Super Adorable India

Since I have been feeling better, I've tried to use my time to be somewhat productive in life. (That doesn't include making dinner though). Ammon has been home for the summer, and we are soaking in our time with him since we don't plan on seeing him till Christmas Break once school starts. India's latest accomplishments are being able to count to 10 and saying her full name.

Picking rasberries at Grandpa and Grandma's house with David, Marshall, Rachel, Nathanael, and Jared. We missed seeing you this last time Grandpa!!!
Satisfied. We love this girl.

That Amazing Brain

I recently took a trip to Orlando, Florida to attend a “Model Schools” conference for work. I initially agreed to attend based on the location and knowledge that we would get to go to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. In the end, I’m glad to say that the thrill of riding the roller coasters has essentially faded, but the impression that was made by a couple of the sessions at the conference have stuck. The one that impressed me the most, in fact enough to buy and read the book the presenter wrote, was about the brain and learning.

I’ve gone to conferences before that, when finished, I was little more than bored. This one though, was not boring and kind of blew my mind. In fact, based on what I’ve learned, I’ve decided that I need to make some meaningful changes to both my professional and personal life.

Yes, contrary to what many people believe, there are some educators who actually adjust pedagogy based on current research – I know, crazy.

In this blog entry, I won’t go into too much about the educational application of the research, so you may continue reading without fear of too much teacher speak.

Instead, I’m going to report on what I feel is ultimately more universally applicable – brain health. The ideas were presented by Dr. Paul Nussbaum. He is professionally a Clinical Neuropsychologist and Adjunct Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. For additional information, he has a website that presents most of the information in richer detail than I intend to offer in this entry. That isn’t to say that the information isn’t interesting. Rather, I feel that he said it well enough that I’ll let him give the explanation – especially the brain science part. The website is http://www.paulnussbaum.com/.

I’m really excited about the approach he suggests for brain health. I’m also excited about how I plan to implement his findings into my own life.

To start with, I will adopt his belief that the brain is the most important part of the human body – yes, even more important than the heart – and ought to be cared for as a primary concern. When I heard this, it seemed intuitive. Apparently, it isn’t though. I’ve noticed for a while labels plastered on everything that is “heart smart” or some other clever moniker. I’ve never seen one that is “brain smart.” That’s okay, nutrition is only one of five areas of concern for brain health.

With each of the areas, Dr. Nussbaum gives several suggestions. (Plagiarism Alert)

Nutrition
Salmon ( and other fish high in Omega – 3)
Walnuts
Colored fruits
Colored vegetables
Increase antioxidants
Eat 80% of portion served
Use utensils (the types of food you sit down and eat with utensils tend to be healthier)

Physical Activity
Walk daily
Aerobic exercise
Dance
Garden
Knit
Use non-dominant side (eg write with non-dominant hand for several minutes)
Jog
Purchase a pedometer (10,000 steps daily)
Biking
Swimming
weight training

Mental Stimulation
Read
Write
Board games
Computer based programs
Travel
Novel and complex
Develop language skills
Learn a musical instrument
Listen to classical music

Spirituality
Daily prayer
Meditate
Relaxation
Increase sleep
Learn to say “no”
Slow down
Yoga and Pilates
Attend formal place of worship
Identify body places of stress

.

Socialization
Hobbies
Join a new group
Dine with others
Do not retire (I don’t need to worry about this for a while)
Grow network of friends
Recreate and laugh
Be forgiving
Connect with family
Personal mission in life

I know, nothing earth shattering. What is impressive to me is that the things that I conventionally believed to be good are, but not in the way I thought. The exciting thing is the way that doing these things affects the brain biologically.

With that in mind, I have decided to step up my efforts in improving my brain health. I don’t have to change much. The focus just changed. I’ve created a chart that I can fill out and set a personal agenda of things to accomplish in each area of emphasis. Really, I ought to do this daily, but I’m going to start weekly.

Okay, hopefully this hasn’t been too arduous to read. I’m not sure if I’ve adequately explained everything and I’d love to discuss this further with anyone who would like on the comment section. Please ask questions along with comments.

