HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDA HONEY HORSLEY

Top 40 Things I love about Linda-By Her Husband Grant Horsley
40- Her Beauty-This is #1, no doubt about it, but she is so much more than skin deep and the following are just the start of the many things I love about her
39- She likes snakes-The one and only animal I have any discomfort with is no problem for her
38-Military Support-Linda…you are incredible and your sacrifice for our country is second to none. I am grateful for your support and the communication we have had while we are apart. Those that truly understand the sacrifices you are making are very few. Thanks again.
37- Her competitiveness-When participating in anything from Bowling to Ping Pong to Scrabble she plays her best and expects the same of others…especially me if she sees me sandbagging for her
36- Her love of the Church and her church callings-Linda has been a Primary President, Relief Society President, Activities Chairman, Nursery leader…and so on and has left such a great impact on those she is associated with. Thanks Linda.
35- She loves dogs-They should be called “Woman’s Best friend” not mans. They follow her like ducklings follow their mother.
34- Picnic at “This is the place Monument” -The sprinklers came on while we were eating with a full spread on the blanket. I don’t think I have seen her move that fast. The passerby’s had a great laugh at our expense
33- When she pushes me out of bed with her foot-I think of it as a love tap and she knows how to do it just right to get me on the floor before I can regain my balance
32- Her Smile-Her Grandfather called her “The smiley one” for a reason
31- Her determination –I have never seen her give up although she has fought through so many things in her life. I admire this about you honey.
30- Love of others-from her childhood friends to adult friends we have had she is always looking for the good in other people and has an unconditional love that many people see and admire.
29- Her Work Ethic-similar to her determination she is relentless in getting the job done, whatever it takes
28- Her fast driving-Maybe I shouldn’t brag about this. We had some great races up to Weber State when we were friends and then dating. I wonder when we will slow down.
27- Her kindness-Once again always looking for best in others and complimenting others.
26- When she pushes me when I am not expecting it-She will once in a while hide around corners just to have a little fun and surprise me.
25- Her listening ear-She is a great listener and does not miss things discussed. People always want to tell her more.
24- When she sleeps with her mouth open-Watched this for years and for many years to come. Looks like a small child just loving life.
23- Motorcycle Rides-From our first date on to our most recent ride around our new neighborhood Linda has always enjoyed the wind through her hair.
22- Love of Animals-We have been on many vacations and wherever we are she has a way about her. Should call her the “Animal Whisperer”.
21- Her belief in Family-Linda, you have always wanted and shown that family is very very important to you. You love going to family activities and putting our family first.
20- My Golf Partner-We learned to golf together and still do to this today. Relaxing and fun.
19- Her Savvy Technology Ability-When others, including IT Techs, come to her for advice on how to configure computers I can see that she can do anything
18- Watching her eat Hot Tamales-She loves Hot Tamales and it is one of her little things that is all hers.
17- Can do attitude-This is rooted in her faith of herself, her family, and most importantly her God.
16- Scuba Diver-She had tried some scuba diving in College and the timing was bad but when she had an opportunity to get certified with her brother she took it and became proficient and tackled her lifelong fear of being under water.
15- Her Hugs-Like a ray of sunshine, peace, and comfort
14- Her loyalty-Family, School, Work, Weddings, Church Callings, and appointments.
13- Seeing her wrestle with Austin-Alright, this is hilarious…about 6 months ago Austin challenged her to a little battle and she had him on the ground and was kneeling on him within 5 seconds. Austin cried Uncle and Linda gave him a nice hug to let him know that she loved him and could still take him down.
12- Teaching professionalism-I judge this by the respect the children in her class give her when she teaches or is asking for attention. I see it in the faces of the 3rd graders she teaches.
11- Trips me while running up the stairs-Just another fun game we play together in our home.
10-Our vacation to Playa Del Carmen-This could be said of almost every vacation we have been on. She loves to work hard and really loves to play hard.
9- Likes seafood-Grew from hating fish, the first time I brought a Salmon back from Alaska, to Linda grilling it up herself many times a week. By the way Linda when I get home I will “make you a delicious Bass”
8- Reading Scriptures -When we read together and have quiet time and when I see her reading on her own through her reading glasses while in bed. Linda, thank you for carrying the spirit with you.
7-Medical difficulties-I have seen her endure multiple surgeries and procedures all the while with having faith that whatever happened was the will of God.
6-Her sense of Adventure-Always trying new things and surprising others.
5-Our Marriage-Thank you Linda. I truly believe I am the happiest and luckiest man alive.
4-Trying new things-We have almost tried everything. I think skydiving is our next big one.
3- When she laughs so hard she cries-Seeing this is rare but her face lights up with laughter and if she tries to hold it in or finds something really funny the tears start coming and she is exhausted when it is all done.
2-Being my Temple companion-Linda, what more can a man ask for than to go to the temple with his eternal companion. We will be going again soon honey. Hang on.
1-Her Friendship- Linda, you are my best friend and always have been. This top 40 List has only been possible because of our friendship. Thanks for all we have been through. I would not trade the blood, sweat, and tears that we have experienced in life together for anything. They have made you who you are… My Best friend, favorite companion, and eternal mate. I LOVE YOU. I LOVE YOU. I LOVE YOU.

