(This is actually common in my world.)

The tweet I saw was from a local news outlet, announcing that a bill allowing creationism to be taught in Indiana science classes was on the floor of the state senate.

It didn’t seem to get much attention- at that moment, for the days following, all of the attention was on the Right to Work bill and the Superbowl Village. Heck, my college roommate and I even wrote Indianapolis a love letter in two parts– a history and a city guide of what to do.

Because when Indiana is good, it is very good.

But when it is bad? It is horrid.

I was surprised at my reaction- honestly, not a whole lot riles me in politics. I’m luke-warm when it comes to unions. I’m pessimistic when it comes to healthcare reform. I want tax dollars to be spent wisely.

But bring up an education issue, an issue that would directly affect what my own child learns in a science class?

My mama bear comes out.

That night I emailed my state senator and urged friends to do the same.

The bill passed in the Senate today, 28-22, and from what I can tell, straight along party lines. (Thanks, State Senator Merritt, for a) not acknowledging my email, not even an autoreply, and b) voting in favor of this rubbish)

Thankfully, an amendment has been added that will hopefully make it something that no science teacher worth their salt will touch – an amendment that broadens the bill to say if schools choose to teach something other than science in science class, they have to include multiple creationist stories, not just what’s in Genesis.

Thank you, State Senator Vi Simpson, for this clever addition. There are a lot creation stories a science teacher could choose from, many of which are featured on http://www.magictails.com/creationlinks.html. Of course, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in 1987 that teaching creation science was unconstitutional, but that didn’t stop State Senator Dennis Kruse from proposing the bill, because as he says in today’s Indianapolis Star online, “”I believe in creation, and I believe it deserves to be taught in our public schools.”  Seriously? This is a reason to present a bill to the senate floor?

The focus on here is really on how humans came to be, but when you start teaching creation stories as science….it sort of upends not only biology, but geography and geology as well.

Because if this is really what they (Christian creationists) want to teach (from http://www.creationcurriculum.com/):

Our mission is to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ through educating individuals of all ages about the evidence for creation.  We believe that God made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them in the time and manner specified in Genesis:  by His Word in six normal, solar days.  We also believe that God made the first man, Adam, directly from the dust of the ground and not through an evolutionary process.  We also believe that science, rightly interpreted will be consistent with the Old and New Testament Scriptures.

Then I ask how are other science classes going to deal with the questions from young scholars who are taught that Genesis is actually a real possibility?

Are the ice ages real? How did the mountains come to be? What about plate tectonics? Are they a hoax? What about the dinosaur bones that are older than the people bones? (can you tell I live with kids who like to ask questions?)

Did the earth ever really look like this? That depends on which unit we're teaching this week. (photo from Wikipedia)

I just don’t get it. Granted, the way the bill is written now, with the amendment, there’d have to be more than one version presented. So let’s look at the Hindu story of creation.

In this story, the people of the world come from Purusha, the creator of all things. The people come from Purusha’s body….and that’s how the Indian Caste system came to be. People are to live and marry within their own class to fulfill their life’s purpose.

That belongs in science class, right?

Comparative literature? Sure thing. Sign both my kids up! They’d love it.

Science? No way.

I’m off to email my state representative, Brian Bosma, and to write a thank you email to state Senator Vi Simpson. I’m urging you to do the same- here’s a handy link to do just that: http://district.iga.in.gov/DistrictLookup

I’ll admit, I am shocked by a) how this has gotten to me and b) how many people think that creation stories belong in science class. I mean, I know better than to read the comments on the news websites, but when there are over 100 comments and a good number of Facebook likes, it’s like Internet rubber-necking and I can’t turn away. 

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So I’m here, but not for long. This week has unofficially been declared: INDIANAPOLIS WEEK, as the entire expanse of the metro area gets ready to host SuperBowl XLVI.

Ready doesn’t even begin to describe it. This town of ours, it is on fire. It is breathtakingly ready. If you’re anywhere within a day’s drive of this spectacle, come check it out. I know I’m not the only Hoosier thinking that maybe, just maybe, this will be the first of many successful Superbowls for our fair city.

We took the kids downtown on Friday night, the opening night of Superbowl Village.

We saw the 33 NFL Super Cars.

We saw the Zipline operating overhead.

We saw the Human Hamster Wheels.

We saw the giant Superbowl Roman Numerals on Circle.

We saw Elmo.

There were football activities, music, food, and an electric energy that was contagious. And that was just opening night.

MaM has learned all about Roman Numerals.

The Fox wants to know when the big race is- he’s convinced those 33 NFL cars are going go to race, and the Colts car is going to win.

BgK is geeked for the LMFAO concert Friday night.

Me? I’m loving the good press Indianapolis is getting.

What’s been your favorite thing about Superbowl week so far?

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What’s sweet is that she doesn’t understand the business side of these packages, so sometimes our conversations go like this:

“Oh look, there’s a FedEx bag!”

“Do you want to help me open it?”

“Oh yes.”

