Happy New Teeth

C-A-R-L.

Since it wouldn't be the end of December beginning of January without a birthday EVERY day today let's celebrate CARL. I'm not sure Carl has ever written on Denny+Connect so here's the deal: NO cake or presents before you answer the following questions:
Are you officially "old" now?
Where do you work and what is it you spend your time doing?
What do you spend your spare time doing, even if you only have a little spare time?
What would you like to spend your spare time doing if you had a LOT of spare time?
What's one lesson you learned early in life that you're glad you learned?
What's the worst part about having a daughter away at College?
What's your very favorite and least favorite foods?
What's a movie you could watch over and over again?
We all need a good book to read, can you recommend one?
Do you and Amanda share a cake? If so what flavor is it?
When you're a PhD Scientist what the heck do you really do all day at work?
Are you a good cook?
Lastly, tell us something that you're positive we don't know about you.
Happy happy birthday Carl. We love you.

A-M-A-N-D-A

Continuing the string of late December birthdays in the family is Amanda Stouffer. And since we hear so little from the Stouffers on Denny+Connect this is a great time to hear from you Amanda. Eat some cake and then take a minute to answer these questions:
What's your very favorite subject in school and why?
What's your very favorite and least favorite food?
If you could spend an entire day doing something you LOVE, what would you be doing?
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Where would be your favorite place to live in the world?
Tell us a secret. Any kind of secret.
What's one thing you miss now that Elizabeth is away at college?
If you could talk to anyone from history who would you talk to and what would you talk to them about?
What was the best part of this past Christmas?
Happy Birthday Amanda. (And many many more.) We love you.

Sorry it took so long...

Here is the new meme that was started a week ago.
What are two secrets you'd like to share with all of us? Splinter Cell is the best game ever (x box), & I like my job
What are your three VERY FAVORITE things to eat. Cucumbers and vinegar, Reese's Fast Breaks, & HEATHER'S HOME COOKIN!!
And what are your three LEAST FAVORITE?Fish, Mushrooms, and more fish
What were you really good at in School? Math & Oceanography
Morning person or night person? Neither..I like the afternoons
What's the best book you've read in the last year? Bridger's fire engine book
What's something we should know about Heather that you doubt we do? She's an amazing cook!!
If you had a day to spend in ONE of the following neighborhoods, which would you choose and why: Little Tokyo, Chinatown, Koreatown, Little Italy, Greektown, Wall Street.
Wall Street...cause I used to live in New York City.
What's one big problem in the world that you'd love to see solved? Illegal Immigrants
How will you spend your birthday? Playing ping pong on my new table!
Tell us a little about a typical day at your job. What do you do anyway? I sale software to companies in Washington, Wyoming, Oregon, Montanna, & Idaho. I mostly work with Universities, Hospitals, and large companies to get them to use Novell software. I get to travel occassionally and I love it.
What kind of birthday cake would you choose? Carrot Cake w/ cream cheese frosting.
How old are you today? One year younger than Heather (26)

FROM : DANEN

I TAG RAND SINCE IT'S HIS BIRTHDAY TODAY!!!

Some Classic Shots of the Birthday Boy

Rand is always posting something interesting for everyone's birthday, so I thought he deserved some attention for his own special day. Here are some classic shots of Rand, and best wishes for a very happy birthday!

A *very* old photo, and the now famous shot of

Rand in an old-style bikini and glasses, about age 3.

This was Rand when he was still Randy,
age 6 and the birthday king for the day.

Rand in elementary school, campaigning for school president.
Notice he had those great copy-writing skills at a young age.

Rand in high school looking like quite a hunk.
Have a great day Rand!
We all love you!

E's Birthday.

OK Andrea, since it's your birthday today why don't you once and for all tell everyone how you got the name "E." I think I know where the nickname came from, but between bites of cake, opening presents, rubbing your belly, and getting a foot massage from Eddie, share will all of us the "E True Riverton Story" of how your nickname came to be. Have a wonderful birthday Andrea (or should I say E?). We hope you're not throwing up too much. We love you.

Family Contact List: PRIVATE

Please leave updates/additions/deletions in the comments and then I will add them and then delete the comments. Thanks.

