Saturday, March 31, 2007

Happy Birthday Taylor!!! (Yesterday)


Doesn't that cake look good on her! Her first birthday and she loved every minute of it.
We love you Taylor! Happy birthday!

Friday, March 30, 2007

News from Andrew (March 29, 2007)

>Dear Family,
>
>The weather in the last few days has been awesome, staying in the 60's and 70's all day! I have heard that we are going to get some colder weather soon, but I don't mind a few days of cold after nice weather like this.
>
>I am very excited for conference this weekend, to hear from the general authorities of the church. I always learn a lot from them, although sometimes it is a lot to take in all at once, which is why I'm grateful for notes and for the Ensign with all of the talks in it.
>
>We are continuing to do well in our missionary work here in Franklin. Yesterday, we went with Bishop to teach a less-active family from Georgia the missionary lessons over again. They were sealed in the temple and very active in Georgia, but when they moved to Franklin they have not been very active. It's hard for the mom, because she works two jobs now and a lot of hours in each one. She has a good testimony of the church and the kids have good testimonies as well, it's just a matter of helping them rekindle those testimonies and remember how going to church and participating blessed their lives. Their grandma is not a member and has been taught by the missionaries in the past, so we are hopefully going to start re-teaching her and see if she is still interested in being baptized, because I guess she had a date in the past.
>
>Bishop Butler came up with a great idea to get a lot of referrals for us, and I think it has the potential to do really well. On April 7th, he is holding a fireside where he will be showing the movie "The Testaments" at the church. He printed out flyers and is having us and the members hand them out, and having them invite their friends to the fireside. After he shows the movie, we will talk to everyone about where we get the Book of Mormon from and offer those who don't have a copy to take one and read it. We are excited about it and are really looking forward to it.
>
>It is definitely an emotional roller coaster at times out here on the mission. In this area especially, I have felt the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows. It has been hard at times, and it was especially hard with Sam's decision, but the one thing that got me through it was prayer. Heavenly Father helped me to be at peace with the whole situation after I prayed and fasted very earnestly for Him to help me no matter what her final decision was. Prayer is such a wonderful gift from our Father in heaven and I know that without it I would not be where I am today. Our Father gives us everything, and all he asks of us is to align our will with His, which will bring us eternal happiness. It may seem hard at times to do what He asks, but when you think about it and understand that He is perfect and always knows what is best for us, it makes it much easier to obey Him. I love my Father in heaven, and I know He loves me unconditionally, just like he loves all of His children. I am grateful to have that knowledge, and share it with others.
>
>I love all of you as well and am grateful you all have the gospel in your lives. I'm grateful that I was raised in the gospel and learned it from my youth. I hope all of you have a great conference weekend and enjoy the words of the Prophets!
>
>Love,
>
>Andrew

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Just look at that face!

That is the face of somebody that wants to skip the oatmeal for breakfast and go straight to the CAKE. And instead of a nap, how about we open some presents. Presents all with MY NAME on them. And let's fill the house with balloons. And crape paper. And no chores today. Unless you count blowing out a whole cake full of candles and making a wish. Yes, the cake will have more candles than it did when that picture was taken, but we hope your birthday is no less exciting. We love you Ayesha. Have a wonderful birthday.

Jake. Jake. Jake.


No studying today. No arranging books. No Dewey Decimal system. No cramming. No writing papers. No getting up early. No staying up late. No punching a time clock. No dozing off in class. No going to class. Today is your day Jake Jake Jake. And today is all about cake cake cake. Have a wonderful birthday Jacob. We love you.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Happy Birthday LISA!


Look who is having a birthday. What are you Lis...34? You look FABULOUS. But, even more importantly you ARE FABULOUS. And by fabulous I mean kind to everyone, generous in spirit and means, an amazing listener, compassionate always, and an amazing person from the inside out. We're so lucky to have you in this family. Have a WONDERFUL birthday Lisa. We love you.

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Andrew's letter (March 22)

Dear Family,

The weather here is beautiful today! Our car thermometer says 66 degrees, and
Elder Croff and I are not complaining one bit! It is nice and sunny and
everyone is thinking spring is finally here to stay.

That would be fun to go to Maryland. I wish I could come, but I guess right now
my calling is still here, and I am glad about that.

Mildred Cipra is definitely doing much better, and next time we go see her, we
are planning on setting a baptismal date again with her. She had some issues,
but I don't think that they're going to be hard to overcome. Prayer has
definitely helped and we are very hopeful to see her with a date very soon.

Sam doesn't have a date anymore, but she loves church and is continuing to come
and meet with us. She heard some anti-Mormon stuff that we can't convince her
is not true, so she doesn't have a date for right now. We still see her, and it
hasn't affected the respect or friendship that we have for each other.

