To Everyone: Thank You!

I just wanted to take a minute and thank all of you so much for the endless support of everyone in the family, but especially our family this past week! As you may or may not know, I was not able to make it to Grant's service because of final exams and projects here at school, but thanks to the kindness of Kalyn's heart Tori was able to go and give support to Garrett and Jane for our family. This has been a tough time for all of us, especially those of us so far removed from family and consumed with school. It is such a blessing to know that there were so many there for support and love when I couldn't be there. Thank you again, we love you! Please keep in touch, our home is open to anyone, and we would love to take anyone who wants to come to Kirtland and see the sights, they are amazing!

Lots of love,
Kent

Winners' Circle

winners, originally uploaded by bradvaden.

After 5 hours, the track meet came to a close. Hannah ended up with a silver in the 100 yrd dash and a gold in the 4x440 relay. Here are some friends caught up in the post-meet euphoria. We've got another year before we have to sit in the stands for 5 hours.

Gunther's First Track Meet

guntherribbon, originally uploaded by bradvaden.

Gunther is showwing off his first first place ribbon. He along with 5 other classmates won the 50 yrd dash relay. This was only the beginning. He went on to win the 50 yrd dash and earned his first gold medal.

It's all about Eddie and Andrea today.

Tonight's the big reception. 6:30 to 8:30. I thought I'd save you all a bit of google time and post a link with the directions. Hope to see you all there. Start practicing your smiles E & A.
DIRECTIONS (from Dad's house)

A few thoughts from yesterday.

Yesterday our darling angel, Grant Howell was buried at the Green River, Wyoming cemetery. The cemetery was just beautiful. Snow covered, set up on the hillside, full of beautiful trees and lots of flowers. Grant was
buried in the children's section. This must surely be the hardest part of the cemetery to walk through. Stuffed toys, mylar balloons, and other reminders of childhood decorated the graves. A constant reminder of lives over too soon.Garrett and Jane are incredible parents and people. They are strong and probably also somewhat numb. There was quite a large group there, paying tribute to our little angel and his family. Talented Amy made a beautiful book for Garrett and Jane. It's something they'll treasure. We continue to pray for Garrett and Jane to be strong.
And continue to pray for all the other family who will miss this little boy.

dinner after funeral

I finally joined. let's all have dinner after the service for grant. dave

For those going to Green River today

I just checked with the weather service on line, and Green River, Wyo is cold. At 10 am it was 24 degrees and felt like 19----so dress warm.
Pam

Where, oh where are Mark and Co, Dave and Co, and Val and Co?

We miss you on the blog. Please join us.

Rand-can I ride with you?

I think I have worked things out here so I can go to Green River and I would love to ride with you and Kelly and Pam. I talked to Pam the old-fashioned way(on the phone) and she said you were leaving at 1:00. I will be at Pam's house then also, if that's okay!
sandee

Emily, my dear. And anyone else who might be wondering.

To post, everytime, just go to
www.blogger.com
Then enter your username and password and you're in.
Once you're in, click on denny+connect, (it's a link on the left side).
That's it.
Then post 'til your hearts content.
Remember, after you post or comment, refresh your browser or it won't show up.

To just read the blog from any computer, go to:
dennyconnect.blogspot.com
(no www)
OK.
Love ya heaps.
R

Who's going to Green River Tomorrow?

Hi everyone...
I arrived in Bountiful today and wondered about the graveside service
tomorrow. Who's going? Does anyone need a ride? I'm driving a
monorail, I mean minivan. I'd be happy to take a load if people want
to go. I wasn't even sure if I should go or not.
Help. Please.
Much love
Rand

Garrett and Jane Howell
357 1/2 West 100 North
Rexburg, Id 83440

This is their current address. I don't know Your home email or I would send it there. You may look at dennyconnect more often though, and others may need it.
Love,
Pam

Oops -- I forgot about these photos!!

Norma & Dad at Norma's 80th birthday celebration at The Lion House

I have been playing with this for awhile trying to post these photos and I have learned that I'm technologically illiterate!! I tried to send them in the same post, but as you see I failed at that attempt.

