Thanks again!

Thursdays are always a good feeling for me. A deep breath, and a week closer to retirement, which means a week closer to a mission, and being a grandma. Kinda wierd count down huh? I just really want to skip being a mom and I want to be a granny with all the fun benifits that it includes. I just see my self being so fun as a granny.
OK, this passed week at work was kinda a big one at work; new structure, new supervisor, possiblities are endless when they do this. Alot of anxiety, but I'm glad to announce nothing is changing for Cheryl (for now anyway). I was feeling mixed about it, I think I wanted a change, but now I'm feeling good about it.



My friend Jack has this girl friend that we just love. Life is so much easier when a close friend is dating some one you love and adore. Its a mutal consis, we love and adore nichole. Welcome to the crew little one. She Brings with her a fresh perspective, and a kindness thats not so nerdy. We love you girl and are excited to have you.

Let's start our grateful list before I have to go teach a workshop.

#1 I am so grateful I have manners. People come in here alot with out them and I think it says so much about who you as a person when you use them, verse when you don't.

#2 Straws. I love them. I don't like to have to move my head while working and drinking.

#3 Elizabeth Chenney. She is a co worker that has such a tender heart. We have the best conversations. She's got some sassy to her, don't worry. I was hesitant to want to work with her, but have found it to be an awesome experience. I really enjoy her spirit both at work and on a personal level (hard to accomplish).

#4 Helping friends. Nichole Came over last night so we could talk about Boys (with out them being there) and it was so good! I had to clean my room and the house cause Derrek is coming (Horay!!!) she was so sweet, she could not sit back and watch, she had to help. No matter how much some one says no, they really do want help! I love that I have friends that know that.

#5 reality checks. No matter how awesome life is and how happy I am, reality checks help us know what it is we are doing here, and what it is we are becoming. I am grateful.

Here's some inspiration for your day!

Allow Your Own Inner Light to Guide You

There comes a time when you must stand alone.
You must feel confident enough within yourself to follow your own dreams.
You must be willing to make sacrifices.
You must be capable of changing and rearranging your priorities so that your final goal can be achieved.
Sometimes, familiarity and comfort need to be challenged.
There are times when you must take a few extra chances and create your own realities.
Be strong enough to at least try to make your life better.
Be confident enough that you won't settle for a compromise just to get by.
Appreciate yourself by allowing yourself the opportunities to grow, develop, and find your true sense of purpose in this life.
Don't stand in someone else's shadow when it's your sunlight that should lead the way.

So Happy, and So grateful.

First off I have one more day of work till the awesome weekend starts! Not that I’m wishing my days away, but more of me loving those that surround me in my life and love to spend every minute with them! Let me send a grateful shout out to those I love. I love you!

#1 I can’t help it. I love my twins already and they aren’t born. My sister called, we need to pray that little girl inside of her needs to flip so she can come into the world naturally. So let us pray. I love her Camilla, and baby Spencer already and they haven’t breathed yet. I just love them.

#2 Flex spending. As hospital bills come in and all other bills I’m so grateful I thought about this surgery in advance. Like so grateful.

#3 The clips on my board that allow me to post pictures with out putting a whole in the picture. I have them In pink, purple, and light blue. I love it, and think of how cute those colors are all the time.

#4 My nephews. The mission boys. Again I say it frequently, but man I love them. I try to sway them to call their aunty frequently, but no luck YET. I sure look forward to living forever with my nieces and nephews. There is no better Joy then them growing and making good choices. Shout out family of mine.

#5 Baja Blast Mt. Dew. Love it. Dear Taco Bell thank you for being invented. Thank you for bringing some of my life line a.k.a. Mt Dew Baja Blast to my life. Thank you.

Grateful Tuesday

I owe my self grateful things today, just because i forgot yesterday. I was so sleepy.

#1 Bubble gum! Nothing better than blowing big bubbles. I'm pretty sure blowing bubbles can solve allot of problems in the world.

#2 Change. It seems like everything is changing these days. I go into freak out mode, then I realize all the great things in life happen when change comes to pass. I'm glad I don't know whats up with work, I'm grateful I have a new ward, and I'm glad everyone in our "click" ha ha is dating and things are changing that way too. being stagnate is never a good thing.

#3 Expedia Web site. I love it. I love that I can simply put where I want to go and a price comes up, and I know for the low price of ___ all my problems are solved. LOVE it.