Terrible Teens?

It happened. Tonight after I mildly got after India for doing something she wasn't supposed to she said, "I hate you." Twice. Very clearly. And then she kicked me in the face. I wasn't anticipating this for at least another eight years. I do not have a picture of her little butt sitting in time out because the camera batteries are dead. Perhaps I'll snap a picture of her tomorrow because I'm tempted to leave her in time out over night.

Don't Judge Me

First of all, thank you everyone for being so excited for us. Everyone has asked if I'm feeling well, and I'm not. But really, thanks for asking. Today has been a particulary bad morning since I have been throwing up since 3am. When I was pregnant with India, I wrote in my journal three times during the first two months. The next entry was two days after India was born. So, I thought my morning sickness this time was not as bad as last time, but it turns out I had successfully repressed those memories. Anyway, if I give you a really mean look at church, don't take it personally.

Enough whining. On the flip side, I am losing weight (though most likely pounds of brain cells). My students and boss are being very nice to me. My neighbors continue to be nice to me and help out with India a lot even when I look like a pajama-clad polygamist. We are now only using paper and plastic. I am contemplating dressing myself and India in garbage bags to cut down on laundry. I realized that India has not eaten lunch for the past week, so I splurged at the grocery store and bought tons of snacks and ready-to-eat meal-like items for her. Ammon is noble about doing everything and listening to me cry. And finally, if things go like last time, I should be feeling better in about eight more weeks!

Christmas Recap

I know this is a bit late, but better late than never. With the help of my Grandma Parker, I FINALLY made Christmas stockings for my family. Growing up, my mom always provided extrememly cute, homemade stockings. So even though I don't have a stitching gene in my body, I couldn't fathom breaking tradition.

Because I have no idea of how to sew, I also have no idea how to use a pattern. So I don't. My grandma spoiled me with her super talent by figuring out how to make these stockings from my idea. I can't wait for Christmas to come again!

India with her Great-Grandpa and Grandma Parker

The talented seamstress.

TADA! Final product! Unfortunately, I didn't quite make enough for this year, so I'll be coming by again Grandma!

Timber

My backyard.

This picture brings back a childhood memory. When I lived in Biloxi, Mississippi, I used to go to a park by the Gulf Bay, which had lots of huge trees covered by hanging spanish moss. Out of the blue, a tree branch, (much bigger than the one in our yard) fell and crushed 3 or 4 cars. Anyway, I'm glad nobody was playing in the backyard when these two branches fell.

Pajama Princess

Lately, India and I are struggling to get out of pajamas in the morning. This poor girl woke up at 6:30am (unheard of for the women in this house). By 9:30am India had zonked while watching cartoons. I just looked in my journal and noticed that India has been sucking the same two fingers since she was 2 months old. Isn't that incredible?

Again in pj's, India enjoying orange juice and "princess toast". She also enjoys "princess eggs". It's the only way I can get her to eat decent food in the morning. Hmmmm, I wonder if she'd go for "princess chores", you know, kind of like Cinderella.

Finale

Today is Ammon's last soccer game of the season. He improved the team from last year, put in countless hours of practice/coaching, and never got a yellow card. I'm so proud of you, Ammon!

Future soccer athletes: India with cousins Jack & Sophie.

Harley Trike

Thank you Ammon for setting a good example to India by wearing your helmet.

Random news: India has started singing a new song called "goo goo haw". I have no idea what that means or where she may have gotten it from. She just likes to be silly. Also, India doesn't like me to touch certain things (i.e. computer or remote). As I was doing work-related emails, India kept pushing my hands off the keyboard and saying, "Daddy's puter, Hannah's puter." When that didn't work, she gave me a severe look, pointed to the keyboard, and told me, "puter HOT."

Just for Laughs

This is the reason India keeps waking up in the middle of the night. She's afraid of the monkey monster.

Emotions

Pleased

Alarmed
Distressed

Anxious
From the emotions above, you can see how complex our little two-year-old is becoming.