At any rate, here are a few of the photos from Norma's birthday celebration. I have emailed some other photos from that day to the siblings.

Here's the labor of love -- made by Sandee & Pam.

Sandee gathered quilt blocks that Vera has embroidered with the names of her family on each block. Her intention was to one day make a quilt out of them. Sandee had the GREAT idea (she's full of those) to finish the quilt for Norma's birthday. It took quite a few stitches (I think Kalyn & Pam both helped in the stitching department) to complete. Here is the finished product.

Garrett and Jane's address

I know that Kalyn sent us an address list, but it's a bit too much for me to keep track of it right now, so could someone please send me Garrett and Jane's address? Much appreciated.

What a handsome bunch.

The Best Godmother Ever!!!

I just wanted to express my joy and excitement to become a Godmother once again. Baby girl Brezoff will be the biggest NASCAR MORMON there ever was! Congrats T and K and C!!!

Sincerely yours, Rachel

My heart is with you.

Garrett and Jane,

I would just like to let you two know that my heart and thoughts are with you two at this time. This is a difficult time, but Grandma Denny will definitely be taking care of him. He is in good hands. You two have a big family that will do anything to help so just let us know.

We all love you and pray for you.

Love, Aly

Grant Garrett Howell. April 23 to April 26 2005.

Dearest Grant,
I didn't get to hold you. Not even once.
I didn't get to snuggle you before you were gone.
I didn't get to compare my big hand
to your tiny one.
Or see you smile. Or cry. Or wiggle.
But I still loved you my sweet Great Nephew.
Best of all Grant, is that I know
that I will get the chance.
Someday I will hold you, snuggle you,
and hold your
tiny hand. Someday we will smile,
and cry, and wiggle together.
See you then.
In the meantime, you watch
over your good parents.
And we will too.
Because that's what families are for.
I love you Grant, Garrett and Jane.
Rand

Sandee wonders---does anybody work??

From the looks of all the blogging going on I would think nobody in this family ever worked!! This is pretty fun and an awesome way to stay in touch!! Thanks again Rand...this is better than Dr. Mario-right Ang and Heath?
P.S. Congrats to Tim and Kara--but beware...Taylor was a girl in the beginning!!!

do I have enough time to keep up with this blogging!!

I don't know if I can keep up with all this blogging!! When there are 50+ of all of us it can take several logins a day to just keep up with the reading. Of course I also have to comment too.
Yea! I just found out (before it was on the dennyconnect) that we are going to have another Willey granddaughter.-----maybe huh Em.
We are thrilled and hope all goes well. Cooper will have an easier time dealing with her as he has had some times to spend with the cousins[Morgan and Lauren]. The part that will be hard is all his cousins are girls on both sides!!

I asked Kelly if he wanted to learn about the blogging and he wasn't too interested, so if everyone could just email him in the next day or so and bug him about that. His email is kwilley@utah.gov. He has been working 13 hour days, so he comes home very tired and I feel a little like a widow.

I also would like to tell Garrett and Jane how sorry I am that Grant was so sick, that heaven decided they needed him back. I am glad I got to meet him---he is so sweet and a beautiful baby.
I am praying that Heavenly Father will attend and strengthen you over the coming days, weeks, and months. We will see you on Friday.

Love to all,
Pam

BOY OR GIRL???

I went to the Doctor and had my big Ultrasound today. Cooper is going to be a big brother. OK OK OK. What is it you want to know. We are having a GIRL!!! Kristen was right! Rand will get to see a girl Brezoff Fro baby after all. We are so excited. My official due date is September 9th. I will be huge over the long hot summer. Everything looks good with the baby. Cooper does not get the new baby concept yet. He will be in for a shocker.

Love,

Kara

How to?

As I'm neglecting my kids I'm wondering if there is a way to respond to a comment from a particular person or do you just have to email them or do a whole new post or what? Thanks for the help anyone.

Comments

OK, just discovered the comment bit. This is way to fun for a mother of 4. Heath, check your comments. Just FYI. Heather can't beat me at Dr. Mario. She would like to, but can't. Rand. You rock for doing this. A big pat on the back for you.

