"Open Your Eyes and See"

"Open your eyes and see" was the theme to this years Beaverton Oregon West Stakes, Young Woman, High Adventure. For the last four years I have had the privilege to accompany this group to be their camp nurse. 

The adventure is outdoors and usually us something the girls might not normally have the opportunity to do. 

My carload of girls were spunky and energetic so getting there provided fun opportunities to get out, stretch our legs, and get some fun photos. 

Wilson Ranches Retreat in Fossil Oregon was our destination. Here we were able to have the girls go horseback riding, play games, and spend twenty-four hours unplugged from electronics and the daily evils temping our lives. One girl stated as she got off her horse, "That was the most amazing thing I have ever done". 

The family that owns the ranch were able to provide service opportunities in town in cleaning around the courthouses and the fairgrounds. 

The next day we dug for fossils and feasted our eyes on the beauty of the Painted Hills. 

Throughout the scriptures there are stories of when the savior would perform miracles and the followers would forget. There were also times when the savior would walk among them and they wound not, could not see him. Open your eyes and see. Open your eyes to the beauty around you, in nature and the good deeds of others. Choose to see the saviors hand in your life and in the lives of others. 

The two days I was able to spend with the girls of the BOWS YW High Adventure I was able to see their love for thief savior radiate through them. I was able to see the light of Christ shine through the righteous decisions these girls make. 

The Last 20ish Years...

I recently got back in touch with a roommate from when I was about 19. She asked what I had been up to for the last 20 years. Great question, what have I been up to? So here is a little summary of my life for the past 20ish years!!! 

From Eugene Oregon moved to Utah. Worked in some pizzerias, made some lifelong friends, decided to serve a mission, received endowments in Manti Utah Temple.

Served mission in Manchester NH mission. Served some amazing people, Learned how to love all men, fell in love with church history (and Ben & Jerrys ice cream!).

Lived in Utah along university ave near BYU. Served in Relief Society presidency in various positions and became a temple ordinance worker in the Provo temple.  Went to cosmetology school and then worked in a couple salons. Made more lifelong friendships. Learned to value all people and tried to make sure they felt included. Another random calling I had was the co-chair for group dates. Yes, my ward experimented with having us randomly match everyone up on large group dates. The point was to get everyone comfortable with just dating. (I did have a wedding come out of it though- great story!)

Lived in Coos Bay Oregon. Worked at a craft store and another pizzeria! I'm still not sure the purpose of this move or what I was to learn. 

Moved to Chelan Washington. I got my CNA license working at a long term care facility. I loved the dry summer days! I did a lot of country line dancing and served in the YW. 

Back to Utah. This time I lived west of University ave. I met some great people here. Intelligent, caring. I did hair at a salon and picked up the hobby of genealogy. I got to teach this class and really enjoyed the seeking of ancestors. Served again in the Provo Temple as an ordinance worker. 

Maryland! I became a nanny. Worked with one family for a little over a year, then took some time off for a college math class and sold health insurance. I then worked for a family full time for over a year, then part time for 4 more. I went to college and got an associate degree in science and license as a RN. I served in YW, stake YSA, and was the 4th year leader at girls camp for 3 yrs. I got to explore our nations history, as well as continuing my love for church history. I served in the DC temple as an ordinance worker, and kindled friendships with some amazing people. 

Family called me home to Oregon and I lived in Coburg for a couple years working first as a RN in cottage grove, then in Eugene in HH/hospice. 

After my dads death I moved to coos bay and worked at the hospital there. Even after my mom sold the family farm and moved to Beaverton I stayed in CB and had a great time learning to preserve food, hiking, exploring, and living life. Got my bachelors of science RN through an online college. I expanded my nursing skills as a clinical educator for the local college nursing program. Taught Sunday school 16-17yr olds and more YW! 

Seeing that my nieces would be gone before I knew it I moved to Portland almost two years ago and am working at Portland providence. I love being close to my immediate family and participating in the last years at home my nieces have. 

