Meet the Cheney Family: Our Story, Our Passions, Our Home

Welcome to our corner of the internet! We’re absolutely thrilled you’ve stopped by to learn a little more about the faces behind Oh Sweet Basil. It’s funny how quickly life on the internet can make you feel like old friends, yet sometimes we forget the simple, foundational step of a proper introduction. We often hear our names echoed in the grocery store or at a local event – “Oh, sweet basil!” – and it’s a wonderful, humbling reminder that there are real people, with real stories, connecting with what we share. So, consider this your official, heartfelt invitation to get to know us better. We believe that understanding who we are as a family, what drives us, and what makes us tick, will only deepen your connection to the recipes, adventures, and everyday moments we share here. Our journey is a blend of culinary passion, family experiences, and a genuine desire to inspire and connect. So, without further ado, let’s pull back the curtain and introduce you to the Cheney crew – a family bound by love, laughter, and a shared zest for life. We are genuinely excited to share our world with you, and there’s no better moment than right now to tell you a bit about each of us.

Cade: The Anchor and Adventurer

First up, let’s introduce the patriarch of our family, Cade. Though he’s lived in various places, we proudly claim South Carolina as his home base, being the last place he resided before our paths converged. His Southern charm and laid-back demeanor often surface, even amidst the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. Cade is more than just a dedicated family man; he’s also a committed professional, serving as an administrator in the demanding field of healthcare. His work is incredibly important, often requiring a calm demeanor, sharp organizational skills, and a deep sense of responsibility, qualities that he seamlessly brings into our family life. His steady presence is truly a cornerstone for all of us.

When he’s not navigating the complexities of healthcare, Cade is a man of diverse passions. You’ll frequently find him at the gym, where he channels his energy and commitment to physical well-being. This dedication to fitness isn’t just about maintaining strength; it’s about fostering a balanced lifestyle and ensuring he has the energy to keep up with our bustling family adventures. Beyond the weights, Cade has an adventurous palate, with a particular fondness for sushi. He’s always on the hunt for the best new spot, a culinary quest that often turns into a fun family outing – even if not everyone shares his enthusiastic embrace of raw fish! But perhaps his favorite pastime of all is traveling with all of us. Whether it’s a spontaneous road trip to a national park, a relaxing beach getaway, or exploring a vibrant new city, Cade cherishes these moments, understanding that experiences together create the most lasting memories and stories. His calm strength, intellectual curiosity, and adventurous spirit are truly the anchors of our family, always pushing us to explore, learn, and grow together.

Carrian: The Creative Heart and Home Maker

Next, let’s meet Carrian, the creative force and warm heart behind many of the delicious recipes and engaging stories you find on Oh Sweet Basil. Born and raised in Vancouver, Washington, she often playfully tells people she’s from Portland, Oregon, just to avoid the inevitable “Is that the one in Canada?” confusion. Her Pacific Northwest roots have instilled in her a love for nature’s beauty and a practical, grounded approach to life, even if she occasionally grumbles good-naturedly about the endless grey skies.

Carrian is a vibrant personality with a clear set of preferences, especially when it comes to her dislikes! Unlike Cade, she famously HATES sushi, which provides an endless source of playful family banter and ensures our dinner menus are always wonderfully varied. Beyond food, she has a strong aversion to being tickled – a fact her children delight in exploiting, much to her dramatic dismay and our collective amusement! And if there’s one thing Carrian truly despises, it’s being cold. You’ll often find her wrapped in blankets, even on a mildly chilly day, dreaming of sunshine and warmth. Despite these specific aversions, Carrian is an incredibly warm, passionate, and energetic individual. Her passion truly shines through in her creativity, whether she’s developing a new recipe, meticulously capturing the perfect photo, crafting engaging stories for our readers, or orchestrating our busy family life. She pours her energy into making our home a loving, inviting space and creating delicious, comforting food that brings us all together, embodying the very essence of ‘Oh Sweet Basil’. Her innovative spirit and unwavering dedication are what make this platform thrive, connecting with thousands of readers through genuine storytelling and delectable dishes.

Peyton: The Driven Dynamo

Moving on to our eldest, Peyton, who is 16 years old and a whirlwind of energy and ambition. She’s a true go-getter, embracing life with an admirable intensity and a zest for trying new things. Peyton is a die-hard for basketball, dedicating countless hours to practice, games, and honing her skills on the court. The discipline, teamwork, and competitive spirit of the sport deeply resonate with her, shaping much of her character and teaching her invaluable life lessons about perseverance and collaboration. When she’s not dribbling or shooting hoops, music fills her world. Her tastes are wonderfully eclectic, and she finds joy and inspiration in a wide range of genres, often discovering new artists and sounds that become the impromptu soundtrack to our family road trips, introducing us to perspectives we might not have found otherwise.