Master and Commander

Hello. I'm blogging. Wahoo. Just a little update on these Drapers. We're all trying to master. Camrie is trying to master sitting up. Rylie is trying to master putting more time to play in the day. That equals no nap but more crying. :) Mason is trying to master being a Jedi Knight and Dr. Mario Knight at the same time. Kenzie is trying to master giggling with her friends and pretending that boys aren't cute. I'm trying to master the comb over with a 6 month old bald spot. As for D, he's just the master. Love hearing from everyone. Gotta run....

We made it!

Wow, thanks Rand for creating the Blog. It's great to be a part of such a great family. Ang will write a little more later-

D

A note from Timothy.

I've figured out what is so great about blogging -- we Dennys can all talk at once and that is what we do best!! I am introducing Timothy to the blogging world and wanted to show him how it works.

(Tim typing now) I am going to be in the all-city track meet on Friday. I run in the 400 meter relay and shuttle run. All of the 4th and 5th graders from the whole town will be there!! So wish me luck.

I also get to go to work with my dad on Thursday for "Bring your child to work Day". I told my mom I'd come to her work (home) too!!

Much love,

Timothy & Laurel

Greetings from...

here.
I thought maybe you'd enjoy a birds eye view of the Venice pad.
Click and drag the map for a better view of the beach.
We love google maps.

Now I have my own!

Thank You Rand!! I don't feel left out now that I am a blogger! Thanks again! Love, Jennica

Jennica reads the blogs too!

Just letting you all know that Jennica is also reading the blogs! I think it is really fun to hear all about you! I hope all is well with everybody. Love, Jennica
(ps- My mom and I tried to make me an account but her and her technological impairments stopped us so if you want to send me an invitaion, my email address is: wannabteacher@hotmail.com)

Isn't This Hilarious!!!
Kristen

FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry Everybody!!!!!!!!!!
I'm here now. Wow! This blogging thing takes work! This is way cool. I think i've learned more about my family in the last week than my entire lifetime!
I've been way busy with work and school and work and school!!!!! (No I can't do your hair yet!)
I'm also planning on taking the test for my insurance license May 12. Wish me Luck!!!
I also wanted to send everyone this way funny picture of Cooper!!

I've arrived!!!

I've arrived!!!! Aly...don't feel bad because I've been going to college for almost 8 years and I still had a hard time blogging. Everything here is going great! Today was my official LAST DAY OF CLASS! (I still have finals week...but I can handle that! :) I will graduate on May 7th, and finally be done with school! I have a job with the Department of Workforce Services as an Employment Counselor and I'm loving it! Danen only has one semester left of school and then he's done as well! That's a quick update of how it's going here in Logan! We love you all!! Thanks for doing all this Rand...it'll be so much fun!

p.s. CONGRATULATIONS ANDREA!!! I can't believe that all three triplets are now married!

p.s.s. We are also praying for Garrett and Jane and little Grant. If there is anything else that we can do, we'd be more than happy to.

If at first you don't succeed...

REFRESH.
Remember to refresh your browser after you create a post, otherwise it won't show up. Also, the email invitations to join can only be used once, so if you know someone that hasn't joined, or I don't have an email for them, have them send me an email and I'll make sure they get an invite.
R
PS...I'd be happy to post photos for anyone if you don't want to deal with the whole
photo thing. Just email them to me and I'll post them.

Thanks everyone for joining. We're still missing some of you!

I have no idea if this worked, but here it goes! It's kinda fun being able to talk like this. Thanks to everyone who has updated their lives for me!

Yipee

Hi Everyone,

I have finally figured this blogging thing out and can't wait to keep in touch with everyone. Ryan and I are doing really well and love our married life in the Villages (student housing). It's finals week for Ryan and he can't wait to be done with this semester. Ryan recently got a coaching job at East High and he can't wait to start that. He will be coaching the Sophomore running backs and line backs. For those who don't know yet, Ryan and I are expecting our first little bundle of joy in October. We are really excited and can't wait to find out if it's a boy or girl. Any guesses?

Anyway, this is going to be so fun!!


