Stars In Their Eyes
For whatever reason, the girls woke up this morning wanting to go stargazing. Gigi was on the hunt for a map of the solar system, so she dug out these books you may have heard your grandmother talk about once, called “encyclopedias.”
Lulu’s response as she watched Gigi juggle the multiple obsolete volumes, “Wow, Sissy, that’s a lot of ‘casiopedias’!”
Without question, she is a genius and was referencing both the encyclopedias and the northern sky constellation cassiopeia.
Our minds were made up. Sunlight be damned, we would go on an outdoor star-seeking adventure! While I started preparations, Gigi gave Lulu an anatomy lesson from the “casiopedias.” Pointing to the mouth diagram, she explained, “Those bumps on your tongue are called ‘tastebutts!’”
They packed an overnight bag, complete with “star guides,” pajamas and bedtime stories.
I got to work on the necessary rations. After last week’s failed cereal bar attempt, I wasn’t going down without a fight.
Peanut Butter Cereal Balls
Makes 24 balls
- 1 c. natural peanut butter
- 1/2 c. brown rice syrup or honey
- 1/4 c. wheat germ or wheat bran
- 1/4 c. ground flax seed (about 2 T. whole flax seeds before grinding)
- 1/4 c. rice protein powder (I used Sun Warrior Vanilla)
- 1 c. millet puffs + additional 1 c. for rolling
Combine wet ingredients in a small bowl.
In a larger bowl, combine dry ingredients, using just one cup of millet puffs.
Add wet ingredients to dry and stir until well combined.
Scoop tablespoons of the dough into balls, and then roll in a shallow bowl filled with an additional cup of millet puffs.
Transfer balls to a wax paper-lined plate and refrigerate for an hour.
Nutritional info per 1 ball serving: 110 calories, 6 g. fat, 10 g. carbs, 5 g. protein
This recipe was based on one given to me by my next-door neighbor, which is ironic given the fact that we spent most of the day “stargazing” into her backyard.
Sorry, Debbie.
We found the prime spot for mid-afternoon skywatching and pitched our tent.
In truth, I sweated over poles and cheap fabric like it was putting me through trade school,
and Gigi modeled her McGruber vest.
After many blinding stares into the sun, we were getting hungry, so my little Galileos took a lunch break.
Are your “tastebutts” watering?
Gigi swished and spit that juicebox and proclaimed it to have an oaky bouquet and a cedary finish.
I encouraged Lulu to try her cookies. She responded in a disappointed tone, “They aren’t cookies. They are balls.”
I second that emotion.
I knew it was a mistake to give her anything filled with Tofutti cream cheese.
After lunch, the star-watching resumed, with the dramatic discovery that the solar system ain’t what it used to be. I nearly spit out a ball when Gigi cried, “I’m so sad that Pluto’s not a planet anymore!”
Somehow we overcame the disappointment.
Gigi announced at the end of our adventure, “Being an astronomer is the best job in the world!”
Sorry, kid. I’ve got that one covered.
LOL!!! The photo of Gigi with her hand on her forehead. Priceless. Is Gigi now like 10yrs old? Did I miss a few bdays? She looks so much older in this post! Adorable..both of them. And those ballzzzz…making my mouth water! Love the juice box joke
How adorable! “so sad that Pluto isn’t a planet anymore!” She’s so smart!
If every child could have a lunch like you made for your girls, wow, would we all be so healthy!
So did they like those cookies? Did you?
We did like them! They are kind of like a peanut butter rice krispy treat, but far healthier!
i know MY tastebutts are watering!
You got through that whole post without Uranus?
Gigi is going to be an actress!!! Her expressions are so dramatic
I wish I could spend my day stargazing…
Those ball look awesome even if they aren’t cookies!
awww what a fun day! And those ‘balls’ look delish!
Precious last picture of the girls. You can tell how much they love each other!
Sweet, sweet, sweetest…they make me laugh every time!!!
My “tastebutts” were definitely watering at the PB balls/cookies. My Mom was a sneaky little nutritionist and did “ants on a log” – the celery with cream cheese and raisins and/or nuts. Craisins are great too, which i’m sure you know… occasionally, the “balls” would get a little carob powder, or a honey drizzle. We loved them!!!
Oh, and I’ve seen the “Casiopedia” galaxy… Baby G watches in every color, jelly straps, pink, green, clear… you and your tiny budding scientists would love it…
Quite the little explorers!
I love the idea of balls. I think they make such a great snack for on the go!
My grandfather used to make a similar treat for us, back in the day…mixed up peanut butter and honey with something else (hey, I was maybe 7, I didn’t pay close attention!) and rolled it into little balls coated with sesame seed. Oh, they were good. I’ll have to try this for my kid.
This was a hilarious post, I DID spit out a little coffee laughing over the banishment of Pluto.
I used to love looking for the constallations when i was young. The “BALLS” look great. I am glad you tried Alicia’s before me, b/c i was thinking of making those. My coworkers will like these more!
Hahaha, omg, so cute!! Never a dull day in the Peas and Thank You House!!
Those balls sure do look good!!
love your balls. i mean you pb balls…i mean…
i love that your girls wanted to star gaze. i went through an astronomy phase; lasted 10 minutes until i couldn’t find the right constellations. or so i thought.
Seriously, there is nothing better than when the kids are loving each other! I got my boys back from their grandparents after being away from them for 5 days and I was just so over joyed to be with them! It was such a weird feeling when they left this time because I seriously did not want them to go at all. They are old enough now that they are our companions and best friends. That is the best feeling! Enjoy your girls today!
Ahh – nothing better than daylight stargazing. Your kids look like they have the best time!!
