Correspondence

beautiful

2011-11-20T19:04:00.001-08:00

Many mornings I wake up to a little 3 year old sweetheart saying, "you're a beautiful mama". Could it get any better?!

2010-02-25T07:11:00.001-08:00

Tonight I actually cried...

We were having family fun night which is a weekly tradition in our family. Out comes the family fun night box and each child gets to pick a slip of paper with an activity on them and that is what the night consists of. There is everything from 'go to Starbucks' (my idea) to 'read a book'. Tonight the two that were drawn were 'movie' and 'make a play'. So off Taylor and Jocelyn went to get ready for their play. A few minutes later a bouncy clown and fair princess appeared ready for their showbiz debut. So I found some music and the clown 'taylor' took the stage. Next was the fairy princess 'jocelyn'. The music that came up just happened to be the newer version of "Over the Rainbow"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVhepGj21Bw As she danced Taylor joined in. All the lights were off in the house, "to make it like a show" except for two little lights and while my two older children twirled, sprinted, jumped, and waved their hands I was struck with the picture of a little girl who truly imagined herself a princess and a little boy who really believed me when I said, "you are an amazing dancer". Their joy in making me laugh and clap brought tears to my eyes. These moments are so precious. No really, they are precious. I felt as if God was sitting right next to me and laughing, maybe with tears in His eyes, as He watched His creation dance for the sheer delight and love of it.

Tonight I actually cried out of joy, because of an overwhelming feeling of blessing, and because the reality of these moments as fleeting truly became reality. If no one ever reads this but it reminds me that my children are a.....gift.....a sacred responsibility then I am glad I wrote.

praying for my little ones...

2008-06-24T18:45:00.000-07:00

When we lived in North Platte, NE, I was priviledged to be discipled by a Godly woman. She taught us what she has learned in her years as a wife, mother, and follower of Christ. Her prayer life is probably the thing that I desire most to follow in her footsteps. She gave us a list that she prayed through for her children as they were growing up. So I thought she wouldn't mind if I shared it with you. It might also hold me accountable to be more of a prayer warrior for my children. She would pray one thing from each list to pray for her children every day. I hope this is an encouragement to you.
Spiritual-
Salvation
Read Bible daily
Desire to learn Word
Obedient to Word
Witnesses
Soulwinner
Prayerful
Sensitive to Holy Spirit
Memorizes Scripture
Concerned Sunday School and school teachers
Stability and balance
Contrite heart toward sin in their lives
Usefulness in Church
Mission minded
Have prayer warriors
Integrity
A friend of God
Reverences the Lord
Humility
Zeal
Purity
Godly wisdom
Discernment
Buoyant spirit
Faith
Faithfulness
Family worship
Thankful
Challenging
Exciting
Spiritual songs in their heart
Bold
Wise-all around
Listens to parent's Godly instruction
Responsible to God
Responsible to others

Mental-
Choose and enjoy good reading material
memrizes scripture
Reasoning ability
Logical thinking
Desires to learn new things
Learns from mistakes of others
Accepts mental self
Ability to organize
Disciplined mind
Curious/creative
Proper priorities
Comprehension
Initiative to DO
Orderly
Appreciates and enjoys good music which encourages them to be holy and Godly
know how to handle money wisely
Common sense
Able to learn
Loves instruction
Appreciates good criticism

Emotional-
Compassion
Forgiving
Unconditional love for family and others
Able to show love
Self control
Stability in mind
Submission
Accepts disciline
Thoughtfulness
Thankfulness
Honesty
Tolerance of others
Healing of emotional hurts
Gentleness
Meekness
Flexibility
Accepts others as they are
Acceptance of self
Patience
Contentment
Truthful

Physical-
Able bodied
Fit and strong
Heals fast
Sticktoitivness
Desire to eat right
Enjoys wholesome hobbies
Love for profitable activities
Safe
proper competitive spirit
Modest, but conservatively stylish
Endurance
Self control
Not afraid of work (Proverbs 14:23)
Dependable
Punctual
Cleanliness
Accepts personal appearance (that which can't be changed)
Affectionate towards family and friends (not to extreme)

Social-
Hospitable- friendly
Loyal to what is right
Spirit filled friends
Quality people who will guide my kids
Good neighbors
classmates who are saved and want to please the Lord
Able to reacho out to help people
Able to give gospel clearly
Able to choose the right people to be with (Proverbs 13:20)
Dates only those who are saved and serving the Lord
Mate- saved and desires to be obedient to Lord
Keeps testimony clean
selfless
Fair with others
Generous but thrifty
Individuality
High standards for self

Bath time helper

2008-06-21T15:23:00.000-07:00

Kristyn seems really love Jocelyn and Taylor. She watches them so intently and when they get up close she just smiles and giggles. She has such a huge beautiful grin. Jocelyn just loves to be included...in anything. So every household chore, I have my helper. She may not actually help but shes learning!

