Dear Family,
It has been a good week of riding bikes lots and also of servive. Also there are a few senior couples in my mission. It was cool beacause I met the newest ones and they met grandma and grandpa Ostler in Nauvoo. I also have been getting along good with Elder Hanks and we have been seeing a lot of great things happen as we have been serving together. I also tried popped wheat which turned out really good and Sister hitchcock wanted the recipe. Also I am going to make their family wontons. We have been busy busy and we can't do everthing. Sometimes it is crazy, we just hurry to the next appt on our bikes.This week when we taught Darren it was great we didn't even have to commit him to read. Before we could he already told us that he would read. We also got to teach the 7-8 ctr class for a member that had to leave. We did a lesson on prophets and it was a lot of fun. Also we stated teaching a guy named Chris and he doesn't go to any church and really liked the first lesson. This week we have enjoyed nice weather and a little bit of rain.
Love, Elder Ostler
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Fall Hike, 2008
Friday was one of those good days. My dad, Josh, Mason, and I went to the Uintahs for a little fishin' / hikin' action. Talk about beautiful. The leaves were changing and the weather was perfect. We even caught fish: about 20 in total.
Can you find the birthday girl?
I had to cut this picture in half to get everybody in so that they were each bigger than a speck. If that doesn't tell you something about the extended Draper family then I don't know what does. Can you find the birthday girl? She's in one of the pictures. And she's gorgeous. That's all I'm going to say. Any guesses? What is she wearing? We hope you have an AMAZING birthday, birthday girl. We love you.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
New Eagle Scout; 67 Days!!! Sir, Yes, Sir and ...20 DAYS!! YA'LL
And here we have our newest lastest Eagle Scout! He did it! Finally finished off the paperwork and had his board of review. (His court of honor probably won't be until November) We're proud of you Travis! (Sorry, this is an old picture) But, I will shortly be posting a picture of Trav in his SPEEDO!!!! Nope, not nasty pictures.... but Trav is on the swim team at Layton High! I'm sure I'll have to sneak one in of the speedo, but I'll keep trying!
Sir, yes sir. No sir. I'm ugly sir. Yes sir, you are better looking than me sir. Yes sir.
This was a proud day for the Mark Denny family....
On July 31, Matt swore in as a marine. This is Sgt. Estrada, his recruiter.
He was so ready to sign and papers for his country. Happy day! (Ya'll will notice he's very proudly wearing his Denny Family Shirt!)
This is where he took his oath (and mom got very emotional watching him be so proud and happy!)
He signed up on a delayed entry program, so that he can have 6 weeks to make Elder Denny "normal!" On Dec 1 (the Monday after Thanksgiving), he swears in again with his final oath. Then he drives off to the airport. Any and all of you are welcome to come for the swearing in. It's an emotional experience, plus it would mean a lot to us to have your support.
He was so ready to sign and papers for his country. Happy day! (Ya'll will notice he's very proudly wearing his Denny Family Shirt!)
This is where he took his oath (and mom got very emotional watching him be so proud and happy!)
He signed up on a delayed entry program, so that he can have 6 weeks to make Elder Denny "normal!" On Dec 1 (the Monday after Thanksgiving), he swears in again with his final oath. Then he drives off to the airport. Any and all of you are welcome to come for the swearing in. It's an emotional experience, plus it would mean a lot to us to have your support.Then.... there's this other big news..... 20 days. Wow!
Wow It's hard to believe that in 20 days, Elder Denny will be home. We pick him up on Wednesday Oct 15 (Trav's birthday) at 9:10 am at the SLC airport. He won't be released until about 5:00, so we're taking offers for visits!!!! We'll probably go visit grandpa and grandma and then of course have to each lunch somewhere and then hang around and follow mission rules for awhile. I wish I was smart enough to scan a picture he sent us, all decked out in boots, wranglers, western church, and of course a Texas size hat! He looks pure Texan!...with the biggest smile on his face!
Any or all of you are welcome to come over that Wednesday night, if ya'll can't wait till Sunday.He will be speaking at church on Sunday, Oct 19 at our stake center at 2:30. Please respond if you need directions (or come to the house first and they'll be a map on the front door) Let us know if you are coming, so I can have enough food. We're probably just doing rolls and meat, so salads and dessert would be a great way to help! And pray for good weather!
Sorry it's been such a quiet and lonely blog. We're back in school, back in stress, Lisa's in the RS and busy, busy, busy. Matt's trying to tie up loose ends. We're trying to get things finished up on our remodeling and hopefully trying to get a room for Justin. I think we finally decided not to paint it. (good, since there's only 3 weeks left) But mostly, we need to find all his stuff. It was pretty well labeled and duct taped and in a corner until his little brother discovered it and mixed it all up. Now with the remodel, we're not quite sure if we found everything. Oh well, good thing they come home happy and pretty much carefree about the things of the world!
I'm sure everybody is in the same boat - with school and things going 100 mph! Plus we hear big things are happening Rand. Any blog updates??????