Health

I've posted before about my struggles of being healthy and loosing weight. It feels to be a constant uphill battle. 

Today though I'm posting on the joys of just being somewhat healthy. 

I have felt the last few days that creeping joyful feeling. Whenever I have felt this I'm like, what? What can be causing this joyful feeling. I have so many stressors and feelings of doubt! I have rounded the feeling to be coming from the feeling of health! 

I'm still overweight. I'm still far from my baseline of hiking and walking stamina. I still have trouble with my ears. Yet, I can walk!!! I can breath out of both nostrils!!! I am able to work again and will soon have a regular income again!!! I have great family that lives near enough to see multiple times a week!!! 

Health is defined and described in different ways. Today I'm celebrating my health that I'm alive and self-sufficient! 

What's your description of health today! 

XC = :)

One of the perks of having a sporty spice niece is that it introduces me to events I never thought I'd have to learn about. Tap. Irish Dance. Track. Soccer. Now we get to enter the world of Cross Country. Since this is Emma's Senior year it may be surprising that she is tackling a new sport, but the reason is there. 

In the words of my sister: 

"Two weeks ago Emma tried out for soccer. She has played since she was 5. Was team captain her freshman year, made JV her sophomore year. Junior year she was a JV/Varsity swing player. This year, her senior year, she was one of two players to be cut. The reason? She didn't have the club soccer experience. Instead the coach put 7 incoming freshman on varsity because they were better and had the club experience he loves. But in Oregon if you don't play on varsity you don't play. You can't play on a JV team.  Needless to say it was very upsetting and a total shock to Emma and to those that know and love her. Instead of sitting around being sad, Emma decided to join the cross country team. This morning she finished in the top ten of her particular race. We are so proud of her. She is an example of trying new things, not giving up and not letting this ruin her senior year". 

I've been to two meets now and my thoughts... It's like Frosted Flakes ... "They're Great"! Everyone laughs, yells for their runner, cheers for other runners, traipse through the course to watch the different points.... It's fun all around! 

Four of the Top Ten of Novice Division! 

Eliza and Emma

Emma and Alli

Focus

Determination 

Perseverance 

The Fabulous 40- Cruise Time!

My big-bash-birthday event was a Carnival Cruise to Catalina Island and Ensenada Mexico! Planned by my sister and ultimate trip planner Darilyn May, and accompanied by my mother Marilyn, we sailed off the end of April to enjoy the food, festivities, relaxation, and seeing new places.

The Inspiration ship itself was one of the smaller ones, but did not lack any amenities or lounge chairs! We got a few good hints from some other people that have cruised previously. One of the best ideas was to bring your swim clothes in your carry-on bag. This way you have them accessible and can enjoy the sunshine and hot-tubs while everyone else is waiting for their luggage.

The Ship had multiple bars and entertainment rooms with names like, "Blue-Rhapsody Piano Bar", "The Violin Bar", and "The Paris Lounge". The casino was the hot spot for the night time cruisers.

We enjoyed our evening meals with our assigned guests. We laughed, we ate way too much food......

On our day trip to Catalina we played total tourist and rented a golf cart to explore the island. The views from the top of the island were amazing. The Island is full of old architecture, mosaic tiles, and even a pet cemetery.

Ensenada was a shopping delight of folk crafts, knock of purses, jewelry, and food! We watched the water spray from La Bufadora, shopped the alley, walked in Al Capone's steps at the Casino, and won the right to say, "I was were fish tacos and the Margarita was invented!"

A great time, perfect for a first time cruiser.

Adventuring: Shore Acres Loop

One of my most favorite places to go is Shore Acres. It was one of the few places that my Dad, Ben, loved to go. As a child we would wind through the garden, smelling all the roses and picking out our favorite to grow next in our flower garden a home.

Simpson Beach was a place for picnics and  playing in the sand. The sand there is different than any other sand in the area. Beautiful.

At the look-out area many people gather and watch for whales, or witness the amazing waves crash against the shore.

Shore Acres State Park contains many trails and walking/hiking adventures. Since I love them all I decided to blog about them all individually.

