to keep her safe. I hope I always let others be there for me when I can use their support, and I hope to be that support for someone else, so that they too can…
Just JUMP!
But…
There’s no shame in needing a noodle.
Creamy Lemon Pasta
- 8 oz. whole wheat spaghetti (or other noodles of your choice, i.e. zucchini pasta, kelp noodles, etc.)
- 1/2 c. hummus, prepared or homemade
- 1 lemon, juiced + 1 T. lemon zest
- 2 t. reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1 T. nutritional yeast
- 1/2 c. chopped basil
Prepare noodles and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine hummus, lemon juice, soy sauce and nutritional yeast.
Add pasta, lemon zest and basil and toss to coat.
Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Take pride in your accomplishments.
We called Pea Daddy. We called Mimi and Poppy. We announced it to the cashier at the grocery store. We told the traffic light that just wouldn’t turn green. And as we turned onto our street, Gigi asked, “Do you think I’ll be in the newspaper tomorrow?!” Sadly, I told her, “I don’t think so.” She followed, “Well…can you put it on the blog?”
Consider it done.
I am cracking up; “Well…can you put it on the blog?” You are a good mom!
Way to go Gigi!!
oh how I love microplanes. Zesting lemon SERIOUSLY brings out that flavor. I love it!
the blog might get more hits than the newspaper.
I was so the kid who backed off the diving board and never went back on for a long time. Gigi, you are so brave!
This is just the cutest! I remember my first swim lessons. And hummus on pasta? Sometimes I just love you so much! (And why didn’t I think of that?!)
Xo,
Erin
This is great! I know I’ve said it so much lately, but I just dig your wit and writing style so much!
I’m also so happy that you will have this nice “journal” of your children to reflect on down the road. It will be so much fun for the girls to read down the road, too! I’m a very sentimental daughter and ridiculously close with my mom, and things like this tug at my heart strings like no other!
Go Gigi and Lulu!!!!! That is so awesome. I love the love that those two share. It’s so precious. (This is me being an only child, sibling love pulls at my heart strings).
Children teach us so much, thanks for sharing their adorable little lessons.
these posts are killing me. im literally tearing up.
crying over your kids and their lessons…oh HELL no! ill save that for the wedding.
but i agree with it all, naturally. sometimes kids can teach us so much.
ps nooch and hummus is theeeee best pairing.
Awww this is soo sweet
Loving these swimming pictures! You know all those moms who enrolled their 3 and 6 month olds in tiny baby swim classes or the moms like you who are doing swimming lessons…ok, I admit, I have never enrolled skylar in swimming lessons…but…in my defense, I used to teach swimming lessons and am a lifeguard so it would kinda be like me paying for her to go to tiny tots yoga…ive got the yoga teacher and swimming lessons teacher thing covered 
but it looks so fun the sibling camaraderie!
yes, this is your scrapbook. And it’s wonderful!!!
This makes me smile
Hugs to your kiddos and YOU!
I love how blogging material just always shows up in everyday moments.
Kids really can teach so much. I especially like the one about being inspired by the other girl. I know I’ve had my fair share of jealousy stirring inside me and it never did anything but limit me. After learning that I didn’t need to compare myself, I could take others’ accomplishments as motivation and inspiration. A great change!
Aw, love that she wanted it on the blog! So glad that swim lessons went better yesterday!
Congrats Gigi! Gigi and Lulu are so sweet.. especially in that first photo. You must be a proud momma
Please keep these swimming posts coming! They are just adorable! I remember the first time I jumped off the diving board. Such a frightening but freeing moment.
I love the idea of making a hummus sauce for pasta. I think I will try this tomorrow night.
How stinking cute is that?! Congrats to Gigi! You can tell her that she’s the ONLY 5 year old I know right now to go off the diving board!
Way to go, Gigi! That’s a huge accomplishment!
Your girls are the cutest!! I love these swimming posts; your writing style and humour is wonderful. Can’t wait for you book!
