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Wednesday, July 23, 2008

So stinkin' mad!!!

I have always dealt with conflict internally (don't ask my kids or husband) : ) but it is pretty easy for me to get over things so I choose to work through them internally as opposed to making them an issue with other people. But today I am so fired up that I just have to vent...SORRY!

About a month ago I rear-ended a vehicle. No big deal, right? Well, it really wasn't. There was construction being done on Pleasant Hill and so the right hand lane was required to stop and then merge into the remaining lanes. The car in front of me was stopped and looking back to see if he could merge. He then proceeded to pull out into the lane only to change his mind. By that time I was looking back to see if I could merge myself. When I saw that the lane was clear, I began to merge. It wasn't until I looked back ahead of me that I realized he was stopped. I hit my brakes but I rear ended him anyway. We pulled off to the side and got out of our cars to assess the damage. Fortunately there was none. Two police vehicles arrived on the scene within two minutes. Two cars were necessary as the exact same thing had happened twenty feet ahead of us (this should give you an indication of how bad of a construction setup it was, but that's beside the point). We walked around the vehicles with the officer, discussed any concerns or injuries (there were none), and then determined that his bumper was a little loose and may need to be secured. I gave the man my insurance information in case he needed to get his bumper reattached and then we parted ways. I thought that was it!

Two weeks after the incident, the insurance company called to see if I was submitting a claim for my vehicle. I informed them that there was no need as there was no damage to either car. Once again, I thought that was it!

So today, I get another call from the insurance company telling me that the man had retained an attorney, and that he'd racked up medical bills due to injuries sustained in the accident (bad word, bad word, bad word...did I say that...oops, sorry) Anyway, I am SO mad. I cannot even tell you. This man was perfectly fine. There is NO way that an injury could have been sustained from this incident. I cannot believe that there are such dishonest people out there. If I had his information, I seriously think I would give him a call and tell him how I feel about him. Actually, maybe it's a good thing that I don't have his information. I am such a non-confrontational person but this is such a blatant lie that it is eating me alive. I mean seriously, can you see from these pictures how anyone could sustain serious injuries??? Fortunately as I was standing there I felt very strongly that I should get some pictures. I am so glad that I did! I sent them to the insurance company today (all 10 of them). I hope that he not only loses the case, but that he also racks up some serious attorney fees for even attempting to be so dishonest. Okay...I'm done and feeling much better having vented!

(yes, there are a few scrapes but not from this accident. After all, this car was made in the 90's. I don't even think they make them anymore)

slightly loose bumper but that's it

No DAMAGE = NO INJURIES!!!

Thursday, July 17, 2008

A trip down Memory Lane

I had been racking my brain for weeks trying to think of a way to make our 11^th anniversary the “perfect day” but nothing was coming to me. Then it hit me, THE “perfect day” was our wedding day. Why not just recreate that day. So, that’s exactly what I did. I took Matt on a trip down "Memory Lane" recounting the events of that beautiful day. At each hour, he received an envelope/gift relating to a memory from our wedding day. Here are just a couple of the fun memories/little gifts that he received throughout the day:

------------------------------------

7 p.m. (eve of wedding) I met you at the Salt Lake airport. I was so nervous as you walked off the plane. We’d been apart for months and I couldn't believe that this was it…the time that we had been anticipating for so long. I no longer had to cry myself to sleep because of your absence. You weren’t going to be leaving again, at least not without me in tow as your wife! We walked hand in hand to our car, almost giddy, nervous but giddy.

(his original plane ticket)

8 p.m. (eve of wedding) We arrived at your parent’s home. You were in desperate need of a haircut but at that late hour, all of the salons nearby were closed. “No worries”, I said. This was a perfect opportunity for me to show you what a wonderful wife I was going to be. Half way into the cut, I knew you weren’t going to think such things. How was I to know they were dog clippers?
(a set of clippers for a new haircut)

9 p.m. We headed over to the church to find it beautifully decorated with a canopy of twinkly white lights gleaming overhead. I was so excited and once again this made it feel so real. In just a few short hours we were going to be standing at that very backdrop greeting our guests.

10 p.m. With a kiss, you dropped me off at Shawna’s home. I couldn’t sleep at all that night. I tossed and turned. My stomach raced with butterflies. At last…4 a .m. and sleep finally came.

8:00 a.m.   You pulled into the drive and greeted me at the front door. As I laid eyes on you, my fears subsided. You have that effect on me. You can bring a calm when there is turmoil raging in me. We were off to the county building to obtain a marriage license. There’s nothing like waiting until the last second, right?
(a copy of our wedding license)

10:00 We pulled into the drive of the Bountiful temple. The temple and its surroundings were absolutely breathtaking. There was nowhere else I wanted to be at that moment.

