Dearest Friends and
Family,
This year has been a
big one at the Chantry house. The kids are growing up so fast and doing so many
great things. It has been a year of challenges, but also of many unbelievable
experiences. Through it all we have felt the guiding and strengthening hand of
the Lord, and we feel so abundantly blessed. Here are a few highlights:
Liz (16) - Now a junior
in high school, she attended her first prom in April, she has excelled in music
receiving an award for a band score that she wrote, and she composed and wrote
lyrics for our stake pioneer trek which will take place next summer. Perhaps
the most memorable was representing the USA in Budapest at the World Youth
Goalball Championships. She met (and played against) teenagers from all over
the world! She and the Utah team also took silver at Goalball Nationals in
November.
Nathan (15) - Now a
sophomore in high school, he has his drivers' permit (we couldn't be more
excited for a second driver!), continuing with violin and started running cross
country. He ran on the JV team this fall and worked so hard that he was even
able to run at a regional race in Arizona. He ran his best race ever. He is
taking challenging classes and doing great in school.
Michael (13) - An
eighth grader, he is part of the junior high jazz band. He loves playing the
trumpet and has come a long way this year. He was invited to create a youth
ensemble to play several carols at our Stake Music of Christmas (for church).
He invited ten youth who played various instruments, they practiced weekly for
over a month and they sounded great when they played on Sunday. He does great
in school and still loves anything he can build.
Megan (11) - sixth
grade, our last year at the elementary school. She has grown so much (both in height
and ability), she is motivated and responsible and a great problem solver. For
the second year in a row, she was the first student to finish all 20 books for
Battle of the Books. She loves to read and is looking forward to the battles in
the spring. She is so excited for opportunities that will come when she turns
12 in March.
Jen was able to go to
Budapest to watch Liz play. She also had the chance to do a lot of sightseeing.
It was amazing to watch Liz have such great experiences, and to have some new
experiences of her own. She is also doing lots of math tutoring this fall and
loves it. Brian continues his work at BYU and takes such good care of this
crazy family of ours. He teaches by word and example, and helps each of us to
be better each day. We welcomed Brian's parents home from their 23 month
mission in the Philippines, and we spent some time in the east with Jen's
family. We are grateful for the chance to see family throughout the year.
We have felt the Light
of Christ fill our lives this year, and hope that you, too, can feel the peace
and joy that comes because of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Merry Christmas!
Brian, Jennifer, Liz, Nathan, Mike and Megan Chantry
