Lingard Boys

Letters to Grant 2-13-11

2011-02-14T08:20:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day!

Mom and I have spent the last few days in Colorado visiting uncle David and aunt Ashley. I needed two crowns and we found some cheap tickets to Colorado Springs so I had uncle David do the work. It took about four hours to complete the work. He'll mail the crowns to me and I'll have Dr. Kitchen glue them on.

We had a lot of fun with David and Ashley. We toured the Olympic training center in Colorado Springs and went to see a crazy guys castle called Bishop's Castle. He's been working on it for years. It's out in the middle of nowhere and it's this ramshackle castle that looks like it could be in a Lord of the Rings movie. Ashley had mom model some aprons that she is trying to sell and took some pictures at the castle. Friday Night we went to their ward valentines dinner/dance but left before the dancing so that we could watch Hannah at halftime of a basketball game. Hannah is on the flag team and in the band. We played games and just had a great time.

Your brothers stayed home and appear to have survived. The house was clean when we got home today at 5:30pm. I think that they enjoyed themselves. Hopefully they'll write and tell you about it.

How are things going in Brandenburg? Don't get discouraged. It takes time to develop your pool of investigators. Do what you are supposed to do and things will work out. I'm sure you are visiting the less active members and part member families and strengthening them. Make sure that the members can trust you and your companion. Don't do anything that will give them cause to not trust you. Developing trust takes time. I'm sure that you will have success. My dad spent two and a half years on his mission and never had a baptism while he was there. But many people joined the church later because of his example and work. When he and grandma went back to serve a mission there where many people that remembered him and his example.

We love you and pray for you daily.

Dad

Hey Grant,

It was a busy week getting ready to leave for Colorado. Monday I signed up to take dinner to the Skabelunds(son Randy, his wife and the eight kids) but forgot I was playing for Peter and the Wolf for the next two days and had a couple of students coming for lessons . I made rice in the morning, canceled the 5pm student, played the concerts, went to Costco, got meatballs and rolls, came home and made salad, brownies. My 3:30 student cancelled so I was able to get most the wash caught up and get dinner to the Skabelunds. It seems to work out when you are in service to the Lord.

I have a small solo to play in the next symphony chamber concert, got to practice. Wednesday I had board meeting to plan and execute. Got that done and came home to pack my bag. We got up at 4am to get to the airport at 5am. We got $50 tickets which was an awesome price and and is the reason i got to go too. Garrett and Nick have done a great job keeping the house going and the little ones alive and transported to school.

David and Ashley's new baby Levi is a doll, I'm so glad I got to see him. After Cedric who was such a difficult baby, little Levi is a dream baby. Jamison is growing up and was so pleasant. Hannah is turning boy crazy. It was so fun to go to the game. I haven't been to a basketball game since High School. It was fun to see their youthful exuberance and simple joy they had just being together. Spencer was obsessed with Dad's Ipad and Dad was nice to share it and show him how to play Plants vs Zombies. Kyle is seven turning eight and he seems so much more mature than Roger who is turning seven this year. Roger is more like little three year old Cedric in social maturity. We got a lot of work to do to get this lil guy caught up to his age group. We have been working hard on his reading and it is helping.

We attended Ashley's town ward for sacrament and then we went to the airport. We're back home and it will be back to work, work. We're glad to be back home and grateful for our safe journey and safe kids. We're grateful for great kids who can take care of themselves while we are gone and for family to visit who we can share our joys, love, concerns and gospel insights and faith with. We are blessed by your service in the church to share the good news of Christ's gospel. We love you!!! Mom

Dear Grant, I am Mater Chief. Nicholas says he is ruler of the World cept I made brothers do the quiet game and Nicholas lost but said he won but Michael really won.
Love Roger.

letter from Carlos

2010-12-28T15:14:00.000-08:00

Grant,

This will be short as I have contracted what everyone has had. I spoke in our ward today and didn't feel good but I chalked it up to nerves as I hadn't written out my talk before hand but left in the Lord's hands as to what I would say. Fortunately, He listened to my prayers and I think I was able to get across the points I felt inspired to share. Afterwards, sitting in Sunday school, I realized that I really didn't feel good. I had mom drive me home. I layed down for a bit and then proceeded to be sick.

It was very nice talking to you on Christmas day. Technology is a wonderful thing when it is used properly. Please let the Pflaums know how much we appreciated them letting you use their home and computer. Thank your companion as well for putting up with us.

As mom told you, I didn't check the mail on Christmas eve and when I checked today after stake meetings it was there. It was like Christmas morning all over again. Everyone is excited by the things you sent. Mom hasn't opened the chocolate (at least I don't think she has) but the way I'm feeling today I wouldn't be able to have any.

The trampoline is a big hit with the younger brothers. Nicholas claims that he doesn't feel well enough to get on it. We will have to dig some dirt from one side to level it out. Sounds like a good job for brothers tomorrow while I'm at work (if I'm feeling better). I got some dutch oven cooking stuff for Christmas and made mountain man breakfast. I made it with Bratwursts instead of sausage and it had a different taste. I like the sausage better. It was a fairly sedate Christmas. We didn't go overboard on presents. Garrett got a suit, Nicholas got an electric razor, Michael got a video game and construction set. Roger got a bunch of action figures and a magnetic construction set. Mom got a purse, clothes and a trampoline. All in all it was a very nice day - especially getting to talk with you. I hope they let you use Skype on Mothers day.

For my talk today I referenced President Monsons talk on the three Rs of choice and Robert D Hales talk on agency. President Whimpey suggested that we (the High Council) not write our talks out but rather to speak from our hearts thus the nerves mentioned earlier.

I checked out Brandenburg and found a city by the name of Brandenburg An Der Havel. I'm assuming this is the city where you will be working. They have a branch there and the branch president is named Jablonsky and it's part of the Berlin Germany stake. I used the church web site to get that information.

We love you and pray for your success and health.
Love,
Dad

Lingard 2010

2010-12-22T11:40:00.000-08:00

Create your own free photo collage

Grant left in March to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ for two years in Germany.
Garrett graduated from High School 11th in his class and completed a semester of college with all A's.
Nicholas has enjoyed being in High School and being the top dog around the house now that Garrett is gone so much.
Michael likes swim diving and playing percussion in band.
Roger loves first grade.
LaDawn survived her first year as President of Chandler Symphony Orchestra.
Carlos is working for Maricopa County and singing in a choir again.
We love the family/floating cabin we bought 1/3 share of on Lake CouerdAlene. We spent a great week there in October and can't wait for summer vacation time.

2010-12-13T10:24:00.001-08:00

Grant,

I was so happy for the baptism last week! What a wonderful blessing.
Grandma arrived Wednesday with Aunt Marianne. I had the symphony board over to the house for a holiday dinner that same night. It was weird to have all those nonmembers in the house, I hope they could feel the spirit here. Cousin Cassie had her baby on wednesday: a giant boy of 9 pounds. His name is Eli. Cousin Adrienne had her baby Thursday: a girl of 7lbs, named Kimber Lark. Friday we went to hear Garrett sing at SanTan mall with th Red Mountain carolers (they needed a sub). Today we had the family party and dinner. Santa Max came, we did a pinata instead of presents and we did the Nativity play. We only had Andrea's family and the Hales because of the new babies, but it was still plenty of happy chaos. Brooke found out she is allergic to cats as when she was petting Zen her face started swelling up red and puffy. Ninja ran outside to get away from it all till it was almost over and Storm went in the kennel.

I will have Nutcracker Ballet rehearsals/performances all week except Monday. Monday we are going caroling with the ward choir and maybe Grandma if we can figure out how to bring her along and not wear her out.

Love you much. Mom

As mom has told you it's been a busy week. She failed to mention the single adult dinner on Saturday night. This is for the single members of the stake over the age of 31. I've had the same ladies sit at my table for the past 3-4 years. It's a lot of fun. We took grandma Lingard and she had fun meeting new people. I bought two pinatas, a star and a Santa. Mom wouldn't let us use the Santa one because she didn't feel right about beating Santa with a stick until he spilled out his candy. We got the van back on Wednesday just in time to pick up grandma and aunt Marianne. It looks good as new. Except for the scratches on the side... I've got to find time to work on Michael and Rogers Christmas presents. If the weather is good we will be going to Salt Lake next week to listen to the tabernacle choir Christmas devotional. The party tonight was a blast. Santa Max did a great job. The little ones eyes light up and they give him hugs.

What's going on in Osnabruck? Do you miss the warm weather? It was so hot today that we had turn on the air conditioning in the house. Is anybody progressing towards baptism? Do you ever see nutcrackers for sale? Are you getting used to the weather?

We love you and pray for you daily. Keep up the good work.

Love, Dad

Nicholas has started driving..........

