Just What Are We Creating?

Something I've noticed lately, both in the scope of social media as well as instances in real life, is the over zealous practice of commenting on a girl's looks.  Not just saying, "Oh, you look nice (or pretty, or cute, or whatever) today."  But really going over the top with compliments that focus only on perceived beauty.  Yes, yes, I know this is not a new phenomena.  But for some reason it's really aggravating me lately.

See, here's the thing:  focusing on a girl's looks is so shallow.  It's demeaning, really.  Are we suggesting that a young lady's only attribute is how she appears to others?  She has no value aside from her looks?  Yeah, really bugging me.

I have two daughters.  Both are blessed to be beautiful girls.  I believe I can make that statement with limited bias (except for Sarah's buck teeth, which she'll grow out of eventually).  But, more importantly, both were blessed with so many other, much more impressive attributes.  Sarah is athletic and brave.  I'd much rather someone comment on these characteristics than telling her she is "a pretty little girl."  And Madeline has a quiet spirit and is a gifted writer, so I'd be happier with someone complimenting her on those gifts rather than saying, "You are so pretty."

What I'm suggesting we do instead is not a new idea.  In fact, I'm sure every feminist since 1960 (and most likely before that) has ridden this bandwagon down the same road.  Sometimes, however, we forget what our intentions really are and we need a reminder to help us better express what we mean. I'm asking that rather than filling our girls (both young and old!) with flattering praise of their appearance, let's instead try to fill them with praise for their accomplishments and strengths.  Let's celebrate their individuality and encourage with genuine, well-considered words.

Can my idea change the world?  Nope.  I probably can't even change a single person's mind, and wouldn't even have the desire to do such a thing.  I am hoping, though, that someone might read this and remember next time to compliment on something beyond the shallowness of physical appearances and place value on something of greater importance.

Quick Hamburger Buns

This is a really simple and quick recipe that you can whip up while preparing the rest of dinner.  I use my KitchenAid mixer, but you could certainly just mix and knead by hand.  There is no rise time because of the large amount of yeast added.  You could cut down the yeast and allow a rise time but, heck, who has time for that?!

Okay, here's the recipe:

Sprinkle 2 Tbsp. dry yeast over 1 C. + 2 Tbsp. warm water.  Let this sit for a few minutes.

Stir into yeast mixture:  1/3 C. oil/melted butter/melted coconut oil, 1/4 c. sugar or honey, 1 egg, and 1 tsp. salt.

Gradually stir in 3-3 1/2 C. flour and knead until smooth and elastic.

Form into 12 balls.

Place on baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees for 8-12 minutes.

Wildlife Safari

I love last minute road trips.  Really, I do.  After remembering that I had purchased a Groupon to Wildlife Safari last winter and that it was just about to expire, we decided Thursday morning to head out.  I'm sure I haven't been there since I was 14 or 15.  And then I was always so paranoid that one of the car doors would mysteriously fly open (in the lion's area) and one of us kids would fall out, that I never was really able to enjoy the drive through.  Gosh, and those emus are so creepy too.  Well, you know how it's important to expose your kids to your own childhood fears, right?  It was time for my kids (and Bill) to pay a visit.

 This bear's toy was a 55-gallon drum.

 The rhino. peed.  Everyone was impressed. 

 This emu looked like a dementor.

 Creepy cheetah eyes.

 Hippo butt.  

 Black bear chilling in his tub.

May Breakfast

Happy Grandma Barb's birthday to you.  She would have been 92 today.  You can bet we'll be eating "Drumsticks" for dessert tonight!

Here's my favorite May breakfast:  Strawberry shortcake.

 Jon whipping the cream.  

This might be our lunch too.

Time Flies

When you're having fun.  Or not.  It's been a busy few months, filled with some good things as well as some not-so-good things.  Let's talk about the good things first, shall we?

Lots of baseball.  Games, practices, laundry.  It's where we spend most of our time right now.  I knit, the kids play.  The weather has been kind to us this spring.

Driving practice.  Crossing our fingers that Madeline will pass her driving test next week.  Did you know that you have to take and pass a written exam before you can even schedule your driving test?  And then you have to wait several weeks, if not months, for an opening at a DMV that offers the test.  Except in Baker City.  You can take your test there anytime.  Really.

Madeline has started a new, "real" job. She is working at the local pharmacy.  She is hoping to save up some money, travel, and take a few classes at the community college in the fall.

Planning, expanding, and planting the garden.  Just about my favorite thing to do.  And tossing around the idea of keeping cows. Thinking about planting new fruit trees too.  I'm like a farm(ish) girl.

And now, the not-so-good stuff:

Family health issues.  Bill's dad was diagnosed with cancer.  (He's responding well to the treatment.  So well, in fact, that his personality has reemerged, unscathed)  Bill is recovering from a yet-to-be-determined illness that caused a frightening series of heart arrhythmia.  Lots of tests and doctor's visits after spending several days in the hospital.  This is especially hard for someone like him who has never been unwell.

Brand new plumbing in the house.  Maybe this should be classified in the "good" section.  It IS lovely to have fully-functioning pipes.  Paying for it was, however, painful.

