Chrismas Eve

It's Christmas eve and Curl and I are home alone.
The kids have grown up and left home to be independent, visitors have moved on and all is quiet.
So I'm wishing all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
May everyone have someone they love by their side to snuggle up with this evening. God Bless.

For Unto Us.

For Unto Us A Child Is Born.
Give thanks this Christmas.
For God So Loved The World He Gave His One & Only Son.
You take a deep breathe in and remember today I have a pulse.
That is a positive.

Fear

FEAR
The devil stopping you from moving forward.
I will not allow myself to live in fear.
I am stronger than that.
I have strength through my Lord God.
Ephesians 6:18 Keep on praying.
Happiness.



Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Healesville

We had the most amazing couple of days away together. Take some time and be with the one you love.

A Week Off

It is officially still my weekend, however my mind is on holidays. I feel so totally relaxed and can't wait to unwind even more. With a week off work & 2 nights at Healesville mid week to just relax and read and then relax some more. I know I will have to stop for coffee breaks in between to keep up my reading and relaxing strength but I'm gonna give it a shot. I love having a refuel week. Hmmmmmm, Nice.

This is our newest member of the Kaisercraft Outlet in Geelong. Through our Friday night scraps we have organised to sponsor this awesome young boy and give him hope for his future.
On the last Friday of each month we have a Scrap & Chat night which runs from 6 - 10 pm,is $5.00 per head and the money raised will be our sponsorship. Any leftover monies we will donate to children in need.
I chose this child as he has just had a birthday and what a better way to bless him than give him our love & hope.



Niyonkuru Gilbert (RW4390308)
Birthday: October 2, 2000
Age: 9
Gender: Male
Region: Africa
Country: Rwanda
Program: Jarama Student Center

Personal and Family Information:
In his home, Niyonkuru helps by carrying water, gathering firewood and caring for animals. He lives with his aunt. His aunt is sometimes employed as a farmer.

As part of Compassion's ministry, Niyonkuru participates in church activities and choir. He is also in primary school where his performance is average. Soccer, playing with marbles and playing group games are his favorite activities.

Please remember Niyonkuru in your prayers. Your love and support will help him to receive the assistance he needs to grow and develop.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

An Afternoon In Torquay

Yesterday afternoon we wanted to just get out and have some time. We went down to Torquay to have a coffee at the Chocolate Room. The best coffee. Yummy.
After coffee we went down to look at the water. Well it was so inviting and me being a sook said I wish I had flat shoes so we could have a walk. David took his shoes off so I couldn't miss out, so off with mine and down tho the waters edge. We had the best time.
The tide was out so far and we walked along the sand and out to the little pools of water. I wanted to see wildlife. In my dreams. We are going to do much more easy, fun things in our life. Sitting at home has no adventure in it. It's time to get out and live life to the fullest.

Geelong.

All I can say is, Go Cats.

Blonde

Okay, sometimes I do before thinking. Two weeks ago while feeling fairly flat and lost I decided to have a change to mend. I went to get a hair color and went copper. I left with a smile and although it was the exact color I had chosen, Hmmm what can I say. I wasn't a happy camper.
Do you know that no matter what color your hair is, when you're blue, you're blue. Well tonight I went back to Rixons and I'm happily wearing my blonde hair again.
So, when all is building up around you, don't color your hair, fix yourself and wear the color that suits you best.

My Sister

I have been so very slack at updating my blog, so I thought I'd pop on a quick post in my lunch break.

Life has been up and down and all over the place, however I still love mine. I'm trying to not see the negative and looking to the positive. I have some super friends and I love my family. I know I say that all the time.

Donna, my sister is on holidays and when she gets back I am going to make a serious effort to have a better relaionship with her. I haven't seen her since the first week of April. How bad is that? I can't sit at home and say I never see her. I must make an effort to be a better big sister. Keep you posted.