Edgar & Norma

305 N. 100 E.

Bountiful, Utah 84010

801-295-0432

801-910-4590 cell

801-397-4728 North Canyon Room

edgarmartell @gmail.com

edgarm1@q.com

Kalyn

936 Blaine Avenue

Salt Lake City, Utah 84105-3323

801-466-7211

kalynskitchen@comcast.net

Sandee & Clayton

9776 Farmstead Circle

South Jordan, Utah 84095
sand.clay@gmail.com

sandee.draper@jordan.k12.ut.us

cdraper@utah.gov

the_drapers@netzero.net

Darren & Angee

+ McKenzie, Mason, Rylie, Camrie, Sadie

1863 North 900 East

Lehi, Utah 84043

801-768-0896

darren.draper@jordan.k12.ut.us

angeedraper@gmail.com

darren.draper@gmail.com

Emily & Brian

+ Taylor, Jessie, Alexis, Kelcie

1102 Cobblestone Court

McPherson, KS 67460

620-241-4647

daisydrape@yahoo.com

Becca & Ryan

+ Jaxon, Hudson
2851 Shale Drive
Rangely, CO 81648

970-629-8423 Becca cell
801-419-1943 Ryan cell

the_torsells@hotmail.com

Heather & Danen

+Bridger

192 Apple Avenue

Saratogo Springs, UT 84045

801-822-2815 H cell

hbombusu@yahoo.com

Nicole & Ben

Laynee Lou

4600 N. College Avenue

Kansas City, MO 64117

816-472-7400 ext: 30021 (Nicole work)

nicolebibler@sbcglobal.net

Joshua & Brooke

Jennica

wannabteacher@hotmail.com

Pam & Kelly

161 East 650 North

Bountiful, Utah 84010

801-209-7286 Pam cell
801-633-8717 Kelly cell

pamd.kellyw@gmail.com

pamdwilley@msn.com

Jeff & Erin

+Morgan, Lauren

1348 South Orchard Drive

Bountiful, Utah 84010

801-597-9662 Jeff

801-597-9667 Erin

jeff_willey@hotmail.com

erin.willey@hsc.utah.edu

Kara & Tim

+ Cooper, Sophie

83 East 1470 South

Farmington, Utah 84025

801-244-5849 cell

801-451-2621 home

karabrezoff@hotmail.com

Alyson Willey

87 E Street

Salt Lake City, Utah 84103

435-764-8403 cell

alysonwilley@yahoo.com

Kristen & Shane

102 East 1150 North

Layton, Utah 84041

801-628-4535 K cell

801-643-0720 S cell

kristenwilley1012@hotmail.com

Mark & Lisa

+ Travis

1512 West Gentile

Layton, Utah 84041

801-546-1188 home

801-430-4601 Mark cell

801-510-5473 Lisa cell

dennyfamily5@comcast.net
ldenny@dsdmail.net (Lisa email)

Matt
Recruit DENNY MA

2nd Bn Echo Co PLT 2109
26001 Midway Ave
San Diego, CA 92140-2109

Justin

1512 W. Gentile
Layton, UT 84041
801-726-4696 cell
dennyjustin@hotmail.com

Janet & Jon

2105 Broadacres

Riverton, WY 82501

howelldentallabs@bresnan.net

stachie@bresnan.net

jchwyldo@bresnan.net

Kent & Tori

+ Austin, Brayden, Kayla
6585 Delburn Ct.
Dublin, OH 43017
614-659-0969

dr.moose@sbcglobal.net

torihowell@hotmail.com

Andrea & Eddie

+ Thomas

340 Meadowside Ct.

Gahanna, OH 43230

614-428-6014 Home
614-257-9807 A cell
614-257-9672 E (as in Eddie, not Andrea) cell

librarian.e@gmail.com

helloduh@hotmail.com

Garrett & Jane

+Taylor and the memory of Grant
1622 South 17th #E-105
Laramie, WY 82070
307-745-3544