You always have the best sounding balls
Love the little snack plate you put together for your girls, I would mind if someone gave me an awesome snack like that!!
hahaha this post is ever funnier than usual! thank you for the smiles i get everyday from reading your blog
i loved this post so adorable!!! i just cant get over how sweet your daughters are! and how wonderful gigi is to her lil sister!! do they ever get into fights?? They remind me of my sister and me at their age when we were inseparable (until the preteen age hit lol). You honestly do have the best job in the world
did u enjoy the finale of glee last nite?? what will we do with a whole summer without it?!?
gigi is slowly morphing into daddy pea! It’s adorable!! BTW I think it’s time for a vlog…balls recipes only.
hahaha..love this. I love the picture of lulu and the creamcheese
Those pb protein balls look yummy!
I’m not a huge peanut butter fan, but those balls look great!
Oh I just love this post! It made my mommy heart melt.
Heart the Peas!
This recipe looks like so much fun to make with kids!!!!!!!!!!!
I love everything about this post!
i want to move in with you.
How are you at cleaning carpets?
Just started reading your blog after seeing a few rave reviews around the blogosphere. Love the humor and recipes. My tastebutts definitely wish they had some PB millet balls to munch on…
Thanks Lindsey! Your tastebutts are always welcome here.
I can’t even get over the fact you and the girls are going to be in a book published nationwide and available on Amazon!!!! I can already see you going on a book tour with the Pea clan and standing in the Ferry Building in SF talking about your balls and everyone going crazy over them!!
I expect to see you there, front and center, Homegirl!
A new snacky recipe! Perfect timing, too… I’m sure they’ll be great for me to eat inconspicuously while I’m holding down the hostessing fort.
I almost died when I saw Gigi as MacGruber.
Also, thanks so much for your nice comment yesterday. You’re the star, Mama.
Those non-cookie balls look great!
Lol…this looks like a day I would have had when I was a child. I love little kids’ imaginations.
“Those aren’t cookies…they’re balls.” No twss?!? You were serious when you put a moratorium on those!
I seriously cringe when I read “twss” on other blogs now. I feel pangs of responsibility.
Shoot. I had forgotten Pluto wasn’t a planet anymore until Gigi’s reminder. Who’s the college grad? Jeeze.
Mmmm peanut butter cookie balls. That has such a nice ring to it.
Thank you for last night’s Twitter convo. Made me realize that I’m not the crazy one.
Love you!! xoxoxo
Hehe you said balls.
They do, however, look quite delicious!
Are you ready for the daily camper quotes to come back?? I still think you should send Gigi for the summer
She would love that, Mara. I can’t wait for the quotes!!!
ah, what an awesome day!!
those balls look YUM. lunch looks really good too, and I want a McGruber vest!
i know i say this about practically every post, but THIS one is the cutest ever. i cant get over how adorable those kiddos are.
I love that they hang out together so well. The girls are precious. Do you let them watch tv? It’s great you spend so much active time with them
They definitely watch TV, though we try to limit it to an hour or two a day. I reserve it for times when I need to take a shower or need to get a little work done. Now that summer is here, it is so nice to be outside!
This recipe looks amazing… it’s great that they try so many things. How did you start introducing so many different things? Are they ever resistant?
Hi Lisa. I never really had to “introduce” different things, they’ve had them around since they’ve started eating solids. I think the fact that they’ve seen Pea Daddy and I piling our plates with vegetables their whole lives has helped. There are times when they are resistant, but I don’t force the issue. I just always offer and before too long they are trying and most of the time enjoying what’s on their plate.
There are so many precious photos of the girls in this post! I can’t believe how grown up Lulu looks with those two little buns!
I think your poem posts are definitely some of my favorite posts
It’s so wonderful to see how loving your girls are to each other!
Cute snack plates ever – you’re quite the mom : )
Cutest snack plates ever – you’re quite the mom : )
Your girls are so cute! Those “cookies” look good to me
Ack! Your daughters are so adorable! Can’t wait til I can start posting cute pics of my little bugger. Just gotta keep him cooking a bit longer.
LOL, OMG! So precious. “Tastbutts” !! I’m going to use that one… often.
Those cereal balls look so good.
Jenn
love this recipe! i have a HUGE bag of millet that I have no idea what to do with becauase I dont go through it that fast and this is perfect! i was thinking they were be good something like this or granola bars or granola made with millet puffs!! perfect!
I posted about your falafels on the blog
they were SO delicious, they are my leftovers tonight!!
Your girls are having a great childhood. They are creative and free spirited and you go along with what they want to do and encourage them. How cool that you stay home and provide a home environment like you do. You will never regret this time. I stayed home with mine and the oldest ones (24 and 22) have thanked me many times. The younger ones (17 and 14) still aren’t sure, but they’ll come around! Keep doing what your doing. I also loved the post about girls’ night. Actually I love all your posts.
Both your children are absolutely stunning. I love reading about all the adventures you take on with your little pea family. keep up the great work! take care
Thank you, Samantha. The adventure continues…
balls! they look like a hit. i am playing catch up today. i love your little ladies.
oh and i always read and then comment and then go back to see if i forgot to comment on something and lo and behold, i did, the mcgruber vest comment. ahahahah.. i laughed so hard at that. good thing marshall dragged me to the movie so i could “get” your joke. most blogger jokes go right up over this shortie’s head.
That picture of Gigi teaching Lulu is so cute! Cutest PeaKid pic ever? Top 5! That we’ve seen
Also, Lulu’s hair is super cute in those little buns – I’m impressed with your patience – I am fond of cutting the kid’s hair into a bob whenever it gets too long.
Thanks for giving me an idea about what to do w/ my millet!
Did ya really have to post the calorie content of those balls I’ve been eating like candy this week?? =)
Best part of this post: the trade school line. I can’t believe no one else has commented on it!! You are so gifted!