Life Is Great

Life is going great for me.
I have had some ups & downs over the last 6 weeks and all they have done is shown me, my inner strength.
I know what I want from life and that helps me to get up each day and power forward.
My marriage is stronger than it's ever been.
My love for Curl (David) grows more and more and now that the boys have both left home we're enjoying each other in a new way.
I believe that so many people loose themselves in there kids and may struggle when they move on.
Happily we are moving together.
I had the most amazing birthday with Curl going so far out of his comfort zone to bless me with a weekend away. It meant so much to me.
Work, well I 'm hoping things are going to get better and better there.
Melinda the new outlets manager started yesterday and ever though I haven't met her as yet, I feel that this is going to be fantastic. I want to have the best workplace that anyone can have, with customer service you can't find anywhere else.
I want people to come into the outlet and feel the most amazing comfort & calmness that they know there is something but just can't put there finger on it. It'll be good old fashioned love.
I have an opportunity to bless people, and that's what I want to do.
I want people to be happy.
I want people to feel special.
I want people to feel loved.
That's it...

On This Day

Forty eight years ago today, I was born.
Proud to be forty eight.
If you are calling me old,
that means you haven't made it yet.
Just pray that you do.
Each day older is a new memory.
Some I think I'd like to forget,
but they are what makes me, me.
If you don't like me the way I am,
sorry.
I have no intention of trying to change me to suit you.
I'm happy being just as I am.
Not Cheryl, Chez.

Llewellyn, My Dad.

Hmmm, memories of a love lost.
The 8th July 1995 my dad went to be with our Eternal Father. It has been 14 years. Where has the time gone? My memories are so vivid and yet also very cloudy. Why did I find it so hard to say the things I wanted to say? I try not to let it rip at me, that I should have said how much I love him. I tell my own boys all the time how much they mean to me. Why is it that I didn't tell him?
My Mum knows, I know that I love her and yet once again I don't say it.
I am starting to feel that I have an answer for my own question.
Maybe it's because I may be saying that life as we know can end if I tell them. It ended for my Dad anyway without me saying it and so now, I must make the effort to tell my Mum how very special she is. While I am still lucky enough to be able to.
If you have not yet or not recently told your parents, your children or even your husband or wife how much they truly mean to you. DO IT NOW. Before it is too late.
RIP Dad. I miss you with a love that will never fade away. Cheryl.

Peace

Today, I have made a conscious decision to find as much peace in life that I possibly can.

This morning when having the TV to myself I watched Lakewood Church and Joel Osteen was preaching on us allowing people to have control of our life.

Yes everyday we come across people who have their own garbage built up that they need to empty. Sometimes they empty their garbage on us when their load is to full for them to carry. This is unfortunately a part of life that we carry their garbage when they dump it.

NO MORE

As of today I'm going to be the best I can at being meek.

Meek: Showing patience and humility

I feel that to be my best I will continue to love people where they're at and if they are having a bad day or make a bad decision, I won't get upset. I will be polite and walk away.

Meek: Strength under control

May I, as of today be the best I can be.

When there is a situation that I usually find upsetting, My hope is that I can accept that this is a build up of soneone else's garbage, which I will dust myself down, smile and accept growth and peace through my reaction.

God Bless

It's you

I have great friends
Where would I be
without them
I hold them close
As I can
they mean so much to me

When they hurt
I hurt to
And when they rejoice
I do

Some are so very special
And some not as much
But the ones I love the most
They know it.

Yes, the best is you.

Glow

Feeling empty and dry
I raise my hands
And praise.
I thank you Lord
For my valleys

I close my eyes
And wait patiently
As he Ministers

All I wish, is to be filled
To shine a light
To show life

My prayers are answered
I've been refilled
By his spirit
To give it away again
With love.