Sweet summertime

2008-06-20T13:16:00.000-07:00

playing

helping

posing

hugging

laughing...

GOOD TIMES.

The pink room

2008-06-08T08:43:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite rooms in Anne's (my niece's) home is the pink room. It is a beautiful sun room where she painted the walls a pale pink. Isn't it gorgeous.
And Kristyn wouldn't leave until she had her picture taken in such a girly room.

I mean, who can blame her, every girl should have a "pink" room.

Time with Jacqulyn! (and Shane)

2008-06-01T08:16:00.000-07:00

Kris, Kristyn, and I spent four great days with our friends Jacqulyn, Shane, Annalee, Shelby, and Avery in Fredricksburg, Virginia.
I love watching my friends be amazing parents...

who we can grow with in this (little kiddos) season of life...

who are constantly learning more about eachother in their marriage and who are willing to share what God is teaching them daily.

Kris and I are truly blessed with your friendship, Shane and Jacqulyn

Grandma and Grandpa's house

2008-05-29T20:19:00.000-07:00

For weeks Taylor talked about going to grandma an grandpa's house so when the day came to leave them to go on our trip to the East coast, it was saying goodbye to smiling children, one getting ready to be pushed on the swing by grandma and the other to go on a kayak ride with grandpa.

Its much easier to leave your kiddos when they are so happy about the people you are leaving them with.
One of Taylor's favorite experience during his stay was his fishing outings with grandpa. This is what he said about the fishing, "Mom, we fished and fished and fished and we only caught a tree". This is what memories are made of . Thanks Grandma and Grandpa. We love you!

Love one another...

2008-04-29T14:38:00.000-07:00

More!

2008-04-29T14:26:00.000-07:00

My friend reminded me to cherish the little things today...

As I was getting Jocelyn in her carseat she stretch out her arms and said, "hug". After I hugged and turned to close the door she stretched her arms again and yelled, "more!". Jocey does this every evening and eventually I stop going back for "more", after my friend said she wished her kids still did that I decided I will keep going back until my little princess can't handle anymore mama hugs. Someday she won't ask for "more!".

Princess Jocelyn

2008-04-23T14:57:00.000-07:00

Princess Jocelyn- you are truly a princess to your mama and daddy. Your favorite thing to wear is a pretty dress. It might be covering all the scuffs and bumps you have from playing rough with your brother. We love to watch you dance to pretty music, but you also have the best football stance of any boys we know. Mama loves playing makeup and lotion with you but I also love to watch you wrestle with daddy and Tay.
You are definitely our little princess, but we like your tough girl side too.

Put your Jammies On!

2008-04-20T15:14:00.000-07:00

Our friend, Andy, is in the Christian kid's music group, Go Fish. And my kiddos favorite song is "Put Your Jammies On". Sometimes Tay and Jocey argue all day it seems, then sometimes they are best of friends. I love watching them love eachother.

Kristyn has visitors

2008-04-06T15:47:00.000-07:00

Many friends and family came to visit little Kristyn during our stay at the hospital. Auntie Tara brought Kristyn a sweet little outfit for the summer.
Taylor and Grandma Grubb came to celebrate with us. Tay was not too sure about his new little sis and wouldn't touch her until she came home with us and he knew she was here to stay. Now he seems quite fond of her and even thanks God for her in his prayers at night.

Our pastor came to visit on his way home from working at the ski resort. (Not many people can say that about their pastor!)
The next day Josh came with Julie and Asher and some sweet little socks that Kristyn has already gotten alot of use out of.

Brandon Brinker almost didn't want me to let Michelle hold Kristyn. I think they should have one of their own!

Leo won the prize for the best gift brought...humongous chocolate covered strawberries from whole foods. They were the best I have ever tasted!!

