Monday, May 26, 2008
Soccer Finale
Another season in the books. I think this will mark my last as a coach. The role has evolved from babysitting to actually teaching the kids something about soccer. I am no longer qualified! Alex had many improvements over the season and is excited about playing again in the fall. Of course, that was after the pizza party and trophy presentation, by far the part of the season Alex like best!
Ahhh The night life. Melbounre has it all...
Worked hard to get a decent pic of the pool at night. I'm not camera savvy and moving off of the "auto" setting is a challenge. Regardless, we're enjoying the view.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Family Visit
Still hoping to get some pics back from Ben and Lauren as our camera seemed to be a bit shy this weekend. We had such a blast spending time with Aunt Lauren, Uncle Mike and Uncle Ben! Looking forward to seeing everyone again in May.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Sorry for the Lapse
It's been a rough few weeks. I'm driving to Orlando more these days since I decided to take over a portfolio of builders from a lender who resigned a couple weeks back. It's a great opportunity for me, but requires more time in the office. In this market, I'll take all the added responsibility I can get my hands on.
Anyway, finally got to sit down and load a few pics. I should have a Brayden skating video done soon. We're not ready for the Olympics just yet, but he's getting backwards down and run and glide is going well.
I'm getting very excited as my favorite time of the year is upon us. From now through the end of May, the fishing really starts to fire up. I have 3 trips planned between now and May 9th, so keep your eyes open. I hope to post some nice pics.
Anyway, finally got to sit down and load a few pics. I should have a Brayden skating video done soon. We're not ready for the Olympics just yet, but he's getting backwards down and run and glide is going well.
I'm getting very excited as my favorite time of the year is upon us. From now through the end of May, the fishing really starts to fire up. I have 3 trips planned between now and May 9th, so keep your eyes open. I hope to post some nice pics.
Cabinet Making
The bathroom plant shelves( aka dust shelves) had to go. We're painting this weekend, so stay tuned for the finished product.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Brayden's Hockey Dream
I made Dad put my Hockey shirt over my jacket last week. Apart from showing off my cool shirt, I wanted Uncle Brent to feel bad that I'm not all decked out in Hockey gear like the only other boy in my skating class.....
Monday, March 03, 2008
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Brayden's Ice Skating
You can check him out on Youtube. The video should post to the blog soon.
http://www.youtube.com/user/BJCHEEK
-B
http://www.youtube.com/user/BJCHEEK
-B
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Busy Couple Weeks
Walking Tucker has worked it's way into my blog time, so I am finally getting a chance to update everyone on our goings on.
Alex started soccer practice this week and we officially signed Brayden up for skating lessons. He's hoping for some cute figure skaters in the class.....actually he's asking how soon he gets to use "the stick". He has, on his own, decided that the San Jose Sharks are going to be his favorite team. He impressed the neighbors when he told them that the Lightning play in Florida, but he still likes the sharks. We may need to consider a little less ESPN Sports Center.
Tucker celebrated loudly when his cousin Uno won the Westminster Doggy Show. Beagles around the world unite. We're really still not sure if Tucker has any beagle or what he really is at all?? But, Jennifer found some pictures of pointers that look very much like little Tuck. He has a very nice point, so we may be onto something here?
Work for Jennifer has been improving as she has quickly gotten up to speed on the trials of being a night nurse. She has really not been phased by the sleep, finding no problem sleeping during the day. She rivals the best teenager when it comes to sleeping in.
My work has been pretty sketchy as the real estate slide continues. It's a pretty tough lending environment these days. Fortunately the bank was not carrying any subprime exposure and we've managed to avoid major cutbacks or layoffs. Keep your fingers crossed that we have whittled it down as far as we need to go, and if anyone happens to be building a large shopping center, give me a call! :)
Busy weekend in front of us. The Zoo Dino exhibit opens today and we'll likely head over there to see if the boys can handle the life size T-Rex! Not too much else going on. It was great to see Jen's folks last week. The boys enjoyed the company b/c it meant we turned the pool heater on and went to SeaWorld....and of course b/c they love their grandparents! It's tough to live in FL these days. Too many of these 75 and Sunny days make it tough to work! Sorry to all of you where it's cold. Great time to buy a house in FL!
Well, I'm off to balance the check book and mow the lawn.....yey. The door is always open and the vacancy light is on. If you're in the area give a ring. We love company.