10:45 I truly don’t remember much of what was said during the ceremony but I remember kneeling across the altar and feeling like I was going to burst with joy. Our eyes were moist with tears.   I was the happiest girl on the planet as we were sealed as husband and wife for time and all eternity.

11:15 We made our exit through the temple doors as husband and wife. Family and friends were there to greet us. It was a beautiful moment but it didn't last long as the scorching temperatures made the next hour almost unbearable. You know me…I love pictures. While you were so unbearably hot, I was so grateful that you indulged me this once as you sweated profusely so that we could have beautiful memories of that day, hanging on our wall.
(a thermometer and pictures of our wedding day)

1:00 p.m. We were off to our luncheon. All of our friends and loved ones were there. We dined on a delicious fetuccini alfredo dish followed by a beautiful tribute and program.

(I sent a wrapped package with instructions to refrigerate until 1:00 p.m. At 1:00 he opened the package to find a dish of Fettuccine Alfredo)

4:00 We again got ready, in preparation for the reception. While I was excited to greet family and friends, I was so over all of the little formalities. I just wanted to be alone as a married couple.

6:30 Guests started rolling in. It was a treat to see old friends, roommates, family, and loved ones.

8:30 You whisked me away in our beautiful white limousine to Anniversary Inn.

(pictures of our departure in the limo)

9:00 We arrived at Anniversary Inn and you swept me across the threshold.
(I appeared at our bedroom door at 9 p.m. dressed in my wedding gown trying to look seductive-as you can tell by the pic. Apparently it didn't work as I was met with uncontrollable laughter instead. Once he'd regained his composure, he swept me across the threshold once again)

(I still love my dress as much as on my wedding day. Not so crazy about the foo-foo veil...but I LOVE my wedding dress).

Later on that evening, Matt commented on how impressed he was that I remembered every last detail of our wedding day, but with one exception. On our wedding night we were absolutely starving since we hadn’t eaten anything since lunch. At 11 p.m. we ordered Pizza Hut and had it delivered to Anniversary Inn.

(As if on cue, at that exact moment, the doorbell rang and the Pizza Hut delivery man stood at our front door with our pizza)

.

The timing could not have been more perfect! We feasted on pizza and cheesecake, and laughed late into the night.

It really was the “perfect day”, down to the very last detail!

Monday, July 14, 2008

"The Talent Show"

Where I'd been so tired the last couple weeks, my kiddos were getting away with a lot...a lot of tv-time, x-box time, computer-time...you get the point. So last week we decided as a family it was time for another one of our E-free weeks (let me clarify...e-free meaning electronic entertainment-free, not electricity-free). Yes, we still had lights and hairdryers. We decided that we could use the extra time during the week to work on our talents in preparation for the "First Annual Cheek Talent Show". The kids were hard at work all last week coming up with their "talents". All about the house were "sounds of music" with Kaleb strumming on my guitar in his room, Kylie in her room banging on the pans, or Alex belting out some lovely tunes.

Tonight was the big night and everyone was excited for their time in the spotlight. I actually did put up a spotlight which made it look a little more official. The kids each graced us with a piano piece; pots and pans (er...I mean drums) by Kylie; crafts and artwork by Alex; dance numbers; some pretty impressive Lego and magnet structures made by Kaleb, as well as an in-depth tutorial of the secrets of "Sudoku". Matt tried his hand at some stand-up comedy. He was a hit! How could he not be with material like this...what color is a burp? Burple-such potty humor. : ) Before the night was through, Matt and I even got to do a little swing dancing for the kids. Everyone received standing ovations and the night went over without a hitch. It was a lot of fun and sure to become an annual family tradition!

Kylie's works of art

(Kaleb's lego, magnetix structures, and blanket he made.

(Matt's stand-up comedy act)

( just warming up in preparation for the real number) : )

(we've had this piano in the basement for the past year and noone has touched it. But we just moved it up and the kids have had a blast trying their hand at it. Clearly it is dire need of a good tuning but it's fun to see their enthusiasm for music.)

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Determination...

How can such a little one know such determination? On Friday night, I was getting a little baggie packed with diapers, wipes, and a bottle for Carter to take to the sitter's while Matt and I headed off for our Date night. I put the bag by the front door so that I would not forget it. Moments later I could hear Carter wrestling with the baggy. The frustration in his voice was evident and I knew exactly the reason. The contents were packed so tightly that he could not remove the bottle. Then silence. I rounded the corner to find this...