2010-07-12T19:35:00.000-07:00

On Mon, Jul 12, 2010 at 1:27 PM, Grant Hughett Lingard wrote:
Ahh The telling you what to do part. I remember those days. Its so confusing isnt it. ITs sometimes easier to just learn by yourself and have maybe one person who knows how to drive then many. (Learn from dad mom drives crazy haha jk)

On Mon, Jul 12, 2010 at 1:36 AM, Nicholas Lingard wrote:
Well here I am with more driving. I was driving to Quoir with the whole family and Jonny and I was doing fine. Then when we were going home we hit a stoplight, I slowed to start the turn and then everybody starts telling me what to do, TURN, SLOW DOWN, FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD, now I have a hard time getting the right speed at turns, this time it ended up where we hit the turn around 30 mph and I was trying to find the brake as I was turning, we were hurtling toward the curb which was ironically yellow. I managed to make the turn without hitting the curb, but I have never heard so much screaming in a long time. Another funny thing we had just been singing Come Come Ye Saints with the And if we die before our journeys through happy day all is well. heheheh I was just as scared as everybody else.

Nicholas Lingard

2010-06-06T18:01:00.000-07:00

Did I mention I ended up with a kitten for Mother's Day? Not the fat calico ZEN cat. A little gray tabby, we haven't got a name for yet.

Nicholas describes the integration of two cats. Or rather the non integration of two cats. Zen is defending her upstairs territory and Kitty mostly stays downstairs except when she gets bored and wants a little action:

"Now when kitty and Zen meet upstairs here is what I would compare it to. First Jungle analogy: kitty is a tiger cub getting attacked by a charging fat elephant. Next car analogy: little sports car vs huge 16 wheeled oil tanker truck... Yah the first time they met kitty had the poop scared out of her (kinda goes with the analogie)
Yes the poop did come out on the stairs, two little pieces. At that moment Zen was the most active I have ever seen her going very very fast for her size. The kitty barely made it out of the way, in fact she fell between the stair posts and hung on by her claws to the carpet. This has happened a couple of times, the poop thing only once, but Zen hisses and spits like crazy to protect her territory. One time I tried to rescue the kitty but it fell from a bit above the second landing onto the blessing chair, it was kind of scary.

Our cat is crazy, it will attack anything that moves, including you (or me in this case). Sometimes she uses her teeth and claws and Roger isn't too happy with her at present.

The cat likes to chew on the dishwasher rack, so now I have to remember to keep the dishwasher closed. The other day Nicholas opened the clean dishwasher and said "Something stinks! I hope the cat didn't get washed!" She didn't, but as much as she loves jumping into the dishwasher we wondered. I think it was a flower vase that smelled.

In short, the kids never knew what a real cat could be like til now.

5-24-10/ Not for weak stomachs.......

2010-05-30T20:31:00.000-07:00

This week was very busy Elder Schaefer and I taught 44 lessons in total we are crazy busy teaching people. We have 2 investigators on taufe datum (baptismal date) and 15 investigators in total. Hildeshiem is on fire right now and we just started a 40 day fast with the gemeinde (ward) here for missionary work. Pleas pray for the German people and the people of Hildesheim as well as the missionary work. We need all the help from heaven that we can get. Elder Schaefer and I can work hard and we are ready to. My German is coming along slowly. Reading from the scriptures in the the german language helps a ton as well as reading preach my gospel. I will get it eventualy I am slow right now but I have faith that I will do better with time. Germany is very cool.

This week was good busy with teaching the investigators that we have and crazy. Children love us Elders to death. They love to attack us at random times when we are at their houses with tackles or what not. ITs fun.

Ok crazy story time the craziest thing happened this week. We were out on the street doing some street contact when a man stops us and says hey are your from a church and we were like ya and then proceeds to talk about everything that he can think of like james dean and other fun stuff. BUt! he clearly loved james dean because he had a book about him and he showed us. He first had to dig through his bags of newspaper and magazine clipings to find it. We then got his information and after about 20 mins of talking about random things we finaly said our goodbyes and we had an appointment with him the next day.

The time for his appointment rolls around and we hop on our bikes and make our way to his apartment (almost everyone in Germany lives in these apartment things. when my camera card is fixed I will send pictures.) We proceed as normal klingle(ring) his room wait for the apartment door to open and then climb the stairs to his room.

We get lost for a few minutes and then finaly we find the right place. Just as he opened the door to come look for us... with no pants on. (just underwear... speedo type which is normal for germany... I know this because its happened more than once. and that what my companion says is normal for Germany. for some reason they chill in their house with no pants on anyway) that was unusual enough for me because when someone answers the door usually they have pants on but it gets better. We proceed into the apartment and it is a weird way. There were newspaper and magazine clipings everywhere and there was a strange oder... Aparantly he has a problem with his bowels so as to not be able to control it and he hadnt taken a shower in ages. His legs were crusted with feacle matter that had been there awhile and at this point. My companion and I were afraid to sit down on anything. So we stood as long as possible while he talked to us about James Dean and actualy put a cd on of one of the movies he was in. and then he made us cold tea... anyways we taught him the first lesson invited him to pray about the book of Mormon and told him that we would be back to bring him a Book of Mormon because we didnt have an extra one at the time.

Needless to say he is a child of God and can use salvation as much as the next person so we are going back with a book of Mormon. I dont write this to make fun of him or his situation just simply to talk about the odd and interesting situation it put me in. It is hard to put in words exactly how it feels to be in this situation but i have tried my best. SO that being said other than that it was a normal week. Teaching teaching teaching.

I hope all is well at home.

Oh and we can recieve packages and such. I might send some stuff home if I have time and I feel that I dont need it. I am looking into buying a German light coat and a small backpack that I can take around with me. Aparently the Mr. Mack stuff is good but the German stuff is better. WE have a phrase around here called Mack attacked. Alot of missionaries go there and sometimes their stuff falls apart. My stuff is good so no worries. I love you all be good try and do somthing spiritual together as a family every day even if its for a few minutes. Build tha family trust and unity. Play games and have fun together. Be strong. and helpful. Brother write from your email accounts dont worry i can reply. I can actualy respond to anyones emails. I dont mind just having the family tho.

Please help me with the EYE-FI I need the sofware for the card because apparantly it is gone or something. I will try my best to fix it here. Just Your know more about it than I do.

Elder LIngard.

To Garrett and NIcholas.

Hey thanks for your letters last time the were cool Im glad you both are doing well I hope you find some fun things to do over the summer that are more productive than video games. but still have fun with the games haha. Find things to do outside and read and just relax and have fun as well as work. balance is good. Anyways. Am I right in thinking that there is a new Night train book out? For somereason it has been on my mind the entire week and I dont know why excpet riding the trains here reminds me of that book series. Have you discovered Halo: Reach yet? It looks amazing I know I tried asking you guys over the phone and didnt really get an answer.

Let me know what your up to and you can write on your seperate email accounts I can send emails to each of you individualy. I hate spelling haha.

A mission is crayz fun and challenging. I challange you to do something spiritual fo an hour each day. Get the whole family in on it even if its just a 15 min family thought of the day or something. Get into the Book of Mormon read it Pray together play a family game. LOve one another and develope a love for the gosple. Unite as a family more. trust eachother. Have fun together. Not only in videogames but in spiritual stuff as well. Help Mom and Dad organize something like that. Because I know it important to have fun as well as play. Anyways your amazing Elder Lingard

Michael and Roger.

How are you doing? looks like school is fun and summer is starting. Do your best in swim lessons I think its so cool that you get to take them I didnt like them as much as I should have but I am so glad that I went to them THey help a ton and plus swimming makes you really strong and have big muscles so keep at it :D. Michael stick with the piano I loved your hall of the Mountain king song it was wonderful and if you keep practacing you could be really great someday. Roger be nice to your brothers love them and have fun. Dont play to much Gameboy and tell dont forget to pray for me I will pray for you buddy. 2 years will fly by before we know it.

Feel free to bug mom to let you talk to me I always love to hear from you. make wise choices and all that.

Elder LIngard.

my boy graduates

2010-05-30T19:48:00.001-07:00

Garrett graduated Thursday #11 in his class of 780 or so. Being in the top 20 gave us seats on the field so we were right in front of Garrett the whole time. What a great kid, we're so proud of him!

Funeral

2010-05-30T19:39:00.000-07:00

Splendid funeral for a splendid man. Uncle RJ we love you and your family!!

Sisters, the flowers were beautiful and the message perfect.

Garrett/Prom

2010-05-14T22:25:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day Kitten

2010-05-14T16:55:00.000-07:00

Besides Grant

2010-05-14T13:57:00.000-07:00

Garrett went to prom, had a great time. He was lucky enough to ask a girl whose mother knows how to take care of all the details for having a good time.

Nicholas was in the Music Man in the Barbershop Quartet. He did great and we've been singing the "Music Man" ever since.

Michael is at the Grand Canyon with the fourth grade today. Roger is pestering me to make cupcakes. Grant has arrived in Germany. We'll hear from him on Monday. Talked to him at the airport when he was traveling.

Somehow I ended up with a kitten for Mother's Day. go figure. It is very cute and a bundle of fun.

4-29-10

2010-04-30T08:23:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!!

How is everything going. Its nice here. For some odd reason it keeps snowing every once and awhile. I only have about a week and 3 days left here at the MTC and then its off to Germany Its so spiritual here I apologize if this email is shorter than the others I have been very busy and havnt had time to pre write it so it is long and has a nice spiritual thought but we will see what I can do with the Materieals That I have.