Auntie Zona came and brought us a movie to watch one evening, "Live Free or Die Hard"...great movie, you gotta see it!

Brian, Bridget, and Logan came too. They brought a sweet summer pants outfit. Thanks guys!

It was so fun having everyone visit. Honestly, the hospital was like a mini vacation for us.

Jocelyn Donovan at her best

2008-03-09T14:50:00.000-07:00

"Doing?"- what are you doing?

"Going?"- where are we going?
Dink- May I have a drink, please (or at least thats what I hope she means)
Eat!- This is said as she is running excitedly with arms waving in the air to Daddy's office to go get him for a meal

What?- after you ask her to do something she will walk up to you, usually put a hang on you and ask you this in a very serious voice

Jocelyn's very favorite things: shoes, dress up clothes, lotion, chocolate, anything to drink, putting caps on bottles, and playing with Taylor

Happy Birthday, Daddy

2008-01-22T20:31:00.000-08:00

Jocelyn and Taylor enjoyed getting pictures ready for Daddy's birthday...
and they really enjoyed helping open his presents!

A New Years Date

2008-01-22T20:16:00.000-08:00

On New Year's Eve Taylor was not feeling very well so I decided to stay at home with him while Kris took Jocelyn out on their first father/daughter date. Jocelyn enjoyed getting all dressed up for Daddy. They went to a party and were home by Jocelyn's bedtime at 8pm. Kris and I rang in the New Year together. Hope your New year has a had a great start!

Our Mighty hunter men

2008-01-22T20:08:00.000-08:00

Over Christmas the men took the boys out clay shooting. I think this is the beginning of many great man to "man" time out with guns and camoflage.
when I asked the boys what they thought of the shooting I mostly heard, "it was loud!" They'll get used to that.

A moment in the snow

2007-12-16T21:41:00.000-08:00

The sun was shining so beautifully so we had a beautiful Sunday morning with the kiddos. We sang Christmas carols with Daddy playing the guitar, read about the shepherds hearing the good news, and then headed outside for some snow angels and snowballs.
The only time jocelyn was having a good time was when she wasn't touching snow so sitting on Daddy was a good time.

Taylor helped Daddy with the shoveling and then we all headed in for some hot chocolate, popcorn, and to watch, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". A fun day was had by all.

Sweet and Sour

2007-12-07T15:42:00.000-08:00

Jocelyn is the epitomy of sweetness...when she wants to be. She will give a look that can melt any heart. But watch out, there is a sour side that has no problem letting you know...no touching allowed. Her giggle makes me melt and Daddy is undone when his little lady comes running when he walks in the door. God made Jocelyn to fit with us perfectly. She is another example to us of our heavenly Father's extravagant love. We love you Jocelyn.

A visit with Blinn...and Samantha!

2007-11-16T14:39:00.000-08:00

When God worked out the details of my neice, Samantha, and her little girl, Blinn (14 months) to come visit I could not wait. And during the three days we had, we didn't waste a minute...
We picked the pumpkins that had grown in our garden. Tay thought they were cool and helped Dad while the little ladies, couldn't stand to touch them.

Tay enjoyed being the big boy with the girls and showing them his swingset.

Blinn loved the slide once she got the hang of it.

Jocelyn and Blinn had a great relationship. One minute they would be hugging, the next you could hear screeches coming from one or both as they "discussed" who should get to play with the baby stroller.

Bath time was exciting and our big tub got some good use.

After the kiddos headed to bed Samantha and I enjoyed talks until way too late...but every minute was sweet. Love you, Samantha, Greg, and Blinn

The zoo with good friends

2007-10-26T13:36:00.000-07:00

Tay has a friend...he acts different with her than any of his other friends. They just have a bond. Instantly they hold hands and are quite inseperable. Her name is Toni.
Jocelyn is getting to know Toni's little sis, Lauren and someday they will be inseperable too.

Right now Lauren likes her blankie and Jocey wants her mama. Thats okay, they are still our babies.

The zoo was a hit with all the kiddos...especially the elephants.

Hey, I think someone forgot to take a picture of Angela (Toni and Lauren's mama) and I. Oh, well, thats just how it is being a mom. Love you, Angela!

Yum!

2007-10-07T14:42:00.001-07:00

Don't you wish you enjoyed your food as much as this...