Alex started soccer practice this week and we officially signed Brayden up for skating lessons. He's hoping for some cute figure skaters in the class.....actually he's asking how soon he gets to use "the stick". He has, on his own, decided that the San Jose Sharks are going to be his favorite team. He impressed the neighbors when he told them that the Lightning play in Florida, but he still likes the sharks. We may need to consider a little less ESPN Sports Center.
Tucker celebrated loudly when his cousin Uno won the Westminster Doggy Show. Beagles around the world unite. We're really still not sure if Tucker has any beagle or what he really is at all?? But, Jennifer found some pictures of pointers that look very much like little Tuck. He has a very nice point, so we may be onto something here?
Work for Jennifer has been improving as she has quickly gotten up to speed on the trials of being a night nurse. She has really not been phased by the sleep, finding no problem sleeping during the day. She rivals the best teenager when it comes to sleeping in.
My work has been pretty sketchy as the real estate slide continues. It's a pretty tough lending environment these days. Fortunately the bank was not carrying any subprime exposure and we've managed to avoid major cutbacks or layoffs. Keep your fingers crossed that we have whittled it down as far as we need to go, and if anyone happens to be building a large shopping center, give me a call! :)
Busy weekend in front of us. The Zoo Dino exhibit opens today and we'll likely head over there to see if the boys can handle the life size T-Rex! Not too much else going on. It was great to see Jen's folks last week. The boys enjoyed the company b/c it meant we turned the pool heater on and went to SeaWorld....and of course b/c they love their grandparents! It's tough to live in FL these days. Too many of these 75 and Sunny days make it tough to work! Sorry to all of you where it's cold. Great time to buy a house in FL!
Well, I'm off to balance the check book and mow the lawn.....yey. The door is always open and the vacancy light is on. If you're in the area give a ring. We love company.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Welcome Tucker!
"Tuck" went to visit the doc today and left with a glowing report card. He's healthy and seems to respond well to all the little tricks the doc uses to determine temperment and disposition. Everyone at the office loved Tucker. He's perking up quite a bit and becomes more and more playful each day. He's taking well to the crate training. He let out one feeble whimper last night as we laid down to sleep. He was quick to paw at his blanket and pass out. Jen takes the graveyard shift and I handle the early morning routine. He loves his walks and is doing a pretty good job of doing "his business" outside. He's made quick friends with neighbors Chewie and Timothy, although they aren't quite as excited about the relationship just yet. "Darn little hyper puppy"!
That's about all on the Puppy Front. More to follow, I'm sure.
That's about all on the Puppy Front. More to follow, I'm sure.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Welcome Puppers
Please help us welcome the newest Cheek! No name just yet....we just picked up puppers today so the naming process is in full swing. We are headed off to PetsMart to buy all the necessary new doggie toys, etc.
Updates to follow
Updates to follow
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Quick update
Not much going on in Cheek house these days. Still on a bit of a recovery schedule from New Years and trying to catch up on the cleaning and yard work. I think we about there, but as all know, it's a never ending task. Now that football is over for the season, there's little to distract us from getting back to the basics.
On that note, two developments,
1) We are actively looking at adding to the family, no not that way! Jennifer and I have spent hours browsing the rescue shelters and humane society webpages for a furry friend. We are not 100% decided on taking that final step, but we may visit a couple little one that are on the short list this weekend. More to follow.......Maybe we'll just start with fish?
2) Last weekend when I asked the boys if they were interested in signing up for soccer in the spring, we got a mixed response. Alex was all for it, Brayden....not so much (shocker!) He will be starting skating lessons on March 1st and will do so for 8 weekends in the hopes of meeting the forward, backward and stopping skill level to be a youth hockey player.....I can't make this up. Florida boy goes Hockey.
I think this seals the deal. Brent's visit on the day of Brayden's birth was a either a sign from the god's or he slipped baby Brayden a little "somethin-somethin" that forever changed him as a human being. If he suddenly has an affinity for math and computers, I'm sending him to Brent to raise. Hah....that's kinda funny.
Anyway, there is a rink close to the house and we'll give it shot. On a positive note, it's always "air conditioned" so Jennifer has already decided that "Dad" gets to handle the soccer and "mom" gets to attend skating lessons.
For those curious about surfing or some more geographically suited sports, one of our close friends got their oldest (7) a surf board for Christmas this year. As we spend many, nearly all, of our beach time with Conner and family, I imagine the boys will be quick to take that on.
That's about all. No great pics to send. The guest room is quickly booking up for the spring. So, if your interested get your reservations in early. We love company and now have a little more resort like amenities to entertain with (mmmmm hot tub).