Spruch Des Tages.
Er könnte keiner Fliege etwas zuleide tun

Phrase of the day
He wouldnt hurt a fly

So I dont understand how the eyefi works is there supposed to be some menu that I can acsess or does it do everything automaticaly so I dont have to worry about messing with things. I Havent sent the old camera back yet so i could send the eye fi still. I might have messed up the card by trying to format it on the other camera but I dont really know. Please let me know how it is supposed to work. I am confused haha. Im like an old person with technologie.

I really like the new camera you sent. It is simply amazing I dont even know everything it does but it is a wonderful peice of technologie. I am glad you sent it. I think its to much for poor old me but thank you so much.

I had my bridge fixed again today the fix they did last time didnt work so they had to take the whole thing of and glue it back on but its all good now. Everything is stuck strong and I think it will stay for the whole two years now.

Garrett and Nicholas I need to remember how to play the ultimate challange. Sword shield and beam or something like that. We play rock paper scissors right now to see who takes all the trays back to the dishes line thing so I would like to play the ultimate challange.

ON tuesday we had Elder L. Tom Parry speak to us. He was amazing!! He bore an awsome testimony of the book of moromon and gave me alot of needed scriptures for a "progressive investigator" that I am teaching.

He used Isaih 29:4,11-14 which talks about the book out of the ground and how the learned man will say "I can not read this for it is sealed and in Joseph smith history 1:63-65 the man who gave joseph smith the certificate for translation tore up the certificate and said I cant read a sealed book or something to that effect.

I think the real amazing thing is the spirit that gave me a very strong prompting that He was an Apostle of God and he stands as a witness of Jesus Christ today. I know that he is a realy and true apostle today just the same as the apostles of old.

I know we have apostles on earth today I have seen them and Heard thir testimony and I know God speaks to them.

I was going to copy and past Elder Jeffery R hollands talk on Safty for the soul but these computers dont let me do that I CHALLANGE EVERYONE TO GO AND READ THAT TALK OR LISTEN TO IT. SAFTY FOR THE SOUL. It is amazing and It is about the Book of Mormon. Please do this It is so important to have a strong tesimony of the book of mormon because if its true everything else in the church is,

I'm sorry that this weeks letter is kind of short things are winding down here at the mtc. I hosted the new missionaries on wednesday And I am glad that I am not where they are now. I am so excited to leave.

Thanks for all of your support I love you all so much

Elder Lingard.

My grown boy

2010-04-24T19:25:00.000-07:00

4-22-10

2010-04-24T19:20:00.001-07:00

HEy everyone,

THe shift key on my keybored is not working very well so it will capitalise things at odd places. I only have 2 more pdays at the MTC hopefuly. Unless the flights to Germany get cancled like they have for the last group that tried to leave. They are still stuck here.

My bridges are alright. and sticking fine now :D

Being district leader is interesting. I lead discussions and interview the eElders to make sure they are doing alright.I also teach lessons and help in anyway I can.

I like this email buisness it helps speed things along and my letters can go out to everyone. I hope all is well with everyone. I don't hear to much here at the MTC except what I get in the mail. so I hope all is well.

OH and to my lovely brothers feel free to send silly stories and stuff or write everyonce and awhile. THis isnt bootcamp and mail isnt held for months at a time.
I like to hear from home everyonce and awhile. You have been donig a good job so far so keep it up :D.

IF you can let brother Hahls know how much study Journals help and How much I appreciate his classses I got his lessons today so I am slowly putting them in my study Journal.

I love teh work here aand I hope all who read this know that I am a disciple of Jesus Christ therefore I testify teach and rejoice in Christ, I also try to live as much like him as I can so I can invite others to come unto christ like our purpuse states in Preach my GOspel.

My mission means everything to me. I will work until I cant possibly work anymore beacause my mission means so much to me. I love what I do and I know that Jesus Christ lives and I know he loves all men. I know that he died for us and that the only way to return to our Heavenly father is to follow his example. Dont ever lose faith that this church is true. I love you all!!

ONe question Are you keeping the commitments I have given you?

I have been reading Jesus the Christ and have been learnign alot. THis is from Jesus the Christ

Christs agony in the garden is unfathomable by the finite mind, both as to intensity and cause . The thought that he suffered through fear of death is untenable. He struggled and groaned under a burden such as no other being who has lived on earth might even conceive as possible. It was not physical pain, nor mental anguish alone, that caused him to suffer such torture as to produce an extrusion of blood from every pore; but a spiritual agony of soul such as only God was capable of experiencing. No other man could have suffered so.

In that hour of anguish CHrist met and overcame all the horors that Satan could inflict. In some manner, actual and terribly real though to man incomprehensible, the Savior took upon Himself the burden of the sins of mankind from Adam to the end of the world.

From that terrible conflict in Gethsemane, Christ emerged a Victor.

Jesus loves us all and the Gift of salvation is availible for those who accept his example and come unto him by baptism in the true Church and following the commandments.

Again I love this church and the work that I have been doing. I wish I was in Germany right now but It will come quick.

Elder LIngard

Letter from Grant 4-1 and one from LaDawn 4-2

2010-04-02T11:02:00.000-07:00

Day 17 by Grant
Fast sunday . I dont mind fast Sundays at all. Ya I get hungry for a little while but I dont mind it. The days are jsut flying buy. Soon I will be in Germany. Its so crazy to think about. I am learning so much about how to preach the gospel. I have been told before that its the spirit that converts people not us and I am now able to see that. No amount of information will convert people to the church its all about the spirit. If I can not teach so the spirit is invited tehen I should'nt teach at all.

D&C 42 And the spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith and if ye recieve not the spirit ye shall not teach.

So I am working my hardest to find the best way to teach by and with the spirit. It is better to teach simply and plainly. Barny style it. HaHa

I forgot to write last time but I had a dream where I saw Jesus's hand and the scar on his hand. It was very real. I saw the scar from the nail in the palm of his hand. Amazing!!

Day 19 3-29

I really dont have to many fun events to write about but I was thinking during my personal study time int the Morning (actualy I was reading Jesus the Christ and then thinking) and I recieved an interesting Idea from my study and reading. Its's about the persuasive power of fSatan. Satan as we all know fought with God in the premortal life. It is evident in several scriptures Rev 12:7-9 as well as Rev12:4 and a few others. In those scriptures we find that Satan had the persuasive power to turn a third of the hosts of heaven while they were in the precense of God. They were in teh precence of God and they still chose to side with Satan.!! His persuasive powe is immence. He knows all the tricks and whily ways. It is not surprising that he can find such a foot hold in the hearts of men. He will not win because the Light of Christ that we all have. We succeded in keeping our first estate. as seen in Jude 1:6. We can now progress and move forward while Satan and the third host of heaven that was lost can not. I am working on studying it more, but it was interesting to realize the amount of convincing power that he had. Satan has no actual Priesthood power but he does have intelligence.

On to answer questions. A 3 by 5 German Flag would be nice we want to hang it in the window so people can see the German Flag :)

Please post my letters on facebook I dont see why it would be bad.

ITs better for now if people send Dear elders because I have no time to read emails but I would gladly write anyone who is interested in writing me. Here its hard to email anyone but my family.

Tell Michael Im proud of him for winning the most creative it has been a lingard vaforite to win since Garretts hotdog car.

Thanks Aunt Racheal for the package I loved the cookies.

Day 20

So can I get a tape recorder to send home voice clips? Like Jaron does or if you dont want to then thats fine. If you do please send a small!!! tape recorder in the mail so I can send my beautious voice home.

I can get friends email addresses later I would like home addresses to write. Just send a message out on facebook askin for mailing addreses. Not a status update but an actual message.

Wash is on thursdays about 3:00 here.

A cool quote that I heard at a devotional I am a missionary now and I am happy :D

Day 21

Well the new Elders get here today. Ther are only 2 new German Elders. when I got here there were 20 new German Missionaries alltogether.

In answer to what kind of ties. All ties work as long as they are cheap and people will trade for them :D

You can send the Zune put soft spirit inviting music it doesnt have to be only church stuff. Just nice stuff like Jazz or Soundtracks (Legend of Zelda and Mario anyone haha)

I appreciate the gospel so much now. Dont forget DearElder.com I dont die without mail but its very nice to get. My hair is a little longer now then the pictures I sent home.

Thanks Bro Palmer for your letter I frogot to say thank you last email.

Day 22

So Im sitting here doing Laundry writing home and I dont have much else to write :/. LIfe is developing a pattern and so now tiem is starting to fly by. THe food here is good I am eating a ton more than I did at home. I gained like 20 pounds I weigh 175 now its crazy haha Im a fat kid.

Amos 8:11-12

Behold the days come saith the Lord God that I will send a famine in the land not a famine of bread nor a thirst for water but of hearing the words of the Lord: and they shall wander from sea to sea and from north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord and shall not find it.

