The Stouffer Birthdays Continue!

It's a pretty rare two days when I can use the same photo and just move the little lighting effect to a different face. But, today is a rare day: It's the day Carl was born (and boy are we glad you were!). We hope the Stouffer birthday celebrating just continues in full force! We love you Carl. Have a great day.

AMANDA!

Amanda! We need another picture of you! Help us out! In fact, send me your email address so I can add you as an author. We need updates. We need pictures. We need news from your world. In the meantime, have a WONDERFUL birthday. We love you.

Happy Birthday Rand(and Thanks for All the Birthday Posts!)

Today we celebrate the birthday of the person who started one of the best Denny Family birthday traditions ever: leaving birthday wishes on the blog! Happy birthday Rand; you are one of the most loving and generous brothers anyone could ever wish for. We Love You lots.

Hay you guyzez!

Itz me. Dhomas. I jus wan-ned to let yew NO! thaat t'day is my Momzez birfday. So be shure to mayk hur a kayk. I lyke choklut...I meen, my mom likz choklut. I luv yew mom!. Hapee Birfday.

Extended Denny Family Christmas Party - Please RSVP with a comment on this post!

Denny Family Christmas Party
Friday December 26

Starts at 4:00 P.M. and lasts
as long as people want to stay.
American Legion Hall
50 West 200 South Bountiful
(North side of street)
(West of Curt Vernon Insurance)

The "older" generation family members will provide ham, turkey, rolls, sandwich fixings, drinks, and tableware. (Coordinate with Kalyn if you want an assignment.)

"Younger" generation family members, please bring either a salad, side dish, chips, or cookies to share.

Update #1
I didn't see the comments on the earlier post about re-gift white elephant gifts, but I love the idea. We will have three categories: Kids, Youngish Adults, Young at Heart but Old Adults

It's optional, but if you want to participate bring a white elephant re-gift for your age category.

Update #2
Who's Coming to the Party:
(Grandpa and Norma?)
Kalyn
Alyson
Mark, Lisa Travis and Justin
Kristen and Shane
Dave and Amy
Aaron and Amee
Nate and Sarah
Stuart and Jessica
Pam and Kelly
Sandee and Clayton, Jennica
Kara, Tim, Cooper, Sophie
Nicole, Ben, Laynee
Jon, Val, Kate, Livvy, Emma, Ethan, Mitchell
(Jake? Andrew, Sarah, and Mary Jade?)
Kent, Tori, Austin, Brayden, Kayla
Emily, Bryan, Taylor, Jessie, Lexi, Kelcie
Erin, Lauren, Morgan
Becca, Ryan, Jaxon, Hudson
(Rand, Bradley, Hannah, Gunther? Update: probably not)
Janet and Jon
Darren, Angee, Kenzie, Mason, Rylie, Camry, and Sadee
Josh and Brooke
Heather, Danen, and Bridger

(RSVP on this post if you're coming and I'll add your name to the list.

Addresses for Christmas Cards

Yes, of course I do realize that Christmas cards are so 1999, but I still like cards that come in the mail better than e-cards any day. I'd like to send calendars to everyone who isn't going to be at the family Christmas party, but I'm not sure if I have all the addresses, especially for second generation Dennys.

If you're not going to be at the party, and think I may not have your address, will you please send me an e-mail with your current address (kalynskitchen AT comcast DOT net) or leave it as a comment on this post.

THANKS!

Just wanted to let you all know that we are having another boy! I think Thomas will love having a little brother to play with/pick on. Here are a few shots of the little guy.

Here's his cute li'l bum sticking up in the air.

And here he is waving hello.

We're thrilled and feel so blessed!

Updates from Marine Boot Camp

Hi Family:
We got mail from Matt. If you'd like to be on our email list, let me know by replying with your email address. Otherwise, you can periodically read how he is doing.... which is great, hard times, but the changes are already apparent! (This time I'm posting quite a bit, but usually I won't, you'll have to get on the email list because it's a lot of re-writing! His letters are hand-written on different little papers and shoved in an envelope.)