Reflection Of My Trip

Cheryl Anne Anderson. Born 18-08-1961, first trip overseas to Chennai, India 20-03-2009. Here we go.
Sitting this morning I was looking through my photo's from my trip to India. Then I remembered that Simon told me to pen my thoughts each day. I went looking for my book and thought you might be interested in some of my writings.
Day 1 Friday 20th March 2009
Up early to get organised and off to the airport.
Slight adrenalin rush driving into the airport
Unsettled when arriving but calm once checked in.
Quite unusually calm....
Off to my plane 10am.
I must admit I did enjoy flying over Ayers rock ( it's a tourist thing)
I had an awesome flight. No worries or fears.
Flying over our country and seeing the red earth of Australia to the amazing blue ocean then over the islands. Truly beautiful.....
Flying into Singapore I was shocked at the ships in the water. Oh so many. I started thinking there must have been over 20, then I went onto at least 100, Now I would say 100's. Possibly 200 to 300. Oh my goodness.....
I haven't had any cause for concern. Am loving being a tourist. Changi airport in Singapore is amazing. So lovely. So many shops.
The fern garden and an orchid garden are so beautiful.

So much to do but I only needed to sit quietly and read.
Off to Chennai.
Slept most of the way to Chennai, on and off anyway.
Arrived at the airport. Hmmm the smells are quite confronting.
Trying my best to take it all in without making eye contact with anyone.
Coming down the escalator to a welcoming wave from Megan. A white face in a crowd of beautiful Indians.
Walking out of the airport, A blanket of dark skinned people, don't stare.
The first actual person I focused on was a man with only one leg. I'm sure I'll see many more to come. Don't stare.
Met up with Victor, our driver and off to home. All good. A beautiful Rangoli to welcome me.

Made it through day one without any trouble. Stay tuned for future postings.
Oh, I hope you enjoyed this one.

28 Years

On Saturday David and I celebrated 28 years of marriage. I can't believe how fast the years have gone. We had a busy day with commitments but managed to grab a few hours to head off down to Torquay on the motor bike for lunch. And be sure, no one ever said it would be easy and at times, many times it hasn't been. In saying that I must say that, I wouldn't change a thing. What can I change in life, without changing our whole past and our present. It is what has been our past, that makes our today so wonderful. Going through things in life together, that makes us who we are today. Every day something happens to make me laugh. David is so funny. Even when he's at his lowest he keeps me chuckling. He loves me very much and to that I am so grateful. The photo I have placed on this page, is 2 years ago when we recommit our wedding vows to each other and I love how happy we both look. My prayer is that all people can have someone in their life that they love as much as I love my darling husband.

Fresh Cut Grass

Oh my goodness, today when David and I went down to Queenscliff on the motor bike we both had a memory of yesteryear.
We smelt fresh cut grass. I mean nice green grass. That smell that reflects Spring.
I noticed it and thought I must mention it to David when we stop. Well as soon as we stopped he said "did you notice something back there?"
Yes he was taking about that amazing fragrance of FRESH CUT GRASS.
It makes me sad that it is a fragrance of memories. I pray that it wont be too long before it's an everyday smell again.

My Favorite Photo.

Well, I have to admit, most of my life I've avoided getting my photo taken. Not totally happy with what the camera shows. Well after 40 something years I'm over it. I only see in a photo what everyone else sees when they look at me. Der.
So after my recent most amazing trip overseas I have been looking at my photos everyday and I have found my favorite photo of myself. (For now anyway)
Yep, this photo of me in the pool at Fisherman's Cove Resort.
I had the best time and this is one of the first photos taken and I think I look relaxed already.
I had only been there long enough for a tiny little shop in a resort store and pop into the pool.

So don't worry about how you look just pick out your favorite photo and love it. People love you anyway, so let it go. And have happy memories.

Resting & Relaxation

Make a Smilebox photobook

Settling Back In

Sisterchicks.Going Home. Chennai Airport.
Well, it's now Saturday evening and I'm feeling okay, at last. It's been a huge week and I haven't understood anything that I've been going through. When I left Chennai last Saturday night I was ready to be home and so refreshed. I had an amazing 10 days relaxing and discovering India. On returning home I was filled with happiness. To spend time with Megan and the family was wonderful. To go off for a night to a resort, just Megan and I was extremely indulgent and very relaxing. We felt like princesses, that off course we are .
Princess Chez.
This week has not been what I expected. I thought I'd have 10 days overseas and return home relaxed and full of energy. NOT. I have been so tired, maybe exhausted. Anxiety has been flowing through my body, for God only knows what reason. I don't have to feel stressed about anything. I am blessed to live in a great country with everything at my finger tips. My family is fantastic and they love me. I have great friends and a great job. So what's with this feeling. I don't know, I only know that I'm starting to feel better. To the people who love me and have been supporting to me this week, thanks. I love you all. You knew that anyway, I'm sure.
The Purdy's.