By the way, it's been between 65 and 70 for the last week with lots of sun. The boys were in the hot tub on Saturday night. Sorry about the cold. It must really suck.
On that note, two developments,
1) We are actively looking at adding to the family, no not that way! Jennifer and I have spent hours browsing the rescue shelters and humane society webpages for a furry friend. We are not 100% decided on taking that final step, but we may visit a couple little one that are on the short list this weekend. More to follow.......Maybe we'll just start with fish?
2) Last weekend when I asked the boys if they were interested in signing up for soccer in the spring, we got a mixed response. Alex was all for it, Brayden....not so much (shocker!) He will be starting skating lessons on March 1st and will do so for 8 weekends in the hopes of meeting the forward, backward and stopping skill level to be a youth hockey player.....I can't make this up. Florida boy goes Hockey.
I think this seals the deal. Brent's visit on the day of Brayden's birth was a either a sign from the god's or he slipped baby Brayden a little "somethin-somethin" that forever changed him as a human being. If he suddenly has an affinity for math and computers, I'm sending him to Brent to raise. Hah....that's kinda funny.
Anyway, there is a rink close to the house and we'll give it shot. On a positive note, it's always "air conditioned" so Jennifer has already decided that "Dad" gets to handle the soccer and "mom" gets to attend skating lessons.
For those curious about surfing or some more geographically suited sports, one of our close friends got their oldest (7) a surf board for Christmas this year. As we spend many, nearly all, of our beach time with Conner and family, I imagine the boys will be quick to take that on.
That's about all. No great pics to send. The guest room is quickly booking up for the spring. So, if your interested get your reservations in early. We love company and now have a little more resort like amenities to entertain with (mmmmm hot tub).
By the way, it's been between 65 and 70 for the last week with lots of sun. The boys were in the hot tub on Saturday night. Sorry about the cold. It must really suck.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
NHP Friends
Had to move on with life. Apologies to Lizzie and Sam for their limited appearances in "the big kids" video! Music editing needs a little work, but it just started to get out of control and I needed sleep! Enjoy
Fishing Frustration
Tried yet again to check the block on Sailfish. Thought we had it for sure this time....right weather, right time of year, a chartered trip and everything. No such luck. Couple Bonitas, couple Mahi and one Sailfish that swam into the spread twice but never took the baits.....I have to tell you, my frustration almost outweighed the BCS game. Almost.
Well, I'm sure I'll get the chance sooner or later. Quick story from the trip.
I was in the tower with the CPT as we were hunting for better water and from about 200 yards in front of the boat you could spot a pair of Mahi heading right towards us. They swam down the right side of the boat no more than 30 or 40 feet away and about the time they cleared the transom, they spied dinner. They lit up like a christmas tree and headed in for long line. The first one missed the bait and sent it flying into the air much to the dismay of the crew below, but was quick to pick up the next bait and we were off to the races. The second fish swam all the way around to the left side long line and picked that one up....we were doubled up. I slid down to the pit and got to gaff both fish as the mate was busy clearing lines. Just a neat experience to see the whole thing go down. If you've ever watched Planet Earth on the Discovery channel and thought it would be great to be there.....it is. The Mahi fried up nicely in a beer batter the next night and was served with a cold corn,pepper and onion salad.
All for now....
Well, I'm sure I'll get the chance sooner or later. Quick story from the trip.
I was in the tower with the CPT as we were hunting for better water and from about 200 yards in front of the boat you could spot a pair of Mahi heading right towards us. They swam down the right side of the boat no more than 30 or 40 feet away and about the time they cleared the transom, they spied dinner. They lit up like a christmas tree and headed in for long line. The first one missed the bait and sent it flying into the air much to the dismay of the crew below, but was quick to pick up the next bait and we were off to the races. The second fish swam all the way around to the left side long line and picked that one up....we were doubled up. I slid down to the pit and got to gaff both fish as the mate was busy clearing lines. Just a neat experience to see the whole thing go down. If you've ever watched Planet Earth on the Discovery channel and thought it would be great to be there.....it is. The Mahi fried up nicely in a beer batter the next night and was served with a cold corn,pepper and onion salad.
All for now....
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Tough Morning
Although some would say 3 shots at a National Championship in the last 7 years is great, it's not so easy if you live in SEC land where OSU seems to be incapable of catching a break and getting a win. This is an example of what I hear everyday, 365 days a year....even in a season when Mighty Florida falls to lowly Michigan..