I can testify that the famine told of in Amos is over. That the words of Jesus Christ are now on the Earth in their fullness. THe bible needs the book of mormon and the book of mormon needs the bible. I found out that the German bible has more books than the English version. I found that interseting that the Germans have more books in the bible then we do. Anyways truth is restored on earth through the Prophet Jospeph Smith he saw God and Jesus Christ he translated teh plates I know this. I know the prophets and Apostles we have today are truely called of God to be a special witnesses of Jesus Christ. I testify of these things in Jesuses name Amen

I love you all and hope I answered all of the questions I got

Grant Lingard

April fools on weighing 175 I only weigh 147 right now haha gotcha. :P Love ya bye. ;)

Grant,

So is June the estimated departure date?
I heard the Chinese speaking have to stay 4 months.
I was writing to you on email at the same time you were writing me and I think you probably missed my note. It was short as Dad called to say your email was in and so I realized I had missed you. Dear Elder is cool. What will we do when you are in Germany? Can you record voice on your camera? Dad is probably going to buy the thing that transmits your camera memory to Internet when you are near a connection. Any idea how you will charge the zune in Germany? I guess some converter thing would do it.
Justin Butler is anxious to hear from you. If you mention him in your regular letter I will forward it. I gave him your ldsmail address too.
Here is the funniest April fools I heard yesterday:
Matt Gallego:
I'm gonna be an UNCLE!!!! :D
Yesterday at 7:09pm via Facebook for BlackBerry · Comment ·LikeUnlike.4 people like this..Destinee Holt Omg omgomgomgomgomg!!!!!!!!
Yesterday at 7:13pm.Matthew Austin Gallego I'm sooooo stoked!!!!!!! Wooo HOOOOOOOO!!!!! Git-R-Done Trevor!! Hahahhahah
Yesterday at 7:18pm.Destinee Holt I'm so stoked toooo!!!! :))))) how exciting :)))
Yesterday at 7:20pm.William Edward Cosper For real... or April fools?
Yesterday at 7:30pm.Kirk Mills not this time APRIL FOOLSSSSSSSSSS
Yesterday at 7:30pm.Elder Nyal R. Sewell APRIL FOOOL!!
Yesterday at 7:33pm.Matthew Austin Gallego Hahahnope she was april fooling about that. I swear she's serious now hahah
Yesterday at 7:33pm.Elder Nyal R. Sewell noooo way!! I sooo dont believe you!

Yesterday at 7:33pm.Matthew Austin Gallego She's serious!!!
Yesterday at 7:34pm.Kirk Mills n your not APRIL FOOOOOLS really though?

Yesterday at 7:34pm.Matthew Austin Gallego Swear on my life ask my mom!!
Yesterday at 7:34pm.Elder Nyal R. Sewell no wayyyyyyy! Really?? LIke for realsss?

Yesterday at 7:35pm.Matthew Austin Gallego She is dead serious bros!!
Yesterday at 7:35pm.William Edward Cosper That's AWESOME! My niece is 6 months old and she is the cutest and sweetest thing EVER!!! It's great being an Uncle... CONGRATS!
Yesterday at 7:35pm.Matthew Austin Gallego Thanks will!!
Yesterday at 7:36pm.Kirk Mills nice dude i so want to be an uncle but ill have my own before that happens
Yesterday at 7:36pm.William Edward Cosper No prob!
Yesterday at 7:36pm.Matthew Austin Gallego Yeah man I'm soooo stoked!!
Yesterday at 7:39pm.William Edward Cosper My oldest niece is 6... but my favorite is McKenzie... she lives 30 minutes away so I get to see her a whole lot more!
Yesterday at 7:41pm.Tanner K Stimpson nice. chandler or what?

Yesterday at 8:43pm.Matthew Austin Gallego APRIL FOOLS!!! Hahahahahaha
Yesterday at 8:44pm.Kirk Mills ha
Yesterday at 8:54pm.Matthew Austin Gallego Got you again fool!!
Yesterday at 8:56pm.Kirk Mills ha
Yesterday at 8:56pm

I almost fell for it.

Just found out that Erin's dad passed away.(Matt's wife). Sad, but when remembering the gospel plan there is comfort.

Grandma says she heard that shampoo also works for white shirt collars (as well as the Fels-Naptha soap).

Sister Helbig says to buy a "feather bed" when you get to Germany. She says it's like a down comforter that everyone sleeps under over there to keep warm. Sounds good to me.

So, if you memorize scripture mastery verses do the references translate over to the same place in the German Scriptures?

What kind of exercising do you get? any? Good April Fools.

Do you get to go to conference in SLC? I guess that would be difficult logistically.

I love the Provo temple picture. Nice.

Have a good day. Enjoy the fortress of the Lord while you're there. The real world awaits out there for people who have the anchor of truth.

Do ever get to see Sisters?

Grandma says she misses you but has enjoyed your room. She leaves tommorrow for Utah. We saw Garrett's play dress rehearsal for Beauty and the Beast yesterday. Garrett is a nutty townsperson. Johnny is the most hilarious enchanted broom in the beast's castle. He wears a sort of grass skirt with a brown shirt and goes around shimmying, pretending to sweep. The play is pretty much like the movie. It was funny when Mrs Potts forgot to bring Chip on stage with her. You could hear little Chip yelling off stage, "mommy, mommy you forgot me again!" Chip's cup (with his face sticking out) is attached to a tea table so Mrs Potts has to wheel him in and out of every scene. William is Bell's father. He gets wheeled around in a little cage at the beast's castle. He is such a good actor it's too bad he doesn't get more scenes. I didn't get to see Jorgen as Chip because he is in the other cast.

Spiritually, Roger is being a stinker about saying his prayers, Garrett passes sacrament(hooray!) Nicholas loves seminary and what he is learning. I caught him kneeling to pray the other day, that makes me happy. Funny to think Michael will be a deacon when you get back. Dad and I are very proud to have a missionary to brag about and to use as a springboard for gospel opportunities.

Love you much, take care. Mom

Missionary Fire

2010-03-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

Messages from Grant, posted by his mother:Thu, 25 Mar 2010

It would be nice to get some Dear Elders from my friends I dont know how you could motivate them to do so but it would be nice. Make sure that my emails home get sent to as many people as possible and I apologize for spelling and caps errors I dont have a lot of time to write alot D: love you all

Elder GMAN

ps some pictures would be nice I didnt take any with me.

Hey Everyone,

It is helpful if you respond to my emails with dear elder right now because I get the dear elders before I can check my email and I am only limited to 30 mins to write the letter and I like to have as much time as possible to write to Everyone.

Day 9

Today we sent an epistle to the other class because they said if acrisis were to occure and they resort to canibalism they would eat us. So we sent an espitle saying that we cwould preserve our freedoms and if need be take up arms even to the shedding of blood for the eating of flesh is abomidable or something along those lines. And we gave it to them rolled up like a scroll tied with a string. FWe drew a cool cop on the chalk board with a caption bubble saying Du bist toast brot which means you are toast in german. I have learned the art of light saber pictures as well so I have been playing around with different scenes. WE can get a good decapitation picture.

Amidst all of this fun we are learning. Today was a hard day and everyone is drained.

Day 10 Living here is like Heaven compared to bootcamp. I feel like boot camp can almost be related to satans plan in that we were told to do everything they counted us down in everything and told us exactly7 what to do they controlled us and i feel that my expreience there closely resembles satans plan for all of us to return to heaven. Without free angency we lose ourselves we become numbers we are just a mindless robot to be ordered around. The beauty of Gods plan is that we get to have the ability to choose. The ability to be who we want to an dexplore our extream limits and once we reach those limits we see that we can do more and constantly progress.
With satanhe would tell us how far we coud go that is why I love it here. The spirit is so strong and it truely testifies of th e truthfulness of this gospel and the truthfullness of statements like I know god lives and loves all of us. Therre truely is a god and he has given us a prophet to guide us back int o his precence. There is no other way that man and God can opper ate. There has to be a prophet to act in Jesus's name. God does not leave his children alone in the dark without guidence. He gives us direction because he loves us.

I am not saying that going to boot camp was a bad experience or that the Marines are bad. I am saying that boot camp is a good experience. I am truely proud of my oath to protect this country and all of the families and people who live in tin. I will gladlyh stand up to defend my freedoms my family and my country and I have stood up. I als ohave stood up to fight the spiritual war. I am fighting for the freedom of all mankind and it is my duty to rescue seve and defendd all souls I come across from satans greedy evil clutches and invite all to come back into the safty and protection of Gods fold. The fortress of impenetrable defense. The only weakness is the inhabitants. They chose to subject themselves to dangerbecause the leave the fortress ,or Gods protection, or have not found the fortress of the Lord. I and all other Missionaries are the knights sent to gather the lost and wandering souls. The sheaprds helper who seeks the lost souls. They need Gods truth and light.

Day 11 Sunday

Almost as good as going to the temple on thursdays. If possible could I get a German flag in the mail and mabey some swedish fish or some other goodies to munch on. Oh! and send more cheap ties that you dont care if I trade because there is a cool tie trading buisness around here and some cheap ties would be nice for trading.

Day 14

Well Elder Graff and I have been drawing cool pictuers. I will send some home when we are done. I hope you get the pictures I sent home. I am learning alot

Hey Sam I invite you to go see the restoration movie that the church has. I believe its at the visitors cienter. I hope your doing well. I wish I knew what I do now when we could talk face to face .

Well I love you alll. the mtc is great and I cant wait to go to Hambug Germany.