Here's a few of the highlights:

**I have 66 guys in my platoon and half of us are sick. I have bronchitis, one day in medical.

**This is the hardest thing I've ever done. You can't breathe wrong, touch your face, relax, talk out of turn, nothing! If you get told to do something, you do it loud and fast and vicious or else you pay for it.

**I forget there is a world out there until we march towards the San Diego skyline and there are people living normal lives that don't get yelled at all day. I have no voice, none of us do, we yell all day as loud as possible.

**I prayed a lot asking for good health and I woke up feeling better.

**Last night we experienced a drill instructor hurricane - they emptied our bags, our foot lockers, took our blankets off our bed and locked our combination locks together and ripped our names off so we had to try every lock till we found ours. Good times.

**I am the prayer leader of us. There are 4 LDS in my platoon.

**Oh and I have lost 16 pounds already and feel great. It's all mental here.

**Everyone calls me the cookie monster because of my voice. I hardly have one.

**I am the witch doctor. I wrap ankles, deal with blisters, and deal with all the other small injuries. (He worked with a trainer on the LHS basketball team.)

**I am sore evey night and day, and as soon as lights are off, I pass out. It is taking every thing I have and even some I didn't know I had. But I keep remembering what I am doing it for.

**A cool thing is we lay in bed at 2100 hours at attention and during taps we remember those who have fallen before us. It's pretty cool.

**I have become closer with God. I pray 3-4 times a day.

**Give my address to everyone cause mail call is the BEST time of the day.

**Remember when the SDI said you could send stuff? well you have to send 75 of it cuz there has to be enough for everyone plus the leaders.

**Being at church is a great feeling. It's the only time of the week I feel at peace. As soon as I walk in I can feel the spirit strong.

**Boot camp is very straining on the body and mind, I will be sore until I die.

**Oh and I am the only one who comes from a good stable income and home. most of the guys have a rough life. so thanks mom and dad.

Elder Ostler

Dear family, Dec 8th and 15th 2008

This new place is great and there is lots to be done. We have had an excellent week we found 9 new people to teach altogether. There is a lot of little towns to cover so we have a car but we bike almost every day too. Elder Harmon is from Twin falls ID. We get along well and have been working good and having fun at the same time. I am in southern IL and it is right by Southern IL University. We have the best ward mission leader that I have ever had, he helps us out so much and is really cool. The ward is great and there is a lot of cool places near by.

The member we live with is Sister Linda Schack who is a little older and is a really nice lady. We got to help set up her Christmas tree and decorate it. She is not too much of a talker but a very sweet lady. It has been a little icy and a bigger storm is coming tonight. I can't wait for it to come. Could you send me stamps and envelopes.

With love, Elder Ostler

BEST. BIRTHDAY. EVER.

Even though I have to admit that turning sixty (60!) was a bit daunting, I had a fantastic birthday. Thanks to everyone who took time to send birthday wishes of various types, and especially to Val and the rest of the Ostlers, who sent the postcards above with "60 Things We Love About Aunt Kalyn."

I wrote a post on Kalyn's Kitchen about Sixty Things I've Learned in Sixty Years. One of them was #27: Not everything about getting older is enjoyable, but it beats the alternative! Another good one was #34: It really is possible to become great friends with your brothers and sisters.

It's a ......

BOY!

I know Ryan and I said we were going to keep it a surprise but right as I pulled into the hospital parking lot, I received a text from Ryan that said, "just find out what it is for me". I asked the ultrasound lady if she could take a picture of the baby and write the sex on it. She then folded the picture up and stuck it in an envelope. I called Ryan and we discussed it for a while, then I opened it. I cried but I'm over it now and very excited. Ryan was way excited saying, "3 for 3"!

Visitors?

I just wanted to through out to any siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, etc. who might be coming or planning to come to Utah for the holidays. Amy and I have two empty rooms and if any need a place to call home during the holidays, they're available.
If you're in need or interested, call us. home - 801-544-5404 or Cell - 801-430-4602
we love you all and look forward to a great Holiday season.
Dave and Amy

MATT WROTE.....FINALLY!!!!