Shirley Winkler in Oil City is not progressing anymore either, because she just
won't commit to anything and we can't get her out to church. We are not giving
up on her by any means, but we will continue to try and commit her to church and
living the commandments as we continue to teach her.

The work has been going good here lately. Bishop Butler has been starting to
implement the set a date program with some of the members, and we have already
seen a few referrals from it. We haven't been able to contact any of the
referrals yet, but we will be seeing some of them in probably the next few days,
and we are excited to see them have a chance to receive the gospel.

With this weather, more people will be out and so we will be able to have more
success and talk to more people, so we're excited for the upcoming weeks. My
guess and hunch is that I'll be staying in Franklin for at least one more
transfer after this one, if not more than that, and I am very excited to
continue to serve here. The next potential transfer day is April 10th, but we
had interviews yesterday, and I asked him if I was going to stay in Franklin,
and he said that I would probably be there a long time. I love it here, and
love serving with Elder Croff, a great missionary.

I have high hopes for the month of April, that we will at least be able to get
one baptism, if not more, depending on who we find, and I love serving the Lord
everyday. I am so happy and I love each day that I have to be a missionary. I
hope everything continues to go well back home, and the warm weather continues
to stay. I love all of you and wish you the best.

Love,

Andrew

Happy Day Elizabeth!


How about a Pizza Bomb with a candle in it? Doesn't that sound like the perfect way for somebody who is in Rexburg, Idaho to celebrate their birthday? Of course, you'd need a little cake and ice-cream after to make it official. And lastly, NO STUDYING today. Your birthday only comes around once a year...studying is FOREVER. Happy Birthday Elizabeth! We love you.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Draper Picture Update

Enjoy the pictures. I know I enjoy taking them. :)


"2 weeks old"

"So Tiny"

"Little Squishy"

"Cam-kid"

"Sisters"

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

hello? is somebody out there? this is me. we've got another update on stuart. he'll be speaking in our ward on April 15, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. I know that's very early and although we'd love to see everyone, we full understand if you cannot make it and we'll still love ya. we are planning to stay to the entire block and go to our home for mass quantities of food afterwards. if any of you would like to stay the entire block with us, you're welcome to, otherwise our home will be open and you can return to our house. we appreciate all you do to support our family.
love ya, Dave Dennys

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

I thought it was finally time for my semi-annual post on the blog. we just got stuarts travel itinerary for coming home. he gets home on April 11 at 3:50 p.m. . in case anyone might be counting, that's 22 days! we don't know yet when he might be speaking in church, but we'll let you know as i'm sure a get to gether is in order and he'll love to see as many of you can make it.
my only fear is that i won't get his room remodeled before he gets home and then I'll be in trouble for procrastinating. but then, as many of you know well, i have been in trouble before.
the other news we have is that Brayden had his final interview with the Stake President last sunday and now officially has his papers in. He should get his call in a couple weeks and we might even have to do another post. who knows' I could start a trend. our married kids are doing fine and we love them all.

love ya all, Dave, Amy, and all

Sunday, March 18, 2007

McClelland Update

Hey! Just thought we'd post a little update since you haven't heard from us in awhile. We are doing well and hangin' in there until the little guy is born. Just under 3 months to go! Yea!

Here's a belly shot we took yesterday in case anyone is interested. Just for the record...I don't feel as big as I look - when I saw this picture, I hadn't realized just how big I had become...but hey, it's for such a great cause! :)

Also wanted to give a shout out to D and Ang for their beautiful addition...we voted for Sadie too! What a cutie!

Life in Ohio is great and for any of you following the NCAA tournament - GO BUCKS!

Saturday, March 17, 2007

Today is the day.

Today is the day that a little blonde girl
will jump from her bed and exclaim with a twirl
"I spent half the night trying to think up my wish
and for dinner we'll probably have my favorite dish.
I'm guessing there will be some balloons I can pop
and we'll sing, and we'll play, and have fun non-stop
and with all the lights off you know what we'll see
a cake topped with writing that says Happy Birthday Kelcie! That's me!"

Happy Birthday Kelcie! We love you. PS: Don't forget to wear GREEN!

Friday, March 16, 2007

Torsell's





Ryan has been busy working on his Pinewood Derby car for the big race tonight. I made a bubble gum cake to auction off at the event. Jaxon is just happy to be getting into anything he can and he loves driving any kind of vehicle. WATCH OUT!! We are also looking forward to the middle of April for the ultrasound on the upcoming baby!

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Another thing you don't know about Heather

Heath can cook and sew. Isn't she amazing? Her mom must be amazing as well.