My thoughts on Megan and her family's life in Chennai;
To be living in India so far away from Australia is an awesome experience but the country is so trying. People hear things like, driver and maid or house keeper and think luxury. Now, go there and try to do it for yourself. I couldn't do it and I'm so proud of her efforts. To all of them I say, well done guys.

There's No Place Like Home.

I can't totally understand my emotion. So sad to be leaving so happy to be going home.
I could never had imagined the amazing opportunity ahead of me when I was having a little hissy fit while over tired at work and saying I want to have a holiday, I want to go visit Megan.
It's now been and gone. But the memories will live on forever.

The lesson in this life experience is love your life to the fullest. If you have someone in your life that you love tell them. And when you hug someone do it. If you are going to wrap your arms around someone, give.

To be back in Australia and have my wonderful husbands strong arms around me again is one of the best feelings I could have. A feeling of love, care, safety and belonging. He missed me and I him.
And remember, The best is yet to come.

Room With A View

Each morning this lady comes and sweeps the path at the front of the school. She uses a broom that she has made herself with the veins of the leaves of the palm trees. She does this before she attempts to sit with sad and pack it into the gaps of the bricks in the paving. We are oh so blessed at home. Never shall I complain about sweeping with my huge scissor broom.

When I got up on Saturday morning and looked out my bedroom window I saw this sad looking building across the road, which Megan informed me was a primary school. Didn't look much of a school to me but I was sweetly surprised come Monday. This morning I sat and took over 100 photos.

This dreary old school above,

is transformed with the help from these glorious faces below.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Chennai Experience.

Day 3 in Chennai and I love it more and more. The people just amaze me. I must try to be more grateful for what I have when I go home.

The children go off to school, hand in hand and seem, oh so happy. Not once have I heard a child whinge. They have so little but yet so much.

The faces of the men and women say so much without a single word. This evening we went to a street market stall and got some beads and the young lady that served us was absolutely stunning. Her smile was priceless and I asked if I could take her photo she posed for me and when I showed her the picture she was so insistent that I get a copy for her. Then she introduced me to her mother and father so proudly. A few more happy snaps and I promised I would take her a copy of them back. To make this young girl happy is so easy. I look forward to seeing her face when I drop them back.

There was a young mother at the corner of one of the streets today with her little baby, maybe 6mths old. Megan said she's there every day. Oh, could I take her and the baby home and scrub them up and give them food and love. I know I can't but I can keep them in my prayers.

There is so much more that I have seen, heard and smelt today but these are the two main things that stood out in my day.

Where ever you are at in your life today, just take some time to think of those who may be a little less fortunate than you.

And hopefully, what ever they are going through they can still smile.

India, Only the beginning.

A small snippet of the first couple of days from Chez in India.

A Long Way From Home.

On Friday the 20th of March I headed off from Lara for my first overseas trip to Chennai India. The day started off well and went from strength to strength. The flight was perfect. The experience is amazing and to those who know me will be shocked that this has been (so far) fearless. Wandering around Changi airport, in Singapore like a seasoned tourist, well I thought I Looked seasoned maybe they all new different. Then onto the connecting flight to India. I read watched out the window and slept my way through 16 hours. It was so good to get off the plane and walk through the airport to the awaiting Megan and Eliza. Smells and sights that I was expecting but shocked by. What everyone had told me was true and now I can pass this onto the next person to do this for the first time.
Here we go, I am just loving the roller coaster ride of the days. Yes, I have shopped, which IS experiencing India, eaten food which I would usually not and walked in areas without a worry. The people are everywhere. Oh my goodness there are soooooo many people around everywhere you go. Getting second looks from all these people who I give second looks to. It's hard to imagine that I am the unusual looking one when I'm looking out at these unusual, to my eyes, people. The huge population of amazingly beautiful Indian men, and women that look so bright at graceful in the bright Sari's. It makes me gaze with amazement. I try very hard not to stare but I can't help it. The people, the cars, the motor bikes and don't forget the cows. Now all I need is the I love India t-shirt. Stay posted. Bye for now.

