Merry Christmas from the Cheney's

"I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys."~Charles Dickens

A Cheney Family Update

Benjamin (3) is constantly learning. We are always excited to discover new things he has learned, like how to make a lego airplane, count numbers, and sing his ABCs. If given the chance, he’ll chat on endlessly (especially at bedtime) about going over the bridge between Oregon and Washington (from our summer camping trip), or about the dolphins (vitamins) in his belly. He loves reading stories, playing with cars, building with legos, helping daddy with odd jobs around the house, and doing dishes (sounds pretty good).

Laurel (5) underwent eye surgery in September to correct strabismus (aka lazy eye). She was very brave as they carted her off to the operating room, leaving her worried parents in the waiting room. She never fussed after wards, during all the redness and all the meds that followed (to treat infection). However, she’s had a wonderful year, passing a level of swim lessons over the summer, completing a year of dance class (happily performing at the recital), playing through a season of soccer, earning the nickname “Giggles,” and learning to read.

Seth (7) is getting used to being the oldest one left at home on school days. Since his older brother, Nathanael, went off to public school last year, he’s talked about “going to public school” also (Nathanael, meanwhile, wished he could stay at home). He works hard, though, on his school work with Mom. Seth, proud at the piano, tough and determined on the soccer field, also enjoys reading, playing the Wii, building with legos, and going to dance (clogging) class (as long as there’s at least one other boy in the class with him! Thanks Gabe!).

Nathanael (10) finished reading the Harry Potter book series on his own this year, and was excited to see “Deathly Hallows, Part I” in the movie theatre. Nathanael is performing exceptionally in his first year of all-day public school (4th grade), though he says it takes too long. He’s a very motivated young man, and is usually the first to finish his task/chore list after school (maybe he does this just to keep Mom happy; though, it could have something to do with the 30 minutes of Wii time he earns by doing it). Other than playing Lego Star Wars and Indiana Jones on the Wii, and reading books, Nathanael enjoys playing soccer, clog dancing, playing the piano, swimming, going to cub scouts, and building with legos.

Kaatlin (13) sincerely loves going to school. Her friends think she is “weird” because she misses school during the holidays and summer break. She is doing great and exceeding expectations, pushing for straight A’s. Kaatlin has done a little baby-sitting for us this year, and dealt with some tricky situations. Once, she was somehow locked out of the house, with Benjamin stuck inside. She remained calm and went to our wonderful neighbors, who helped her find a way in. She is constantly improving in dance, playing so musically at the piano, and is really contributing to her soccer team. She also enjoys attending Young Women’s group at church.

Mandy has been keeping busy home-schooling kids, helping them with piano, getting them to all their activities, and growing a baby :) Yes, we are expecting baby #6 on Christmas Eve. We are all excited to welcome a new little person into our family. Check back for news of her arrival and pictures. Chris has been busy with his work for the Washington State Department of Transportation. His office was excited to put the Smart Highways project into effect, with success (to learn more check out http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/publications/folio/ATMfolio0310b.pdf). Chris developed the operator interface software for the project. In his spare time, Chris enjoys jogging, making yogurt, finding ways to make treats using honey for sugar, and trying new things.

We love you and hope that you can all find time for family and friends and look back on this year as one that is blessed, triumphs and trials included.

~A Merry, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!~

Chris, Mandy, Kaatlin, Nathanael, Seth, Laurel & Benjamin Cheney.