Monday, March 12, 2007

Happy Birthday Norma!


Everyone please send extra special birthday wishes to Norma today. Afterall, it isn't every day that you turn 59. I think cake for all three meals is in order, and how about YOU control the remote for the day. Maybe a nice walk around the block with spring flowers popping their heads up to celebrate the day. Of course, no birthday could be complete without a few kitty belly rubs, a few phone calls from the family, and a big hug and kiss from Dad. We love you Norma. We're lucky to have you in the family.

Friday, March 09, 2007

Binkis and Black and White



Still surviving. Have to share pictures...

Elder Ostler

Dear Family,

After sending the letter that said Elder Croff's height was 4'6", I asked him
what it was to make sure, and I definitely exaggerated it. He is 5'1" tall,
which I still think is the shortest Elder in the mission as far as I know. So I
think that I can still claim the shortest and tallest companions in the mission.

Sam is doing great, and she set a baptismal date on Sunday for April 10, and she
is really excited about it. She told us that Elder Croff is the one that
convinced her to get baptized, but she won't tell anyone what he said to
convince her. She said she will tell us what he said when she gets baptized.
We also have two other progressing investigators that are doing well. Mildred
Cipra, who lives in Polk, PA, is an older lady who we invited out to church this
week and came, and when we talked with her about it afterward, she said she
thinks she may want to become a member, as she really enjoyed church and loves
what she has learned so far from it. Our third progressing is Shirley Winkler,
who I have told you about before, and she lives in Oil City, PA. She didn't
make it this week to church because she was really sick and tired, but we are
still teaching her and she is still receptive. Hopefully we can set a date with
her, because she is often very negative and down on herself, and she thinks
she's not worthy of the blessings of the gospel because of past transgressions.
We continually try to reassure her that she can be forgiven for anything, but
there are some things she dwells on that are hard for her to forget. We will
still continue teaching her and testifying, and I think a change of heart will
eventually come.

As far as the weather goes, it has been cold for the last few days. Pretty much
below freezing is what it's been like most of the time lately. Luckily for us
though, Saturday is supposed to get up to 52 degrees, so we are happy about
that. Hopefully after that it will continue to stay warmer and usher in Spring,
because we are ready for it!

Zone Conference was yesterday, and it was a very stressful morning! It was in
the Butler, PA chapel, which I have only been to once, when I got a ride. I asked for directions and thought I knew how to get there. The chapel is on a road called Saw Mill Run Road, which I assumed was right off of Route 8. I drove all the way through Butler looking for this road, and then 15 miles past Butler, with no success. So we drove back through Butler, and ended up driving about 10 miles past Butler the other direction. The road was nowhere to be found, so we stopped at a gas station and asked how to get to the road. They didn't know, but said to try a gas station in Butler. So we did. We used the pay phone and I called the person who gave us directions. I then realized that there was a turn-off about 8 miles before getting to downtown Butler, and Saw Mill Run Road was off of THAT road! Needless to say, we were about 45 minutes late, which is the latest I've ever been to any meeting of missionaries. I was so stressed and worried about getting chewed out, but I found out later that all of the other missionaries from the Brookville Zone were late as well. We were the latest, but only by about 15-20 minutes. The other ones were late because our Zone Leaders called and told us to take our time, because the roads would be icy. I guess of all the times to get lost and be late, I picked the best one!

That is wonderful news that Snow received the funding to build a new library,
and that it will be shared as the county library as well. That will be great
for the community as well as Snow.

I got a few wedding invitations in the mail lately. I got Andrea's about a week
or so ago and I got Josh Draper's yesterday. It is crazy to see my cousins near
my age getting married since I've been out, but I am very happy for them.

The new Stake Presidency is definitely inspired, as I can see by your testimony.
Whom the Lord calls, he qualifies, and I know that all of these new leaders will
be wonderful in fulfilling their callings.

That is great that Ben is becoming an Elder on Sunday. I am so proud of him and
his accomplishments in life. It makes me very happy to see him being so valiant
in the gospel, and so motivated to get his papers in for his mission. It makes
my joy full to see him progress so much in the gospel.

I am enjoying serving in Franklin, and I would venture to say that this is my
favorite area already on my mission, from the people that I have met and the
things that are happening here. Steubenville is a close second, but I think
that his has surpassed it. The love I feel for the people in this area is
overflowing, and it makes all the difference as I see that love change people's
lives. I love this gospel and I love to preach it and feel the Spirit work
through me and others. I know without any doubts in my mind that it is true and
I can't deny that, because the Spirit has let me know it so many times. I love
all of you and your support is priceless to me out here. It is great to hear
good news and I hope it continues. I hope this next week is even better than
this one, and I wish you all the best.