Your girls are so fortunate to have parents like you guys. Honestly.
wow. simply amazing.
btw … i wouldn’t mind at all if you talked abt the swim lessons for the next 2 weeks!
What a cute story!!
We totally have the same bowls as well! Are yours Noritake Colorwave? I have them in 3 different colors – I <3 them!!!
I’ve never thought of pairing hummus with pasta as a sauce. The possibilities are endless!
What a cute post! I love this recipe! I can’t wait to try it!
Your two little girls remind me so much of my sister and me when we were little. My sister, she’s the oldest, has always been my encourager and supporter. She recently told me that in times of fear she had to be brave because she knew if I saw her cared or crying then I would be upset too – that melts my heart. Sisters are the greatest!!
Way to go Gigi! And Lulu, too!
cared should be “scared”
And that pasta recipe, oh I am making that!!
What a wonderful post! I loved the lessons you mentioned, especially the fact that you not only mentioned taking risks (which we hear often) but also that it’s ok to realize that we’ve taken on more than we can handle. Hummus and nutritional yeast is the best combo, this is like humnut sauce pasta!
I hope Gigi actually said that about the blog. That is so precious.
LOVE IT!!! What a great post! I enjoy your blog so much and this is just an extra special post. You have two lovely girls who will no doubt become amazing, strong women.
I loved taking my boys to swim lessons. They are definitely comical and heart breaking. Also, I love hummus on noodles! I think they were just made for each other! I hope you have a great day!
CONGRATS TO GIGI for trying to board and to Lulu for getting back into the water. I wouldn’t mind at all if you wrote about swimming lessons for the next two weeks. You have been cracking me up the last two days!
A Gigi version of “Oh hellll no..” I am dying over here! You are hysterical. Tell Gigi that her jump is completely newspaper-worthy in my book, even if it doesn’t make it into print.
I often envy the fearlessness that kids have. It’s great when they remind us that the world probably isn’t as scary as we make it out to be!
Mama Pea!
I love this post. I am so proud of Gigi for going for it. You have given both of your girls so much self-confidence. It is wonderful to see how that allows them to joyfully experience life.
I’m inspired to take the dive into scary waters today. Thanks ladies!
xo
Lisa
How cute are the girls! Yes! You are allowed to cry at everything they do at this age! My daughter Bella (8) started swim at the same age and last week took 1st place at her final swim meet. Guess what, I cried like a baby ( behind my sunglasses of course) in amazement not only on watching my “baby” swim and do well in a meet, but then to give “high” 5′s to everyone in her swim heat. I think all adults should watch kids more closely than we do, we can ALL learn something!
I am totally making this pasta dish tonight. Way too hot here in AZ to cook anything, this is easy, and will help offset my growing WF hot bar bill ( for husband’s dinners) from being to lazy, I mean too hot to cook!
Anddddd yet again I am crying. I LOVE gigi! SO SO SO SO SO much! Lulu too. Weird, since I’ve never met them! Your stories about them are just so heartwarming, and I hope to be as good of a mom as you one day! You are amazing!
Also, this pasta dish looks incredible. I LOVE lemon zest with my pasta! I was surprised to read the ingredients list though… HUMMUS?!?! My dad would cringe, but I would try it!!!!!
That GiGi…she’s the cutest thing ever! Way to go girl!!!!!
YAY! Good job Gigi! Come teach Ryan how to jump off the side of the pool, he did it at his swim lessons and then that night said “I wish I had never gone to swim lessons, I’m scared to jump off the side!” He needs some encouragement from GF Gigi! And genius to put hummus on spaghetti, I’m SO trying that!!
haha that is sooo cute! And every mom deserves to brag about her child’s accomplishments!
so keep on! That pasta looks fresh AND easy to make! I’m all about the easy way out!
The past couple posts are bringing back memories to my own swim lesson days…….
That past looks delightful! a very light and summer inspired dinner.