The restoration of the gospel is a beutiful thing and I appreciate it more now than I ever have. I know through the holy Ghost thtat Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus christ and that if we excersise a ilttle faith and prayer all can know of this truth.I know this church is Christs church on the earth. I challenge all who doubt this message to read pray and search for themselves to know and I testify that they will recieve an answer if they are sincer.

I love you all until next time :D

Elder Grant Lingard.

Hey Its me Elder Lingard

2010-03-18T17:26:00.000-07:00

Grant says anyone can write him, (he probably won't have time to write back).

From: Grant Hughett Lingard (grant.lingard@myldsmail.net)
Date: Thu, Mar 18, 2010 at 3:07 PM
Subject: Hey Its me Elder Lingard

Day 1 we learned how to pray in German and its easier than I thought it would be. My companions name is Elder Cravens he is from Tennessee hes a nice hard working companion. I met Seth as well (actually I have seen him a few times while I have been here. Day 3 we learned how to introduce ourselves and a few new gospel vocab words. I am grateful for my previous German experience. I enjoy the spirit here. Its nice to be studying the gospel everyday. I am learning allot about how to speak to people to invite the spirit and get to know them better. They tell us to learn bout the people we are teaching not to teach a brick wall. We also have a motto for our class. Machen wir uns auf die socken. It means lets put on the socks. Jesus loves us. He weeps with us when we suffer and rejoices when we do what is right. I Love this place.

Day 4 Its snowing today and we have MDT which is missionary Directed time. We study, goof off then study some more. Elders go crazy here with cabin fever or something. A fun thing we like to do is treat the MTC like Hogwarts sometimes.

Day 5
Its Sunday and we walked to the temple and a little girl ran up to me and asked in a high squeaky voice "Where are you going on your mission" I replied with "I'm going to the Hamburg Germany mission" trying my best to emulate the excitement in her voice. She then said "Oh! I don't know where that is" and ran off to tell her family about her adventures.

60 POINTS TO GERMANY ZONE

Butler can Email Me in fact anyone who wants to can email me but I might not reply because we are limited to 30 minutes on the computer.

I have seen Seth like I said and he is doing really well with his Spanish. (we call the Spanish speaking missionaries spandies And the Mandarin speaking Missionaries Mandies. haha)

Spykes can send his spaghetti but I aint gonna eat it either.

Day 7

One week since I got here. The new missionaries just came in and a joke some of the Elders that have been here longer play is to flip their name tag around and place the Orange I'm new sticker on the blank back side and ask other Elders and Sisters where they can get their name plates engraved Its funny.

I am in district 19 E and we have a secret hand shake, a flag, and a Mascot. Our Mascot is a plant Elder Bishop found in a room we tactically acquired it and it now sits like charlie browns Christmas tree sideways in the corner of our class room. We named it Nimrod der Pflannze or Nimrod the plant. There's also a stick coming out of the pot with a piece of tape attached to make it look like a flag that says Zion and the cherubim guards the plant. (The cherubim is an army guy with a machine gun. He has set up camp in the pot.)

On a more spiritual note Mosiah 2:4

I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, They are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they are faithful to the end they are received into heaven that thereby they may dwell with god in a state of never ending happiness. O remember remember that these things are true for the lord god has spoken it.

Let the work of God go forth Among the world

Elder Cook spoke to us on Tuesday and said that because of this economic crisis more people have been humbled so they are out waiting for this message of hope we have to share.

I love you all until next week

Elder Grant Lingard

Only boys toot

2010-03-07T19:41:00.000-08:00

Carlos has spent a busy week getting Stake Conference Broadcasting equipment ready to go. It went great, due to the boatload of time he took off work.
Grant survived his last weekend of Marine drill and will sign out for his two years on Tuesday. He will also be set apart as an Elder on Tuesday and we will celebrate Roger's 6th birthday(Johnna and Chris, you are invited). We have discovered that vacum compression bags work great for stuffing two years worth of stuff into two suitcases (and one carryon). Wednesday morning we will take him to the airport and send him off to MTC. A new adventure begins.
Garrett is crazy busy with rehearsals for the school musical and getting ready to travel to NY to sing at Carnegie Hall with his choir during spring break. Nicholas just got his patriarchal blessing in the mail. Wonderful blessing. Wonderful kid.

I've just about got next season scheduled for the symphony. I am working to make sure we incorporate community service into our programming. Our concerts are free to the public so that's the biggest deal. We will be doing a 9-11 performance with a volunteer fair for non-profits. We will do a joint fundraising Holiday concert to raise funds for us and Neighbor Who Care. We are holding a Student Concerto Competition with the winner performing with the symphony. I am scouting out other ways to make the symphony a valuable resource to the community.
Speaking of scouts, Pinewood Derby is this month. Carlos was so busy with Stake conference prep that I had to be the adult with Michael at the derby workshop. This means we ended up with a car that is not aerodynamically shaped but it is cool looking. It's got waves like the ocean or a dragonback. He wanted it to be black. I think Tsunami would be a cool name. Michael is thinking of Dragon Dueler.

Tonight Roger noted after daddy tooted and said "Mom did it" that only boys toot, not girls. Of course this is true.

Feb almost gone

2010-02-21T17:32:00.000-08:00

A couple months and so much happens. Grant has his mission call to Northern Germany, he leaves March 10. Made a quick trip to SLC to receive his endowment and buy mission supplies. His "farewell" was February 14. Had a nice family dinner and visit afterwards. This weekend Grant had Marines Reserves Drill. Convoy operations in the rain.

Our garden is planted for the second time. The bunnies ate the first round. We replaced the fencing and hope that will do the job. The chickens are laying 4 eggs a day. Our boxer, Storm, is jealous of the chickens and tries to steal their scrap bucket. She pushed a hole through the chicken wire to get to their "treats." She didin't care about the chickens she just wanted to steal their food.

Garrett made regional choir and sand in a great performance this weekend. He is also involved in early morning symphony orchestra practices and the spring musical, "Beauty and the Beast" and is going to New York City during spring break with the High School Choir. Carlos told him he wouldn't be so busy if he had just taken Calculus.

Nicholas received his patriarchal blessing this Sunday. Very powerful. He is a great kid, we are proud of him. Drama is still his favorite class. Too bad the High School Drama isn't worth taking. They say don't take the class, just try out for the plays.

Michael and Roger are enjoying elementary at a great school, Zaharis. Saturday they went with Carlos and I to the young single adult activity to pick fruit in an old citrus turned residential neighborhood ,for the food bank. I was one of the few who would climb the trees to get at fruit on the inside and tops. These old trees haven't been trimmed in ages for picking so they are very scraggly inside and hard to pick and climb. I only almost fell twice and the third time I fell I was caught by some innner branches. My legs are a mess of bruises but I do love to climb a tree. I may have to retire from this activity. Almost as dangerous as playing spoons.

I have been working part time as President of Chandler Symphony. It's been crazy but I think I will get the hang of it. I'm thinking it will be good experience. Just got a job posting from Chandler Education Foundation and their new full time president will get $45,000 or more doing stuff I am already doing for the Symphony (for a lot less money). I'm guessing CEF is probably a cream of the crop non-profits job.

Carlos is singing with a small choir again and enjoying that a lot. I went to his first concert; a fireside for multi-stake single adults. He figured I would get "hit on" by single guys. Oh, yeah a 70 and 92 year old who sang to himself. Whoopee for me.

Time is flying.

Lingard Card 2009

2009-12-26T20:18:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

Christmas visit

2009-12-26T16:42:00.000-08:00

Temple lights, cactus hike, nativity play, pedicure, nerf darts on the ceiling, Christmas day.

Family Party 2009

2009-12-24T08:03:00.000-08:00

November!

2009-11-01T06:54:00.000-08:00

Here it is November already! We avoided trick or treating this year because the night before was the Ward Trunk or Treat and so by Saturday Michael had a stomach ache and Roger had a melt down so we stayed home. The older boys, Garrett and Nicholas went to the neighbors and watched a scary movie and so every one was satisfied.

Friday night we spent an hour putting up the cardboard box "Jungle Tunnel of Doom" for the ward party and which was a great success with the primary children. They just kept going around and around over and over. It wasn't too spooky. Glow in the black light spider webs, stars and bugs. Jungle animals and snakes. Lit the tunnel with those battery operated votive candles. It was fun.

I am surviving my busy schedule by dropping out of stuff. I have quit teaching. I dropped out of the Musica Nova concert this month so I won't have rehearsals all week. That leaves me with Concertmaster for Chandler Symphony this month, learning to be the President of CSO and preparing for Conductor Herriman's 80th birthday party and playing in the Christmas concert and Nutcracker Ballet. And Cub Scout O Rama and Den meetings and Pack.

Carlos is considering going back to work for Maricopa County. His 30 something Nephew just had a heart attack. We know Carlos' turn is a matter of when, not if. It's too likely with the family history. So good insurance and disability are looking good right now. Carlos stays busy with work and High Council duties and his Marine fish tank hobby.

Grant's return home date keeps changing. At the latest it should be Dec. 16.
Garrett is being a typical flaky Senior. Nicholas is coasting through life as a 9th grader. That's it for now.