We love you all and hope you at least have time to breathe slowly and deeply 10 times! (do it now!)
Morgan and Lauren have an announcement!
Yes, it is true. Baby Willey will be arriving in February.
Congratulations to Erin and Jeff
Morgan and Lauren!
Congratulations to Erin and Jeff
Morgan and Lauren!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Elder Ostler
Dear Family, Sept 15, 08
Thanks for all of the great letters you have sent me. First off the butter dish was from a member I know that owns an antique shop who is really cool. I thought of you mom when I went there and saw the butter dish I remember you had one but it broke so I thought you might enjoy it. Her name is Sister Gatter.
My new comp is Elder Hanks from LA in the Ontario part. He has been out for 19 months and we have been really getting along great. But last week we went to a Gladys Knight program in St. Louis which was great to hear her testimony and to see members and non members come out to it.
Also at transfers there was a member I ran into that was born in Ephraim it was crazy. We have lots of appointments schelduled for this week and all of are investigators have been doing great. We have got hit by the hurrincanes and had a lot of roads on Sunday closed off because of flooding.
I have been learning about loving the people more and more and they will feel your love and have that desire to come back to church. There is one L.A. member that this happened to her as we visited her. Missionarios came for a long time and now she has started to come back to church. It is amazing to see the difference church has is peoples lives just one day a week to get built up for the next week.
with love, Elder Ostler
Thanks for all of the great letters you have sent me. First off the butter dish was from a member I know that owns an antique shop who is really cool. I thought of you mom when I went there and saw the butter dish I remember you had one but it broke so I thought you might enjoy it. Her name is Sister Gatter.
My new comp is Elder Hanks from LA in the Ontario part. He has been out for 19 months and we have been really getting along great. But last week we went to a Gladys Knight program in St. Louis which was great to hear her testimony and to see members and non members come out to it.
Also at transfers there was a member I ran into that was born in Ephraim it was crazy. We have lots of appointments schelduled for this week and all of are investigators have been doing great. We have got hit by the hurrincanes and had a lot of roads on Sunday closed off because of flooding.
I have been learning about loving the people more and more and they will feel your love and have that desire to come back to church. There is one L.A. member that this happened to her as we visited her. Missionarios came for a long time and now she has started to come back to church. It is amazing to see the difference church has is peoples lives just one day a week to get built up for the next week.
with love, Elder Ostler
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Draper Attempted Family Photo Shoot
So we attempted to do our own family photo shoot yesterday. It was OK. Here are some pictures. I would love you opinion on which one is your favorite. I also included one black and white. So what I need from you is the # of your favorite and whether you prefer color or black and white. Keep in mind these are rough drafts and haven't been cropped or touched up.
Picture 1:
Picture 2:
Picture 3:
Funny but this ended up being one of my favorite pictures of the day. D gave them the green light for funny faces. Oddly enough this is about the only picture that Sadie is looking at the camera and doesn't have a goofy looking face. :)
Picture 1:
Picture 2:
Picture 3:
Funny but this ended up being one of my favorite pictures of the day. D gave them the green light for funny faces. Oddly enough this is about the only picture that Sadie is looking at the camera and doesn't have a goofy looking face. :)
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Elder Boo Denny (Brayden)
hey yall,
How is everything down there? Well, the weather changed and this past week we've had some sunny days. Everything is going very well for me. My companion on the another hand hss not had the best week, he tore a couple ligaments in his ankle last p-day so we have a car now, Yeah!! For a while at least. He is in a air cast boot thing, and will be wearing it for 3-6weeks. That has to suck because he is really good at basket ball. Well last week we got to new investigators. We are really excited about that. The lessons that we had last week were with David. He came to church you know the one from mexico but speaks spanish. The spanish missionaries are teaching him but he comes to ours church. We stopped by alot of former investigator to see if they are interested anymore. That is about all the lessons we had this week. We do service at least two times a week at lake bonavista rec. center, it is alot of fun. Last week we painted the lines on the ice for the ice rink, also we went and helped a recent convert clean and organize her house. It was the same lady that we painted her whole house in two weeks. It was a lot of fun going there and helping out. Last night I played street hockey with the teachers and I spanked them. I made four goals, but the best thing was everyone said that an American can't play Hockey. I showed them!! We do a lot with the young men in the ward to help them get ready for their mission. This weekend, we get to go to the fathers and son camp out (but we don't get to camp out, we are just going for the night). We are speaking at the fireside about preparing to serve and also being out on a mission and stuff like that.Well that is about it for me. I love you all and hope your having as much fun as I am.