Latest Obsession: Bubble Baths

India scrutinizes just like her daddy. She doesn't lack for personality does she? Speaking of personality, I do have an anecdote to share for the day. India was playing at a friend's house while I was grading some papers at home. The friend's mom had covered herself with a blanket while she was pumping since India was visiting. India pulled the blanket off and took one look at the milk going into the bottle and said with an affirmative nod, "Baby's juice."

Attention Neighbors

SARA CIRCLE BBQ

Sunday, April 13th @ 4pm

(my fourplex's back yard - 1051 Sara Circle)

Bring your own meat/plates, something delicious to share, and a blanket/chair. I've got papercups and forks.

Anyone is welcome to come! Help spread the word!

Ammon Scores Again

India is a seasoned wrestler. In the above picture, she is practicing with Uncle David. I think this move is called "You're-not-getting-up-till-you-say-"Uncle". Anyway, imagine my surprise and Ammon's delight when India told me this morning, "I smarter than all the boys."

My Handsome Hubby

1. What is his name? Ammon John Wiemers.
2. How long have you been married? Four and 1/2 years.
3. How long did you date? One and 1/2 years. And we broke up and got back together about five times.
4. How old is he? 28 and 1/2. (Ammon's half-birthday doesn't exist, but we get pretty close each leap year).
5. Who eats more sweets? Me. Maybe that's why I'm sweeter than Ammon.
6. Who said I love you first? I did. I was such a sucker for him. Ammon eventually got around to saying the "L" word about two months later.
7. Who can sing better? Well, I can hit most of the right notes if they are in my 7 note range, and Ammon knows all the right words. You decide.
8. Who is smarter? We're well matched. We both majored in English Secondary Education and agreed not to ever take any classes except for Institute together since we can get a wee bit competitive with each other. But hands down, Ammon is smarter at being a smart alec.
9. Who does the laundry? Me. Although Ammon is good about pitching in when he sees I'm behind.
10. Who pays the bills? I did for the first year and a half of marriage. Then I started student teaching and afterwards got pregnant, and Ammon has taken over since.
11. Who mows the lawn? I have had my fair share of mowing when I lived at home with my parents. However, Ammon insists that it is the man's job. He is a perfectionist when it comes to the lawn. He is irritated when our landlord's son does a crappy job and has been known to borrow a lawn mower to do it right. When we were dating, Ammon was always itching to mow my parent's lawn. No wonder I dashed their hearts when I broke up with Ammon.
12. Who cooks dinner? Ammon cooks on the weekends. I try to make his leftovers last till the next weekend.
13. Who drives? Ammon. He thinks everyone but himself is a reckless driver in Utah.
14. Who kissed who first? Ammon kissed me first.
15. Who asked who out first? I don't think we started officially dating until I moved home to Centerville during the summer. Before then we would hang out a lot.
16. Who proposed? Ammon did. I was going out to Illinios with Ammon to meet his family and didn't know he had planned on proposing to me there. Two weeks before our trip I tried to break up with him because our relationship "wasn't going anywhere." Ammon told me over the phone that he had planned to propose to me after I met his family. I got mad him and asked him if he had asked my dad yet (which he hadn't). We went ring shopping the next week, and then Ammon still managed to surprise me with the big question and a pretty rock at the Nauvoo Temple.
17. Who has more siblings? I do. Ammon has 4 sisters and 1 brother. I have 7 brothers and 2 sisters.
18. Who wears the pants? Ammon does. But I've got influence.
19. Do have any advice for him? Yes. Pretend to be afraid of skin cancer and start WEARING SUNSCREEN.
20. What do you love about him? Ammon can make anybody laugh at any time. He can laugh at himself. He married me despite the fact I lack any sportslike abilities. He's an EXCELLENT cook. He never brings up my weaknesses. He's got big muscles. He loves both his and my family. He is going to be an awesome principal someday. He's willing to take on 150 extra responsibilites at school to support our family. He indulges India and me in the form of teasing, teasing, icecream, teasing, and teasing all in the name of love.

Team "W"

Guess Who I Am on First Name Basis With?