Well, not really wrote, but sort of. We got a form letter with the following:

"I have arrived at MCRD San Diego and have been placed in my training platoon. I am fine and in good health. While here at recruit training I am not allowed to receive certains items such as vitamins, alcohol, gambling devices, tobacco products, and combustibles; however I am allowed to have healthy items such as power bars, beef jerky, vitamin C. Please do not send any packages with cookies, candy, socks, or underwear. Also no medicine can be sent under any circumstances. While here at recruit training I will not need you to send money; I earn enough to cover all expenses that will occur while going through day-to-day training. I apologize this letter is short but in the beginning we are somewhat pressed for time. I promise to write later. I plan to graduate on Feb 27th. Here is my address:

RECRUIT DENNY MA
2nd Bn Echo Co Plt. 2109
36001 Midway Ave.
San Diego, CA 92140-2109

*************************

There was also a form letter from his drill instructor who said the 13 weeks are broken down into 3 parts...

Part 1: physical training, close order drill, water survival, military life introduction, marine corps history, first aid, military customs, courtesies and law will all be taught at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD - next to the San Diego Airport)

Part 2: rifle marksmanship and field skills training at Camp Pendleton

Part 3: (back at MCRD) swimming qualifications, maintenance week, final tests, administrative procedures and duty preparation.

"....again I assure you that your young man is in good hands. This rigorous training cycle will test him both physically and mentally. He will face many obstacles and will experience periods of frustration, especially during the first phase. Positive and encouraging letters from relatives and friends will greatly contribute to his morale and attitude. High morale and attitude are assets for a solid foundation and a successful training."


Okay all you loved ones - WRITE HIM!!!!! I'm sure this is even beyond our understanding of hard, so he needs our support. I know many of you have been praying for him, and we really appreciate that, but now he needs our letters and words of encouragement. Wouldn't it be fun if he set a new record of mail received and graduated with a reputation of having the most amazing support group ever???!!!! Wouldn't it be great if the mail guys got really sick of seeing his name?????

Please just send letters. Even though it sounded like healthy things are allowed, his recruit sargent said they don't often get the stuff. Thanks! If you'll be around for the Denny Family Christmas party, I'll have a pillowcase for everyone to sign. If you won't be there - but you want me to add your name, let me know!

Thanks and we love all ya'll!

LISA

P.S. I read the other day this translation of Texanese:
ya'll is singular
all ya'll is plural
all ya'lls is plural possessive

Elder Ostler Address Correction

Dear Family,

Ben mistakingly gave us the wrong zipcode on his new address. He wrote yesterday and corrected it so I wanted to pass it on to you all. Thanks for your support of him. Here is the address with the correct zipcode.
Love, Val

Elder Ben Ostler
1320 Maple St.
Murphysboro, IL 62966

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KALYN!!!!

This is a song, so when you read this.... make sure ya'll sing it!

(Performed by Julie Andrews when she turned 69, so some don't quite
apply to you yet, but it's still funny)

SING TO THE TUNE OF "MY FAVORITE THINGS"

Botox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walker and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Cadillacs and cataracts, hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and false in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and (new) porches with swings,
These are a few of my favorite things.

When the pipes leak, When the bones creak
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad.

Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Back pain, confused brains and no need for sinnin,
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin,
And we won't mention our short shrunken frames,
When we remember our favorite things.

When the joints ache, When the hips break,
When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I've had,
AND THEN I DON'T FEEL SO BAD!

****
We love you K!

Wow! Look who also has a birthday today!

I know that it is hard to believe that Tori is a year older...she is so totally NOT aging!!!

We love you Tori and hope you have an absolutely wonderful birthday!!!

60? But you have the braces of a 13-year old!

Unbelievable. Thanks Kalyn for 60 years of love, support, kindness, wisdom, deliciousness, direction, companionship, caretaking, compassion, discussion, openness, thoughtfulness, giving, and growth. Happy. Happy. Happy. Happy. Birthday! We love you Kalyn.
PS: Everyone go HERE to leave your birthday wishes for Kalyn. I want to see at least 100 comments from the Denny family on Kalyn's Kitchen.

Look who is all grown up...well sort of.