love peace and chicken grease,
brayden
How is everything down there? Well, the weather changed and this past week we've had some sunny days. Everything is going very well for me. My companion on the another hand hss not had the best week, he tore a couple ligaments in his ankle last p-day so we have a car now, Yeah!! For a while at least. He is in a air cast boot thing, and will be wearing it for 3-6weeks. That has to suck because he is really good at basket ball. Well last week we got to new investigators. We are really excited about that. The lessons that we had last week were with David. He came to church you know the one from mexico but speaks spanish. The spanish missionaries are teaching him but he comes to ours church. We stopped by alot of former investigator to see if they are interested anymore. That is about all the lessons we had this week. We do service at least two times a week at lake bonavista rec. center, it is alot of fun. Last week we painted the lines on the ice for the ice rink, also we went and helped a recent convert clean and organize her house. It was the same lady that we painted her whole house in two weeks. It was a lot of fun going there and helping out. Last night I played street hockey with the teachers and I spanked them. I made four goals, but the best thing was everyone said that an American can't play Hockey. I showed them!! We do a lot with the young men in the ward to help them get ready for their mission. This weekend, we get to go to the fathers and son camp out (but we don't get to camp out, we are just going for the night). We are speaking at the fireside about preparing to serve and also being out on a mission and stuff like that.Well that is about it for me. I love you all and hope your having as much fun as I am.
love peace and chicken grease,
brayden
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Elder Ostler
Dear family,
This week has been really good. It went by fast and we taught Darren again and he is doing well. Also we did some media refferals from the mission office and some member refferals. Also on p-day we helped a LA (less-active) member do some work on his truck he swaped out beds and put a new muffler on it was great to get dirty for a change and to build a better relationship with him. This area is starting to make more and more progress and things are going great. We have been getting more help and support from the ward it is so great. I bought some of those big shredded wheat you guys use to buy growing up and they will last me a few weeks. I have been learning to budget more and more on my mission. I also got the camel back valve in the mail, thanks. It works great.
with love, Elder Ostler
This week has been really good. It went by fast and we taught Darren again and he is doing well. Also we did some media refferals from the mission office and some member refferals. Also on p-day we helped a LA (less-active) member do some work on his truck he swaped out beds and put a new muffler on it was great to get dirty for a change and to build a better relationship with him. This area is starting to make more and more progress and things are going great. We have been getting more help and support from the ward it is so great. I bought some of those big shredded wheat you guys use to buy growing up and they will last me a few weeks. I have been learning to budget more and more on my mission. I also got the camel back valve in the mail, thanks. It works great.
with love, Elder Ostler
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Brayden 9-4-08
hello yall,
well this week has been a busy week, but right now it is windy and rainy with temp at plus 8, so not warm at all. They say that this is going to be a cold winter. Bring it on!! Summer has long past away and fall is starting and soon we will have snow. I spoke in church on sunday and it went really well. I pulled a dad, where he writes out his talk and then gets up there and doesn't follow his talk. I talked about joseph smith. There were a little more people than the last time I spoke, which was in Golden and there were 9 people, including four misionaries. The lessons we taught this week went really great, But we found out last night that a solid investigator was not as solid as we thought. She called and said "don't come by anymore". Now that was a bummer, but it happens. So we are working hard to find more investigators. We saw David and that went really well. He came to softball on Tuesday and basketball on Wednesday, then came to esl (english a second language), and also to church, but since he speaks mostly spanish we had to hand him over to the spanish missionaries. Everything is great here. The Sherwoods said sorry that he didn't call back. He got the message late and they were leaving the next day.
I got to go but love you all,
Love peace and chicken grease,
love brayden
well this week has been a busy week, but right now it is windy and rainy with temp at plus 8, so not warm at all. They say that this is going to be a cold winter. Bring it on!! Summer has long past away and fall is starting and soon we will have snow. I spoke in church on sunday and it went really well. I pulled a dad, where he writes out his talk and then gets up there and doesn't follow his talk. I talked about joseph smith. There were a little more people than the last time I spoke, which was in Golden and there were 9 people, including four misionaries. The lessons we taught this week went really great, But we found out last night that a solid investigator was not as solid as we thought. She called and said "don't come by anymore". Now that was a bummer, but it happens. So we are working hard to find more investigators. We saw David and that went really well. He came to softball on Tuesday and basketball on Wednesday, then came to esl (english a second language), and also to church, but since he speaks mostly spanish we had to hand him over to the spanish missionaries. Everything is great here. The Sherwoods said sorry that he didn't call back. He got the message late and they were leaving the next day.
I got to go but love you all,
Love peace and chicken grease,
love brayden
When did Jennica pass 10 years old?
Unless I'm mistaken, that is Jennica holding a VERY LARGE dog, and DRIVING! When did Jennica get to be such a grown up? Can somebody please go downstairs and see if she still has her school in the basement? I'm sure she's down there teaching Kenz right this minute! In the meantime, I'm pretty sure today is a special day for Miss J. We hope you have a SPLENDID birthday Jennica. We love every grown up inch of you!
Monday, September 01, 2008
Happy Birthday Emily!!!
You are definitely a winner in our family!!! This picture is from when she won 1st place on the branch pinewood derby!!! We Love you EM! Have a wonderful birthday!