Pasta + hummus? heaven, perhaps?!
your daughters are PRECIOUS, beautiful, strong and admirable– yes, they are admirable!
as are you.
wishing you nothing but the very best my love!
xo bec
I love seeing swim lessons posts! I remember how exciting it was to go off the diving board. Being in the water was just so much fun!!!
Congrats to Gigi and Lulu!
You’ll be doing dives in no time!
i kind of teared up when i saw those pics of gigi on the diving board! we have a home video where i look just like that….really, i look just like your daughter in that video!…and my mom is trying to get me to jump to her. they’re going to remember this fun the rest of their lives
I am loving reading all about the girls’ swimming lessons! It reminds me of my own swimming lessons as well as when I taught classes. Younger kids have such a spirit of adventure and determination which makes reading about Gigi and Lulu even more fun. It’s a wonderful reminder to take a chance, try something new, and tackle fears! It’s clear how proud you are of your girls and I thank you for bringing us along on the summer adventure!
Aw, they’re doing so good in their lessons and I love reading about it! Yay for Gigi!
The newspaper comment is ridiculously cute. (The Oregonian actually has way more readers than I ever would have guessed!) I love that about your kids – that they have this sense of endless wonder. You done good, Mama!
And I’m always amazed when I meet adults who don’t know how to swim. I think it’s a necessary skill for sure!
1) I will be making that pasta some time in the near future, it looks delicious!
2) This has nothing to do with the post, but there is a place called “Gigi’s Cupcakes” opening up near me and every time I see the sign I think of your Gigi. And then for a second I think “OMG Mama Pea is going to come and open a Vegan bakery!”
And then I get snapped back to reality because it has nothing to do with your Gigi and I’m sure its another person trying to jump on the Cupcake Bakery trend.
Dear Gigi,
You are amazing! What a brave girl you were at swimming lessons, jumping off that diving board!
Also, I admire what a great big sister you are. Lulu is a lucky girl to have you as a sister
Dear Mama Pea,
You are a wonderful mom!
How could anyone get sick of seeing swimming lesson posts…and of course, how cute and courageous your beautiful girls are!
Nikki
This gives my day a great start! I have two daughters as well, they look exactly the same age! Everyday is full of suprises, and new life lessons! Love it…..
Good job, Gigi!! So proud of you!!
And MP, I love how you’ve adapted swimming lessons to lessons we all need to be reminded of everyday. Thank you:-)
And once again, ah-mazing pictures!
Ahhh this is so so so cute! And yes, what lessons we can learn from children, if only we watch and listen. I have always loved to swim, I can’t remember learning to swim, or a time when I didn’t know how, so I take it for granted. But many people can’t swim, or have a fear of the water, which is unfortunate, and I think it really starts in childhood. Getting kids comfortable in the water, and teaching them how to move and manipulate their bodies in the water, is such a valuable skill. Just the other day I heard of a tragic story involving 6 teens playing in the water, none of whom knew how to swim – and as they drowned, their parents watched on from shore, as they were unable to swim either. I don’t think people take water safety totally seriously, so it’s great to see blog posts like this – instilling trust in your girls, and getting them in the water early.
Anyway, thanks for sharing, I hope I wasn’t a downer with this comment
I bet you’re so proud of Gigi! I’ve loved every accomplishment my 4 kids have made.
You have the BEST recipes. Period. I cannot wait to buy your book!!!
Great job, Gigi! Never be afraid to try new things!
Great job raising brave and loving girls, MamaPea. You rock.
That’s so great! Ave was the same way, she wouldn’t go off until she saw a girl younger than her doing it. Love it!
I love how cute your posts are! I can’t wait to try out that pasta! Looks very easy, delicious and healthy
TOO CUTE!!! I love how you tied your kid’s ‘little life lessons’ into ‘Big adult life lessons’ and then wrapped it up with a YUMMY looking ‘noodle’ dish! SO clever
Go Gigi!! What cool daughters you are raising. I <3 the Pea Family. And I’m all about that pasta b/c I don’t eat dairy and consider hummus a perfect creamy savory addition to a lot of dishes. Yums!