Great weekend

2009-10-18T19:56:00.000-07:00

Had a great weekend with Ashley in town and Mom and Johnna's new baby! Carlos drove the boys to Utah for the Lingard Apple Cider Days so it was a girl's weekend. Loved it. Shopping, visiting, going to the temple, eating out, sleeping in, what could be better? The concerts the two weekends before went well so that was a relief to have done before the visit.

Grant is in Virginia now for the last round of training. He went to church on base today and found out there is a ride to the town ward for next week.
Garrett is doing typical Senior flakey stuff like driving to things with out telling us so we have no idea where he is.
Nicholas has sprouted and is as tall as Garrett.
Michael went to Utah but not to san diego. The weekend before Carlos drove the boys to San Diego to see Grant before he shipped out. They went to Sea World and Michael was so sad he didn't go with them. We did have a nice time together just the two of us and we went to see "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" which was very cute. And got icecream and such.
Roger is loving kindergarten and the joys of being the youngest spoiled child.
Carlos is busy as always with work and High Council responsibilities.

We're having fun gathering the two eggs a day we are getting from the chickens.

At least the floor is mopped.

2009-10-04T18:06:00.000-07:00

The thing I feel best about this week is that I got the floor mopped. It really needed it.

Finally got the chamber concert over with. I'm not sure I should do any more of those. I'll have to listen to the recording and see how bad it was.

Dropped my students so I would have time to be on Chandler Symphony Board of Directors. Not sure this was a good/right decision or not. Time will tell. I do enjoy the students.

Grant called home this weekend. He has shot all kinds of military weapons. Sounds like he will fly straight to Virginia in 10 days. Bummer. I'm stuck in town next weekend with another concert but Carlos and the boys are going to drive over to see him before he flys out. He wants his Zune, contacts and glasses.

Garrett told me AFTER his orchestra concert (that I missed because I had rehearsal) that he was the concertmaster and had a solo! That child. I did make it to his choir concert in which he had a little solo. His choir is great! I was really impressed.

Nicholas is still hanging out with the Bass section and Drama guys.
Michael and Roger loved the school carnival which I missed because of the chamber concert.

Do I sound too busy? Did I mention I am concertmaster of Chandler Symphony this concert because our concertmaster is not available? I have been very stressed. And the Symphony President is moving and the Board is looking at me to take her place. And I am Cub Committee Chair and a Den Leader and a mother of 5 and, and, and........maybe dropping the students will help. Or not if we end up needing the money....

Is it time for vacation yet?

2009-09-27T21:04:00.000-07:00

Had a wonderful 10 days with Grant and now he's off to combat training.
Garrett is in choir this year and they are going to NYC so he's pumped.
Nicholas is looking ahead to getting his driver's permit next summer.
Michael is full of spirit and fun for just about any thing.
Roger is a spoiled youngest child, whose mommy loves him.
Carlos is busy with work and High Council.
LaDawn is busy with cub scouts(committee chair and den leader), violin students, carpool, CS Symphony board of directors, concertmaster, and chamber series allll at once. Is it time for vacation yet?

Marine Graduation

2009-09-13T16:52:00.001-07:00

Was it worth it?

2009-08-23T12:31:00.000-07:00

So, Grant's band buddies sent him a Birthday Package. Packages are not good. They attract unwanted attention from drill instructors. Here's what Grant wrote about it:

"Oh! cool story. Matt, Rhino and Frenchi sent me a package. Guess what was inside? A Birthday present. I knew something was wrong when I got a box in the mail. It got worse when I opened the box. A very pink present and letter was sitting inside the box. At that time I was very afraid to open the pink present. I had to open it eventually so I opend the pink present bag and peered inside and what did I see; lots of pink girly items inside the pink girly present. Things like a fairy wand with the pictures of disney princesses, or barbies I can't remember which. Purple slippers, foam flamingo glasses, a princess crown. All of these items had sticky notes attached with descriptions of what they were. The wand was my "weapon of choice," the crown my "helmet," the slippers my "boots." And a few other silly things.

Needless to say the Senior Drill Instructor dumped the present out in a pile and I got to do pushups over it. After awhile (my arms were dying) he grabbed the wand and gave me a pushup boost by pressing the button and waving the wand over me while it made magic noises. I think I did over 100 pushups. The good news is I got to keep everything so you can all see my beautiful presents."

Lucky his birthday was near the end of boot camp and they were more forgiving than it would have been at the beginning.

Happy Birthday Grant!

2009-08-16T19:52:00.000-07:00

Grant got to call home on Friday! I wasn't home! Fortunately Carlos was. He is sounding grownup and very hoarse from all the yelling they do all day every day. It was a nice birthday present for him to call home (he is now 19). We had a party at home for him with cake, singing and a present. I took pictures to send to him. We also sent a recordable voice card to him last week that we told him Happy Birthday on. He said it was cool. We were worried he might get in trouble for it but he didn't mention any. We only have a week left to write letters, then he is off to the crucible and won't get mail. Crucible is a three day ordeal of sleep and food deprivation, strenuous physical activity (something like 50 miles hiking with their full packs of 70lbs or so) and "field testing" in all areas of their training.He will have leave to be home for 10 days or more at Labor Day.
His weapons training and job specialty training will be done the middle of December then he is scheduled to begin inactive reserves time for a mission. Lots to take care of .

Garrett has elected to take a typical Senior schedule of fluff and the remaining core requirements. This does not include Calculus. The young don't think ahead.

Nick is happy with his classes. Michael is adjusting to a stricter teacher after last year's coolest teacher ever. Roger likes his half day of kindergarten.

Monday I start carpooling and teaching lessons and soon symphony season will start. As a Board Member for Chandler Symphony I am already swamped in preparations. Church is about the same craziness as I am a den leader and committee chair. I've been planning like crazy to get the next six months of Pack meetings squared away so I won't have to stress as much once the Symphony Season starts.

Carlos can't really talk about what he has been working on this past week but it has been stressfull and interesting. And so it goes.

Have a good week.

I'm trying to be like Jesus

2009-08-03T14:53:00.000-07:00

Roger was so cute, he wanted to look just like Jesus. He held real still and tried to hold his hands just the same.

Grant at camp

2009-07-25T10:41:00.000-07:00

My Boy at Boot camp

2009-07-25T10:35:00.000-07:00

Here is my boy at boot camp. Got the pic from an online marine parent who was at the base for a graduation. I'm so excited to see him! It was taken July 10. Haven't had a letter for two weeks so this was a thrill to get.

7-19-09

2009-07-19T16:34:00.000-07:00

Garrett has his driver's license, yeah! The computer game limit is a bust. I have to do so much nagging, I get worn out. No swimming lessons this week and it was probably a mistake, the younger boys are bored. They have played more with friends and the chickens who are doing well though no eggs yet.
Grant has sent a couple of positive letters so we hope he is making progress. We only got a couple of letters this week from him so it could be a good sign that he is more busy and happy? he told a humorous story about the drill instructor taking him and a group of 5 recruits out for IT (intensive training?). They did pushups and then the guy says " You have 60 seconds to pick up two pieces of trash." They didn't have time to think, they just did it. After some more pushups then he says "You recruits thinks it's hot out here? Well, we need more trees, you have 60 seconds to bury a pinecone so we can have more trees." In retrospect it seemed weird but at the time they just followed orders. I think it was a glimmer of humanity in the beating down process (I hope). Grant's last letter also mentions something vague about him going to North Korea. That child needs to give more details.

2009-06-28T16:57:00.000-07:00

Roger tried out the Mrs. Potato head earing for fun.Nicholas decided he likes wearing the pink tie from Johnna's wedding to church. He keeps waiting for comments but no one has said anything.
This weekend we got three baby chicks. It is hilarious to lay them on their backs when you hold them. They get all limp and relaxed. They are so messy I decided to leave them in the coop in a wire gerbil cage. They'll just have to survive or not. So far after two days they have survived.

Grant has finally received our letters even though I left out a line of his address. Here is the correct address:

RECRUIT LINGARD GH
2DBN FOX CO PLT 2136
36001 MIDWAY AVE
SAN DIEGO CA 92140-2136

The only high points in his life are letters and church so keep em coming. He says he is doing fine with the physical training but the mental mind games they play are crazy and wearing and he has a cold so that doesn't help. He's definitely going to build his mental/emotional/spiritual strength doing this.

Garrett hopes to finally get his driver's license this week. I really need another driver.

We are limiting the the boys' computer time to one hour. They have been total couch potates this summer. At least Michael and Roger have been doing swim lessons and they are having fun playing with the chicks.

New additions

2009-06-21T20:12:00.000-07:00

No new babies....just Dad's buffalo skull in the place of honor AND our Glorious Shabby chic chicken coop. Carlos claims it is just shabby.

Grant has finally written a letter, after lights out in the dark he says. They didn't let him sleep the first three days, he got seven shots at once and is getting hammered real good. His eyes have been opened to the true difficulty of his choice. Hope fully what doesn't kill him will make him stronger. He would love letters! Those and church on Sunday are his only moments of comfort.
RECRUIT LINGARD, GH
2ND BN FOX CO PLT 2136
SAN DIEGO CA 92140-2136

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T18:39:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

No news is good news?