A misbehaving well that will probably continue to misbehave.  Also not a fun way to spend money.  Why can't I ever spend it on something fun or extravagant like a trip to Disneyland or a new car?! Maybe even just a new bike?

There's probably more, both good and bad, that I could share, but this gives an accurate representation of what we've been doing.  I'm afraid if I give too many more "good" examples people will be crazy with jealousy to have my life.  And conversely, if I give too many "bad" examples people will pity me and arrange for my transport to a "safe place."  

But in the end, it's all good.

Linn County Pioneer Museum

     Yesterday afternoon we embarked on an adventure.  This time we headed south (but only after stopping in Lyons for driving treats) to Brownsville to visit the Linn County Pioneer Museum.  Here's the link:

http://www.linnparks.com/pages/museums/historymuseum.html

     The weather was warm and sunny and there were lambs by the hundreds in the fields along the route.  We only sighted one bald eagle this journey.  Sort of a let down from the 8 we saw last year about this time.  I would love to visit Brownsville another day and enjoy a bit of antique and yarn store shopping.  Probably without Sarah.

 The original seat from the Brownsville train depot.  See Grandpa in the background?  Grandpa and Grandma Jacoby met us for the tour.  

 A genuine covered wagon that made the trip across the Oregon Trail.  One of 3 originals still in existence.

 Hmmm.  Looks a little familiar.  

Sarah liked this perambulator.

This was a model wagon that kids could pretend to pack.  Sarah played with this for a long time.  

     This is definitely worth the trip, though little kids won't be too entertained by the museum.  I think we all came away with some new knowledge about Linn County.  After all, isn't that what museums are for?

Silver Creek Falls

Is that what it's actually called?  Or is it just "Silver Falls"?  Hmmm.  I need to check into that.  Either way, we headed up to the park last week, with Grandma Pennick acting as chaperon, to enjoy the beautiful weather.  I'm sure I hadn't walked the falls since Jon was a baby.  It was a good day for an adventure.

 First view of the falls.  I am loving the new (don't know how new they actually are as I haven't seen them before) fence/barricade.  Feels much safer.

 Under the falls.

 In a "cave" of sorts.

 Just before the foot bridge.  Funny side note:  There was a warning sign and a temporary barricade that we walked over to get to this point and Jon was certain we would all perish or be arrested for ignoring the warning.  He's rather uptight.

 Jack walking over a fallen log, across the creek.  Crazy.

 A "castle" made from an old stump.  

 Just a pretty, little spring on the side of the hill.

Evidently Sarah did not win the race.  That would explain the face.

After the park, we drove on to Silverton to check out the chocolate store.  Here's a link:

http://www.silvertonchocolateboxshop.com/

Oh. My. Heavens.  This place is amazing!  After nibbling on some treats, we wandered into a few shops, got a coffee, then headed to.......

McDonalds!  

That was the hit of the day for the kids.  

Granola

 Here's the recipe.  The friend (and neighbor, I might happily add) I got this from is amazing, people.  Just last week she tracked an elk (uphill, through the woods), made the kill, gutted and hung the darn thing, then processed it herself.  Oh, and did I forget to tell you that she's 22 weeks pregnant?  And a Mama.  And a teacher.  And an amazing cook.  There is nothing this gal cannot do.  She's my hero.

Do yourself a favor and make it.  I added some extra cranberries, unsweetened coconut, and cinnamon to my batch.  I also substituted raw honey for the maple syrup.  While it was baking, my house smelled so good.

The Flu

And what we've done with it this past week.

Jon, then Sarah, then me.  Then Jack.  Now Madeline, though she seems to be getting off easier than the rest of us.  It starts with a day of feeling tired, proceeds into chest congestion, moves on to 24-36 hours of a 102 degree fever with horrible aches and chills, then ends in general malaise, coughing, and cold symptoms.  I've been sicker before, but not in many years.

We spent lots of time watching Netflix.  Too much time, probably.  I think I cruised through 26 episodes of Ugly Betty in 3 days.  I couldn't sleep at night so I just watched TV.  Have you watched that show?  It's funny.  No one seems particularly hungry so cooking (or lack of it) hasn't been an issue.  Fudgesicles, oyster crackers, and toast.  Oh, and lots of tea.

I did have to run to town on Friday morning for a Dr. appt. and to pick up a few groceries.  Don't worry, I only shopped at Winco and I figure after 4 days without the fever I was still probably healthier than most of the people there.  I used my hand sanitizer before I touched the cart (you're welcome) as well as after.

Funny thing:  After seeing all the hype on the news and in the papers about this "deadly flu season" I called our local Dr. and asked if they'd like us to come in and be tested for the flu in order to help with the CDC's tracking of this year's strain.  I was trying to be a good citizen.  I was basically told to toughen up, drink plenty of water, and leave the office alone.  So much for trying to help.

Hopefully we'll be ready to venture out into the world again this week.  The little kids were excited to start swimming lessons last week but had to put it off until now.  If the rain subsides I believe there will be plenty of outside time too.  We're all a bit stir crazy by now.