Ryan & Becca

It took some time---but I'm in!!

Hello to all--
After deleting many invites---I finally got the message. I had no idea what a blog was, but now I know.
Sorry to be so slow and non trusting. Thank you Rand for setting this up and walking me through the process.
It has been a long day for me and I'm not sure I want to be back at work after a week of spring break.
I went to the hospital to meet Grant--he is a sweetheart. My thoughts and prayers are with you Garrett and Jane, and Grant.
Congrats to Andrea and Eddie. I saw some of the wedding pics today and they were wonderful. It looked like a beautiful day and the couple in the pictures looked extremely happy!
Love to All
Pam

The mystery is solved.

Welcome to Earth, Kelcie Beth.
Love Uncle R.

sandee

I'm not really sure if I've made it to blogging yet or not...I hope I have done it correctly. This is a great idea for our family. Thanks Rand! I had never heard of such a thing...course I'm just a little-no a lot- technologically backward. It takes me a little longer to catch on than others!! It's great to read comments from the fam. love, Sandee P.S. Emily's baby's name is Kelcie Beth. She's a doll and a real sweetheart.

This is fun!

Hello,

How is everyone? Tim, myself and Cooper are doing great. The rain looks like it is clearing(for now) and hopefully it will be a good week. Cooper goes crazy on cold days because being outside has been his lifeline. He loves it. He is obsessed with spiders, trains, kittys, dogs, and tools. He knows about every animal noise in the book. He talks (human words) only when he really wants to. Otherwise its his own alien language. We have been having eating problems with him. He only wants candy (he calls it yaya) or cookies (a-kee). Hopefully things will get better in that department. He is a crazy nut!

I think most of you know that we are expecting our 2nd child. I am almost 5 months (21 weeks) along. I have the big ultrasound Dr. appointment on Wednesday. We are still debating on whether to find out if it's a boy or a girl. Everyone thinks I will cave at the appt and find out. I think I probably will too. I am not good with suprises.

Thanks for setting this up Rand. It will be a fun to look at the BLOG each day. Congratulations Andrea and Eddie!! I hope you are having a great Honeymoon(i'm sure you're too busy to read this)!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you Garrett, Jane, and Grant.

Love you lots,

Kara

Count us in!

Hello Everyone!

Greetings from the North Pole, oh wait I mean Cleveland! I think someone forgot to tell mother nature it's almost May! We came home from DC to find almost a foot of snow, and it was a major bummer. This is a great idea for all of us to keep in touch, especially for those of us so far removed from everything. I am finishing up my last finals this next week and my first year of dental school will be behind me, Yaaaaayyyyyyyyyy! Austin is growing like crazy, and never stops talking. He says more stuff than I think I did when I was 5. Keep up the prayers for Grant, Garrett and Jane are incredible parents and very strong individuals. Heavenly Father saw them fit to bring Grant into the world, and if it is His will we want to keep him! Love to all.

Love,
Kent, Tori, and Austin

PS. If anyone wants to come out and see kirtland, there is a standing invitation!!

A little photo tutorial.

I know you all have amazing photos you'd love to share....Here's how.
It's not too hard and besides, if I can figure it out, you can.
To find out how to do it, click here.
Peace
R

Here's Emily and Brian's little what's her name.

100_0537
Originally uploaded by randdenny.

They only have one mold: Darling.

I'm Here!!!

I finally figured out how to join, but I actually think I joined twice. I tried once last night and I didn't think it worked, but I did the same thing when I joined today and it worked so if I appear twice I'm sorry. You would think that after 5 years of college I would be able to join a blog.

Congratulations to Andrea and Eddie!!! And Garrett and Jane and Grant you're definitely in my prayers.

As for the Logan life, it's great!!! School is over in one day and then I have all summer to work and play.

Well, that's all for now. Love you all!!!

This just in, proof we needed a blog.

I just found out that I'm an Uncle again. And I'm not
talking about darling little Grant Howell. I'm talking
about Emily's newest. I still don't even know her name.
First I had to hear about Stuarts mission call through
the grapevine. And after he had already had his farewell.
And now I'm just hearing about a great neice that was
born on St. Patricks day. Like I said, proof we needed
a family blog.
Congratulations Emily, Brian and the troops.
PS...somebody let me know the name.