“Let’s see what we have.”

“Oh look Mommy! It’s cards, and a keychain, and oh, this says FREE BURGER. Mommy, who sent us this?”

“Wendy’s did, because they’d us to try their new cheeseburgers.”

“Wendy’s is SO NICE, Mom!”

For the record, Wendy’s really is nice. I love what they do, both with cheeseburgers and the Dave Thomas Foundation.

And OMG, the cheeseburgers. They’ve been reconstructed, and they’re YUMMY. My mom and I tried them out last weekend (the kids opted for chicken, even though they both had cheeseburger tattoos on their arms), and they were delicious. Substantial bun, juicy burger, fresh toppings. With this remake, the Wendy’s basic cheeseburger is more like a speciality burger. And unlike some other chains, this burger is sized so you eat one and you’re DONE. My mom and I both got a small fry with our meal and neither one of us could finish them. SO YUMMY.

But back to the FedEx bag- I’m wondering though, if next time, they’ll just contact Mam directly. I was walking near her in the hallway at school the other day (I was volunteering, she was going to class, and she was not acknowledging my existence) when she started her pitch:

“Hi Will!”

“Hi MaM!”

“I have a new keychain.”

“Cool.”

“It’s a cheeseburger. It’s from Wendy’s.”

And the future generation of bloggers has been born.

Disclosure- I was sent a bag of Wendy’s goodies, coupons and a gift card in exchange for my honest review. I chose to eat and sing the burger’s virtues on my own free will. And MaM raved about Wendy’s all on her own, with no prodding from me whatsoever. 

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She’s getting her ears pierced this week.

She’s lost SIX teeth, and the permanent teeth are almost all grown in.

She’s reading books. (She’s getting this Beverly Cleary boxed set
for her birthday. SO EXCITED for it!)

She’s swimming like a fish.

She’s writing letters to her former teachers.

She’s working on riding a two wheeler.

She still refers to everyone as her friend, and introduces herself to anyone who looks like they may speak Littlest Pet Shop, Barbie, Princess, Star Wars, Cars, Fairy, or Kid-in-General.

She is amazing.

I’m kind of biased, but this girl is the best there is.

I am so honored to be her mom, I can’t even stand it.

Happy Birthday, my sweet girl!

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When Indiana Dairy offered us tickets, I was hoping for a date day with BgK (I still dream about that one year, at the 500). As it turns out, we decided that BgK & MaM would be the duo best suited to enjoy the day together.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has gained another life long fan.

“What was the best part about the race today, MaM?”

“The ice cream.”

“What else did you like?”

“The cars.”

“Did you have a favorite car?”

“No. My favorite color is pink and there were no pink cars.”

“Did you have fun anyway?”

“Yes! I love the race track with Daddy!”

And there you go. That last phrase, right there? It’s kind of what I live for.

Thanks again to Indiana Dairy for setting us up with this great tickets! Check out their Facebook page or follow them @INDairy to learn more about the dairy industry in our fine state.

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I don’t like cooking when it’s 90+ degrees out. It’s hot, it’s tiring, and while people need to eat in this heat, the hunger is different.

So, due to a perfect combination, I haven’t had to really cook since last Friday, I think.

Saturday night, I attended my 20th High School Reunion. I wrote about it on Persephone. It was a good time, and it involved a buffet, bar and fabulous dessert selections.

Sunday night, we picked up a roasted chicken at the grocery.

Monday we ate something, I don’t remember what it was. I know if anything, it only involved the microwave.

Me, smiling, because I'm not cooking!

Tuesday night, we went to Victory Field, and had a yummy picnic, compliments of Family of Farmers. Victory Field is SUCH a fun place to be, and if you can snag free food and beer, well, it’s even more fun. The fox was in his glory, watch “the guys” and MaM learned that “the thrower” is called the pitcher. We made it through five innings, I think, before we had to call it a night.

MaM was marginally aware there was a game being played. Marginally.

Guys! I can't wait to see the guys!

Wednesday night we went to the pool at the gym after work/school/day camp and fed the kids at the snack bar. Technically, I did microwave food for Bgk and I when we got home, but I don’t call that cooking.

Last night, we celebrated our tenth anniversary with dinner at Shula’s. I knew it was football-themed restaurant, but really wasn’t expecting the menu on the regulation football. But hey, it worked. And I didn’t have to cook! (Actually, it more than worked. A delicious steak dinner, with my honey, in a quiet, well air-conditioned restaurant, sans kids? I won’t lie- it was amazing!)

The steak menu was printed on the football, instead of the paper menu.

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What to Expect from Your Child’s First Set of Swim Lessons: When I asked Javier about what to expect during your child’s first set of swim lesssons, he told me the #1 thing they will focus on is the bob. As in, bobbing up and down in the water.