"How's your kool aid dumb bucko's? Are you ready to succumb to the fact the b10 is in fact OVERRATED and the SEC is by far #1! PS....ask yourself...how many games could the bucko's win in the SEC...maybe one????"
Well, all I can say is that we've never proved otherwise, but our time will come. Who knows....if Laurainitis and Jenkins come back and we can manage a win at USC next year, we may get another chance.....and you better believe that if we knock out USC, the team on the other side of the ball will be from the SEC! Go Buckeyes!
"How's your kool aid dumb bucko's? Are you ready to succumb to the fact the b10 is in fact OVERRATED and the SEC is by far #1! PS....ask yourself...how many games could the bucko's win in the SEC...maybe one????"
Well, all I can say is that we've never proved otherwise, but our time will come. Who knows....if Laurainitis and Jenkins come back and we can manage a win at USC next year, we may get another chance.....and you better believe that if we knock out USC, the team on the other side of the ball will be from the SEC! Go Buckeyes!
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Back in Business
Such a mixed blessing that the blog is up and running again. The harassment about updating pics and links is almost daily, but well worth it. It's so hard with friends and family so far away, the late nights are worth keeping eveyone up to speed with our goings on.
Speaking of which, we just returned from our trip to Nags Head, NC that we take every other year to catch up with our dearest friends from college....and the 9 kids that now come as a package with them. My, how we've managed to grow up yet stay young at the same time...for proof of that check out www.midwood.tv and play the "rockstar" video. Nice work by Brent on capturing the week in a creative, goofy and "clean enough" format.
It's much better if you know the participants, but check out at least the first minute or two...it's worth it just to see Brayden. I'll spend the rest of the week compiling pics and try to get a kids video out, there are some classic moments.
We had a wonderfully happy Holiday Season with thanks going out to all who helped expand the boy's toy collection. Special thanks to "Aunt Claudi" for the Gassy Gus board game. If you're wondering, your guess is right on!
So, don't stray too far. Pics and videos coming soon. We're all home and happy to be sleeping in our own beds after a great vacation. Take care and best regards for a wonderful 2008.
Speaking of which, we just returned from our trip to Nags Head, NC that we take every other year to catch up with our dearest friends from college....and the 9 kids that now come as a package with them. My, how we've managed to grow up yet stay young at the same time...for proof of that check out www.midwood.tv and play the "rockstar" video. Nice work by Brent on capturing the week in a creative, goofy and "clean enough" format.
It's much better if you know the participants, but check out at least the first minute or two...it's worth it just to see Brayden. I'll spend the rest of the week compiling pics and try to get a kids video out, there are some classic moments.
We had a wonderfully happy Holiday Season with thanks going out to all who helped expand the boy's toy collection. Special thanks to "Aunt Claudi" for the Gassy Gus board game. If you're wondering, your guess is right on!
So, don't stray too far. Pics and videos coming soon. We're all home and happy to be sleeping in our own beds after a great vacation. Take care and best regards for a wonderful 2008.
Jen's Dad's Retirement
For those that may have missed it, the boys and I had to make the first leg of our trip to NC on our own. Somehow we managed to make it to the final destination without mishap. Miracles never cease!
We did so because Jennifer's Dad, after 20 years with the Navy and 17 years with American Airlines flew his last trip before the "R" word, yes, retirement! Congrats to Dad on a well earned and most deserved retirement. Jennifer, Aunt Nancy and Mom flew (in business class!) to Zurich and back as Larry's special guests.
So for those of you doing the math, I was in Pooler, GA trying to track down a restaurant that serves both rice with soy sauce and cheese pizza while Jennifer and family were choosing from the wine list and enjoying port with cheese in fully reclining leather seats at 20,000 feet above the Atlantic. Hmmmmmm, me sees a few fishing trips in me future!
We were so happy that Jen could make the trip and make it back to us in Nags Head!
We did so because Jennifer's Dad, after 20 years with the Navy and 17 years with American Airlines flew his last trip before the "R" word, yes, retirement! Congrats to Dad on a well earned and most deserved retirement. Jennifer, Aunt Nancy and Mom flew (in business class!) to Zurich and back as Larry's special guests.
So for those of you doing the math, I was in Pooler, GA trying to track down a restaurant that serves both rice with soy sauce and cheese pizza while Jennifer and family were choosing from the wine list and enjoying port with cheese in fully reclining leather seats at 20,000 feet above the Atlantic. Hmmmmmm, me sees a few fishing trips in me future!
We were so happy that Jen could make the trip and make it back to us in Nags Head!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)