Chaney Bunch: December 2010

December 27, 2010

Christmas at our House

This year, the Massey family was able to be together- all of us- for the first time in several years at the Chaney home in Kechi.

Ricks arrived on Saturday evening, which made for some rousing ping-pong and a late night of visiting before the rest of the family arrived the next day.

People arrived from mid-morning until just after noon.

Great Grandpa Massey, and James Busenitz-His 6th great-grandchild

We all visited until dinner was served.

Uncle Brian enjoys the kids

There were plenty of babies to go around.

It had been a long time since Matt (Rick's oldest) had been to Kansas. He was amazed at how all of the cousins had changed and GROWN!

Uncle Rick, Lori and Larry

Larry's first grand baby- Chris

Many indulged in the snacks that everyone had brought-CAUGHT YA DAVID!

Tending the kids

At 2:00, we had dinner with Turkey and all the trimmings.

We set up tables, but since there were 40 in attendance, we didn't get to sit together...not in my little dining room!

Larry, Vicky and David

Brian, Pam and Matt

Feeding the little ones

After dinner, Chris shared the "true meaning of Christmas".

Then we sang carols together.

a video clip

Everyone passed out presents to those for whom they were brought.

Afterward, we watched a 35 minute video-picture presentation of the lives of Paul and Virginia Massey.

During the day, we took family photos.

Mom and Dad

Rick's family

Rebecca's family

Rachel's family

Daniel and Amanda

Larry- his kids and girlfriend, Vicky and her daughter Savannah

Kara and Chris

Brian's family, and his girlfriend, Pam

Mom and Dad with 6 great-grandchildren (this is actually funnier than it looks!-we traumatized Grandma and Grandpa)

The grandchildren of Paul and Virginia Massey-17 of them, 2 grandchild spouses and 1 girlfriend

The original family

Mom and Dad with children's spouses-girlfriends

Since the next day was a work day, Ricks headed back to Texas, and each family left one by one.

It was a short visit, but for this one day, we were together as we celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ who came to earth to die for us.

December 16, 2010

Baby James Daniel Busenitz makes his grand entrance!

Congratulations Dan and Rebecca on the birth of James Daniel Busenitz.

Born December 14th, 2010 at 11:00 p.m.

He is 8 lbs. 2 oz.
20 1/4 inches

dark brown hair

and he's just beautiful!

His sisters are looking forward to getting to know him.

Sweet baby

December 10, 2010

Mom turns ????

Dad took mom and the kids that are still at home to Johnny Carinos for dinner to help celebrate mom's birthday- and also his birthday, which was the week prior to mom's.

the big kids

the following evening, the family gathered for dinner, and put up the Christmas tree.

Samuel's infamous pink ornament

Ruthy receives her "baby's first Christmas" ornament

Grandpa helps Esther decorate the tree.

Ethan is also a big help

Jonathan was intrigued by the bell ornament

we also need some ornaments on the upper branches!

Daniel reviews his ornaments

Mom enjoys decorating the tree every year.

lighting the tree

Then we hit the Wi games. Dave, the flying chicken.

Dan, Rebecca, Esther, Ruth and James Busenitz

Dan farms and raises cattle on the farm they purchased this year, and he and Rebecca are actively involved in music ministry in their church. Dan plays the banjo and bass, and enjoys hunting, softball, singing, and conducting orchestras and choirs. Rebecca composes Christian music, and teaches lessons in volin, viola and piano. She enjoys cooking, sewing and caring for the home and family. She and Dan also have recently started a home-based business with the "Herbalife" company. Esther's job is to expand her vocabulary and take care of little Ruthy and James; little Ruthy's job is to be cute, and excited about everything that she sees, both of which she has mastered! James is the spitting image of his father, and is as sweet as he can be.

Dave, Rachel, Ethan, and Jonathan Busenitz

Dave farms and raises cattle with his father, as well as farming, and is a skilled woodworker and guitarist. Rachel, in addition to caring for the home and children, enjoys crochet, quilting, scrapbooking and music. Little Ethan stays busy keeping them both hopping. Little Jonathan Seth is growing, and has a contagious smile and such a sweet disposition. Rachel miscarried a baby last fall, who they named Jamie. However, the Lord has seen fit to bless them once more, with a little girl due on December 3rd, her grandmother's birthday.

Daniel Chaney and Amanda Gerlach

Daniel, after meeting with Amanda's father for 2 months, was finally granted permission to begin courtship with the girl of his dreams on July 1, 2009. Daniel is a Senior at Wichita State University majoring in Accounting and finance, with a minor in economics. Daniel enjoys courting Amanda...but much to his dismay, there are other things that he must do. Therefore, he also works with Samuel on their lawn business. Daniel was offered and accepted a position that will start in January with Kennedy and Coe Accounting Firm. He plays the cello, banjo, classical guitar and sings, and is trying his hand at choral conducting, like his grandfather. Amanda is an angel, and if you doubt me, you should hear her play the harp! She enjoys scrapbooking, cooking for Daniel, and courtship night. She is very creative and has a real flair for the artistic. Daniel and Amanda are now engaged, and planning an August 6th wedding.

Hannah Chaney

Hannah is a senior in high school this year. She enjoys playing the violin and fiddle, piano, and mandolin. She teaches 3 violin and piano lessons each week. She is also in the first violin section of the Youth Symphony this year. She enjoys her time at home playing with and training her and Samuel's dogs. She also recently obtained 2 horses, which she trains and rides often. She began working at a local stables this summer, helping to teach young riders, choring, and training the lesson horses. Her other interests include sports, photography, outdoor activities, teasing her siblings, and family/friend get-togethers.