Somebody in this big, gigantic, growing, family is a year older, a year smarter, a year cuter, a year kinder, a year wiser, a year taller, a year more experienced, a year more talented, and a year more LOVED by all of us. Happy Birthday Taylor. We love you.

Elder Ostler moved

Date: Mon, 1 Dec 2008

Dear family,


The snow has made it to Fulton, just a tiny bit but it has been great winter is here. The other day I found out that I will be getting transferred. I have been in Fulton for 6 months. The place and new adventure will be in Murphysboro IL. I will miss the area of Fulton and the people here but am excited to see more country. It will be great for a change because then I will be able to grow even more and to face different trials. I am excited to meet my new comp Elder Harmon there. I don't know what is in store but it will be fun I can let you know that. This is a great area and it was a privilege to be here and to help Heavenly father out over in Fulton. Here is my new address


Elder Ben Ostler
1320 Maple St.
Murphysboro IL, 62926


with love, Elder Ostler

Happy Happy Happy Happy Happy Happy Happy

Birthday Pam! Here I am at the office with no pictures! Can anybody help me out? We're so lucky to have you in our family. You're such a good caretaker, and an amazing sister, and a wonderful mom, and a great aunt, and a spunky grandma, and on and on and on. We love you Pam, and hope you have a wonderful day!

Here's the plan for today:

In honor of Becca's birthday, I'd like everyone to make their best attempt at: FOLDING YOUR EAR INSIDE OF ITSELF. Now, I don't recommend just twisting and tucking it in immediately, take it slowly and gently (we don't want any broken ears...is that possible?). Unfortunately I don't have a picture to show you how it's done. Becca? Do you have one? Anyway, happy ear folding everyone and a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you Becca. We love you. 

Thank you all

This is Matt posting, i couldnt sign in as mine for some reason rand.

but i just wanted to thank you all for your support and love, it really means alot, i will be out of contact as of 5pm sunday, but you are welcome to come to my swearing in on monday morning at 9 ish, call my parents if you need the info...thanks again to all and love peace dont die

Mo and Lo go BOWLING!!

Morgan had to pick out a different color ball each time it was her turn to bowl.




She is very particular about the position her ball could be in on the stand. She had to line up the finger holes each time until they were just right.

Once the ball was lined up correctly, she would leave the ball on top of the stand...






She would go back about 10 feet....

Get a running start...














... and then push the ball as hard as she could.

FYI: It is apparently very important to stand on one foot like a flamingo in order to get the ball to go "Super Fast"


Lauren did not want any help carrying her ball to the lane...
I was sure she would drop it on her foot...




She would RUN the ball to the ball stand ....







...and throw it on and push it as hard as she could







She would then watch to see how many pins she knocked down.







Note the score...
Morgan had 2 strikes and 1 spare
Lauren (or as the 16 year old employee spelled it "LARAN") wasn't as lucky with only 1 spare.

Both, however, beat my sister Kari!! (to Kari's credit, she was the only one who bowled without bumpers)

Sleepover at Aunt Aly's House

Last night I had Sophie, Cooper, and Kara over for a sleepover. We went to dinner at Noodles & Co., rented a movie, built a fort, played some nintendo, and ate lots of treats!!

Sophie and Cooper posing inside the fort. We were going to put up my tent for the chillins' to sleep in, but it was slightly too big for my bedroom. Maybe if it wasn't ice on my main floor we would have done it down there. The fort was still super fun though.

Playing some nintendo....Kara definitely needs to work on her nintendo skills. Mine, of course, were amazing!!!! (Okay, not really. I need to work on mine as well.)

Kara eating some treats. What's a sleepover without potato chips and cream cheese dip?

Sophie and Cooper watching "The Last Unicorn" inside the fort. They had to watch their movie on the small laptop while we watched ours on the big screen. Cooper did manage to make the movie full screen all by himself. He surprises us everyday!

Elder O's Thanksgiving

Dear family, Nov 24, 08 The

Thanksgiving Holiday is just around the corner. I almost can’t believe it. Before you know it we will be stuffed plump and be about ready to explode. But I want to let you all know how much I love you and am thankful for you to be my family. I always tell people how great you are and how lucky I am to be apart of the family. I haven't done a list to be thankful for on my mission, but this year I am going to make one.