Turn off that tube!!

It's TV turnoff week and we just hoped that all the family would join us in "just saying no" to TV -- today through May 1st. This is the 11th year that they have had an official TV-turnoff week and we have particpated in the past. It's amazing the things that you can accomplish and the interesting and fun things that you can find time to do if you don't have the hum of the TV in the back ground!! This year's challenge included "turning off" internet and video games too; however we are opting to stay connected to the web.

Perhaps your family doesn't have the tube on much, but we always seem to benefit from an attitude adjustment in the TV area.

Our thoughts and prayers continue for Grant, Garrett and Jane and all of the Howell family.

Much love,

Laurel

Happy Garden Day

Today I got my garden tilled and planted 8 tomato plants (2 heirlooms) and some zucchini. I know I am rushing it a bit, but with the white fence on 3 sides my garden stays pretty warm. So I am hoping for warm weather.

This year I am leaving 1/4 of the garden empty and making a big compost pile. I guess I am scaling down a bit. I am only planning to plant tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, spagetti squash and cucumbers (plus the herbs I always have). That is unless something fantastic catches my eye at the garden store.

Happy spring,
Kalyn

Lots of news in the Howell family

Congratulations to Everett Howell on his graduation from Riverton High School. Come by and say hello and congrats at a BBQ in his honor on May 21, 2005 in Riverton Wyoming. It's at the Howell residence. We're proud of you Ev.

Are those wedding bells I hear?

Today, in Washington DC, Andrea Howell and Edward
(can we call you Eddie?) McClelland became Mr. and Mrs. Edward McClelland.
Massive congratulations to Andrea and Eddie.
Tonight they have a reception in Springfield, Virginia.
On the 30th of April they have a reception in Alpine, Utah,
and on May 2, they have a recetion in Riverton, Wyoming.
I think they're going to be tired of smiling.
Welcome to the family Eddie and congrats to you both.

Happy Earth Day.

Today would be a good day to plant a tree. Or flower. Pick up some litter. Recycle something. Or buy a recycling bin if you don't have one. Buy a box of earth friendly laundry soap. Read an Earth Day article online. Wish someone a happy Earth Day. Email your Senator asking them to support earth friendly legislation. Be grateful we have such a beautiful place to live.

On this day...

Clayton and Jess were born.
It was a doubly good day if you ask me.
I hope you both have a great birthday.
And many, many more.

Happy, Happy...

Happy birthday Kenzie....
Eat cake.
Make wishes.
Open presents.
Pop balloons.
Enjoy.

What a great mother

Today it is raining like crazy in Utah so I have spent the entire day altering clothes that are too big for me. I'm thankful that I know how to sew so I can salvage some of these clothes, but my back aches and I am tired from sitting over the sewing machine all day. It makes me think of mom sewing all those Christmas clothes year after year. And she did it late at night after we were asleep. What a great mother.

Kalyn

I'm pretty sure somebody in our family was born today!

Happy birthday to Garrett and Justin!
I think they're both six today....that's
right isn't it? I'm 28...so that would
make them about....Oh forget it.
Happy Birthday anyway.
Somebody please help me out if I'm
forgetting any birthdays. I don't have
the most complete list.
Heaps 'o love
Rand

PS...I spoke with Mark, Lisa and crew yesterday and they
are enjoying the windy city. In fact she said she thought
Justin wanted to move there.

Where, Oh where are you?

Dennys, Drapers, Willeys, more Dennys, Howells, Clarks, more Dennys, Ostlers, more Drapers, Kynastons, Torsells, Batemans, Biblers, more Willeys, Brezoffs, more Howells, still more Howells, still more Dennys, Taz, Grizz...We'd love to have you join us. Email me if you're having trouble. It's easy really. We'd also love to have any of the nieces and nephews who aren't married join in. PLEASE!
Much love.
Happy Sunday.

PS...we have Stacey's 13 year old daughter Chase and her friend Marquel staying with us for their spring break. It's interesting having two thirteen year olds. And fun.