Bobs! We always start with bobs in the water. A bob is when you submerge your face in the water and blow bubbles. This is such an importance skill to learn and is the foundation of swimming. If a child can put their face in the water and feels comfortable with water getting in their face, ears and is relaxed then this opens up the opportunity for you to start teaching them to float. Once we are able to teach a child to float on their stomach and back then we are in business! Swimming is nothing more that pushing your floating body through the water. Bobs, floating and basic water orientation are the goals for a child in their first ever swim lessons.
In hindsight, the next question  I asked is like the question I was asked the most when I was teaching, just substitute the word “reading” for “swimming” — When Will My Child REALLY Be Swimming? Just as I always diplomatically answered that question, Javier responded:

It really depends on the child and the frequency of lessons. I’ve trained 4 year old kids to swim in kid triathlons! I try to tell parents all the time to think about swimming the same way you think about teaching your child to walk. I always say, “you don’t teach your child to walk in 7, 30min sessions” the more you send your child to swim lessons the faster they will learn. The more they take lessons the more refined their strokes become.

MaM has really improved her swimming technique during her three week session at the Ft. Ben YMCA. She’s learned the names of several swimming terms, she’s learned how to tread water efficiently, and she’s been introduced to three swimming strokes. I have a feeling she’ll be swimming laps in no time.

It’s not too late to swim this summer! There are still classes forming at YMCAs around town! Check out the list of Youth Swim classes (hit the back button for different age groups) and sign up for some end of summer fun!

Thanks again to Javier for answering all of my questions, to Brian at the Ft. Ben Y for teaching MaM this summer, and the Greater YMCA of Indianapolis for sponsoring this series. It’s been fun reporting on this classic summer activity!

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Inside v. Outside: One thing I did not foresee last summer- at least one thunderstorm per week in the month of July. Her three week session got extended to six, and they just squeezed in the last lessons the week before school started. This year, MaM is taking her lessons inside at the Fort Ben YMCA. Weather, except for lightning/tornado warnings, is not an issue.

Time of Day: I knew we’d have to do lessons this year on non-day camp days. There was no way I was going to attempt to get someplace in the evening on a regular basis on my two work days each week. We ended up choosing lessons around noontime. A friend of mine learned the hard way the morning swim lessons in June may not be the way to go- the water for the parent/child class was COLD at 9am!

Something to keep in mind: Distractions. Last summer, the outdoor pool was closed except for the class being taught. This summer, MaM’s lessons are happening next to another group lesson, a water aerobics class and an open swim. There’s a lap pool across the way, and there’s music on the entire time. She doesn’t seem to mind, but for some kids, that might be too much stimuli.

Size of Group: Most places offer group lessons, semi-private, and private lessons. Group lessons are the most common, and many kids are served well by the positive peer pressure presented in a group lesson format. Your child may not try tread water for 30 seconds with you, but with a few friends, motivated by an instructor, it could totally happen. The YMCA keeps a ratio of 1:5 for kids ages 3-5, and aims for 1:8 in the 6-12 age group. Semi-private guarantees a smaller group, and private means it’s 1:1 instruction. I asked Javier Urias, aquatics director at the Fort Ben Y when private lessons might be needed. He said that it will depend on the child, but that some children need more individualized attention. He likened it to hiring a math tutor- sometimes, your child just needs that extra time. (True story: I had private lessons at my hometown Y waaayyy back in the day so I could pass my Girl Scout swim test and swim in the deep water!)

MaM is halfway through her four week course, and is having a great time. Today she swam across our neighborhood pool, which just wowed me. It’s amazing how fast kids pick things up with some practice!

Disclosure: This is the third in a series of posts about the program offerings through the  Greater Indianapolis YMCA. MaM is being provided swimming lessons in exchange for these posts.

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This summer will be different because I’ll be working two days a week. It turns out, most jobs don’t go on hiatus like teaching jobs do. Go figure. Anyway, three days a week we’ll have the day to do with as we please.

Here are some things I’m hoping we can enjoy this summer:

1) THE POOLS: Oh the pools– the pool in our neighborhood, the pool at the gym, the pool at the local park, and any pool we are randomly invited to swim in, how I cannot wait to go to the pool!!

2) The Library Summer Reading Program: MaM has become an amazing reader over this past school year. Amazing enough she’ll be able to read books that are worth more points, which will be kind of fun for her.

3) Movies at the Library: Ok, so the past two years we’ve been enjoying the free movies at the local theaters, but this year they are charging. They are charging a dollar per person, which suddenly makes RedBox a cheaper option. But the library has a whole summer of movies planned, so I think we will go there. And probably we’ll be seeing Cars 2 in the theater. There’s at least one person in our house who’s very excited!

4) An Indians Game: We meant to go last summer, but we never did. Does it get any better in Indy than at Victory Field on a nice summer’s night?

5) Free Bowling: Select bowling centers are offering two free games of bowling per day all a summer long for kids under 17, how fun is that? All you pay for is shoe rental. The kids LOVE to bowl, so I’ll be signing up to get the coupons every week and will hit the lanes some point. Here’s the link for free summer bowling.

What’s on your summer fun list?

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