Yup. That's right. Joseph Smith. Well, ok . . . actually the actor who played Joseph Smith, Nathan Mitchell. Want to know how? He's a therapist at my school. Our students (98% who are not Mormon) were DYING! Want to know how they found out? One of our students recognized him from the movie and told all the other students. I didn't even know they knew who Joseph Smith was. I still haven't seen the movie yet, so I had no idea.

Last year Ammon was also on first name basis with Joseph Smith Jr. That is until Joseph transferred out of his English class.

Now joking aside, if you or anyone you know has questions about Joseph Smith or anything else about the LDS church, leave me a comment or email me at erin.wiemers@gmail.com. I would love to share with you what I know.

An Artist at Work

For the first couple of years of our marriage, we made do with lovely art pieces from my siblings. Now I get to showcase my little India! We've been using watercolor because that's what was available in my house. However, I have discovered the "paint-by-water" books at Target for 89 cents. As you see below, the most damage India has done is spill her water all over her shirt! It has been a super fun "too cold to go outside" activity.

Painting in her pj's and pretty shoes.

"Untitled." Watercolor on Cardstock.

For those of you who aren't familiar with Jasper Johns' work, here's one piece entitled "False Start". I'm seeing the resemblance. Thanks Laney for helping me become more culturally aware today. (Do you have any of his prints at the bookstore?)

Watering the Flowers

I love that India will watch what I do then try it out herself.

Our fancy plumbing.
Fancy shrubbery.
Close enough.

India and Tristan

India treats her playmates more like siblings than friends. I'm not sure if this is a phase or if it is permanant. In this picture she seems to be saying to our next-door neighbor, Tristan, "Don't even THINK about going anywhere buddy!"

Sleeping Beauties

This is how I have found Ammon and India when I came home from work both times this week.

I Haven't Seen My Husband in Three Weeks . . .

because he works, is very sick this week, has had soccer tryouts, debate tournaments, parent/teacher conference, young men's, and more church meetings. Needless to say, we miss him. However, this week I did learn how to turn off the toilet water. I haven't mopped in a while, so I was avoiding eye and direct foot contact with our floors. It's too bad our downstairs neighbors noticed the leakage first. Anyway, enjoy the pictures below featuring our little lady earlier this month.

This cute momma-belly belongs to Hannah, Ammon's sister. Our nephew, Asher, was born on February 13th. India insists on holding "Ashes" all by herself and likes to give him kisses.

My mom and McKenna have introduced the world, adventure, and mess of playdough to India. She's very good at making cookies and mashing all the colors into one ball. She discovered early on that these cookies do not taste good. Playdough is one of the games I really enjoy doing with India. But why do I get mad at her when she messes up my playdough creations?

India raking the snow and keeping our yard lookin' nice.

How Is This Any Different?

Ten Years Ago:

The date was February 13, 2008. The place was Galesburg, Illinois. I was just beginning my last semester as a senior in high school. I didn't keep a journal and blogs weren't invented yet. So, what I was doing specifically wasn't documented -- probably a good thing.

Five things on my to do list today:

You may be suprised, despite my aversion to lists, that I actually have a to-do list. I use Outlook as my email program, and there is a list function that is very nice to help me keep organized.

1. Finish planning tryouts (for soccer -- they begin Feb 25, and I hope the snow is gone)
2. Call Amex (I've heard that if you call and bug them for long enough they will lower your interest rate -- it's worth a shot)
3. Call the U of U about financial Aid
4. Email faculty about using their rooms for the Debate Tournament
5. Catch up on grading (This is always on my list, because I've never done it.)

Things I would do if I was suddenly made a billionaire:

Honestly, life right now is pretty good. I'd definitely cut back on hours at work -- go to part time. Consequently, I would enjoy the increased time afforded to me at home with Erin and India. We would probably add a new member or two to that mix. Erin could stop working, so we could be together at night. Sara Circle is great, but we would probably move into a different neighborhood. The new neighborhood might not have as many four plexes. I'm thinking houses. I would go to graduate school still and pursue all of the goals I currently have. The extra money wouldn't change my goals in life. It would simply take away the stress of affording them.

