It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....at the Cheeks house! 

Actually, it has looked like that for awhile. I started decorating two weeks before thanksgiving (yep, I

 have become one of those people). I was also not sure how long it would take me to do- since this darn surgery, I can only do a very small amount at one time before I am completely wiped out. Anyways... I love getting everything out and up. It makes me smile when we turn on all the lights and wrap up all the gifts and all that jazz. So fun. I thought that I would give you a little peek at our house bling. I hope that you all have a Merry Christmas and remember how blessed you are!

This is my newest and favorite item of the year. If you love "Christmas Vacation" like I do you will think it's funny. Randy doesn't get it, but I LOVE it!

Our manger scene that G-mom and G-dad gave me

These are the piano books that I used to play when I was a little girl-the red one

is now considered "vintage" I think that makes me old!

What would Christmas at my house be with out a little leopard print?

...and the stockings were hung...

Chandler's red snow flakes- aren't they great?

This is my little collection of vintage ornaments

 in my grandmothers old

fruit bowl.

To it's fullest-

I have pondered and thought about how or what to say about this, and really there are no words that are appropriate or seem to do justice. However, I couldn't say nothing; so here goes...

My friend Jill lost her sister last Sunday night. Tragically. Brutally. I can't wrap my brain around what she has been through. To have to I.D. your sister. To have to tell her children that she is gone. Unbearable.

Today, I stood and watched Jill and her family bury her sister Billie. As I stood there, I thought about tomorrow. How I would wake Chandler up, take him to school, and go about my day. How Billie's children would have someone else wake them, take them to school, and they will just try to endure their grief. How Jill will try to move on, and have some sense of normality. 

As the minister reminded me today, life is not about the amount of time that you have, but what you do in the time that you are given. Living life to the fullest and enjoy the beauty that God has surrounded you with. Your family, friends, home, His church, His love, His hope for a future. We are called to have a life of Joy that can only come from Him and to also share that same Joy with others.

Please, in your moment of quietness, remember my friend Jill, her family, her sister's children, their friends. Pray God's peace and healing. Love your family. Live life to it's fullest. 

Look what God sent on Thanksgiving!!!

We got a HUGE cold front on Wednesday

 just before Thanksgiving. It was REALLLLY Cold!Then while we were getting ready for lunch,

we looked out the window and found....

SNOW!!!!

Big, beautiful, white, snow.

It was so great. 

The perfect beginning to the holiday season.

God is SO GOOD!

Snow at the lake

Taylor

Randy & Chandler

Me & Chandler

So funny!

Turkey for you, turkey for me, turkey turkey turkey.....

(fried that is!)

Oh, how I hope that everyone is loosening their waistbands and basking in the GREATNESS that is Thanksgiving! We had our first married one and made good memories! We went to one of my cousins ranches (Stephen). Randy, Stephen, and Garrett went hunting-I think that Randy fell in love with Graham, TX and the bigness of the deer and Garrett has about decided that he is DONE with hunting...he doesn't like sitting still and being quiet for that long (wonder where he gets that from?)! Thursday morning we all packed up and headed 30 minutes over to Possum Kingdom Lake for lunch. Randy introduced my Aunt and Uncle to the Fabulousness of  fried turkey- he is quite the fried turkey maker, Mom made all the extras (including a roasted turkey-two turkeys!!!) We had a special cold weather, a fire, and a big fat nap or two later, we were on our way home.

Also, just a quick update...I had a goal in mind that I would be back up on my feet and feeling fine by Thanksgiving. Goal not met. :( I am getting better everyday, but it is still a struggle. I have some good days and some really bad days that I can't even get off the couch. But I am thankful that the road to recovery is in progress and I am this far and not just starting at the beginning.

It is cliche, I know, but that is what this is all about....we have so so much to be thankful for. God has poured out so many blessings on me individually, my family, and my friends. We are surrounded by constant reminders of His grace, love, protection, & patience. How can we ever question His provision for us? Take a moment this season to love the gifts that He has given you and thank Him for them.

Blessings and love to you all!

Randy & Uncle James frying the turkey

Stephen, catching a nap

Family Pic

Stephen, Cathy, & Taylor

OH MY LORD!!!!!