The arrival
My sisterchick and I

Me and my arrival Rangoli, (Indians use these to bless there homes and ward off evil.) Didn't stop me getting in though.

A new day

Well, it's a new day and I am feeling unusual but good. I made a discovery that I have been living a life that is held back by what other peoples opinions of me are. As long as I can remember I have been so overwhelmed by trying to make everyone else happy that I was often miserable.
NO MORE
If people don't like me, that's just bad luck.
So as I approach my new life on this new day, I hope that I don't loose too many people along my way.
I suppose if I do you're not a true friend.
So as I approach my trip to India, I can feel that this is my life to live & live it I will.
I am hoping that when you see me next, I'll be walking tall with a smile on my face.

Life, Love and All

Today I grew. To be able to speak from your heart to a great friend makes life worth living at a higher level. Many people come and go in our lives and sometimes we hold on to the stuff that hurt and we don't allow ourselves to give enough to the next friendship.
I have decided not to hold on to any of that any more. I will not allow myself to be hurt by other peoples opinions of me.
Simon is one of my newest friends but I feel that we will be friends, hopefully forever. Honesty is a great things that friends share and even though he is a guy and I'm not we can be great friends. Go figure.
My prayer is that everyone can have a friend as great as Simon. Unconditional love, Hmmm

The Way The Chez Story goes.

Just been sitting here thinking about my life, how deep.
Okay, the version that comes to mind is.
First born daughter to my Mum and Dad. Five older brothers, one younger sister. A sister with a different Mother to my Dad's fist marriage. Grew up with a regular family life. As much as I know regular. Seven kids living at home in a 3 bedroom house (home) in Lara. Ups and downs as in life but good childhood.

Met my now husband in form 1 (now known as year 7) on the end of year school trip. Who would have thought when a bus broke down and we had to sit 3 to a seat that I would be sharing a seat with my future husband. He is an awesome husband at that.

Left school in first term of year 11. Never did pay any attention to school, I realise now that it would've been a good idea to listen but so be it. Had my first job at Brown's Drapery, that was at the end of year 10, which only for 3 months so I went back to school but couldn't get back into the swing after being out, so left for job 2 at Zora in the factory. Yuk. 3 weeks later and I was unemployed for 6 months. Probably not the smartest move but once again so be it.

After being out of work, I got a job at Jock Lee's Pharmacy. That was a good place to work and he was a great boss. I think it was an excellent beginning for me. In April 1980 David and I got engaged, I was all of 18 and 8 months old. Which is actually really young but I thought I was so grown up.
May 1980 sad time in my life. My eldest brother Geoff died in a car accident. He was a great man, son, brother, husband, father and friend. Miss him still, all the time.

Okay April 1981 and we are now husband and wife. Can't believe I got married at 19 and thought I was old. I was just a baby. No regrets. Not one.

Life goes on, in 1985 along came baby Geoffrey David Anderson. Our first little darling followed in 1987 by Greggory Neil, second little darling. There is nothing better in life than having a baby grow inside you. Giving life. My son's are so amazing, how can love be strong. Never ending, ever growing.

House 1. Station Lake Road
House 2. Clover Street
House 3. Curletts Road
House 4 & present Misten Crt.

It was in 1996 while living in Clover Street that we were dealt 2 terrible blows, loosing our fathers only 5 month apart. My Dad sadly passed in July & Poppy Anderson (David's dad) in December. It's amazing how we think they'll be with us forever. I never stop missing Dad and think of him every day and although it's sad that he's gone I have been so blessed to have had the Dad that I had. Llewellyn Whitworth born 29.07.1919, passed 08.07.1996.