Recently, Peyton has discovered a new passion in golf, quickly immersing herself in the sport’s nuances, technical challenges, and strategic thinking. It’s a testament to her insatiable curiosity and desire to continually learn and grow, always seeking out new ways to challenge herself both mentally and physically. We often joke that we have no clue where her incredible drive and independence came from; she’s truly one of a kind, charting her own unique path with remarkable self-assurance. Beyond her athletic and artistic pursuits, Peyton is remarkably helpful and impressively organized. She’s the kind of person who not only sees what needs to be done but takes initiative, often before anyone else even thinks of it. Her structured approach and innate ability to keep things running smoothly are invaluable to our busy family life, bringing a sense of calm and order to our sometimes chaotic days. Most importantly, Peyton possesses an infectious enthusiasm and adventurous spirit that pushes us all to do and try new things. Her willingness to step outside her comfort zone encourages us to embark on unexpected adventures, try new restaurants, or simply look at the world from a different, often more exciting, perspective. It’s her dynamic spirit that keeps our family dynamic fresh, exciting, and, as we often say, ‘so stinking fun!’

Claire: The Compassionate Creator

Then there’s Claire, our delightful 12-year-old and a bona fide baking extraordinaire. Her journey into the culinary arts began early, and she’s already mastered an impressive repertoire of sweets, from delicate cookies to intricate pastries and elaborate cakes. The kitchen is truly her happy place, often filled with the comforting aroma of vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar, and she loves nothing more than sharing her delicious creations with family and friends. Her passion isn’t just in the baking itself, but in the joy it brings to others, a testament to her giving nature.

Beyond her impressive baking prowess, Claire embodies all things sweet and kind. She approaches the world with an open heart and a gentle spirit, always looking for the good in people and situations. This innate kindness is perhaps most evident in her remarkable affinity for younger children and those with special needs. It’s more than just patience or understanding; it’s a profound, almost ethereal connection she shares with them, driven by an inherent empathy. We’ve witnessed countless moments where she instinctively knows how to comfort, engage, or simply be present for someone who might need a little extra love and support, offering a genuine warmth that puts everyone at ease. It’s a truly extraordinary facet of her personality, a unique piece of her soul that seems to have been built into her from the very beginning. This deep empathy and boundless compassion are not just admirable; they are truly inspiring. Claire reminds us daily of the beauty of genuine connection and the power of selfless love, adding an invaluable layer of warmth, understanding, and heartfelt tenderness to our family unit. Her thoughtful nature and boundless empathy enrich our lives in countless ways, making her a truly special and cherished member of our family, a beacon of kindness for all who know her.

Grayson: Our Gentle Giant

Last but certainly not least, meet Grayson, our youngest, who is currently 6 ¾ years old – and yes, he specifically requested I include the ¾! He’s a vibrant ball of energy and curiosity, a true ray of sunshine in our home, and we can already tell he’s destined for great things. One day, he’ll undoubtedly make some lucky girl incredibly happy, not just because he’s a natural athlete – always running, jumping, and excelling in every physical endeavor with impressive coordination – but because of the incredible character developing within him. Grayson is exceptionally hard-working and smart, showing a keen eagerness to learn and understand the world around him, constantly asking questions and absorbing new information like a sponge. His dedication to tasks, big or small, is truly remarkable for his age, and it speaks volumes about his future potential.

But what truly sets him apart, and what we cherish most about him, is his profoundly gentle nature, his acute awareness of the needs of others, and a pure, unadulterated form of humility that is rare to find. He is our ‘gentle giant,’ a strong boy with an even stronger, kinder heart. He observes those around him with thoughtful eyes, he cares deeply, and he often puts others before himself in ways that astound us for his age. His empathy is innate; he’s often the first to notice if someone is upset or needs help, offering comfort or assistance without being asked. Grayson has truly changed us forever. His arrival and his unique, tender spirit have taught us invaluable lessons about unconditional love, the beauty of empathy, and the quiet, transformative power of genuine kindness. He has softened our hearts, broadened our perspectives, and reminded us daily of the simple, profound joys of family and connection that often get overlooked in the rush of life. His presence has woven an irreplaceable, vibrant thread into the fabric of our family, making us undeniably better people for having him in our lives. Grayson’s tender spirit is a constant source of wonder, joy, and a powerful reminder of the good in the world.

Join Our Community: We Want to Hear From You!

And there you have it – a deeper glimpse into the hearts and lives of the Cheney family! We hope this introduction has helped you feel a little more connected to the individuals who make up Oh Sweet Basil. Our greatest joy comes from sharing our journey, our passions, and our table with you, and we truly believe that every connection forged online has the potential to become something meaningful and enriching. We’re not just sharing recipes; we’re sharing a part of ourselves, our laughter, our lessons learned, and our boundless love for life and each other. We are immensely grateful for the community we’ve built here, and for every single one of you who chooses to spend a part of your day with us.

Now that you know a little more about us, we’re eager to turn the tables! We believe strongly in the power of community and the richness that comes from diverse voices and shared experiences. We learn so much from your comments, your stories, and your unique perspectives. So, it’s your turn! We’d absolutely love to hear from you. Who are you? Where in the world are you connecting from? And please, share something about yourself that you’re proud of, a fun fact, or perhaps what brought you to Oh Sweet Basil. Let’s continue to build this incredible community together, one introduction and one shared story at a time. Thank you for being here, for taking the time to read our story, and for becoming a cherished part of our extended family. We look forward to hearing yours!