Heather Cheek, Author at AMAZING GRACE at HOME

Heather Cheek July 8, 2019

## God’s Amazing Grace at Home

Greg and I had always known, even before marriage that we wanted children. After being married for several years, time continued to pass by with no baby and no end in sight for any kind of mental clarity. The desire to be a mother had been a dream for years, and Greg’s desire to be a father of a little boy playing in a baseball field was sometimes more than I could handle. We decided that adoption was definitely what God was calling us to do.

In early 2016, we began the process of adoption. In mid 2017, we matched with a baby girl in Florida, who was to be born in July, however this adoption failed. I have never felt so much emptiness in my heart. On a Wednesday night in August 2017, around 10:30, my cell phone rang and we had been matched again! This baby was ours, I just knew it. To my surprise after visiting this birth mother and father, they decided to keep this little guy.

The agency that we were working with was so kind and wanted us to match quickly. We soon matched with African American twin baby girls. We were in heaven and couldn’t wait to be the parents of these sweet girls, just a little worried after what had happened.

On November 15 the precious baby boy who we had matched with was born and the birth mother decided that she wanted us to be his parents. We knew that baby boy was ours and that God had been in this situation for the last two years of this adoption journey. We hopped on a plane and the rest is history! As for the twins, we stay in touch with their parents and they are absolutely beautiful! Their parents had been waiting for three years to get a baby!

So many details, days and nights of sleeplessness, and prayers that we thought were not being heard, I have left out. The bottom line is this: We would do it all over again in a heartbeat. The minute of seeing our precious baby’s face and looking back over the time spent during the journey, is indescribable. Our prayers were answered down to the tiniest details, all the way to his sweet little eyelashes. God’s Amazing Grace at Home is more than I can comprehend when I look at baby Luke. As I look back on our journey, I can see how God prepared me to be a better Christian, mother, and wife for Greg and Luke.

If you are thinking about adoption or are currently in the process of adoption and are overwhelmed, you are not alone! I have been where you are, along with so many others. We have helped others save time and money by providing advice, offering our services for Profile Books, love and prayer. Please email me for help! amazinggraceathome@gmail.com

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Heather Cheek July 3, 2019

## Southern Living Idea House 2019

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If you have had the opportunity to visit Amelia Island, you know how beautiful the historic structures in nearby Fernandina Beach are. The Southern Living 2019 Idea House was built about 5 miles from Fernandina in Crane Island within the island’s design guidelines, which aimed to mirror the the architecture in Fernandina Beach. Crane Island is a development which features low country style with simple rooflines, metal roofing, lap siding and ample porch space. I could definitely get used to this kind of “low country living!”

- 2019 Southern Living Idea House
  Crane Island, Florida
  http://craneisland.com

After winding through oak trees and palmettos, we soon came to the stunning 2019 Southern Living Idea House! It was everything you dream of and more on the Intracoastal Waterway. Upon walking in, I immediately thought of seafood boils and family gatherings on the back porch. Barefoot babies dropping their bikes and scooters on the lawn, running inside and out, grabbing a snack and stealing a kiss, while the linen sofa by Lee Industries was just begging for someone to curl up for a bit. It is definitely no secret that this Southern Living Idea House has been, more eagerly anticipated than our annual Idea House,” Sid Evans, editor-in-chief at Southern Living, said in a statement. “We bring together some of the South’s top designers, architects, builders and landscapers, and we create an idyllic house that inspires our readers with design and decorating ideas they can steal for themselves.

Entry, Foyer, Living,

- Hallway to Master Bedroom
- Draperies in foyer
- Beautiful Linen Sofa by http://leeindustries.com
- Living / Family Room
- Living / Family Room

Greg and I began building our “Southern Living Home” 15 years ago. We looked through books, we toured Southern Living Idea Homes, we knocked on doors, and just about everything we could think of trying to get the “perfect house plan on the inside.” Greg’s family graciously gave us land to build on and we knew we would be in this house for many years, hopefully raising two or three kiddos! Our favorite plans were from Southern Living House Plans and remain so today. I enjoy browsing the SL house plans to see how my interests have changed over the years. The SL ideas and taste for design are classic, leaving you with a heartfelt nostalgia, binding families for many years to come. – That is just what we wanted! I LOVE to tour the Idea homes each year with my momma when we get the opportunity, seeing new ideas and finding inspiration for design. The inspiration in this 2019 home on Crane Island is breathtaking!

Master Bedroom, Master Bathroom, Second Floor Hall

- Master Bedroom
- Master Shower
  Love, love, love the shower door!!
- Second Floor Foyer table – so unique!
- Ahh la la! One of the rear porches!
  http://craneisland.com

The homebuilding team this year, includes Jacksonville-based homebuilder Riverside Homes and interior designer Heather Chadduck Hillegas of Heather Chadduck Interiors & Textiles. The architecture team includes Jim Stricklandand Clay Rokicki of Historical Concepts. After having the pleasure of being introduced to one of the team members and design experts, it was very evident how much work and dedication this home had. We were told what the price would be including the land. I was very surprised it was not more, the home, after touring for well over an hour, was priceless. The land is breathtakingly beautiful and the feeling you get is out of this world! It was not just any Idea House, it was a labor of love from so many extremely talented people. I could already feel the memories being made and the love that would fill these walls! I could have easily stayed here forever!

Kitchen, Pantry, & Mudroom

- Breakfast Room
- Kitchen / Wallpaper for backsplash
- Secret Pantry
- Pantry
- Mudroom / Dog Hangout!
  Notice the water faucet
- Mudroom
- Laundry

If you are considering building, it is worth the investment to visit Southern Living Idea Homes. The ideas, designs, and new concepts are among the latest and greatest in the industry. Not only do they have interior design ideas, they have the best building products on the market and prices to fit every budget. Keeping your home safe, classic, and feeling the love of friends and family is what it’s all about for years to come!

Bedrooms and Bathrooms

One last note that I can’t forget to mention! The landscaping was AAMAZINGG!! I am a true Southern girl and I love to see unique landscaping with a little something different. The designer said the old fashioned sidewalks were “crushed shell.” I told you we have been in our home for 15 years! We have no patio in the back and the front landscaping is horrible! After visiting the 2019 Southern Living Idea House, I hope my landscaping dreams will come to fruition!!

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Heather Cheek July 30, 2018

## The Best is Yet to Come!

My husband and I have been married for 19 years. Before we were married and even growing up, I can remember getting so excited when my mom would allow me to decorate the Christmas tree. As the years passed on, my passion for decorating grew even stronger.

After we were married, I opened a gift and gourmet boutique store for about a year. It was beautiful and had the most unique items. Being able to learn about new products, decorate, and fulfill my passion, along with learning a little here and there about gourmet food was an amazing experience. I wanted everyone that came in the store to feel at home and as if they were family. If they purchased something, I wanted it to be very special, something they couldn’t find just anywhere.

The store was called Amazing Grace. This blog is an extension of the store, my life, what I love, and what I am passionate about. I ask myself, “how does time go by so fast,” 19 years ago seems like yesterday! Although several years has passed, I still have a passion for decorating, finding unique gifts, traveling, and of course, finding a good meal, as we like to say!

While reading the blog, Greg and I want you to feel as if you are family. We have so much to share including, the ups and downs of marriage, having children, and everything in between. I think you will find inspiration, a yummy recipe, and maybe some juicy secrets or where to find a good bargain! We can’t wait to become part of your family!

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