So, I am having a nice, quiet, relaxing, night on my couch all alone-at least I thought I was alone. I am sitting here getting caught up on my dvr shows, playing around on my new computer; Randy's huntin' ,Garrett's at his Daddy's ....can all you mommy's just hear the peace and quiet--AAAHHHHHH! and then it happens..................................something out of the corner of my eye-a shadow of movement-very small, a bug maybe, has made it's way from under my couch to my ottoman, then when it had my attention, it came out again, to make sure there was no mistaken identity----A MOUSE!!!!!!! Yes, as a write this, there is a small, cute, grey mouse hiding under my couch and now it is holding me hostage. I am not sure that a good nights sleep is going to happen. Where is my stinkin husband and son when I am in such great danger and turmoil? Sheesh! All I know is if that little mouse invites his friends over, and there is a party in my living room, and one of them feels the need to "crash" in my bed, You and everyone in the contiguous 48 states will hear about it. Hurry home Honey!!!

One is sooo FUN!!!!



Two of our favorite little girls turned one this week! Kaylyn and Kate are just 3 days apart and they are so sweet! They both have the most contagious giggles that come from their tip toes and baby blues that will melt your heart. Uncle Randy and I can't get enough of them and we are so blessed that they are in our world! Happy First Birthday Girls! We love you so very much!

Ladies and Gentlemen, Children of all ages....

It is that time of year again- that's right...the circus!!! G-Dad is a "Past Potentate"(no idea if I spelled that right) of the Shriner's. Which means that he was the "Grand Pumba" and that means special circus privileges! Dinner, ride into the circus on the train, and ring side seats! The kids LOVE it! I never get tired of watching their faces and their eyes light up! Soooo fun! Here are some pics.... can't wait till next year!

Why, oh Why did I not think of this?

Ok...This makes me want to get married again (don't panic-I mean to Randy of course). Maybe most people have seen this, but even though I seem to be on the computer alot, Youtube, is not a site that I check out that often. However...Oprah is something I watch all of the time and she featured this on her show the other day. I am not sure if I could have talked my precious husband into this, but oh how I would have loved it! Check out this link...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYhlm9GTAQ0

This is the 20th Anniversary of Dirty Dancing. How is that possible. I am pretty sure that my mom would have died had she known I was at Jennifer Wood's house watching this and swooning over Patrick Swayze and fascinated in how some one's body moves like that!!! That movie was sooooo risque back then-now it just seems kinds G rated. Who doesn't remember where they were when they first heard- "Nobody puts Baby in the corner." or how you felt when you heard those first few notes of "I've had the time of my life...." AHHHHHH!!!

Hope you are having a great week and that this has inspired you to go and watch Dirty Dancing for the millionth time!

Woe is Me!!!

Oh it is a sad sad day in the Cheeks household. My in-laws are leaving today. Actually they are packing up the car right this second. I am thinking about laying under the back wheels of the car to keep them from leaving (hidden joke if you know my history at all- hee hee)!

I have so loved having them here with me for the past 3 weeks. They have loved and cared for me 24/7. They have kept me company and treated me like their own. I am so blessed to have had them here and don't know how we would have gotten through this surgery and recovery with out them.

It is so rare to have in-laws that you enjoy. Also that you don't want to kill after 2 days- mine were here for three weeks and I am right this second crying buckets over them leaving. Thank you Jim and Carafaye for loving me and making me a part of your family. I will miss you so much!!

THE GREAT PUMPKIN CARVING!



We had a FUN night! We had a pumpkin carving session in our kitchen and I think that Grandaddy enjoyed the most! He was so funny-his is the pumpkin that is "throwing up." Yuck!

Chandler thought it was great, and it was Randy's first time to "carve" Even Grandmomma got her hands dirty! They turned out great and we have some great memories!

A Hunting They Will Go...


Randy & Grandaddy took Chandler hunting for the very first time! He was a little disappointed that he came home empty handed...he thought that you shot a HUGE buck every time that you went hunting. I also understand that he had a hard time to sit still in the stand (which I think he comes by quite naturally). Anyway...here ya go!

Boo Yall!!!

The Norris' had us all over for a Halloween party last night! It was so fun! The kids were all so cute. Amber did a great job and had lots of fun games for them to play...bobbing for apples, a candy corn relay, and wrap Dad into a Mummy (hilarious), plus some other fun stuff. I didn't really need to dress up- I carry my own little costume with me all the time these days- aren't you jealous of my collar? Here are some of the pics. We will have more when we Trick or Treat! Enjoy!

By the way....Thank you Scott, Amber, Mikayleigh, & KK

Who could hurt this kid?