Shore Acres Loop:
This loop can start in the park itself, or outside about a quart mile before the park entrance. Since there is a fee for the park many people like to start from the later starting place. About a quarter of a mile past Sunset Bay there is a parking area with a beautiful view of the Cape Arago Lighthouse. Take the stairs down from the parking lot. Turning left puts you on the Shore Acres Loop. After a short distance there is a Y. Either trail will take you to the park. Going straight will take you along the original trail into the park. There are still stone entrance markers to establish the grand entrance.

Taking the trail to the right has you follow the cliffs along the shoreline till you reach the look-out area. For some reason I like going this way. Once at the look-out parking area follow the park entrance road to where the original entrance road enters the park. (Approximately across from the toll booth). Completing this trail takes you back to where you parked. The loop is approx. 1.8 miles and is an easy trail with dirt paths. It is good to note that in the really rainy months the trails are sometimes flooded, but still fun!

#39 Meet My Family in Ukraine

I realized that although I posted some stories and pictures of my trip to Ukraine. I never listed it as finishing one of my "Fifty Things". Number thirty-nine is to Meet My Family in Ukraine. This would be the family of my Stepfather Benedict P. Eremenko. Papa passed away a year ago last October. Since he raised me from the age of 4 he really was a huge part of my life. The following April my sister, my mom, and I took a trip to Ukraine to meet his family and bring some earth from his home here in America. Meeting them was fun and rewarding as it was emotional and loving. I truly loved each one of my family members there as I met them and learned about their life in the Ukraine.

Anya, Vova, Aksana
Mom, Me, Aunt Lyda, Elya
Darilyn.











Ruslan, Mom, Darilyn, Me, Vitaly, Lyna.












If you would like to read more about my time in Ukraine here are the links:
That Easter Morn
My Ukrainian Family
Hello Ukraine
Papa

Reinventing Something Tastey: Cheesy Bread Spread

Growing up my sister would make this yummy ooey-gooey-cheesy bread that we lovingly called, "Aunt Bonnie Bread". Aunt Bonnie was actually an Aunt of one of my sisters friends, but since we didn't have a name for this lovely treat we lovingly used her name. It consisted of cheddar cheese, green onions, and mayo mixed together and spread on to plain white bread. This bread was then toasted in the oven till all hot and bubbly and browned. A perfect after school snack or with about any dinner dish. Here I took that simple snack and dressed it up with a little kick.

The reinvention:
Cheese plate with Cheddar Cheese, Salami, and Sweet Spicy Mustard = Cheesy Bread Spread.

Cheesy Bread Spread

2 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
5-7 Salami Slices diced
1 Green Onion chopped
3 Tablespoons Sweet and Spicy Mustard
1 Cup Mayonnaise
One Baguette














Mix all ingredients together minus the Baguette.














Slice the Baguette into small round slices. Spread the cheese mixture onto each Baguette slice.














Place on cookie sheet and bake in 400 degree oven for approx 7-10 minutes. The Cheese should be melty, bubbly, and slightly browned.














(Event the picky eaters ate this when offered as mini pizzas)
Bon' Appetite!

Sweet Sixteen!!!

This last August Makenzie turned 16. Yep, it's true. 16.


















It is hard to believe that the shy girl that would crawl under the table and flat out refuse to have her photo taken, is in the picture below.


















Makenzie has become this beautiful, amazingly talented, young woman. She has found her intrests and develops them to her best each year.

Love you Makenzie!

Emma Lou

This past summer I tried to spend a day with each of my nieces. I only got the opportunity with Emma and Heidi, but what a great time I had. Here is my ode to Emma.

Emma Lou May:

Emma was a trooper as I had to do laundry while we were together. She even entertained herself with her love of reading, and arranging my quarters by state.














Coburg Cafe was the place for breakfast. Check out her waffles- Yummy!














The Lane County Fair was the adventure for the day. Hooray for sheep... and ice cream!





























This girl loves to dance. Not just any dance though, Irish dance.