futbol252@hotmail.com

Brandon & Emily

1625 West Park #4
Riverton, WY 82501
307-851-7059

Everett

3008 College Hill #202
Riverton, WY 82501
307-851-1856

Vida & Dan

+Pamelia, Tasheila, Sharleen, Jorel, Shaquioa, Ayesha

P.O. Box 328

Towac, CO 81334

clark_vida@hotmail.com

Dave and Amy

319 West 900 South

Layton, Utah 84041

801-544-5404 home

801-430-4602 cell

daveandamydenny@msn.com

dpdenny@twind.net

Aaron & Amee

2856 South 1550 West

Syracuse, Utah 84075

801-726-2323 Amee cell

801-643-0023 Aaron cell

aaron.denny@wellsfargo.com

ameedenny23@msn.com

Nate & Sarah

4263 South 3450 West

West Haven, Utah 84401

801-726-0825

801-726-8729

nate_denny@msn.com

Stuart & Jessica

stuart_denny@msn.com
jessdenny808@gmail.com

Brayden

Mission

Laurel & Carl

+ Amanda, Timothy

5648 Chestnut Hill

Bartlesville, OK 74006

cleat@cableone.net

stoufce@cpchem.com

Elizabeth

Rand & Bradley

+Hannah, Gunther

247 Windward Avenue

Venice, CA 90291

310-399-2641 home

310-951-4505 Rand cell

310-266-6351 Bradley cell

create.peace@mac.com

innovaden@mac.com

Valerie & Jon

+Ben, Kate, Olivia, Emma, Ethan, Mitchell

732 South 100 East

Ephraim, Utah 84627

435-340-0313 cell

jostlers@hotmail.com

Jacob

jacob.ostler@gmail.com

Andrew & Sara

156 N. 100 W.
Ephraim, UT 84627
435-283-3337 Home
435-340-0617 S cell
435-340-1489 A cell

Merry Christmas Everyone.

Here's to a peaceful Christmas and many many more. We love you all.

MORE CHRISTMAS PARTY PHOTOS

Matt and Sarah
Nate
Jane, Garrett, & Taylor
Jon & Janet
Mitch, Ethan & Taylor
Merry Christmas Everyone!!

Denny Christmas Party Photos

More Photos - Aren't they Cute?

Merry Christmas from the Drapers!

We want to wish you all a very merry Christmas. This year we decided just to blog our Christmas card. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!


Drapers I-Spy 2006

Merry Christmas! Find the following objects in the above picture to see how we spent the last year.

• Mt. Rushmore – We went to South Dakota for a Draper Family Vacation this year. The kids liked seeing the faces and we all had a good time. D liked Devil’s Tower (but found no aliens), and Ang enjoyed all of the different trees.
• #4 – That’s how old Rylie is. Kenzie is 10 (5th grade), Mason 7 (2nd grade), and Camrie is 2.
• Mickey Mouse – We also went to Disneyland this year. Kenzie’s favorite ride was Thunder Mountain. Mason’s was Indiana Jones. Rylie’s was Dumbo. Camrie’s favorite and Darren’s least favorite were the same ride: It’s a Small World. Angee’s favorite is still Splash Mountain. Darren, Angee and Mason braved Tower of Terror, but it wasn’t a top 5 ride.
• Lightning McQueen – Our favorite movie of 2006 was Cars.
• Star Wars figure – Mason’s favorite things to do are play Star Wars Lego 2 with his friends and play dodge-ball in the basement. Kenzie’s favorite things to do are hang out with her friends and play soccer. Angee’s favorite things to do are go to a baseball game with Darren, and play outside with the kids. Darren’s favorite thing to do is listen to his I-Pod and do nothing.
• 2 pink crayons – Rylie’s favorite things to do are color and do puzzles. Camrie’s favorite thing to do is play with Rylie.
• Soccer shoes – Kenzie picked up soccer this year and it is definitely her favorite sport. She is on the Lehi Strikers team and loving it. Mason’s favorite sport is basketball, with baseball and soccer tied for 2nd place.
• Bobble-head – The Drapers (at least the majority of them) love baseball. This year we went to an Arizona Diamondbacks game.
• Dora – I don’t think a day goes by that Dora isn’t on our TV at sometime.
• Pacifier (or plugger as they’re called at our house) – Camrie finally got rid of her plugger. Come March we’ll have another little bundle that will need one. ☺

We hope this letter finds you healthy and happy. Please keep in touch.

