I recently read an article about the specific knowledge of first graders. It proceeded to give examples of 6 and 7 year-old kids recalling vast amounts of facts concerning specific subjects they adore/obsess over: insects, star wars, astronomy, UFOs…etc. For Liam and Burke it’s dinosaurs, snakes, and sharks. We have actually checked out every book our library owns about sharks (even the books on shark attacks) seeing that Liam plans to become a shark specialist of some sort later in life. He (in all seriousness) recently referred to his ribs as gills, and when departing from a friend leaving for Haiti, rather than a casual good-bye, Liam warns, “watch out for puff adders (a type of viper). Just don’t turn over any rocks. Okay?” I suppose if he knew anything about the social/living climate of Haiti, he would realize there are far worse things to watch for than snakes. So although my little men can recall thousands of obscure facts, they often lack context. This little fact of my own helps explain why on one hand they can classify and describe hundreds of species (even extinct ones) or have conversations including 4-5 syllable words, yet regularly fail to recall how to wipe their own butts, tie their shoes, or share with their younger sister.
Anyway, in order to feed the kids’ shark-loving appetites, we managed to squeeze in a little trip to the aquarium in Corpus while visiting some family. They all loved it. Burke’s face in the reflection of the shark tells more than I could possibly capture in words.
I quickly informed my disheartened 5 year-old son that in another 10 years he will be grateful that his teeth are NOT curling out of his mouth and around his jaw. For now, he will just have to trust me.
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In our home, we have attire reserved specifically for weddings. We refer to them as “wedding shirts” (even if we happen to wear them to an event other than a wedding). This last weekend when Liam noticed me and Mark packing up our wedding clothes, he started a conversation that went a little something like this:
Liam: Where are we going?
Mark: To a wedding.
Liam: (his body sagging over in complete disapproval) Uhhhh.
Mark: There will be dancing there.
Liam: Rock and Roll?
Mark: I believe so.
Liam: (enthusiastically) Where’s my wedding shirt?
He is most definitely my son. And just to give you a little glimpse of some of their moves, here’s a brief video Aina took of the boys almost two years ago at my brother’s wedding. They give lessons, if you’re interested.
Mark: Hey Liam, you want a powerball (granola treat)?
Liam: Sure. I’ll eat it in the vacant lot with my brother.
Mark: Hey, take one to Burke.
Liam: Okay. Oh — I’ll throw this wrapper away here so Burke doesn’t litter in the field.
Mark: Good idea.
Liam: (re-entering the kitchen after having left) Oh, I almost forgot something. (He opens the kitchen drawer and removes a book of matches.)
Mark: Whoa buddy. What’s that?
Liam: Matches.
Mark: (listening with raised eyebrows)
Liam: For a fire.
Mark: Nope.
Liam: Burke and I need to start a small fire in the field. Just a small one.
Mark: (shaking his head)
Liam: A really small one.
Mark: Every big fire starts out as a small one. You cannot EVER have matches without my permission, understand?
Liam: (meekly) yes.
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The source of intervention and, in this instance, fire prevention: powerballs.
makes 40-48 balls prep time: 15 min
- 1 c. peanut butter (if you use natural or organic pb, use “no stir”)
- 1 c. honey*
- 3 c. old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 c. ground flaxseed
- 1 c. chocolate chips
- 1 c. any combination of nuts and soft dried fruit
Mix the peanut butter and honey together until smooth. Gradually add in the oats and flaxseed. Add the chocolate chips and fruit/nut combo. Mix gently in a stand mixer or mush together with your hands (kids prefer the latter.). Use a small spoon or a cookie-dough scoop for size, and roll them into small balls. Use paper mini-muffin cups for presentation. Layer them in an airtight container using wax-paper. Eat them immediately, or put them in the refrigerator (my favorite) or freezer to limit stickiness.
*Using a cup of honey is too sweet for my taste; I’ll definitely limit it next time. But, I’m not sure yet how that will affect the consistency.
Enjoy!