2009-06-14T20:16:00.000-07:00

Still no word from Grant. Hopefully no news is good news.

2009-06-08T19:35:00.000-07:00

2009-06-08T18:39:00.000-07:00

2009-06-07T20:52:00.000-07:00

Can't believe Grant leaves for boot camp tommorrow. We have had a great two week family vacation marathon driving session. We went to Utah, spent Sunday with Mom Lingard and had dinner with the extended family. Monday we drove to Moscow, Idaho and spent five days there. We fished at Spring Valley, saw the Lower Granite Dam, played at the "dune" by the river, went to Elk River for Huckleberry Icecream and shooting, toured the university, learned to make arrowheads courtesy of Dad Hughett. Sunday we drove to Yellowstone and spent Monday seeing the park and all its cool geothermal sites and wildlife. Tuesday we drove to Colorado, visited with Tami at dinner time and drove on to Canon to stay two nights with Dave and Ashley. Only one kid with cavities so it was a stellar checkup with Uncle David. Enjoyed bowling with the kids and having ice cream and fun playing card games. Thursday we drove home to Arizona. Carlos figures it was close to 3,000 miles! It was great to have some memory building time before Grant leaves the nest. I'm sad this era is over but excited for him as well. He's a great kid/son/young man.

2009-05-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

Grant is graduated! He was pretty happy even though it rained the whole time at the outdoor ceremony. It was a soggy party. Garrett recieved outstanding math student which was cool and funny in that he is not signed up to take math next year. Nick is happy to move to top dog at the Jr. High. Michael is already bored of summer. Roger is excited to be a kindergartener in the fall. We have two weeks left till Grant goes into Boot Camp. We are spending the time together and visiting family. It is freaky to think he is on his way "out."

Stuff

2009-05-17T18:06:00.000-07:00

One more week to go on Roger's splint.
Grant graduates this week, whoa. Tonight he is a speaker at Seminary Graduation. Any good graduation present ideas? We don't know what to do for him as he will be heading to boot camp and can't take anything with him.
Garrett earned outstanding AP Calculas student and has decided not to take math next year. go figure. I think he already has Senioritis. He has signed up for choir, orchestra, weight training, seminary and english. oooo tough.
Nicholas is signed up for another year of drama and orchestra. Michael got Bear Rank in Cubscouts. I enjoyed having time to myself during Father/Sons campout. they came back too soon. Carlos is thinking about the new fishtank he wants to get for Father's Day.

Oldest son graduates!

2009-05-05T18:27:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox postcard

Recent photos

2009-05-03T19:01:00.000-07:00

Chris working hard to get Grant's Senior Photos

Grandma and Aunt Marianne visit in March

Senior Prom with Hillary

Another cast delayed

2009-05-03T17:15:00.000-07:00

No cast yet for Roger. His hand is burned too badly to cast over it yet but prob ably soon. Keeping this child safe while in a splint has been nerve wracking. Grant just realized this could be his last fast sunday before he goes to boot camp. Time is catching up to him and the rest of us. Garrett has AP testing this week. That boy sure does take a heavy academic load. Nicholas was in a school play and did a good job. He really enjoys drama class. You wouldn't know it to pass him on the street but he likes it. Michael is heavy into the tease brothers age stage. Only one more boy after him and maybe we can have a little peace around here. Carlos is work, work, work as one of his customers has not paid him and may be in financial trouble. No vacation for us this summer if the customer defaults. Oh, well. Live and learn.

Another cast for Roger

2009-04-26T21:46:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Roger broke his wrist. Friday he got a cast. Sunday he spilled hot soup on it and had to have it removed. This week he will get another cast. How do children do it?

Played a fun country western gig with "The Riders of the Purple Sage" last night. They do a good show and combine with the symphony on part of the show. It was a fun gig. I get to play the Mother's Day concert with a really good barbershop group on May 9. I am glad to have these fun opportunities.

Grant is quickly running out of time till boot camp. Garrett needs to get his license before Grant leaves us without a driver.

Nicholas' voice is changing and breaking. Michael is happy as ever. I am now his Den Leader in Cub Scouts, oh boy.

Carlos is working steadily which is a blessing for a self employed person.

April 14

2009-04-14T13:53:00.000-07:00

Storm is adjusting to the single life pretty well. She is much better behaved now that she's not jealous all the time and has perked up since losing her partner in crime. It's a good thing.

Had a nice Easter even though I had to speak in church. It was a lot of pressure but I think it went well. Thank goodness for Talmage's "Jesus the Christ." What a wonderful book.

Niholas has had a growth spurt and is about as big as Garrett now. I am the runt of the family.

Carlos' work is still steady thankfully.

April

2009-04-06T11:01:00.000-07:00

Loved having a German daughter for three weeks, what a pleasure!
We enjoyed conference up at the Bower's cabin.
Storm is lonely just like Skippy but we don't want him back, they'll live.
We are getting the house painted soon with some specialized coating that has a life time guarantee. It better be worth it!
End of school year is coming fast: graduation, vacation, boot camp, end of symphony season, student recital, etc, etc.

news

2009-03-22T19:08:00.000-07:00

our new lately:

Have enjoyed our German exchange student. A girl! 17 and very nice. Today she attended all three hours of church with us. A brave girl. Or at least very polite.
Carlos came back from the BYU Singers reunion, happy to see old friends.
Grant buzzed his head, looks like a Marine.
Garrett broke his glasses kneeling down to pray.
Nicholas love the Mountain Man Rondevous (he bought 4 knives)
Michael is ready to go back to school after spring break.
Roger is five and loving his "big boy" status.

2009-02-08T17:48:00.000-08:00

Had a good weekend with a visit from Ashley on her Mom's getaway. We slept in Friday morning, took a good exercise loop of 7 miles with Ashley running and me on the bike and Roger in the burley trailer. Time for him to shoulder his weight with a tandem bike. We lunched at Johnna's house, saw her new dog who looks much bigger than the pictures show and in the evening Johnna and Ashley came to my concert with Chandler Symphony. Ashley then went to a hotel to spend the rest of the weekend with her best girlfriend.

Saturday, the family went to the Chinese Cultural Festival and Market and then I had dinner with Ashley and her friend Sunny and her sister Jenny who lives in AZ. So nice to meet and have a girl's dinner. Carlos took the boys and Ashley, (Grant's date, not my sister) to an arcade to play games while I had dinner and then he picked me up and we all went home and had pizza and watched Madagascar 2. The boys all thought it was better than Madagascar 1 and Roger has been playing it over and over and over.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0ta-nnUb3w

Day at the zoo

2009-02-01T16:55:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Happy Birthday Dad

2009-01-18T15:50:00.000-08:00

Had a great week with Mom and Dad Hughett. This is the perfect time to visit Arizona. Dad kept busy fixing things, seeing the big car auction, moving cactus(without gloves) and checking to see if it is true that EVERYTHING has stickers here (everything does). Mom, Johnna and I saw a cool glass exhibit by Chihuhly at the Desert Botanical Gardens, it was so cool. Mom sat through an entire symphony rehearsal of mine (greater love hath no mother),we made valence curtains for Johnna's house(they look great) ate lots of food together, celebrated Dad's 65th and hiked the arboretum and had a picnic.

Christmas Day

2008-12-28T18:50:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to everyone. Your snow has meant rain for us here in AZ. I have gorged on Hannah's peppermint bark and now I have finished the whole tin I hope not to gain any more weight. It has been an enjoyable holiday. Christmas morning Roger stood at the top of the staircase and peeked down at the tree and yelled "I love my castle!" So he started the day off fun with everyone laughing at his excited outburst.

E Card

2008-12-23T17:57:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Family Photos 2008

2008-12-21T19:10:00.000-08:00

Christmas Party 2008

2008-12-21T18:52:00.000-08:00

Service Inspiration

2008-11-12T18:52:00.000-08:00

During the summer of 2008 I organized a Relief Society Humanitarian Project to sew simple duffel bags and backpacks for Arizona Foster Care Children. The idea came from a news article written by Adriane Grimaldi of Scottsdale, Arizona who was enlisting volunteers for a Foster Care Sewing Project. Her own two foster children had arrived at her home with their belongings in black plastic trash bags. At a time of trauma for these children it was so sad to see their treasured belongings packed in garbage sacks. In response to this need, Adriane began been sewing fabric bags and set a goal of recruiting volunteers to make 300 bags to donate to Foster Care children.

In preparation for helping with this sewing project I applied for and received a fabric “grant” from the Mesa LDS Humanitarian Center. Next, I organized Relief Society Sisters to meet during the summer months to cut and prepare the material into kits to be taken home for sewing. Stonebridge Ward is small but about 25 volunteers were able to sew over 120 bags, plus about 40 kits to donate to Mesa Foster Care Children.

At the end of the summer when I telephoned Adrian’s home to get directions for the drop off of the foster bags, her husband answered the phone and helpfully gave me directions. He had a serious stutter but was persistent in helping me because Adriane was at work. Despite the physical delay and even when disturbed by his two young foster children at noisy play in the background of the conversation, he persevered. As I talked with this kind man, I was impressed by this family’s humble involvement in foster care service.