Love: Darren, Angee, Kenzie, Mason, Rylie, and Camrie

Some Very Cute Children

More to come. As you can see, Jaxon did not like the flash very much.

A Missionary Christmas

Dear Family, I am planning to call at about 3 or 3:30 your time from a member's phone. I wrote down Grandma's number and will call at 2 PM at the earliest to make sure you guys will be there. I am definitely looking forward to talking to all of you on Christmas, and maybe saying hi to Grandma and Grandpa and a few of the relatives. ;)
On Christmas we are planning to go to a member's parents house. The best part is that the parents aren't members and most all of their relatives aren't, so it is a good missionary opportunity. We went there for Thanksgiving as well, so we are excited to go there again for Christmas. We also have a member in the Ward bringing us Christmas Eve dinner on Sunday, which we will have to save, because we have another dinner planned out already. He is going to make us lots of chicken, pasta and salad, and it sounds like he is a very good cook. I am proud of Kate for sticking with soccer because I love that sport and wish Iwould have continued to play it. I played it out here and my team won, so maybe I do still have some of it in me. My area is doing great and we are received a lot of good media referrals for the Christmas DVD's. I sent you guys a letter which should be there soon, probably today, tomorrow, or Saturday, which goes into detail on some other good referrals that we have been blessed with. I won't go into a lot of detail here on our referrals so that I can update you on Monday with their status. The weather here has been in the 50's and 60's mostly, sometimes dipping down a little bit colder, but according to what I've heard, we won't be getting any snow for Christmas, which is kind of a bummer, but it's not too bad, at least we can enjoy the warm weather. I want to thank you for the black slacks and white shirts that you sent. Now I have two good pairs of slacks, (the ones I came out with are still kind of tight) so I don't have to wear suit pants everyday, and can keep my suit pants nice. Thank you also for the garments that you sent, and the food as well. Also thank you, Kate, Olivia, and Emma for the CD. You guys are awesome! I couldn't wait until Christmas this year to open the presents, so I opened all of them already. I have truly been blessed this year on my mission, as well as received a lot of packages and letters this Christmas, which was great. I love all of you so much and look forward to talk to you on Christmas Day. I hope you enjoy the time that you have together during the school breaks. Make sure you cherish every minute of it, because it goes so fast. Until we talk on Monday, stay safe and keep the Spirit with you. Love, Elder Andrew Ostler

Danen's Day.

Since today is Danen's birthday I think a new meme is in order. Since you're pretty new to the family Danen, what better day to have us get to know you better than on your birthday. Answer away Danen. Happy Birthday. We love you.

What are two secrets you'd like to share with all of us?

What are your three VERY FAVORITE things to eat. And what are your three LEAST FAVORITE?

What were you really good at in School?

Morning person or night person?

What's the best book you've read in the last year?

What's something we should know about Heather that you doubt we do?

If you had a day to spend in ONE of the following neighborhoods, which would you choose and why: Little Tokyo, Chinatown, Koreatown, Little Italy, Greektown, Wall Street.

What's one big problem in the world that you'd love to see solved?

How will you spend your birthday?

Tell us a little about a typical day at your job. What do you do anyway?

What kind of birthday cake would you choose?

How old are you today?

OUCH!!! EYEBROW WAXING

But I don't know if I want my eyebrows waxed!! You said it wouldn't hurt!!
I can be brave---I've done it before!
Do you love my new eyebrows?
How many 2 1/2 year olds get to have their eyebrows shaped!!
Way to be brave Morgan and Lauren!

Request for Updated Addresses

I am planning to type up an updated list of Denny family addresses to include with my Christmas cards this year. If your address has changed recently or if you've just gotten an address (Matt, Nathan, Elizabeth, Alyson, etc.) will you please leave a comment on this post with your new address. I need the missionary addresses too.

Please leave a comment even if you've already posted it on the blog in case I missed updating it. If you have any doubt at all about whether I have your address, please leave it here.

If you don't give me your new address here you might not get a calendar with my new business card which Rand designed (above). That's not a threat, simply saying I don't have time to call and get the addresses!