#4 My USB cord! Oh how I love my camera, and Oh how I love my connecting cord!

#5 ranch. Simple, but makes my world so much better. My world goes round because of my need for ranch on so many goods.

"A simple grateful thought turned heavenwards is the most perfect prayer." Doris Lessing

My heart is Especially happy For my Dear Sweet PERFECT TWINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait!!!

Mal's Big HUge day!

I had the awesome opportunity of going to the temple in Logan with Malorie.

Hollar! It was so beautiful with all the flowers and the weather... AMAZING.

Us and our twins. We love them. Where would our lives be? Shortly after the temple, they put on a concert for us at Mal's house. Her mom fell in LOVE with Zach, (of course it's kinda a duh)

Me and my Jack. What an awesome guy! The night before Mal's big day, Mal and I drove up to Logan to help her mom get the house ready, then we bought all the nourishing food (BBQ!!!) We roasted hot dogs and it was FUN!!! (we've been wanting to BBQ for some time now)

Mal is so Cute! She was so calm, at this point I was freaking out for her, Seems like I did all the freak out fro every one else.

Me and my Winnies. Little known secret, I didn't eat hot dogs till after my mission. Can you believe that? (to my credit they are kinda gross) Now I just eat the polish kind, Costco converted me. Now look, I'm a hot dog roaster... Old dogs learning new tricks.

Jack looks so cute here. What a crazy. I just love Zach. Before I headed up north my mom hooked me up with a list of family names to find in the cemetery in Smith Field (where Mal is from) turns out I have family that Settled the city (we are Smiths) So I took pictures of head stones and stuff with Mal. What a good Friend she is to do that with me. This is a picture with a Craghead, the other side of the family.

What a good Friend!!!

Long story short, great weekend. I was able to see some other "friends" and it was PACKED full of fun. My Nephews from the Mission were able to call home, I didn't talk to any of them- I felt it was important for them to have special time with their mom's. I called my mom and wished her a happy day.

My ward was reorganized this last week so we have everything new. I went to Church alone, and eventually was able to talk Zach into ward hopping over to my ward. I was so glad he was there with me.

I'm glad I have Friends that I can sit in Holy places with, what a blessing.

Grateful

Even after that Novel of a post I still must shed some seeds of gratitude.

#1 Bleach wipes :) Trust me, they are a very good thing where I work. Heaven bless Proctor and Gamble (shout out to the newest employee my Brother- in- law Jeff (Hey Jeff- I can still Kick your rear end just cause your big time now doesn't mean snot)).

#2 Texting. My communication to my Twins and BFF during the work day. Where would we be with out each other, you people are my rocks and constant communication is a must. whats the saying? A family that texts together stays together?

#3 The emergency contacts list above my desk. Bright colors that are mandated by risk management that we have them by our phones in case we forget to call 911 in an emergency. (Who do they think we are? We run public programs and allocate funds but can't call 911?... HUM) I think it's funny everyday.

#4 My non slip teeth whitening strips. The new crest 3d are awesome. They don't move so you can talk and keep the party going all the while whitening those Hot dentes.

#5 Have I mentioned my amazing tooth brush? I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Like LOVE it. I don't know how many of y'all know this but I am all about Oral Health.

Cinco De Mayo

It's Cinco De Mayo!!! WARNING!!!!!! IT's a NOVEL!!!

I can't help but feel so excited for today! Cinco de Mayo means different things for Cheryl. The younger Cheryl loved Cinco de Mayo because it meant we got to have tacos and loud dancing music playing in the quad in elementary school. It meant that we talked about people like Cesar Chavez and the rights that he was able to win for his people.

As a High School student Cinco De Mayo meant more things, It meant that my Spanish teachers Dressed up in their native costumes and we watched "Mrs. Patino" dance her heart out! fresh tortillas, and Hot Latin guys imported to dance for us... HOLLar. I had allot of Hispanic Friends and I'm grateful that they always were true to their culture. I ate the most amazing food and would frequently look around the room being the only "white" girl around. I learned to laugh at my self Allot.

Most of you know that I went to BYU right out of high school- like litterally days after graduation. I think that's what saved my life. I think when I got to BYU I still had a blood alcohol level and I for sure woke up with a belly ring- thank you Amy and Jen for stopping me from getting the tattoo... Seriously. the scar of a belly ring is much better than what ever it was I thought was so vital to get tattooed on me that night.

