Spring is springing

I live in Utah, so I don't think it is quite safe to say that spring has sprung, but it is springing. I can just feel it coming. This last week has just been gorgeous! It is just so easy to have a good day when the sun is shining and the air is warmish. And over the last couple of weeks I have had so many good days. It has been one of those times that I feel so perfectly content with where I am at in life. I have had so many little things bring such joy and I just feel like all is right with my little world at this moment. Here are a few of the things that make life so good right now.

Liz and Nathan both did so well in their Piano Festival. They also did amazing on their report cards, but mostly I just love watching them grow up. They have such a desire to do what is right and are so kind to those around them and are just great kids! What would I do without them?

Michael has done over 100 EXTRA math sheets at school. Not only is he doing great in school but I just think he is an amazing kid. He has a lot going on in that head of his and I love it when he gives me a peek into all that he is thinking. His teacher wrote a note on his homework sheet, "Thanks for being a great teacher today." I love that he is so eager to help those around him. Oh, and yesterday when he was home sick from Primary he watched the Book of Mormon stories DVD and followed along in the reader with every story. I LOVE THIS KID! (Oh, and though slightly embarrassed to do so, he gives me a kiss on the cheek every night after scriptures. Somehow it means more knowing that he is really making an effort.)

Megan had a cute program at school called "Friends: the Musical". She learned her part really well and enjoyed singing with her class. She lost a front tooth and looks darling. She loves school and is so excited about every little thing going on in life. She is becoming a really good reader. She tries the hard words and seems to be learning at lightening speed. I am so proud of her. She is just so much fun to have in our house.

And here are my tulips! I love that they are coming up. It helps me know that spring really is coming and tulips just make me happy. Even just a few days ago I couldn't see this many coming up and they weren't this green. So excited to see them all bloom!

March is a big month at our house with lots of birthdays near the end, and I have been planning these fun birthdays for months. Usually January and February drag a little bit, but this year has been just perfect. I am glad March is here and I am looking forward to surprising three of my favorite people in just a couple of weeks.

UVU basketball game

January and February usually go by slow. I think ti is because nothing "BIG" is going on. This year they have seemed to fly by, and though nothing big has been going on, the little day -to-day things have kept us buxy. We have had some time for fun though.

The kids came home from school with enough free tickets to a UVU basketball game on Monday and we decided after Family Home Evening to go t the first half. We were all pretty excited to go. The boys were particularly thrilled by everything they saw. They couldn't believe when the first half ended so quickly.Liz and Megan were a little less thrilled by it all. They did think it was fun when a t-shirt shot from a cannon landed by Nathan and he picked it up.They also liked clapping to the music.
Liz enjoyed watching the cheerleaders and got a turn with the camera. Because of her we have this shot.

We had a fun time and it was great to go out as a family.

Miss Scarlet in the kitchen with the candlestick

So a big 'Thank you!" to my brother and his wife who sent this for Christmas.

It has become a family favorite in the short time it has been in our house! We have played lots and everyone really gets into it. There have been lots of discussions about strategy, lessons on logic and not giving away extra information with the things you say during a game, and lots of little silly moments too.

For example, the other night we were playing. Everyone was playing except Megan and by chance all six pieces for the game ended up in the ball room at the same time. Brian was arranging the pieces as someone made heir suggestion. All of the sudden he chants, "Peel the banana!" and starts moving the pieces around. what he had done was make the six pieces copy the Virginia Reel that Nathan and the fourth grade had performed. "Peel the Banana" is one of the square dance calls that made the kids laugh extra hard. The kids thought dad was so funny and helped him dance the other pieces around the ball room. Then we got back to the game.

A Visit with Santa Claus

On New Years' Eve day we had the annual Christmas party with our extended Chantry family. The best part for the kids was their visit with Santa Claus. They are old enough now to look forward to this every year. I love how they each climb right up on his lap with big smiles.

I also love to see the joy that Brian's Grandpa gets from dressing up for the kids. It must be hard to change in and out of that suit (and to do it for relatively little time), but he never complains or even grumbles. He is just so excited. And even when little babies aren't so thrilled to sit on his lap, he is OK with that. The parents usually hold their kids and sit next to him and he just talks to them and is so cute. I loved this year when he held out his hand to a nervous Russell, and Russell gave him five.

Thank you Grandpa! We lve you and your willingness to continue this special tradition.

Merry Christmas!

Dearest Family and Friends,
Another year has come and gone. At the Chantry house we are in the midst of our Christmas celebrations and are enjoying this beautiful season of joy. It has been a wonderful year and we reflect on it with gratitude. Here is a short recap.
Megan has turned five and started kindergarten. She still loves animals and makes us smile each and every day. Mike is seven and in second grade. He loves math and is always amazing us with his arithmetic skills. Nathan is nine, in fourth grade and continuing to be an enthusiastic and diligent Bear scout. Liz is ten and in fifth grade (we can’t believe it either) and is still as creative as ever. Our kids keep us laughing and keep us on our toes, but we are especially grateful for the love they have for each other and for all they do to help each other. It is wonderful to watch.

Jen spent the greater part of the year working with the ten-year-old Webelos scouts, but since September has been working with the 12 and 13 year old young women at church. It has been a bit of a change, but is really wonderful. She attended Wood Badge scout training this fall and had an incredible experience. Perhaps our most exciting news of the year is that Brian has started a new job. He was asked to become an Associate Registrar. It is a job with new responsibilities, new people and a new location on campus. It has been a great blessing and we are excited for his future there.

We are looking forward to an extra special Christmas day as we get to celebrate Christ’s birth on the Sabbath. We are grateful for the infinite love of our Heavenly Father who sent His Son to this earth to make it possible for us to return to Him someday.

May you all feel the peace this season brings.


Love, The Chantrys

Christmas came early for Brian

So Brian's drill has been on its last leg for a while now, or rather his batteries have been. They just couldn't hold a charge and the drill didn't ever have power behind it. While working on a project he tried something to give it more power and it all ended up dying. So the other day, when he needed to fix something around the house for me I sent him out to get himself a new drill. I am very excited that he got such nice ones and I am sure they will be put to good use for years to come!

Christmas came early for Jen

I am so excited! This wonderful appliance was delivered to my kitchen this morning.

We have never bought a fridge before and have no idea how old the one is that has been with us since we moved into this house. We have been worried that it was on its last leg, and so we have been saving for a new one. We did a lot of looking as we saved, and became more serious about getting one in the last month or so. We saw this online for an incredible price and took advantage of it. We had to rearrange the computer area just a bit and trim a few inches off of the counter top to the left of the fridge, but it fit just right.

It is so clean and bright inside. I almost hate to put stuff in it. It also has tons of room! Brian and the kids are excited about water and ice in the door. That is not a deal breaker for me, but I do know that it will come in handy. Brian will get the water line hooked up soon.

I feel so very lucky! And it is here just in time for the holidays.