Thanks Everyone

Address to funeral and viewing

We had a couple requests to post the address to the viewing and funeral -

Viewing Friday 6:00-8:00 @ Redwood Memorial - 6500 S Redwood Rd
Funeral Saturday 12:00 with a viewing 1 hour before @ Mountain View 6th Ward -500 N. 681 E. in Payson.

You can also view the obituary on the Deseret or Tribune Website.

Thanks to everyone for their thought and prayer.

Andrew's Address.

Is this still Andrew's Address?
Elder Andrew J Ostler
493 Dresden Ave
Steubenville, OH 43952
Thanks.

Denny Family Christmas Party

Hello everyone,
I have heard all the options and opinions and I have to agree with Sandee. I think the only fair thing to do is to keep it the same day and time. All of the other dates eliminate at least one of the other Denny siblings and their families. I just don't feel right about that, as we have been planning this date for a long time. We will miss the Drapers and they will definetely be in our thoughts that day. And we will also miss some others this year that won't be able to come . Each year we have missed those that have not been able to be at the party . As the years go by the times will be few and precious when we can all get together as Denny siblings and extended family. I love you all and only wish this was one of those few and precious times. Have a wonderful Christmas season filled with our Savior's love. See some of you soon.

Love, Val

Justin's Moved!

12/11/06

HowdyFirst news first to tell yall that I am getting transfered tomorrow. It is just so hard leaving all the people i've grown to love so closely here, including those we've taught and yet to teach as well. We never did get any of our baptisms, and that was really too bad, but it's all good and i am now just curious where they wish to send me and with who. Well i had a really hard time saying goodbye to the families and never did get to say goodbye to any investigators, but they will come to the lord hopefully.

As for the poem for the week.
Well, It's time to say goodbye to Frisco
And hello to where?
I just don't know
The time passes ever so fast
What is future soon becomes past
You must take hold of the time at hand
Or it will just slip through as if grains of sand
The present is prescious and as should be treated so
Cuz in just a glance, it will come and go
Farewell to loved friends and families
Some changes made, do not come with ease
But look forward to all that is to be
And all you've experienced will strengthen thee
Two steps forward as I have learned
Being able to move on, is something earned
All that's been gained, keep that in heart
And you will find, you've done your part
As you move forward, learn and teach
And many boundaries you will breach
Change can be good or bad for some
But what's important are things to come

Keep in mind all the future that is always looked forward too and you'll find it shall be difficult at time as i have found, but with an eye steadfast on what truly matters then you shall be comforted and never be alone in you changes. I love yall so very much i can't express it in any ways over email, but i know that you can feel it always. Keep thy spirit with you and remember what's truly important in this life.

12/12/06
Transfers were this morning and i have now left frisco. Goodbye Frisco.... Hello.............. CANTON, TX!!! Canton is out near Tyler, which is the zone. It is actually the area called Wills Point Area, but we live in canton. It's out east and small towns. My new companion is Elder Spencer Meeks from Oregon, and he's been out 10.5 months now. Well the new area covers towns called Canton, Wills Point, Myrtle Springs, etc... and many other small towns. It's a whole lot of nothing out here. But it's great to experience new places, so far anyway. I am in a car area, so have yet to even use my bike

So yall have it and send me lots of presents, well all I really want for christmas is support. All financially, emotionally, and especially spiritually. Yall ready for the new address...

1570 South Buffalo #7B
Canton, TX 75103

There yall go and that's home sweet home for the next six weeks. I love yall so much and hope all is well. Send my love to all and sorry, but no poem today cuz it's not pday and i'm just writing to inform you of the transfer.

Well I love ya tons and gotta go, so talk to ya monday.

Denny Family Christmas Party update

Hello Everyone,
Drapers, you have been in our thoughts and prayers as we realize your loss. Grandpa Olsen was a good grandpa, always kind and a big tease if I remember right. Much like our own Grandpa Denny.

I have talked to some of the other siblings that were planning on coming to the DFC party and we wondered if it might be best to change the day of the party. If it is possible to include the Drapers I think we should. (I did not get a hold of Janet and Jon so I don't know of your plans.) For those I talked to I came up with a couple possible changes that may work. I thought if we put it out here, the rest of you could comment and then we will make a decision. It will probably be impossible to find a date that will work for all, but I will try, and then go with the majority.