Two of my bad habits:

1. Impatience
2. Overlooking the little things

Five places I have lived:

1. Orem, Utah
2. San Joaquin Valley in California. (Fresno Mission)
3. Galesburg, Illinois
4. Hull, Sioux Center, and Osceola, Iowa
5. Ames, Iowa (the maternity ward -- it was only really a visit)

Five jobs I have had:

1. High school English teacher
2. Head boys' soccer coach
3. Debate coach
4. Assistant girls' soccer coach
5. Assistant manager at a Sinclair Gas Station

Five things people don't know about me:

1. I'm not completely cold hearted -- though it may be two sizes too small
2. I'm very shy
3. I read incredibly slowly
4. I've never been skiing or snowboarding because I'm afraid
5. I'm a terrible swimmer

Our Little Darling is Two

Not quite a newborn, but you get the picture. She's all grown up! Daddy and his Princess. And yes, her hair always looks like this. Even when I fix it.
She LOVES Ammon. He was the first one invited to try on her new "princess hat" and jewels.
Being 2 comes with more responsibilites in life. India is now old enough to choose her own outfits. And look, she's smiling!

Tagged Again

It's a Little Different Tag
A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.
B. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

10 years ago: February 1, 1998 (from my journal)
I went to a drama convention in Orem. I decided to do hurdles for my pantomime final. I got a really ugly T-shirt that I probably still have.

5 things on my to-do list today:
1. Start my portfolio for my level II license application
2. Reorganize the filing drawer India messed up about a year ago
3. Do 30 minutes of indexing
4. Take a shower
5. Choreograph a lyrical jazz dance

Things I would do if I were suddenly made a a billionaire:
Pay off loans. Buy stock. Live in different parts of the world and learn to do their traditional dances.

2 of my bad habits:
1. Eating when I'm stressed
2. Stressing too much

5 places I have lived:
1. Bethesda, Maryland 2. Biloxi, Mississippi 3. Brookhaven, Mississippi 4. Centerville, Utah 5. Orem, Utah

5 Jobs I have had:
1. Dog Groomer
2. Cheerleader/Drill/Dance Instructor
3. Janitor (for 3 weeks . . . yup, I'm a wimp)
4. Writing Tutor
5. English Teacher (8th, 9th, 10th, and now teaching boys at therapeutic boarding school ages 13-18)

5 Things people don't know about me:
I'm addicted to Barbie movies. I prefer bananas more green than yellow. My first kiss was at age 18. I hiccup like a terridactyl. It took me a year to learn how to drive a stick shift car.

New "taggies" are Ammon, Kim, Natasha, Nikki, and Meredith.

Sunday Evening

Here is India hanging out by our bishop's dog, Molly, during BYD. Thanks to Ben Snow who captured this moment for us! Does that foot in the lefthand corner look familiar to anyone? I can't remember who was sitting there. Afterwards, India had tons of fun playing the marble game with Sister Robinson.

When we came home, we found out President Hinkley had passed away. It's sad in a sense, but also joyful because he served the Lord faithfully during his life and is now with his wife again. I have been touched by all the news reporters/writers covering his death in the news because they have done so in such a loving, respectful, and reverent manner. President Hinkley exuded happiness, and I am grateful to still have his words of wisdom.

We're Back

After a month long sabbatical from blogging, we are back! Today Ammon and I both had the day off from work, so we had a family date. First, on the way to Team Gear, we braved the snow and passed 30 unlucky cars on the freeway that had been in accidents or had spun off the road. Ammon scored (no pun intended) a great deal on two adjustable ladders for his soccer team to do drills on. India picked out a hot pink soccer ball that she kept trying to sneak around the store. Next, we ate yummy food at Asian Food Buffet. As tradition, Ammon continues to reinforce how scary the "dragon kitties" really are. Hopefully, this exercise does not give her psychological issues in the future. Afterwards, we saw the Bucket List, which was very enjoyable with a satisfying ending. India's favorite part of the movies was "riding" on the train in the arcade. Shhh . . . nobody tell India her parents are too cheap to give up their quarters. Finally, we went shopping for Ammon because he keeps shrinking! The last picture is of Ammon and India doing the Heisman Trophy Pose.