Taylor talk

2007-06-20T19:54:00.001-07:00

When somethings wrong. "Oh, dear!"
when he does something well (said to himself). "Good job, Taylor"
What he calls me. "Aunt Natalie"
What he tells me at least once a day. "Other people call Daddy, Kris" and then he usually yells, "Kris, Kris" as if he is trying to find him.
When he does something naughty. "Is that funny?" with a guilty smile
When I tell him to stop squeezing Jocelyn. "I'm just loving her."
When he sees me getting ready to water the garden. "can I help plant the garden?"

there is more and I hope I get them written down before they are forgotten.

A Party for Kaiden

2007-06-12T21:10:00.001-07:00

Brandon and Justina Dean are going to be parents soon, so it gave me an excuse to throw a party. Except for a few mishaps (ask someone who attended) the party was a huge success.

Sidney and Brooklyn Brinker and Jonatha Tighe were enthusiastic party goers. They came dressed in their party dresses, thanks for adding some fun to the party girls.

The girls were great helps in decorating for the party.

Ahhhhh, the chocolate, the party was held at The Tea Spot in downtown Boulder. The place is known for great tea and great chocolate. We took advantage of both.

Jocey was very excited about the chocolate.

We are very excited for you, Justina. Can't wait to meet little Kaiden Dean.

Colorado Mamas

2007-06-09T14:03:00.001-07:00

About two months ago I started a playgroup for moms in the area. It has grown from these six to about 28 mamas. I love getting together with these ladies and just enjoying being moms together.

four generations...

2007-05-31T18:57:00.000-07:00

Great-Grandpa Merle Cheek, Grandpa George Cheek, Daddy Kris Cheek,

Little boy Taylor Cheek

Taylor is blessed to have a heritage of Godly men behind him. Men that have been praying for him for years and have lead lives worthy of being imitated. Thank you, Lord.

Kate's party

2007-05-25T07:06:00.001-07:00

It's so fun to have Kate around. She smiles now and is just getting to the
size Taylor was when he was born, no kidding!

Jan Tighe, Tara Kautz, Kate Kautz, Bridget Sorget, Jocelyn Cheek, Julie Luse,
and Asher Luse were my guests at the party

Everyone brought something yummy to eat! It was a very girly time.

Best Friends...someday

2007-04-24T21:27:00.000-07:00

Whether its brother and sister...

brother and brother...

or the cousins...there might be many scuffles, tattling, and even fighting, but years from now they will fight FOR one another and count each other as lifetime best friends. Thank you, God, for family and thank you for helping us, Moms, in the meantime.

He's rough and tough...He's gentle and sweet

2007-04-19T14:34:00.000-07:00

He's ready to go shootin'

And he takes good care of his animals

hours of fun.

Jocelyn Donovan, Happy Birthday!

2007-04-13T16:21:00.000-07:00

On April 5th Jocelyn Donovan Cheek turned one year old! She wore a dress bought for her by her Grandma and Grandpa Cheek, adorable.

Her auntie Nelda, gave her this tiara to wear on her birthday, so cute.

Grandma Cheek made her three beautiful sundresses for her birthday present.

She loved this push cart that we gave her and plays all the time in the little adirondack chair that Grandma Grubb gave her.

I made chocolate raspberry cupcakes for her birthday cake. She devoured hers! We celebrated with Grandma Grubb, Auntie Zona, Auntie Tara, Kristopher, and Josiah.

An Evening with Emmaus

2007-04-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

Our first "Gathering" of our two new house churches was on Easter evening. About thirty met together in a room at Cornerstone Church (Cornerstone are Rock!). Sang together, listened to Mary Magdelene (Justina Dean) tell her story of the Resurrection, heard the story from scripture (thanks Sidney), and enjoyed the fellowship.

It was a sweet time of worship. I am so thankful for this opportunity to grow with these people, struggle, and see victory together. We are so blessed.

Josh taught from I Corinthians and challenged us to get out of the drivers seat and live a new life with Christ in full control. Amen!

A Reason to celebrate!

2007-03-07T21:11:00.000-08:00

I love every excuse to celebrate. I grew up in a family who celebrated everything in a big way and I have always been thankful for that. I plan to keep up the tradition and am glad Kris is happy to play along. For Valentines day this year Kris did something really out of the ordinary and made breakfast for me. He even made ciche! It was outstanding. So think of an reason to celebrate and make it big. In my head right now are five ideas for my next celebration...hopefully I can find the time to do them all (Jocelyn's 1st birthday, our move, Baby Kate, Jocelyn and Asher's dedication, a spring block party....