Kudos to Rand for a great idea

Kudos to Rand for this great idea. I am using a big size font for those of who are older and a little more technologically challenged! I have to keep a sense of humor because my first attempt at posting went somewhere in cyberspace, but it was not on our blog. So this is my second attempt.

It was fun to hear about the Stouffers. My challenge the last 6 weeks is to get optimum performance from the kids (for NCLB tests) at a time when they are sick of school. No easy task.

This is the first day of spring break for me, so the garden is beckoning. Love to everyone and special prayers for Garrett and Jane.

Kalyn

Thoughts and prayers to Garrett and Jane

Many, many, many thoughts and prayers.
We love you Garrett and Jane.

GREAT IDEA

I think this is a great way to "connect"

We are doing great. Just trying to make it to the end of the school year. We still have six weeks and I think that everyone is running out of gas. I think it's early morning seminary that does us in (me at least!!). Perhaps some of you are in the same boat -- trying to press on until school is out.

Liz is busy getting ready for prom tomorrow -- I think boys would be easier to prepare for prom as all you have to do is rent a tux! No worrying about jewelry, shoes, etc. etc.

Amanda got her cast off this week; however, the doctor put a brace on and she will be out for the entire soccer season. She is sad, but resigned to that reality.

Timothy is the most ready for summer. He just has a difficult time being scheduled. He just want to run and play and swim -- down time. I guess doing the trip for spring break is now taking it's toll as we didn't have a real "break".

Carl and I are doing good. He is super busy with work and is enjoying it. He has been travelling some and we miss him when he's away. He has other irons in the fire with church activities, etc.

I am just trying to keep up with everyone. I have recently been involved with Timothy's teacher in writing a technology grant (I'm not really doing any of the writing, but just working as part of the committee and providing input) The grant is for smart boards and a classroom response system. It would be sooooooo cool if they got the grant. I don't know how familiar you are with either of these things, but they are really wonderful. When Tim's teacher asked me to be part of the committee, I was excited and happy to contribute.

Our prayers are with Garrett and Jane.

Much Love --

The good Doctor says:

drlovesmaller
Originally uploaded by randdenny.

Taz? You out there?

How do you read this thing?

Begin reading from the bottom post:
the one that says: "Dear family, Welcome to 2005".
Then read up, to this post.
(I'm sure you would have figured that out but...)

One more thing...

Hello...
I'm not sure if once you are registered, it gives you the option of "inviting" somebody to join the blog. If so, please feel free to invite anyone I have forgotten or didn't have an email address for.
I'm not certain if I have an email address for all the adult nieces and nephews. If you can't invite once you're in, please let me know and I'll send them an invite.
See you here soon.
Rand

PS....the birthday wish for Valerie is really for today....I just posted it last night.
Happy Birthday Val.

Dear family, welcome to 2005.

First things first:
Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday Dear - baby-of-the-family-Valerie...
Happy Birthday to you.
I hope you have a great day Val.

No it's not new years.
It's thursday. Happy thursday.
It's also time for a new idea.
And I happen to have one.
I think it's time for us to have a family blog.
(blog stands for web-log just in case you don't know).
A family blog could serve as a one-stop place for the entire tribe. A place to share news, share invites, share photos, share recipes, share stories, share anything you want to share. Or a place to comment on something somebody else has shared.
It's easy. It's available anywhere there is an internet connection. And it's cool. We could all bookmark the site and check it everyday in the same way we check our email, or read the newspaper. And, family members can post as often or as little as they like.
I can give everyone some very simple instructions on how to create an account and create a post. Ours would be considered a "team blog" which means lots of people can post to the same site. I'd happily be the site administrator to keep things simple. But others could also adminster if they felt they wanted to.
We'd also create it so that it wouldn't be part of any blog directories, and thus, the only way it could be viewed is if someone knew the address.
What'd'ya think? I think we should give it a try?
I think this is a great way for a growing and spreading family to stay in touch.
I'm anxiously awaiting your comments and replies.
(don't be intimidated...it's easy)
Peace

rand