While he couldn't get the bottle from the baggy, that wasn't going to stop him from enjoying the contents. Man, I love this little guy!

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

A new approach...

Over the past year our family has adopted the theme "Family's are a Team" with reference to the scripture "how pleasant it is...to dwell in unity," (Psalms 133:1) This came about after one very frustrated mom had had it with feeling like she was the only one who lifted a finger around the house. That's not to say that dad didn't try to do his part when he was around but with me up against the four kids during the day, it was a game I was sure to lose every time. So we sat down as a family and discussed how much happier we could all be if we worked as a team. You know the saying, "if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy"...well it certainly applies in our home. : ) This new approach worked wonders and everyone was so willing to do their part for the "Cheek" team.

Fast forward to the present. While we have made great progress in our efforts to work as a team with the housework over the year, here we are in the long summer days where tempers tend to flare, and annoyances run more rampant than usual, as we are all constantly together. It seems like bickering and whining has become a little too commonplace and I'm feeling a little too overwhelmed to do much about it. So on Sunday, we sat down as a family and presented the idea of taking the whole "team" tactic to a new level. We presented to "MVP" award. What this is...for the person who was the most valuable team player for that day (based on a variety of things from listening, to being kind, to doing chores, and cleaning rooms without being asked), gets to stay up for an extra 20 minutes, after the other kids have gone to bed, and have mom and dad's undivided attention. They get to choose whatever activity we do during that time. We weren't sure how much of an impact this would have or if it would make a difference but let me tell you...we found the bait! Who would have thought that Matt and I could be dangled as a prize? : )

It has been such a wonderful week and it couldn't have come at a better time. I don't know what's wrong with me but I am still feeling SO tired. The kids have tried so much harder to get along and be more responsible; but even moreso, this new approach has helped me to really pay attention to all the good things that they are doing throughout the day, rather than focus on the negative. Not to mention, it has been a major boost to the ego. On Tuesday, Kylie told me 7 times(she kept count for me) how pretty I was...yes, she knows how to win me over...however, I tried to be impartial and Alex took the prize for that day. I explained to Kylie that while it was so nice of her to say such kind things, I would much rather her actions be nicer. She took that advice to heart and was a gem today, consequently winning the "MVP".

Here's the rundown of the activities with our little "MVP's".

Monday- Kaleb. When we asked him what he wanted to do with the time, he seriously chose to read scriptures with us. He's such a good kid. It was so fun to read with just him because he comprehends so much more than the younger kids. I felt like I was conversing with another adult.

Tuesday- Alex. She wanted to look through her baby book. This was so much fun for me as well to revisit some of those special times with her. She lit up as we recounted her birth story, her obsession with her little pink doll, her crazy hairdo's, and all the fun little details of long ago.

Wedneday-Kylie. I was a little surprised by Kylie's request. She wanted to play "London Bridges" so Matt and I played "London Bridges" over and over and over.: ) Once we tired of this, we had just enough time to read a few books.

I can't wait to see what the kids have in store next. It has been such a treat to spend this alone time with them. Usually by the end of the night, I can't wait to rush the little ones off to bed but this has made the whole experience more positive for me as well. I'm so grateful to have these little moments with my kiddos. I think I will cherish them as much as they will!

Thursday, July 03, 2008

Watch for falling rock

I thought that I had done a pretty good job teaching my little ones all the basic "life" lessons; you know, look both ways before you cross the street, no running at the pool, don't talk to strangers, and on and on. However, it seems that we could have used a refresher course at our home yesterday on one of those "life" lessons.

So the little one was down for his coveted nap, the bigger kids were all playing outside nicely, and I was inside enjoying the peace and quiet and putting laundry away when all of the sudden I heard an earpiercing shriek followed by a lot of screaming. I ran down the stairs as fast as I could only to be greeted by Alex and Kylie at the door crying and screaming that Kaleb had broken his head. I ran outside to see blood just pouring down Kaleb's head. As I tried to assess the situation, I couldn't figure out what could have been the cause of such a scene. Everyone was in hysterics. I tried to calm Kaleb down to ask him what had happened but he couldn't stop crying long enough to give me the rundown. I sat him down and he was finally able to spit it out:

me: What happened son?
Kaleb: I got hit by a rock.
Me: How did you get hit by a rock.
Kaleb: I threw it and it hit me.
Me: Why did you throw a rock and how did it hit you?
Kaleb: There was a bird in a tree and I just wanted to see if I could get it up to the bird.
Me: Why would you try to hit a bird...never mind that, why would you throw a rock right above your head?
Kaleb: I didn't. I threw it and it hit a branch and bounced back at me.