Giving Time

2007-01-31T08:43:00.000-08:00

These last few days with my kiddos has been amazing. Just the simple act of turning off the TV has made such a difference in my day. Now, it still comes on a little almost every day but very little. I have had the best time just doing household chores WITH my children. Taylor is great at helping empty the dishwasher and he is pretty good at loading the dryer. He helps me put things away, but I have learned to be patient and specific. These things take longer when he helps but they become much more fun. Tay and Jocey "help" me make lunch and supper most days. Tay sits on the counter and Jocey in the highchair where we can talk, watch what is going on and sample the good food. We have taken some time every day to play some game together. Yesterday it was Candy Land. The day before it was cars, before that we played farm. With having the TV off my time nursing Jocey has become so much sweeter. I actually take the time just to look at her and know that this time is so short so I want to give this time to her. Thank you Lord, for giving me today, now help me give time to my children. Amen.

Making a Memory

2007-01-21T13:33:00.000-08:00

I confess, I have a hard time thinking of fun and new things to do with Tay and Jo when we are trapped in the house because of snow or sickness.
Today my idea is to build a fort in the living room and eat popcorn for dinner in the fort. I think it will be a hit. Yesterday the four of us played Candy Land, one of my childhood favorites. I was excited to see that Taylor could catch on to the game already. We even finished the game.
I can't wait till Taylor thinks its fun to play dress up, and I dream about having tea parties with Jocey, but I don't want to just think, "I can't wait till they are older so we can _____" I want to enjoy every day now. We aren't watching tv for the next month so we are going to need lots of ideas especially if it keeps snowing!
So friends, please give me your experiences, memories, and ideas. Thanks

My Favorite Things

2007-01-17T11:39:00.000-08:00

I often get teased because I will be in a conversation and exclaim, "that's my favorite!" What people don't understand is, I really mean it whenever I say that. So for all of you who don't believe you can have so many favorites. Here is my list:

Books-
A Severe Mercy by Sheldon VanAuken
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
A Chance to Die by Amy Carmichael
Abandoned to God, Oswald Chambers
The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas
Passion and Purity by Elizabeth Elliot
Shadow of the Almighty by Elizabeth Elliot
Through Gates of Splendor by Elizabeth Elliot
Savannah by Eugenia Price
Loving God by Charles Colson
New Moon Rising by Eugenia Price
Lighthouse by Eugenia Price

Foods-
Bagels and cream cheese
Red Curry
avacado
Olives
asparagus
really good steak
dark chocolate

Stores-
Banana Republic
The Bibelot Shop on Grand Avenue in St. Paul
Anne Taylor Loft
Hanna Anderson

Places-
Powers Lake, ND
home in Minot, ND
Maranatha Camp
Alaska
Greece
Washington DC
Boston
New York City
Estes Park
Disney Land

Animals-
Horses
a really good dog

Drinks-
grande nonfat caramel macchiato extra hot!
evening in missoula hot tea
iced tea unsweetened

Colors-
grey blue
warm tan
rich grey
true red
white white
chocolate

Smells-
rain!
the smell of a rodeo
crisp air in the morning

Restaurants-
Cafe Latte
Thai Spice
The Green Gateau
Brasserie 10-10

Well, thats a start. Am I missing any?

Changing my way of thinking...

2007-01-15T22:35:00.000-08:00

I remember being on a drive last January with Kris while we were talking about our goals and dreams. This is something we often do and I am thankful for a man who will dream with me. Anyway, yes friend, that was one of my PARANTHASES.
I told him how I was feeling impressed to not just make a few outward changes but to really change my whole way of thinking about me, the world I live in, and the life I want to lead.
If heaven really is my home, not just someday but right now I want to live that way. It would leave no room for worry, envy, greed but would really open up a life of true joy. This is the life every human deeply desires and I already have access to that life, I just need to really live it.
So last year I committed to "change my way of thinking".
In this year we have had many changes, our family has grown by one, we have changed locations, jobs, new friendships, and in all of this He has been teaching me what it means to live as if heaven is my home.
A new year has started and this is even more my goal or pursuit. Will I really attain this way of thinking before I get HOME? Not sure, but I am anjoying the journey...