Men Are From Venus

It is always interesting for me to listen to children talk. As kids grow they quickly move from simply repeating the phrases that they hear from you (no touch; hot; ouch) to their own thoughts, translated into sentences that would never occur to me. Akin to the poopy-head, potty talk so famous at the 4 year old (and then some) stage. But when you take the time to listen, really listen, it is amazing what you can learn.

My husband coaches Liam's soccer team, 13 seven year olds running on a field with some balls. Lucky for him, there are four very sane girls on the team to try to keep the nine testosterone-filled boys in check. Liam, while one of those rambunctious boys, likes girls. Not in that older kind of way; almost as one would watch a science experiment grow and change. It is not unnusual to see the girls flocking around Liam and Liam standing there looking confused. Interested, but confused.

Last night after soccer the four girls were climbing on the rocks that were around the field. One of them declared their's to be the "princess rock". Well, Liam was on another rock and thoughtfully, he declared, this is the King's rock. (Imagine the tyranny in his voice) Unfortunately, girls being smarter than boys, Liam could not have predicted the next statement. "Then you're in love with a girl" shouted one of the princesses. Liam was shocked. SO WERE ALL THE SEVEN YEAR OLD SOCCER PLAYERS HOVERING AROUND...

As always, my kids think on their feet. Liam picked up one of the smaller decorative stones and a dandelion. Holding this dandelion precariously close to the stone he yells, "and the King dynamites the Princess' stone" to the chorus of cheers from the boys and screams and wails from the girls.

Yep, that's my boy.