Here are some ideas:
1. Same date and time
2. Sunday December 17th
3. Friday December 29th

If a day works for you put a suggestion for a time. Anytime would be fine for us.

We will decide early Thursday so we can get on with the plans.

Thanks. Val

Dear Family,
Today we are receiving the first steady snowfall, and as I type this letter in the warm library, it is 31 degrees outside and snow is falling and covering the ground! I hope it stays, as I love when there's snow on the ground, although most people don't. Transfers were the 5th of December, and Elder Jones was transferred out of Weirton. I will miss him as he was fun to be around. The crazy thing is that right before he left, on Sunday we ate dinner at a members house with all four of us, and he was driving our car back home, and took a corner going too fast, went up a little hillside on accident, and broke the front axle of our car! So now we have their old car, and they received an even older car at transfers. President wasn't too happy about it either, and that's why we shouldn't change the driver of our assigned vehicle. Luckily none of us were hurt, and we weren't far from the member's house that we ate at, so we were able to get his help. It's probably the craziest thing that's happened this week, but we learned from it. An expensive lesson, but sometimes it takes that.
In good news, we received a new Elder to replace Elder Jones. His name is Elder Price, and he is from Sandy, Utah. He has been out 17 months, and he seems like a great missionary.
As far as things I need, maybe two pairs of slacks (the ones I came out with fit better than they did when I first came out, but they are still tight). Probably the kind of slacks with the elastic expandable waist would be best, especially for the holidays! Other than that, you already do so much in the way of prayers, letters, and the occasional package. I will try to think of other stuff that I need in next weeks letter. I definitely have all I need to stay warm.
The work is going great, and I have been called as District Leader over my district to replace Elder Jones. President Francis moved the District Leader over to me, and I accepted the calling. I am nervous, but also excited to lead my District and help them be more successful in their efforts to teach and baptize people. I didn't expect the calling, but I will never turn down a calling, and I have a great district to lead. Send my love to Grandpa Denny, as well as to Grandma Norma, and Grandpa andGrandma Ostler and Grandpa Allen and his new wife. I will pray for Grandpa Denny, and I hope he is able to recover from his knee injury and with the Lord's help decide if surgery is the right thing to have done. Thank you so much again for the great support you all have been for me and will always be. I wonder what everyone is up to sometimes, and sometimes you're even in my dreams, so I am definitely thinking about you, and am grateful for your love and prayers. I hope you have a great week, and enjoy the countdown to Christmas, and remember the reason for the season.
Love, Elder Andrew Ostler

Thanks

We just wanted to let the family know that our Grandpa Olsen passed away peacefully last night. We are thankful for the thoughts and prayers from everyone on our behalf. We love you all.

Happy. Happy. Happy. Happy. Happy. Happy.

Somehow our family just keeps getting older! But, it sure beats the alternative. Today we're celebrating times two! One birthday girl doesn't look a day over 45, but is actually Denny sibling number ONE. Today she'll spend her day shaping fourth graders into respectful, intelligent, responsible citizens. (Which really is the very honorable job that Teachers do.) And just perhaps a tab bit of blogging. A tad bit? NOT. Followed I hope by a big giant slice of full sugar cake. Go for it Kalyn. It is YOUR day afterall. We love you Kalyn. Have a wonderful birthday.

As for our other birthday girl. She'll likely spend her day shaping two little ones into respectful, intelligent and responsible citizens as well. Only she doesn't get paid in dollars. (Actually Kalyn might not get paid in dollars either, don't they pay Teachers in pesos in Utah? Shameful.) I'm sure Tori will also spend her day doing a fair amount of chasing, diaper changing, cooking, more chasing, and yes, more diaper changing. I hope you pause long enough to eat a big slice of cake and to know how lucky we are to have you in this family. We love you Tori. Have a wonderful birthday.

Draper Update

We just wanted to let the family know that our Grandpa Olsen has been sick for a little while and a few days ago suffered a massive stroke. He cannot eat or swallow. He is going to be transported home to Payson tomorrow. If you would, please remember our Grandpa and Grandma Olsen in your prayers. We love you all.