Later that week I delivered the foster bags to Mrs. Grimaldi at her work place (a Tempe church run K-12 school). Previous to that day we had only communicated by Internet and telephone but I was already expecting to meet someone special. I was overwhelmed when I walked in the door and saw Adriane Grimaldi for the first time. Because of a birth defect one of her arms had no hand; her arm ended in a stump with a couple of undeveloped finger stubs. Here was to my eyes a “wounded” woman, giving wonderful service to wounded children. I was overcome by the power of this good woman’s service. I was inspired by her sweet countenance and generous spirit.

As I contemplate Adrianne’s service I am struck with the importance of service and the timeliness of the call of President Thomas S. Monson to leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Once again, I am impressed with a person whose life of exemplary service has helped so many in and out of the church. I know and testify it is no accident that President Monson is called at this time in the Latter Days. He is called at a time when service (ever needed) is now vital. Our entire world is experiencing turmoil in body, in spirit, in home and country. Let us honor the service of Adriane Grimaldi, President Monson, and Our Savior Jesus Christ through our own commitment to serve. As difficult times ensue we can experience the purifying, peaceful power of service while we help heal the wounds of our world one at a time.

At this time Adriane Grimaldi has collected about 500 foster bags.

Halloween Music

2008-10-31T16:28:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bFy2y0AaTI
I'm in this, you just never get a close up.

The Day the Dogs put ME in the doghouse.

2008-10-29T09:01:00.000-07:00

So........the short, miserable version: our two dogs, a boxer and a shitsu escaped my car, got loose in the schoolyard as I was dropping off Michael for Elementary one morning last week. I was in my short night shirt and underwear, I was too embarassed to get out of the car to catch the dogs. Michael caught Skippy(shitzu) and brought him back for me but Storm (boxer 2yr old- still very much a puppy in spirit) was having way too much fun with the kids and adults chasing her to come back. As parents stared at me sitting in my car like a jerk and gave me dirty looks for not taking care of my escaped dog, the crosswalk aide finally got ahold of Storm to bring her back. Buuuuut Storm was jumping and fidgeting and broke loose and made the aide fall down on the cement on her ribs that were already bruised from falling off her horse the week before. It hurt so bad she couldn't speak. And I am still sitting in my car like an idiot, saying out the window "I'm so sorry, so sorry!!!!!" I did not make a new friend that day. I did get her a big pot of autumn daisy flowers and a Target giftcard that afternoon and gave them to her but I still can't look her in the eye and I'm sure she still thinks I'm and idiot parent with dogs, which I am.
I'm kind of glad that our old, white van died this week so now I can drop off Michael in a different car in "disguise".

October

2008-10-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed conference up at Madera Ranch via internet. The messages of the prophet, 12 apostles and others were inspiring and comforting. Carlos is in Denver this week. He will fly to Utah on Friday evening to meet the rest of us up there for the kid's school October break. We figure this will be the last time Grant and the older cousins will see each other for awhile since they are leaving for missions before too long. Grant and Garrett will help with the driving this trip. I am on some new medication the neurologist gave me for the concussion which seems to be helping but I get drowsy so I'm glad they can help drive. Nicholas reads a novel a day, Michael loves life, Roger is speaking better all the time with the speech therapy and should be ready for Kindergarten next year. All in all doing well.

Riverdancing Violinist

2008-09-30T07:38:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKZITB_r8t0

September Saturday

2008-09-13T10:31:00.001-07:00

Saturday in September. Carlos is at the Ham Radio Convention with Nicholas (Nick is taking his ham test so he can join Carlos, LaDawn, Grant and Garrett on the ham radio waves). LaDawn is getting reading for a concussion nap. Grant is with the Marine early enlistment group playing paintball. Garrett, Michael and Roger are hanging out at the house, watching cartoons etc. Our fall saturday temperature should reach 100 degrees today.

Classic Grandpa Walker

2008-08-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

Family Reunion- so good it hurts

2008-08-03T20:43:00.000-07:00

Had a great time in Utah. Loved seeing everyone! After my fall last week I finally broke down today and went in to be checked. As we already guessed: concussion and bruised tail bone. At least it's not worse, the pain will go eventually. Now my excuse to lay in bed is official for a little while longer.

Garden of the Gods July 3

2008-07-13T12:58:00.001-07:00

Royal Gorge, CO daytrip

2008-07-06T20:07:00.001-07:00

Tami's new house and Denver Aquarium

2008-07-06T13:03:00.001-07:00

Arizona reception for Cassie and Joseph

2008-07-06T12:44:00.001-07:00

ECOH

2008-06-21T09:52:00.000-07:00

Two Eagles flying and three to go...........

Cheap entertainment

2008-06-08T19:52:00.000-07:00

We are easily enertained around here. Ear plugs on noses and such.

Dog days of summer

2008-05-28T17:39:00.000-07:00

This week we are rat sitting, I mean dog sitting Johnna's hairless Chihuahua named Itsy. Or is it Itzy? She looks just like Stella Luna Bat with legs. Three dogs in one house. You should hear them all barking at the same time. High, medium and low, the full aural spectrum. Skippy is having middle child/dog syndrome but they are all getting along fine.

Our spring garden season is nearly over, but I still have tomato, chard, zucchini. grapes and flowers. The fence helps to keep out the bunnies, javelina and ground squirrel varmints.

Good ole summer time

2008-05-22T12:35:00.000-07:00

This last week we were in the 80's (spring)then 110(summer) and now to 60 degrees with rain (winter). A real roller coaster. My garden has just about had it. Today is the last day of school. Trying to decide what to do with the summer and we pretty much think gas is too expensive to go anywhere and our van would die on the way if we tried. Plus Carlos has gone independent as a computer contractor so no work, no pay.

Michael in Concert (short clip)

2008-05-09T09:50:00.000-07:00

Notice the sneaky camera glance.

Grant went to Prom!!

2008-05-04T21:19:00.001-07:00

Michael's money bank

2008-04-25T10:33:00.001-07:00

You would think the four year old would do this but no, it was the eight year old.

Local opinion page by me

2008-04-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

Spring Saturday 4-12

2008-04-12T23:34:00.001-07:00

10th year charm

2008-04-10T10:01:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung in Arizona, along with allergy season. We almost look forward to the heat so the pollen will die out.

The tenth year of pinewoood derby cars was a charm. Michael won the whole deal in speed. He was thrilled.

We spent a lovely conference weekend up at Madera with the Bowers (our neighbor's cabin property). Carlos used the satelite chip on his work computer to get conference over the internet and so we had conference and the beautiful outdoors to enjoy all weekend.

Peeps a la microwave

2008-03-24T15:18:00.000-07:00

Spring break we spent three days at Bower's cabin. Playing with fire was a prime entertainment along with shooting guns.

First thing Easter morning the boys had to micorwave their peeps to watch them expand crazily.

We are easily entertained around here.

Photo cop Loses

2008-03-12T19:06:00.000-07:00

Soooo........Today I got a letter in the mail stating that my red light ticket had been dismissed and enclosed was a refund check for the cost of the traffic school class. Go figure.

Happy Birthday Roger!

2008-03-09T09:36:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a good hair do to make you feel good.

Roger loved his picture on his card.

$2dollar bills are so cool!

Roger is now four years old and doing well. His speech therapy class is doing wonders for his speech, we are really impressed. Being able to communicate makes life so much easier. Roger loved getting cards from Grandmas, he felt very special having his own envelopes to open. He could hardly believe they were for him. "Roger open, mom?" he asked.

Busiest week of the year

2008-03-03T11:36:00.000-08:00

Roger likes dirt, rocks and mud (to eat).

I have survived my busiest week of the year...........barely. Got through the school district performances, teaching, preparing and putting on my one recital of the year with my students and quintet AND in-laws at my house for the weekend . Things went well, till the very last hour the relatives were all here and I had had enough stress for the year and so I went to bed.

2008-02-26T14:35:00.000-08:00

If I had had a girl this is what she would have looked like. (Roger with a ponytail)

Photo Cop wins

2008-02-24T09:55:00.000-08:00

Below is a picture of the new family fish tank. According to my boys and man bigger is better. So now our tank is 90 gallons of saltwater coral and fish heaven. For our 20th anniversary we may go to San Diego for the Marine Aquarium EXPO. How did I get myself into this?

Monday we had Presidents day off. Our garden is planted now, we will see if it grows. Back to school/work/teaching on Tuesday. I visited the Humanitarian center in Mesa on Wednesday. There is so much service to be done and you don't need to go any farther than the church humanitarian services to find it. Garrett and Grant and I had concerts this week. Grant is the lone French Horn player in honor band. Garrett is the principle second of his orchestra. I played the first two of eleven 'Peter and the Wolf' concerts for Mesa Public Schools. Saturday I spent in Traffic school for the third time. Since moving to Arizona I have gone consistently every two years. I have eliminated speeding from my driving but I got photo copped turning left on a very short yellow light. Photo cop thought it was red, I thought it was yellow, photo cop wins of course.

Testing

2008-02-20T17:36:00.000-08:00

Trying out this blog stuff.