Love,

Andrew

Thursday, March 08, 2007

MOTHER--YOU ARE MISSED

Today, I am thinking about the wonderful Mother I have. I love you Mother and miss you so very much each day. Thank you for all you taught me, I wish I weren't so stubborn and had absorbed it all. I want to try harder each day to emulate the fine qualities you always possessed.
Thanks for being my Mother--I hope I can grow up just like you.
I really, really miss you!!
Love,
Pam

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Introducing...

Sadie C. Draper
Born: 6:48am, March 6, 2007

IT'S A GIRL! Angee had our baby yesterday morning. She went into delivery mode Monday night at 10:30 and woke me at midnight to tell me that it was time to get to the hospital. On our drive to the hospital I kept assuring Ang that if things got too hard for her, I would scoot over and take the wheel. : )

After a LONG night, the baby finally came at 6:48 this morning. A healthy girl, 6lbs, 14oz, 19in (I know, those numbers really mean nothing to us men, but those of you who are women somehow find them interesting).

On to the pics:




More Press For The Family Blogebrity.

There's a great article about Kalyn and Kalyn's Kitchen in todays Deseret News Food Section. Congrats Kalyn. I hope you get lots and lots of new readers from it.

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

WE HAVE ANOTHER BABY!!

We're not quite sure what her little name is yet, but Sadie is pushin' the win! She sure is adorable!

Monday, March 05, 2007

Happy Birthday Elder Stuart Denny

I'm not sure if Stuart has access to the Internet, but here's to a wonderful birthday. I believe Stuart is getting pretty close to coming home, but who has time to think about that right Stuart? Stay warm today. Enjoy some cake with your macaroni and cheese, and know that we love you. Happy Birthday Stuart.

Sunday, March 04, 2007

Elder Ostler

Dear Family,

Tuesday was transfers, and it was a very long day, but a good day to see some
missionaries that I haven't seen in a while. Elder Theobald got transferred to
Cranberry, PA, and he is now with Elder Hamilton. My new companion is Elder
Croff, from Appleton, Wisconsin. He has been out for 13 months and has had a
very successful mission so far. He is about 4' 6" and can play the piano very
well. It is great to finally serve with another fellow pianist! I think we're
going to have to do play a duet while we're together! He is a great missionary
with a great personality. He is very happy and loves to work hard, so I'm glad
to be with him. As far as our district goes, Elder Hood was transferred out and
Elder Watson from Provo, Utah is now with Elder Hale in Clarion. I can tell
that he a great missionary as well with an awesome personality. He has been out
6 months, and is glad to be in Clarion.

Lately our weather has been fairly cold, from about low to upper 30's, with some
rain and snow, but nothing too crazy in the last little bit. We're all hopeful
that it starts warming up and stays that way, but whatever happens will be fine.

It sounds like you had a crazy adventure down in St. George, and I'm glad it all
worked out alright in the end.

I'm hoping you get a new library since you have been waiting for so long to get
one. It would be great to see that happen, and definitely let me know next week
if you got the funding or not, as I'm excited to find out.

That's good that Duane is doing good and moving to the city. I'm sure he'll
love it there and he and Stacey will be very happy there.

That is great to hear that Ben is getting his papers started, and starting all
of his appointments. I just hope that I'm able to see him before he goes out,
but, on the other hand, I don't want to hold him up on when he goes out either.
I'm very happy for him, and am glad that he's getting on his papers.

Well, I'd better get going, because we're going bowling today with Clarion and
some investigators and members in a little bit. Like I said last week, I do
have lots of pictures from the last six weeks, but I forgot to bring my camera
to the library, but I will get them to you sooner or later, so please be patient
with my forgetfulness. I love all of you and thank you for your continued
e-mails, letters, and support in general and hope you all have a great week.

Love,

Andrew






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Saturday, March 03, 2007

We're Stuck!

As many of you know, a new Draper baby is scheduled to arrive soon (this Friday or Saturday, to be exact). However, we've run into a slight problem: we still can't decide on a name.

While we reserve the right to make the final choice in exactly what we should name "Draper Baby Girl", we certainly value your opinion. So, we'd like you to vote. We ask that you personally only vote once.





Peace out.

D

From the Home of the Kynaston Klan...





The kids participated in an after-school program that included them making thier own fleece hat and gloves. They finished them this morning. We really need them today because it's 27 degrees and very windy! Our cat is nice as can be. Who would of known that I'd like a cat so much. Also, I'm accepting paint color suggestions for anyone interested in helping me decide what color to paint my kitchen. It is currently yellow, which I like, but I'm ready for a color splash (maybe). If you have any ideas, post the color swatches so I can take a look.