In 2005 I realised that I drank far to much. I'm proud to be able to say that I have not had any alcohol since 16th February that year. So please don't tell me you can't give up something, It's too hard or any of that as I have been there. Another amazing blessing is that I did it with inner strength & the power of God.

That leads me to my amazing love of God.
Also in 2005 in formed a friendship with Larrissa Munday. She asked if I was a Christian and I said the old "well I believe in God but I don't really do anything about it" or something along those lines. She told me to pray and be patient . Well praying I didn't think I'd have trouble with but being patient, well if you know me, that is a big ask.
Anyway, in January 2006 Pam Haines invited me to attend a group to learn about love. Well I thought if I'd asked God to send me something this might be it so I'd better go along.
WOW, life changing, by accepting God into my life, my life has been turned around. I don't think I was such a bad person before but now looking back to the day when I was in my car, saying to anyone who would listen (even though I was in the car alone) that I never wanted to drink again and that I didn't want to just cut down and have not touched alcohol since, Big Godincidence, I accept that God listen when we speak to him. Yes, I'm a crazy God love Christian. Maybe you do believe and maybe you don't believe in God and that's your life choice, I don't love you any more or less for your beliefs just allow me to have mine.

Friends, they are so important. Love your friends, it doesn't matter if they're in your life for a day or a lifetime they are so special. The number of friends that I have had and have influenced my life I couldn't tell you. One of the saddest things is not telling them how you feel. My bestest friend is Sheryl. I can not explain the love we share and I am proud to say that I know how much she loves me. That is true friendship when you know that your love is shared. If I don't name you don't be offended, as I hope that everyone of my friends know I love them.

My sisterchick is Megan, I know that you can have numerous ones but sorry at this stage she is that only one to wear that name tag. I do also think that she is God sent. Long story. Best hairdresser ever also.
Work mates are also special. Love my job and work mates. Deb, Fi, Jess, Kylie, Simon and the list goes on. They are here in alphabetical order as there is no favorite, each one is special in there own way. No one I have ever met hugs like Simon. He is my favorite guy friend, hands down. Love him like, I can't get my head around it. I hope you know that Si. You are special.

So the story as it stands today, Sunday 1st March 2009.
I am 47 years old and not ashamed to say it.
I have plenty of grey hair, that I cover up with blonde. Not too many wrinkles though.
I am married to David and have been for 27, nearly 28 years.
Have 2 awesome sons.
And a great lot of friends.

Not long now.
It is only 19 sleeps til I go to India. Time is flying and I can't wait to catch up Megan & family. I need to make sure I take time to enjoy the trip and not let it go by without preserving memories. If anyone would like anything bought back, to bad, it's all about me. I am open to advice on travelling but only positive stuff. Hopefully I will hear about my visa any day now. It's the only thing left to be organised. Oh and what color luggage do I get. It is the rules to have something new. The old crappy case I have just won't cut it. I have a strong calling to get red but I may be swayed on this. It's not a done deal. Any how for all the people out there who have travelled, think of me knowing I have no idea what is coming up. For the others think of how you would be feeling if you were in the same situation.

Hi all, this is my first post and hopefully you'll enjoy getting to know me. I am 47 years old, married to David since 1981 & have 2 great sons Geoff & Gregg. I am second youngest of 7 children to Llew & Elsie Whitworth. I also have a big sister Lorrie who is from my Dads first marriage. I am the shop manager of the Kaisercraft factory outlet store and love my job and work mates. (No, there are no stores in your area.)
I am a Christian and have been for 3 years. I love God and hope to live a life worthy of his Love. I try to not be judgemental to anyone and don't like people who are. We all have different personalities and we need to respect one another.
I have a best friend Sheryl, who I met just before my wedding and we have been great mates since. We have our ups and downs but at the end of the day we are there for each other, always.
I have a sisterchick Megan and at the moment she is living with her husband and kids in Chennai, India. I am going to visit them on the 20th of March. The furthest I have flown in the past is Avalon to Sydney, so wow is all I can say about the flight.