Anyway, after a year in Utah, and at BYU I had changed. I wasn't that girl anymore, and I really missed my Hispanic Friends. Being around so many white people wasn't something I had ever done before, the culture was so weird here, and to be honest I wanted to go home. So after a year or so at "college" I went home to Bakersfield California.

A few things that people don't always know about Bakersfield is that it is infiltrated with a HUGE immigrant population. HUGE. Our economy was based on agriculture, and based on the season citrus, or grapes you can feel the influx of people. I literally had 3 close Friends in High School that were White, and like 10 Really Really Close Friends (BFF's) were English was not the first language. I think because of this, my few of politics and social systems are very different than that of any one else in the United States.

Going back home from Utah, I went to a community college (SHOUT out BC) and declared I was a Chicano Studies Major (the study of US born Mexican Americans) My brother was a professor of Politics at the same school, and I remember having some very heated conversations about the immigration policy and "liberal" attitude I had adapted to. I was the only White member of the M.E.Ch.A Club (props to anyone that knows what that means... seriously. especially out side of Cali, you are cool if you are living in Utah and can tell me what that means)

I was blown away by the history and amazing Heroism that was shown by "our" Hispanic fore-fathers. I was put in many "interesting" conversations taking allot of heat for what white men have done which is fair enough. Natives to California were subjected to allot when "my people" decided to head that direction. (Little do they know my people actually came from England on the Mormon Trail and were persecuted a bit too. My grandmother lost 3 kids over the ocean then walked across the United State bare foot so she could practice religion freely, but lets focus on our Friends south of the border today) My dad being the CFO of a major Vineyard put me in an interesting position. I took classes about the big corporations taking advantage of the cheap labor of illegals and the social issues that this oppression caused then I realized my DAD was the man who was literally responsible for allot of the complex social issues we were out to solve. OK so that's allot of responsibility to place on one man's shoulder- the issues really are so complex, However, lets imagine for a minute men standing up for another mans HUMAN rights. can you imagine the change in the world?

I was in my Chicano History Class, first semester. Mr. Torres, my professor stood up in front of the class and presented the history of Meso-America. He presented the Toltec people, Aztec's, Inca's and some of the greatest civilizations that the world has ever seen. I was touched by the words Mr. Torres spoke, and knew that what he was saying was true. At the end of the lecture when Torres started to address the Spanish Inquisition he mentioned the symbolism of Jesus Christ in the history of those people. There were certain things that the cultures had in common that all pointed to the truth that Christ had been Among those people.

At this point in the lecture Mr. Torres stopped the class and asked if anyone in the room was Mormon. Here in Utah this isn't a big deal right? Back home in Cali, admitting your Mormon is sometimes opening your self up to much degrading, and awkward situations. I am not going to lie. I almost didn't say anything. I hesitated. Then after a couple seconds I Lifted my arm and looking around I noticed not only was I the only Mormon, but I was the only "white" girl in the room. 2 direct hits.

Surprisingly, Mr Torres continued the conversation by saying something like this; "you Mormons have a book that teaches your people that Christ was on the American Content right?" and I said "yes, that's right, the Book of Mormon" Mr Torres said, "Mormon was a prophet that keep sacred record on gold plates right and then it was put in a book form for all to read?" and I said hesitantly "right" (at this point I'm just waiting to get slammed... and have to drop the class) BUT Mr Torres said "MAYBE THE MORMONS HAVE IT RIGHT AFTER ALL, they are the ones that teach Christ was here in America, and no one else teaches that."

Mr Torres went on to talk about how the inquisition affected the people of Mexico and how Mexico at the same time of America was built up and even at one point had a Constitution. The difference was that "the Church" was behind Mexico and the people were oppressed, where in the newly formed "United States" religious freedom was emphasised. The great test of time... Catholics VS. Protestants. Freedom to be Educated, and Enlighten Vs. Oppression and might I add "Communism" (big argument to make however I'm prepared if any one would like to challenge my thought process GAME ON.)

I learned allot of things in that class room that day. I Learned for the first time in my life everything I had been taught about the Book of Mormon, the ancient civilizations could also be intellectually evaluated as well as spiritually. (I fear being manipulated by "feelings" sometimes) I learned that I knew the solution for Mr Torres's longing for his ansestors and his heritage, I knew the name of his great Grand Fathers, and I knew where they came from. Lets start with Lehi, and then Nephi, throw in some Mormon's and Moroni's and Bam his family history is done) I learned I was so grateful to be part of a religious organization that deeply values education, and even promotes that. I sat in a room with the remnants of a people who truly had no idea of their GREAT heritage. I learned I liked Chicano History more than the usual Us history CRAP we were feed. The history of the United States is so much more than memorizing dates and names. It's people, and it's the lessons we can use to integrate into our lives to be better people.