Happy Easter!

Easter was pretty quiet.  There was just myself, Marissa, and Austin.  Bre went to California with some friends for the week and Grant is in Afghanistan.  The Easter Bunny stopped by our house with some yummy treats and other fun gifts.

We had my mom and Shane and April's family over for waffles and bacon. Yummy! We then watched conference together.  It's so fun to have family around on Easter. Some how having family with you makes it that much more special. Here the kids are checking out Marissa's hamster.

Here mom is helping to clean up! What a great mom.

Look how handsome my son is.  He is now taller then I am.  He is growing like crazy! I love him so much. He takes good care of me while Grant is gone.

After the first session of conference we got a fun surprise.  Grant called on Skype to say hello.  Everyone was so excited to see him and talk to him.

Later that day I got invited by my good friend Heidi to her home for Easter dinner.  We love hanging out with their family. They are a blast! We have so much in common! Thanks good friend!

Michael Buble Concert!

For Christmas Grant gave me Michael Buble concert tickets to mark the half way point of his return.  It was so fun to go and have a littlefun since I am always working or solving problems .  It was a much needed down time and Jen was a blast to be with.  Michael....well he was amazing in person.  His voice was even better live if you can believe it.  I loved every minute of it.  After the concert Grant told me he sent a letter to Michael and asked him to dedicate the song Hold on to me.  Michael didn't sing that song that night but it was a very sweet thought.  Below is the letter he wrote to Michael Buble.

Hello Michael,


I am not sure if you will ever see this email but thought I would send it to your staff just to try and get it to you. My name is Grant Horsley and I am a Captain in the military currently fighting the War in Afghanistan. I have been away from home for 3 months now and have 3 months to go to finish my deployment. I find it a great privilege to be a member of the US Military fighting with my coalition brothers and sisters from Canada, Great Britain, Italy, Korea, and many more nations in this part of the world. It is extremely rewarding to know that I am making a difference by working daily with the local Afghan Government to make changes in laws and opinions moving slowly towards new freedoms. I left home one week before Christmas last year and our family had our own early Christmas to celebrate together. I gave my wife a pair of tickets to your concert in March at Salt Lake City knowing that it would be something for her to look forward to as we will be over half way done with our time apart. My wife told me this week that your song "Hold On" reminds her of us. We have been married for close to 19 years and the lyrics fit our lives to a "T". People have always said that "we were the lucky ones" and do not understand that we have scratched, clawed, fought, and battled for our marriage over the years. It is only through the blood, sweat, and tears that have brought us to the peace we feel in our marriage today. Marriage never stays the same and neither do the people involved. It is constantly changing and has nothing to do with luck but a consistent level of unselfishness by one or both to be succesful. "Maybe all the plans we made would not work out but I have no doubt even though its hard to see I've got faith in us and I believe in you and me" is a type setting of our life.I am asking if you would be willing to dedicate this song to my wife from me during your concert March 31st. I know this is a lot to ask and appreciate your time in considering it. My wife's name is Linda and I have included a picture of us together and a couple of me from Afghanistan.


Thank you again for considering this request.

Regards,

Grant Horsley

Pool Update!

Finally!  The cement pour around the pool!  I am so excited that the day has finally come.  It looks awesome.  Now I can't wait to hook up all the pool equipment and go for a dip.  Grant is thrilled I did all of this on my own.  He can't wait to get home and see it in person.

Are you crazy?