Okay, I am trying to be a good example to my darling little man, however....some little turkey, hurt my baby at school today. I got a phone call from Chandler and he was sitting in the nurses office at school. Another child, more or less, flipped him over his shoulder onto the tile floor and he hit his head. It happened between classes and it apparently was unprovoked. I of course was so mad. Luckily Randy and his Daddy were here and they went up to the school to get to the bottom of it...and brought Chandler home to me...which made me feel much better. Randy assured me that the school has handled it and as you can see by the pictures, Chandler is fine-he is embarrassed a little but other than that-just fine.



What does a mom do when some little stinker hurts your baby? It doesn't get better the older they get, you never get used to it. I know the other little boys mom is mortified and she is taking care of it and so is the school. I am sure this won't be the last scuffle that my little man has, but boy it stinks as a mommy.



So for the record, I am proud of how Chandler handled himself....but a little teenie tiny piece of me wished he had turned around and popped him one!
(the picture on the right is him pointing to the know on his head-it's a pretty big one, by the way)

Surprise Surprise!!!

Monday afternoon we got a great surprise on our front door step...Randy's sister Melinda drove down from Stillwater to check in on me! It was so fun! She is a nurse and had a couple of days off and came to spend them with us. I really enjoyed having her here and so did her mom and dad. Thank you Melinda for brightening our week!

Goodies!!!

These are some of the goodies that I have gotten from people. This is just a very small representation of all the goodness that has been poured on to me. The flowers are from Randy's work (one from corprate and one from a nursing home) and the cake was special made for me by Mikayleigh (yellow cake with chocolate icing-yum!), if you look close you can see where she wrote in the icing "I love you" How precious is that!?!? Auntie Crazy is very lucky!

I Finally Have a Name!!!!!

Hey Yall!!!!

Okay, you all know that aside from my own precious little man and my Fabulous husband my greatest Joy in life are my nieces and nephews. I love love love love them and think about them all of the time. Randy, Chandler and I talk about them every day and how funny and cute they all are. We laugh about all the funny things they say and count the minutes till we get to see them. We truly love your kids and hope that we always get to have them as a huge part of our lives.

Ever since the moment I heard that I was going to be an aunt I have tried and tried to figure out what I wanted to be called....I have tried several names and still nothing quite fit. I have been sitting at home since this surgery and reading stuff on line, I finally found a name. It is not original, I wish I could say that I came up with it on my own, but I stole it. It fits me and I love it and hope that it is what I can be called forever and ever....is the suspense killing ya?

Auntie Crazy!!!!

I love it!
So, from now on, I will refer to myself as Auntie Crazy. I hope you will too.
I love you all and hope to hear from you soon!

I am sooooo done!

I have been doing this recuperating thing for about 6 days now. I have been a very good girl, following all doctors orders (and the orders of my family and friends), resting, resting,resting, wearing my beautiful collar, taking my medicine, yada yada yada. But this morning when I woke up, I decided that I was DONE!!!!! I don't like this anymore. I am sore, hurting, tired, and fed up. Apparently though, my body is not cooperating with my decision to be done.

I have been spoiled ROTTEN since I came home from the hospital. My fantastic in-laws have been here taking care of me 24-7, Randy has been worried and over protective, and I don't think that we have hardly had to prepare more than one meal ourselves! Flowers, magazines, fun visitors, baloons, food, deserts, cards... Now, don't get me wrong, I have no interest in ever doing this again, but it is so nice to have people around that love me so much!

I went under the Knife!!!!

Well, it's over and I am on my way to recovery....I think. My in-laws (who I love) came in Monday afternoon, and G Mom & G Dad fixed my "Last Supper" complete with BBQ and Strawberry Shortcake-YUMMMY! I checked into the hospital Tuesday morning and made it through surgery just fine. I had lots of precious people in the lobby waiting to hear word from the doctor and then they all came back that night so I could actually see them. I am so blessed to have so many people that love me...very blessed.

I came home Wednesday morning and I am trying really really hard to follw doctors orders. I have to keep my loverly neck collar on for 4 weeks-attractive. And I can't hardly even swallow water , but it is getting a bit better. My Mom brought me a shole bunch og magazines, so I have something to do and I think that my new best friend is my DVR. Hopefully by the first of next week I will be on my way back to normal.

Since I am home sitting on my rear for the next few weeks, I will be keeping up my blog fairly regularly. So I would LOVE it if you checked in on the blog and commented every now and then.