I think the biggest lesson I had been taught by Mr. Torres that day was that I knew my life would change forever. I learned I'd be serving the posterity of those great civilizations for the rest of my life. I learned that most of my Friends, and experiences I had in my life up to that point was pointing me in a direction to serve the Hispanic community for the rest of my life. I knew at that moment I would some how learn to speak Spanish, and I knew I would serve them on a mission.

I knew this so strongly that when it came down to figuring out classes I would need to take to finish my degree I purposely put off the Spanish classes because I KNEW with out a doubt I would come home from a mission and test out of them, so why waste your time now right?

I went on my mission (barely, I think any one around during that time would agree that it was the HARDEST thing I have ever done). Fittingly I was called to Serve in Nashville Tennessee, Spanish speaking. Being engaged when the call came, I didn't even open it. My sister Ceri and her fiance at the time Jerry (now husband) came to my work and my sister opened my call right there in Beverly's craft store (she wasn't about to let me have a big white envelope laying around the house). I wanted to go to Italy SO badly. I watched the called to sever video probably everyday for that last year of my life, and the red head was sent to Italy (yes that is what I based my Mission Knowledge on- called to serve video) When she said "Nashville, Tennessee" I thought to my self "Hooray I'm going foreign, where's Tennessee..." I was completely clueless. Completely. However, I looked at the paper after a few moments and then realized it said Spanish speaking. I knew at that point I was not getting married... No way that guy had a chance.

As I learned the language, my heart was touched and molded in ways I can't express. I knew what I was doing would literally change generations to come and I took my role as an ambassador for Christ very seriously. Lets us not be confused, I still had a party when ever I could, but I knew my purpose of the service and I knew the eternal importance of my decision. Language never was a struggle for me. I don't know if it's because I had grown up around people who spoke Spanish, or if it's cause my brothers spoke it to me (usually inappropriate words, but those came in handy too) But I never struggled with Spanish. I knew that if I loved those people and understood my mission as Christ representative the rest would fall into place, and it did.

Don't get me wrong every missionary struggles. My struggles were in other areas, but the language and people were never an issue for me. Love is step one and I had that one down.

On a day like today, Cinco de Mayo, I reflect on all of these experiences that I've had. I reflect on the feelings I have had, and still have. I reflect on those values and core beliefs I hold to so strongly. I am grateful for Chicano Holidays. As an American, I believe that it is the mixture of cultures and beliefs, and honoring the hero's of those cultures can bring us nothing but a better understanding of who we are individually, and as citizens of this world. I think Days like these are great opportunities to reflect on what it is we hold dear, and then Share that with those around us so they have the option to experience our joys with us.

Grateful

So my Grateful List, I'm not grumpy but we always are in need of a good moment or two of gratitude no?

#1 I'm grateful for... My big mug at my desk. I usually have hot coco or hot tea every morning. I found this amazing herbal tea: aci berry with Stevia. I am In LOVE. seriously that's all it takes to win me over, I'm pretty easy. Hot yummy herbal tea and I'm done.

#2 You tube. I love that when I'm at work and need a boost from the normal play list all I have to do is type in You tube and off I go to pure happiness.

#3 My so cute natural wave in my hair. It has saved my life a few times. Can I tell you that when I'm late and running out the door feels good to know with a few drops of mouse I will be some what presentable. Shout out to the DNA maker, thank you for that added bonus. (And my kids thank you)

#4 Grocery Shopping. Weird thing to be grateful for but I love it. I think even if I made Millions I'd still grocery shop. I always feel so accomplished and also at peace when I shop for food. My 2 favorite things to do in one location, can't get better. My favorite right now is Macey's Store. Love it.

#5 My Friends blogs. I am grateful for the people in my life that are living examples and share that through their blogging habits. My sister is pr ego with twins and lives far away. I feel connected to her and those babies still because of how awesome she is at blogging. I am grateful for this thing they call the world wide web. I'd spend so much time writing on paper other wise- and who likes to do that any more?

"For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, for love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends." Ralph Waldo Emerson