She has Hazel eyes. This I did not know until I got the opportunity to really look into them.

Emma is quiet, until she is comfortable with you. Then she talks and talks and talks.... (this is a good thing)

I love that Emma loves. She is a kind and very caring person.

Emma.

Yee- Haw!

One word... R-O-D-E-O !!!

I was able in the last few months to attend not one, but two amazing and historic rodeos.

The first one was the St. Paul Rodeo in , St. Paul Oregon.

This Rodeo celebrated it's 75th anniversary on July 4th with some of America's best bronk and bull riders. The town of St. Paul has a population of 400 and something that swells till people are parking miles down the road.

One super feature is a BBQ Cook-off. Talk about tasty! For a small fee you can sample and then get a nice sized serving of one of many folks BBQs that say - they are the best. I am still dreaming about the sauce.....

The second Rodeo I attended was the Pendleton Round-up.

Now this is not just a Rodeo. This is a Rodeo beyond all other Rodeos. When we asked a former Pendleton local what is a so significant he stated, "everything!". There was shopping, eating, entertainment, a carnival, parade, Native American beauty pageant. Even during the Rodeo there were new things for me to watch, such as Indian bareback horse races.

There were some of the best riders in the world present, with scores higher than I have seen before. Granted I would have given them all a perfect score, but who am I to judge.

This was one you should not miss. If it's not a goal for you to attend, make it one!

A day with Heidi

I love that being back in Oregon allows me to spend more time with my family. What I don't get very often is one on one time with my nieces. Do to good timing I got Heidi for one whole day here at my place. It was spontaneous and absolutely fun!

After a breakfast of Raspberry Pancakes with powdered sugar we headed out for the day.

First stop: Eugene Saturday market
We perused all the fun stands of homemade items and enjoyed the locals making a little cash with their instruments. We hit the farmers market on our way out and picket up the best assortment of snackable items.

Second stop: The Blacksheep Gathering and Alpaca Festival
It was so much fun to teach Heidi a little about sheep and share stories about her mom and I when we were her age.

Third stop: Coburg Cafe
The only reason: some of the best burgers and shakes around!

Fourth stop: Strawberry Picking
Fifth Stop: A little antiquing - we were getting pretty tired at this point... sooo

The Sixth Stop: A little resting!

After a good rest we hit the Valley River Center for a little retail therapy and then headed back home to watch The Princess Bride and have a good nights sleep!

Such a fun time!

Memorial Weekend 2010

During Memorial weekend we took the time to visit the grave sites of three generations of family. It was not only beautiful to see each place where family is buried, but it was also great to take the time to reflect on how each person effected our lives.

Bertha Ellen Winn Johns & Arthur Bailey Johns
My great Grandparents, as well as two great, great Uncles are buried in the Coburg Oregon Pioneer Cemetery. This cemetery is only a mile or so from where I currently live. I asked my mom what one of her favorite memories were of her grandparents. She stated that she loved her grandmothers button box, and that she would spend hour after hour sorting those buttons.

Betty Lou Phillips Johns & Dewain Winn Johns
My grandparents are buried in Coos Bay Oregon. One of Darilyn's favorite memories of our grandmother is of her driving around in her Pacer. This was a nice bright yellow one. My favorite memory of Grandpa Johns was of him sitting me on his knee and repeating over and over again in a sing songy voice, "there was a little girl who had a little curl, right in the middle of her forehead, and when she was good she was very , very good, but when she was bad, she was horrid!"

Benedict Pavlovich Eremenko
My dad is buried in a little cemetery on the top of a hill up Allegany. Surrounded by Pine and Myrtlewood trees it is hard to imagine a more beautiful place to be laid to rest. If I asked any one of my nieces what memory they have of their Grandpa each one would say how he called them his "little turkey". Heidi also threw in the memory of when her grandpa first introduced her to Coal and Sue - the Llamas.

Even though our Memorial weekend was filled with fixing fence lines, picnics, and lots of laughs. It was nice to spend time remembering those that we have loved and have already left us.