Sadly, I have to admit that once I got the bleeding under control and was certain that he wasn't going to die, I actually started laughing. Didn't we cover the "no throwing rock" lesson when he was about two. While I felt bad for his agony (which he tried to milk all day with an ice pack and wrap around his head), I think this will be a good reminder that mom really does know best!

Monday, June 30, 2008

The big decision

When Alex was three, she started asking if she could get her ears pierced but I wasn't ready to let her get them done. We put the issue to rest by telling her that when she turned eight and was baptized, she would be old enough to make that decision for herself. Little did I know how quickly that time would come. The time arrived last week and we went to the mall for the big event. I had said we would head up to the mall at about 4 but I was so ready to get this over with as she wouldn't quit grilling me over and over...how would it feel? What would it be like? Would she cry? Did I cry? I knew that the anticipation would be far worse than the actual event so we headed off earlier than planned. You could see the fear in her eyes, and sense the struggle wrestling within as we walked into the store.

(do I really want to do this?)

(here we go)

(piece of cake)
Eight

Such beauty. Such goodness. Such a blessing. Never have I known a kinder, more caring little girl. To witness her entering into the waters of baptism this last weekend was such a tender experience for me. I am so grateful for her desire to follow the Savior's example.

(sorry that you're not in the picture Grandma Cheek...the photographer apparently didn't know how to take a picture.)
It came and it went...

So, in a flash, June has come and gone leaving me utterly wasted. I don't think I have ever been so tired in my life (literally). From 3 family birthdays; a week at the beach (poor me, I know); hosting a fabulous girl's reunion (only fabulous because of the girls); Swim team every day and meets every week; Father's Day; a wonderful visit by my parents and in-laws; and the baptism of my sweet Alex, it has been a whirlwind. Make no mistake, I have no reason to complain, I am just trying to justify this feeling of absolute fatigue. Then again, I could probably chalk it up to the change in my diet over the past month. With one party after the other, the food has been anything but nutritious, but delicious none the less. My lack of time at the gym hasn't helped my case at all. It has all just left me feeling so blah.

So today it was back to the smart eating, and back to the gym. Today at my spin class I thought I was going to pass out right on the bike. It always stinks to have to pay the price for indiscretions but I am so looking forward to getting back to a normal routine (whatever that is), and enjoying a little slower pace for a while; well as slow as my ever-on-the-move four kids will allow me to go.: ) And maybe I ought to try going to bed at a decent hour one of these days-brilliant idea!

Thursday, June 26, 2008

The measure of a Man

If you were to measure a man in inches and feet, Matt would stack up quite nicely at 6'3", but not nearly as well as if you were to measure a man by their kindness, their love, and support of their family. I hit a jackpot when I married Matt. I know that I tease that he acts like another one of my children at times but I am blessed beyond measure. Last weekend was the perfect example of how blessed I truly am.

Several months ago when my girlfriends and I started planning our annual get together, the only dates that seemed to work for the majority was the weekend of June 21st, which also happens to be Matt's Birthday. I felt guilty about even presenting the idea and looked for different alternatives; yet when I told Matt about the dilemma, he was insistent that we go ahead and book the tickets for that weekend. He said that we could celebrate his birthday any time.

So last weekend came along and the girls started rolling in. Kaleb and Alex were off in Pennsylvania for Cousin camp leaving Matt with just the two youngest to care for. The three of them headed off to a friend's home to crash on the couch for the weekend. He spent his weekend taking our four-year old on daddy/daughter dates, and fighting a fussy, teething one-year old who wanted nothing more than to be home with his mommy nursing. Needless to say, he endured a weekend of rough, sleepless nights. Fortunately, my friends were use to a 2-hour time difference,so on the morning of Matt's birthday, I was able to sneak off and treat him to breakfast, and an enjoyable morning walk on the greenway trails. I dropped him back off at our friends after our walk and left him with the little ones for the rest of the weekend while I played, played, played!

This is just one example (of countless examples) of the kind of husband he is. He's so unselfish and has done far too much for me over the course of our marriage. I couldn't ask for more! Happy Belated Birthday Matt. I love ya!

