Vietnam

I'm teaching about the Vietnam War right now...what do you remember about it if you were alive then? I need some first-hand accounts. Tell me about the draft and how it worked. Tell me what people were thinking.

Five presidencies...15 years...a draft...Guerilla Warfare...secrets...secret wars...more bombs dropped than in WWI and WW2 combined (in Laos especially)...millions dead...and for what? Many say this is the war the U.S. lost...would it have been best for us to stay in our own country vs. going to help...many say the United States' intention was to spread imperialism and push democracy in yet another area of the world...do you agree w/ that?

creative writing

posted under my writing blog: Fitz Ink...had to write an example for my kids so they could write their own. How I love to teach writing.

Baylenisms #10 & #11

Sooo funny.

Today, Brynn has been kinda snippy and talking back. This shares a direct correlation to refusing a nap. Earlier this morning, I told her that she would receive some Sassy Sauce if her talking back continued.

Fast forward to dinner tonight. We're eating and everything is going fine. Then, Brynn starts to say, "Mom, it's your fault that I pee my pants when I sleep at night." Of course, I respond and explain that we don't blame others for things that are out of our control but in words she can understand. She doesn't agree and ends again with, "But it's your fault!"

Dj and I look at each other, smirk and continue to eat. Then Baylen adds,

"Mom, she's being demanding. I think she needs Sassy Sauce."

Well stated, sir. :)


Tonight at dinner...

Bay: Mom, what's that on your plate?

Me: It's an omlet. Eggs with peppers, cheese, ham and onions.

Bay: Oh. It has what's that called? Oh yeah...vegetables.

Soccer Mom...I am not

Baylen's first soccer game occurred this past Saturday. I was excited for him even though my expectations were set pretty low considering his lack of wanting to practice during the week. He gets so excited about soccer when we talk about it and then we get there and he's like...no way. Anyway, he wasn't so sure about it when he saw all of the adults there and kids playing, but slowly walked out w/ some gentle coaxing from his father and I. At first, he wasn't quite sure what to do but after the opposing team scored 3 goals on us in a row, he started to figure it out. He was learning how to kick the ball and figuring out which way to go. He was smiling and having fun. The kids on his team were all in the same boat, just trying to figure everything out. The other team killed us, but that is okay b/c all of our kids are playing for the first time. It's sort of not fair that you can write down other kids' names or coaches you prefer b/c then the same kids get on the same team every single time and play for 2-3 years in a row and just dominate everyone. I think it's only fair to place siblings together if they are in the same age group, otherwise, it would be more equal if they just randomly put kids on teams. Oh well.

We have one kid on our team who is pretty good and can score, but everyone else is still learning. Anyway, we're hoping that he will enjoy going to practice this week and look forward to the treats at halftime (his favorite part) and the big surprise treat at the end of the game. Last week at practice, Dj takes him out of the car and he runs onto the field, stops, turns around and says, "I'm tired. I wanna go home now!" LOL This kid!

I must admit that I really do not like soccer. Don't get me wrong; I LOVE sports. I love to watch them and I love to play a lot of them. But soccer is not on my list of favorite things. I don't like standing out there watching and I dislike it even more in the rain. The game on Sat. was cold (thankfully no rain) but just felt "wet' and somewhat muddy. Blah. I am thinking that t-ball might be something we could all be interested in next year...which would include Baylen and Brynn playing.

Looking through old photos...

and found this one of Dj and the kids...this is such a good picture of them and no caption is needed to explain how good of a daddy Dj is.

How does it seem possible that B2 seems so grown up now?

Baylenisms #5, 6, 7, 8

He's a little stinker...

Me: I'm cold...it's cold in here.

Bay: Well, put on a sweatshirt!

*****

Today on the way home from daycare...I'm putting him in his car seat:

Me: I need to put the little pad back in on your seat. It fell off.

Baylen: Well that pad hurts my feelings.

Me: What? It doesn't hurt your feelings! You're silly!

Bay: Smirks and laughs.

******

He's grabbing at his crotch the other day...

Me: What's wrong? Do you have to pee? Is something wrong with your peepee?

Bay: No, I got a wedgie!

******

Me: Baylen, how do you spell your name?

Bay: B-R-Y-N-N-A

hahaha

HECK YES!

It's about time! Brynn CAN'T WAIT! Alderwood Mall is going to have frequent visitors, I have a feeling. So glad I don't have to pay shipping for this store much longer. :)