With Grant active duty we have double coverage with health insurance.  We decided that we needed to get all 3 kid's wisdom teeth out while it didn't cost us anything.  People thought I was crazy to do them all at once, but the more I thought about it the more it made sense.  Why take care of hurting kids three weekends in a row when I can do it all in one weekend?  Of course they poured half my cement the same day they got their teeth out. It was insane at times. First was Austin...Here he is being escorted to the lounger by the nurse and there is Bre making fun of him.  They were hilarious.  Angela, my niece, came to help me get them into the car and home safely.  She was a doll.  We laughed the whole time because they were so out of it and they were saying the funniest things.

Here is Austin right after.  He looks so peaceful.

Next was Marissa.  She was the funniest.  She kept smiling and saying how fun it was.  She asked for her phone and started texting. The nurse asked her who she was texting and she said she didn't know and started to giggle. We found out later it was her dad.

Bre is ready to go!

Here Angela and I are giving Bre our support before they put her under.  The doctor said she was a light weight.  The minute he gave her the medicine to sleep she was out within 10 seconds. He said she was the quickest and Marissa needed the most medicine to go under. The oral surgeon was so kind.  Of course I didn't know it until I got there, but I went to school with  him and even dated him a couple of times.  It was a nice surprise. He took good care of my kids.

After Bre gets her teeth out. 

Poor Bre...she threw up the whole way home and into the afternoon.  She just couldn't handle the stuff they gave her to knock her out.   She is now recovering quit well along with Marissa and Austin. It hasn't been so bad.  We have just watched movies and slept for the last 3 days.  It's great for me, but not so fun for them.  But at least it is over.

Getting the yard ready!

With Grant gone to Afghanistan I decided to try and get the yard done on my own.  That includes sprinklers, fence, pool, grass, and a ton of cement.There have been many times that I think I am way in over my head, but it will be worth it in then end.  The more I work on this house the more I love it. Here are some pics before they poured the cement and after.  The rest will be poured next week. More pictures to follow. Of course I got a little help from Grant all the way around the world.  He is my biggest cheerleader.

Here he is sporting his war outfit in style.

Grant in Afganistan

Hi Friends and Family,


Here are two emails from Grant. I thought it would give you an idea of what he goes through. I have also attached pictures of him. We love him so much and we are so proud of he willingness to put his life on the line for our freedom.


Hi Linda,


We had another significant attack against the city yesterday. Terrorists had what is called a "complex attack" and 17 people lost their lives.Among those was a cousin of our interpreter. There is a good resiliency of the people to make this a safer country but as in all things this takes time. We are focusing on getting the government to pass laws making terrorist acts a criminal act. This will allow prosecutors to go against them regardless of religion, tribal affiliations, or race. Sounds simple but they currently do not have any laws for this type of evil. My roomate and I pray daily that their will be good change in the future.


Love, Grant




Hi Linda,
I have had a different feeling for a couple of days. Maybe because I have been on the night shift. Things have been tough, missing home, missing you, wanting to spend time with the children, etc....So I am thinking things will get a bit better. It is Friday, which is our Sunday and got into bed and a descent enough time last night to get some sleep before church. I was just drifting off to sleep when an explosion went off. This was the biggest one I have experienced and could feel it shake the window. Marcus was in a deep sleep and bounced out of bed so fast I thought he was going to hurt himself. I immediately called in to work to let them know we were ok and we heard some gunfire.Found out later that was outside the base but on our side. I did not want to go to the bunkers or the office because we would have to walk outside which is on the 2nd floor and would not want to be in view of anyone from a distance that could do us harm. A few minutes later the base was locked down and we were told by "Giant Voice" that we must stay in our buildings and only essential personnel should be moving about. I think this all really hit home because I definitely had thoughts about my safety, you, and the children. I was able to get back to sleep awhile later and Marcus stayed in the
room until he woke me up for Lunch and Church. Going to church today gave us an opportunity to talk to others about what happened and feel the spirit through the talks and lessons that were given. We talked how
our weaknesses can be our strengths even If Heavenly Father does not take those trials from us. It was good to hear about the trials of Alma and Paul and how those can help us in our lives today. I came back, sent you some email and texts and then finally made it back to sleep. When I woke I spent some time reading the scriptures and the book "Putting on the Armor of God" I am just kind of typing away and do not know what else to say. I look forward to a good life together.


Love ya.

Humanitarian Mission in Afghanistan

Grant was invloved with a humanitarian mission to help the local Afganistan people.  Here is the article that was written about it.

As Operation Mushtarak continues making progress in the Helmand province, missions as important in helping Afghans survive continue here.