(Today when Matt came home from work, we had his belated birthday present set up for him- a hammock. He has wanted one since he returned home from his mission 12 years ago. He never asks for anything for himself so it was so fun to actually surprise him with something he really wanted).
Girls of 94 hit the ATL
So much to blog...so little time! It has been quite the eventful month for our family so I am hoping to catch up on the blogging soon enough (from Cousin Camp, to Family in town for Alex's baptism, to Birthdays). I'll do my best to get back on top of it all-no guarantees but I will try! : )

GIRLS OF 94 REUNION-

For the past 5 or 6 years a group of about 10 of my high school girlfriends have gotten together for a weekend reunion. This year it was my turn to host and so the girls came to Atlanta. We missed the girls that weren't able to make it this year, but we had a fun-filled weekend anyway.

The short version is this:
- Sarah came in a day early so she and I were able to get the party started early with some retail therapy and pedicures.
(this was a Kodak moment as it is probably the only time I can ever say that I have nice-looking toes) : )

Once the rest of the girls arrived we:
- Stayed up and chatted into the wee hours of the morning about every subject known to man. By night two, I seriously felt like I was having an out-of-body experience because I was so tired. It's like I was there, but not really!
- We enjoyed our annual "Favorite Things" in which each girl shares the things she's discovered in the past year that have become her "favoite things". I came away with some great loot! As one of my "favorite things", I treated them to "Rita's Italian Ice".
(the girls at Rita's)
- We laughed until our stomach's hurt
- We slept in late and stayed in our pj's until ridiculous hours.
- We enjoyed Seasons 52 (my absolute fav) and Cheesecake Factory all in the same day (Yikes)
- And we enjoyed some time checking out some of the beautiful sights in Atlanta
All in all, it was a fabulous weekend! I truly grew to appreciate these girls even more. Can't wait for 2009. Go BOBCATS! : )

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Heaven

What is Heaven? I guess that depends on who you ask but I'm betting that if you were to ask my little guy, he would say "birthday cake for the very first time"...mmm...mmm...good!

Monday, June 16, 2008

One

Today has given me great cause to reflect upon this past year as my little Carter turned One. Can it be? It has flown by leaving me with only sweet memories of my precious little infant. Though there have been too many adjustments to count, and far too many hours of sleep lost during that time, it has been such a treat to have Carter in our home. His happy, and very lively spirit has brought so much joy to our family. Happy Birthday little Carter!
our trip to Outerbanks '08

Outerbanks, North Carolina has become one of our family's favorite vacation destinations. Almost every summer for the past 6 years we have spent a week there with Matt's family, filled with sun, sand, and some serious relaxation. Okay, so the relaxation, not so much...that's a thing of the past with Carter now.  But with the peacefulness and tranquility of the surroundings it was impossible not to at least slow down; to appreciate, and enjoy life more fully.

While the 11-hour drive is anything but pleasant, it was much easier this year as we broke it up into two days. As we were in the 5th hour of driving the first day, we were all getting on each other's nerves and I was feeling a little frazzled when on the radio comes the song "you're going to miss this" by Trace Atkins. While I am not a huge country fan anymore, as I was listening to the lyrics, I had to turn around and take a pic of the kids in the midst of all the chaos. This song just seemed so appropriate. Someday I know I will look back on these moments and smile because they're what make up the fabric of my life.

(Carter a little overzealous about unpacking at the hotel).

We spent Saturday night in Raleigh, NC, and then continued on Sunday after church.

When we finally arrived at our beach home, the kids couldn't wait to check out the new home. This year we opted for a 20-person beach home in Corolla, NC. While it was a little smaller than our home the previous years, it was still wonderful. It didn't take long until the kid's wore us down in their pleadings to hit the beach. With the scorching 100 degree temperature, I wasn't so keen on the idea but fortunately by day two it cooled off to the mid 80's. The weather was perfect from then on.





Plenty of time was spent back at the house in the pool as well...

The highlight of my trip was a morning jog alongside a dolphin. (check out the link to previous post). I truly could not believe my eyes when I looked out into the ocean and saw one again, but it was such an amazing moment for me.

And what's a trip to the beach without a photoshoot, right? Okay, so I make a photoshoot out of everything, but we couldn't help but get some pics of the family with such a beautiful backdrop.

And another photoshoot with whole Cheek family:

Good times and lots of happy memories!

Friday, June 06, 2008

The Makings of a very Happy Birthday...

What a great day....starting with ecards in the inbox, to phone calls and birthday wishes on the answering machine, to balloons and goodies on the front porch, to a friend taking my shift at the kid's swim meet so that I had a few more hours to pack, and lots of fun times! Thanks to the hubby for not listening to me when I had made it perfectly clear last week (or so I thought) that I didn't want to go out tonight-too busy, busy, busy packing for our trip tomorrow. He made plans anyway and we had a wonderful night.

I felt so loved ! Thanks to all who made it such a special day. Here's to another great year!