Considering my recent obsession with lemon hummus, I bet I would love this dish. Wonder if it would work with my lemon hummus recipe? Perhaps lemon overkill.
I’m reminded of the “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten” poster….cute theme!
I totally remember the first time I dived off the diving board! I was on Cloud 9 all day afterwards!
Such an accomplishment for your Gigi!
Whoops – I think I meant “dove” off the diving board. That’s what a degree in English will get you, apparently!
Go Gigi! I was terrified of swimming when I was little, but ultimately conquered the fear, and of course childhood was richer for it. Lovely pasta, too.
Congrats GiGi!!! You are a super star in my book!!
Great post! I think it’s especially important for women to actively NOT be petty, competitive or “catty” with one another. We need to be supportive and encouraging but society pits us against one another a lot of the time. Glad your kids have their head on straight- thanks to you!
Oh my goodness that is the cutest comment ever! Too bad I don’t work for the paper, I’d put her in it
Just a heads up Mama Pea, I will be contacting you when it comes time for me to raise a child!
Your kids are so precious, kind, considerate, and loving! And I don’t even know them, but I bet its true! Keep up the good work!!! You are one-of-a-kind and more people should learn from you!
my mom only wishes i had been that enthusiastic about taking swimming lessons when i was a kid. i hated them! i think it was because the pool bottom was spiky; ouch.
As I was reading that G wanted it on the blog I actually said ‘awwwwwww’ out loud…. Couldn’t help it! She’s such a wonderful little girl.
Can you girls get any more adorable!!
What a wonderful day you have all had!!!
I lub this face! I’m also making that creamy lemon pasta. Yummie
I never thought of putting hummus in noodles! What a great idea. Thanks for sharing!
GO ON GIRL! actually, go on girlS! gigi and lulu rock
such a huge feat…so happy for you all!
Your daughters are so adorable
You should be so proud of your girls!!
I’m fantastically intrigued by the use of hummus and noodles…sounds yummy. Hummus always makes my tummy happy!
I remember when I was their age … taking swimming lessons during the summers when I would visit my grandmother. I became a pretty good swimmer too, but never joined the swim team because I didn’t like being in a bathing suit. Isn’t that a shame? I wish I would have had more confidence in myself. Somehow, I don’t think that will be a problem with your little girls
Awwwww! Go Gigi! She looks so proud
Oh, to be young again!
You’re raising two great girls. I love reading about your family!
Your girls are truly fabulous, let Gigi know the news of her jump off the diving board made it all the way to the east coast, NOW THAT’S SOME BIG NEWS!
Oh, and a question for you…have you read The Kind Diet and, if so, what are you thoughts? What are your fav vegan recipe books?
-Em
Hey Em, I do have the Kind Diet, and it’s a great book, but I don’t find myself making recipes out it very often due to just not having a lot of the ingredients on hand. I really like Dreena Burton’s cookbooks (Eat, Drink & Be Vegan, Vive Le Vegan) and Veganomicon is the vegan Bible. Eat, Drink & Be Vegan was really the guide to my transition, though. Hope that helps!
So cute! Go, Gigi!
That pasta looks awesome- I need to get some of this nutritional yeast I keep hearing so much about…
The Creamy Lemon Pasta was a big hit last night in my household! However, the other half did add that a nice piece of fish would have made it better for him. It’s a work in progress, but I really am looking forward to when your Cookbook is released so that I may tempt him with many more vegan options!
Yay! Success! Maybe next time you could have some tofu with it? Or crumbled tempeh bacon in it? Dang, that’d be tasty!
YAAAY Gigi !! that is cute she wanted to be on the blog, and even cooler that you shared
Thanks for this recipe – it sounds perfect.
Gorgeous! Write about swimming lessons 3x a day if you want! These are such amazing posts and wonderful times in your life! I love reading them!
Barbara
this made my morning.
That’s super fantastic. Way to go Gigi
I think the first time I got the guts to jump off the diving board I was about 12!
I just bookmarked this recipe. Looks incredible.