My week was too fast, it didn't even seem like a whole day. We found a new investigator named Justin and one named Jose that was a member referral. Also we got to visit someone in the county jail which I liked too. I have so much to be thankful for I could go on for hours. This year we are going to the White family’s house, which will be really fun. Then we are going to work in the soup kitchen and serve others and help them have a good Thanksgiving. I am very excited to help out giving others Thanksgiving and can't wait to get messy and have fun and meet new people.

With love, Elder Ostler

A United States Marine!! We couldn't be prouder!!

Can you tell which one has the Marine haircut? Yup, you guessed it the handsome one on the left. I must have paid them to get all three smiles. jk Three Brothers, best friends.
Next monday morning about 9:30 Matt will be officially sworn in as a United States Marine!! We couldn't be prouder of you Matt and your decision to serve your Country, and us as your family in the Marines. It's been a long wait, as he wanted to spend time with Justin before he leaves for Basic Training in San Diego next week. He's worked hard, lost 25 lbs. and replaced it with muscle. I always thought I was tougher, what Dad doesn't? Not any more!

He had an unofficial swearing in about 4 months ago. His Mother cried. Happy, proud tears.

A few random shots I found to remind you all how handsome he is, even with a broken nose. Why wouldn't he be, he's my Son!

Brown hair one day and blonde the next. Who cares if you can be in the picture with this babe.

Am I cool or what? On his way to a Basketball Exhibition.

Three generations of handsome Denny Boys!! Especially Grandpa. What an infectious smile!

When will the Wedding be over? We are soooo sleepy.

Matt and Sargeant Estrada, his Recruiting Officer, and a fine young man I might add. He has been to our house for dinner and is coming again Sunday.

Whatever!! A cowboy shirt, bermuda shorts, cowboy boots, and a mohawk? I must be too old cuz I don't get it. Off to Studio 600 for a night of Country Dancing. And by the way, he is a dang good dancer, just ask Ashley.

One of the things he does best. He truly loves the children. Especially these two, Daniela and Angela, in Mexico. He just gave them the Tigger and Pooh Bear, but who's really enjoying it the most? There's that smile again. The nursery kids cried in our old ward when Matt moved.

Grandma's House in New Mexico. They all really love their Grandma. Who doesn't?

Off to the MTC. He was sure proud of his younger brother. Kinda hard to say goodbye though.

31 degrees and snowing outside. I scolded him for taking off his shoes and socks. Then I saw the little dirty faced girl standing outside the trailer in the dirt and the mud. Her little bare feet had his socks on, all the way to her knees, so she could be warm. Unconditional love. Thanks Son, you have always been a great example of charity to me. Don't ever lose that gift.

Kind of a wannabe cowboy. Cornfield in the background. John Deere Tractor. OK, lawnmower. Cowboy hat. That's my boy!! He would argue that I made him wear the hat, but he was really lovin it!! All except the mowing the lawn part.

Look at that face!! Matt just gave her his Bunny, and she wasn't going to let go!! " Thanks Matt, I love you, can be friends forever!!" This picture is on his bedroom wall.

Runnin the Vactor with Bart. We have missed him around Twin D since he left.

Why cant't I get enough sleep? I went to bed at 2:00 It's not that late!!

Denny Family Campout 2006' It doesn't get any better than this!!

Welcome home Elder Denny. I admit, two years is a long time. A sweet reunion.

Matt invited us to the Healing Field exhibit on 9/11. A flag for every life that was lost on 9/11. Also one for every soldier who has died serving his or her country since then. God bless them all, and those that remember them.

And why do you want to be A Marine Matt? " So others may live."

"One Nation under God, with Liberty and Justice for all."


We love you Son, you have already made us proud. Be safe, say your prayers, and serve well.

Love always, Dad, Mother , Justin, and Travis.

Howell Deer hunt (Sheridan) 2008

We had a very successful hunt this year in Sheridan. It was Brandon's first deer hunt and he got a very nice white tail buck. We had a blast just being together...we shot all three deer the same day on the same farm, so we had a few days to just play together after all the work was done.


Love you all,

Janet