Bless ya!

My fabulous husbad took Chandler and I to the State Fair on Sunday. It was all his very own idea, Miranda Lambert was doing a concert there (i love her) and he thought that would be a fun pre surgery outting. It was Chandler's very first concert and I think that he was in awe. He barely said a word the whole time. (Even though he loved it I don't know that he will be bragging about seeing a "girlie"concert) One of the band members had a HUGE mohawk which we were both fascinated by. Any way...we had a FABULOUS time and I am so happy that my sweet husband thought of it.

Just in case you are wondering...yes we ate well...funnell cake, and fajita nachos, cokes. YUMMY!

Dance Dance Dance

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!Hee hee hee! I thought this was quite hilarious. Seeing Randy "shake it" is the best!!!Hope you enjoy!

Hitch in my Giddy-Up

The time has finally come to get the "Hitch in my Giddy-Up" fixed. I am scheduled to have surgery on my C6-7 on October 16th. The neurosurgeon says that there are several things wrong with me (aside from the obvious) but right now, this is the main concern. We feel totally comfortable with the procedure and all that mess-I am looking forward to not feeling like crud all of the time and being able to hopefully work, be a wife, mom, and play with all of the fabulous kids that we have in our lives normally. The process to get there doesn't sound so great- but it will be fine and life goes on- who am I trying to convince here?

Anyway...I will be "out of comission" for a couple of weeks and then back to everyday life. I am so blessed that my favorite in-laws have offered to come and stay with us to help out for as long as I need them-which is great. My husband has gone way above and beyond trying to take care of me and get me back into some sort of working order. Bless his heart, we got married and I have been "sick" ever since. He is ready for a "normal wife"- sadly, he gets me instead, but I think that he is just fine with that.

I got tagged.

Hey everyone! I have been what I like to call BLOG stalking, a photographer named Kate Mefford at Juxtapose Photography. I found her through our fabulous wedding photographer Crystal Wedel's Blog. Anyway... I think that she is amazing and has a really great eye and I am fascinated by her images. She tagged me with this little Blog game- 8 things about me. The wacky thing is, a lot of her things were similar to what I would have said, but I will come up with my very own-

1. I secretly would love to someday play Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. Wouldn't that be so fun?

2. I have a touch of both OCD and ADD. Which often fight with one another. It makes for some very interesting times for my poor husband. My friend Brian pointed out that when you combine the two you get "ODD" (ha ha), and that I must put things in lines a lot but they are probably in very short lines - very true.

3. I love love love that my husband is a backwoods redneck. It is quite charming and the way he talks makes me laugh really hard sometimes.

4. Year's ago, I began to brainwash my precious son that there was no other college but Texas A&M and that when he grows up, he should live on the same street as his mom-so that I can help baby sit and clean their house for free- pathetic.

5. The earlier mentioned OCD will only allow me to hang my clothes on hangers from the container store (I got that from my Mom) and they have to be hung in "rainbow" order.

6. I am convinced that if everyone else could hear me sing the way that I hear myself and the way that I know God hears me- you would all but tickets to my concert (where I would rock my own guitar).

7. Don't be jealous, but I was a "Spanish Dancer" in high school. I had the ruffled skirt, the puffy sleeved blouse, and the big red flower in my hair. Sad Sad Sad. I can, however, still do the La Cuckaracha.

8. I am a gypsy cowgirl at heart. If I could get away with the Junk Gypsy style everyday of my life I totally would. I do love to wear stuff that makes people think "what the heck"?


So there ya go-hope it wasn't too much of a snoozer. I think I will tag a few people too...

~Jaclyn Hatcher
~Debra Johnson
~Sandra Feazel

****Update****

In case you are all wondering... I am still trying to get my neck and back taken care of. I am in lots of pain, tingling in my arms, really bad headaches, sleepless nights, major hurting in my back. I am following up with all my therapy, chiropractor, and doctor appointments... we have an appointment with a new doctor and hopefully he will give me some answers. Just keep praying for us and that we will make the best decision to get me back to normal.

This summer we had our good friends the Kearchers and Bellows, along with G-Mom and G-Dad for a little visit. We have a great covered back porch and they went out to play for a bit. I have to take a picture when ever I can get them in the same spot and I am just now getting them on the blog. Aren't they all so cute? Paige, Blake, Callie, & Garrett- I love ya!