If at first you don’t succeed, try again in a different language.

You may recall my failed attempt to get a reaction from my Taekwondo “Sensei” when I convinced my compatriots to count our 25 jumping jacks in Korean.

So, you know, a normal person would leave it at that.

And then there’s me.

“New plan, girls,” I told my daughters. “Sensei spent the first nine years of his life in Germany. Next time, let’s count auf Deutsch!” (I know a little German from my semester in Austria.)

“Groan,” said Youngest Daughter.

“Eh, whatever,” said Middle Daughter.

“That would be hilarious,” said Oldest Daughter.

“Yes! She gets it! Let’s do it!” Apparently one vote was all I needed.

And this time? THIS time, Sensei…

likewise did nothing.

Just kidding! He smiled. A real actual smile!

Then he looked at me and asked, in German, if I speak German. I said, “Not… really,” in English.

“Oh, okay.” He seemed disappointed, but not surprised.

Now remember the purple belt churros and the debate over how he received the extra one I gave him?

That started well, at any rate.

Also, my little man noticed the addition to my belt rack.

“What happens when you get the black belt?” he asked. “Do you get a special candy?”

Ah, the priorities of a four-year-old mind.

Perhaps when he’s old enough for martial arts, Sensei would rather close up shop than take on another one of us. So, maybe it’s just as well that I caught Little Man trying on my Jiu-Jitsu gi top.

Ready to roll.

And finally, here is the chocolate pudding pie my daughters made for July 4th. I was careful to stay far away from the process to ensure the best results.

They did a nice job, and it was delicious. 🙂

I hope my American friends had a lovely Independence Day! (Better late than never.)