Another Birthday Today.

Somebody in this picture is having a birthday today. Can anybody guess who? This person is very smart. This person is very cute. This person is very blonde. And this person is one year older today. That didn't narrow it down at all did it? Happy Birthday __________. Have a wonderful day. We love you.

I'M TOO SEXY FOR MY DIAPER!!

Justin's Letter, Dec 3

Para mi familia,
No don't get your hopes up cuz there's no way i'm going to even attempt writing this in spanish. My spanish is improving, but mainly on the understanding not speaking, sorry. It is coming along though. GUESS WHAT!!!!! YOU"RE NEVER GOING TO BELIEVE THIS!!!! IT SNOWED!!! no joke on thursday we got tons of snow, at least for texas. Make sure you tell the garcias. All yall that had such little faith and said i would never see it. I have seen it and took some video on you may get it soon if you haven't already. We built a snowman, it was only the size of my fist, but still it's a snowman. It was so awesome. We set up our christmas tree and it's kinda bare underneath, but that's alright. So I hear you are talking to the lotts alot about the haps here and they are such an awesome family. I have pix to send ya, but they won't get out until later. She could probably email ya some. Well that was the definite up to this week and that's only the tip of the snowbank, cuz we got SNOW!!!! On the 1st and 2nd we had the frisco nativity and it was awesome, there were 501 nativities set up in the gym and even a live one inside with a mary and joseph. And outside a live one with Mary, Joseph, Angels, Wisemen and Shepherd. It was so cool. There were performances all day and it brought so many nonmembers in to see what we had done and how we celebrate christ. It's hard to see how many out here feel that we aren't christian and don't believe in christ. Life of the mormons is way different outside of utah.

So tonight we have some numbers to report to president. 4 BAPTISM DATES!!! FOUR!!! So awesome and we will get those to him. We are planning on Steve Warner, The Buccambuso Girls, and The DeYoung girls. It's so awesome I am totally a very blessed greeny with all the success that we are having here in frisco, plus the member work is starting to shoot off the charts. The best referrals are from the saints, keep that in mind. I hope yall like the package i sent home, thought you might enjoy that, and the pix on the card as well, especially the Longhorns and Santa and the "Honk if you love Jesus". Elder Cranford and I stood on the street for only an hour and a half and got 301 honks. It was so much fun to see everyone smile and laugh and really remember the reason for the season. One guy who had his window down and didn't honk, i yelled back as he passed, " HE STILL LOVES YOU!" Man it was a blast Well transfers are coming up soon, It's so amazing that i've already been out for 8 weeks almost. I wish it would slow down cuz it's going to fly by too fast. I am pretty sure that elder greiner and i will both stay here for one more transfer. But it's whatever the president feels from the lord is the best place to put us. Well yesterday was the christmas devotional. I hope yall watched it somewhere, it was awesome. I loved pres. faust talk and the story he told of anonymous service is the service to god. Yall will have to look it up if you didn't hear it. Well let me give yall my poem of the week:
Yall have seen how it snows in Utah And know the feeling of cold
Thinking you understand the meaning of ice Just come on out to Texas and then you'll get told
We had a blizzard, okay it was light But the snow is not what makes you shiver
It's the humid air that freezes to your body And burns you down to your liver
The wind chill here is beyond freezing And just eats right through your skin
But being from there helps me out tons Cuz where i've lived, cold there's been
Now my comp is from california And he always thinks he's going to freeze
He has to put on his snow gear When it's just 50, with a slight breeze
The weather out here is somewhat like home And has made this season glow within
This is by far my favorite time of year The birth of him without sin

Well that was pretty good if i do say so myself. As for christmas here, the lights are just amazing. Plus frisco is really rich area and they just go all out at any chance they have to put up lights. And mom, I haven't seen any luminarias here at all, how sad, but i'll keep my eyes peeled. No one here is quite that humble if ya know what i mean. There is this one house that has his lights set up to a radio frequency and when it plays a song it dances to the music, SWEET!! Love yall so very much and wish you the merriest christmas ever. Elder Denny