Servicemembers and civilians working with NATO Training Mission Afghanistan stationed at Camp Eggers participated in a humanitarian volunteer community relations mission Feb. 20. The goal was to distribute needed supplies to refugee families living in Kabul.


“The VCR program accepts donations from people like clothing, school, supplies and blankets and distributes them to displaced families around Kabul,” said Army Maj. Sam Sok, operations research systems analysis and mission commander for the VCR mission. “We then sort the items into individual care packages for each family, and smaller bags with toys and school supplies for the children.”

As the volunteers arrived at the camp, they were not met with cheers and happiness as past VCR missions encountered. The children were in their orderly lines, but clinging to one another for comfort. The weapons and body armor worn were not what was causing the fear.


"The Afghan government has asked us to leave this land,” said Lalagh Samwngul, a refugee mother living with her family. “The children think the Soldiers are here to move us from our home.”
Samwngul tries to consol her daughter who is patiently awaiting her turn to get her bag. They have been living in the camp for a year, seeking refuge in a safer area.

The camp is home of an old Taliban training center at the base of snow-covered mountains. It is now the home and safe-haven for approximately 60 families; all displaced refugees. Some fled the country 30 years ago when Soviets invaded the area and are now returning home. Others like Samwngul, were looking for a way to start again.The aid is critical over the next two months until the spring comes and the cold winter is left behind, according to Nooragha, the town elder. “When the Spring comes, more work will be available for the people. Then the money that comes in will help support the families.”Right now families can’t even afford a tent to move off the camp as the government is requesting, Nooragha said. Their only help is right now is the U.S. military and international community.“Without the aid from the international community and the military this town would not survive,” Nooragha said. “Thank you brothers! We will never forget it.”On the way back to Camp Eggers, volunteers discussed their experience.

(Here is Grant handing out candy from Austin's Eagle project!)
“My first impression was very sad,” said Senior Airman Brian Ybarbo, NTM-A public affairs photographer deployed from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. “It is not something I am not used to seeing. This is the worst I’ve seen; not a good feeling at all. You don’t want that for any family; not to be living like that. But, then it was a good feeling to see their faces light up as they got their bags and quickly ran away to go play with their toys.”“I think the VCR missions are another way to fight the Taliban,” said Sok, deployed from Fort Belvoir, Va. “It is another way to contribute not only to our mission here in Afghanistan, but to simply help people.”

The VCR program dates back to the beginning of the U.S. mission in Afghanistan and serves as a means to distribute the contributions from home. This mission provides a very personal medium to show U.S. and coalition concern for the poor and displaced.The Camp Eggers’ chapel office conducts the VCR missions as often as possible with a goal of weekly missions, averaging about 40 missions a year. The servicemembers work with a local Afghan humanitarian aid organization, Sozo International, identifying 150 locations around Kabul with families displaced due to the ongoing war, according to Sok. As the volunteers finished up their mission and prepared to depart the camp, the mood changed dramatically. An Army captain finished up an impromptu soccer game with an Afghan boy excited to get the ball as one of his gifts. Other members say goodbye with the universally recognized high five.


Yet still tears flow from Samwngul’s daughter’s eyes. This time though, the tears were tears of joy as she hugged her new baby doll and stuffed animal.


Here is what Grant thought about the mission:


Last Saturday I was able to go out on a VCR (Volunteer Community Relations) mission to a location where the US Forces first dropped bombs on the Taliban located in Afghanistan. The area is now nothing more than a small refugee camp that is housing some families who were previously in Pakistan waiting for an opportunity to come back to their homeland when US Forces occupied the area making it more safe. Many people here are in the same situation (left Afghanistan when Taliban took control and are now returning from different middle eastern countries). It was a wonderful opportunity to serve but ironic that we had multiple Guards and Vehicles watching over us while the locals had nothing.

Ward Valentines Dance!

I am the activities chairman in our ward and I decided to have a family Valentines Dance.  We hired a DJ and we danced a ton of fun line dances as well as we danced to favorite songs like YMCA, Thriller, and The Hokey Pokey.  We had a Blast!  Of course I was sad Grant wasn't their, but Austin made sure I was never dancing alone.

Here the Bishop Bric is leading us in the actions for YMCA!

Here we are strutting our stuff down the line.

Marissa, Austin, and Austin have the cat walk down.

Here are the youth trying to teach me the Miley Cyrus's Hoe down dance. I look really little next to these huge guys.