Nathanael has now been serving his mission for 16 months. He was transferred from Codegua to a city called Talca. Instead of being closer to the Andes mountains, he is now closer to the coast. He actually was able to do a couple of divisions a couple of weeks ago where he saw the ocean. His second companion on one of his divisions was another Elder Lloyd. They were known as "Los Elderes Lloyd". This other young man pulled out his fan chart (family tree) and they found that they are actually distant cousins. Their great-grandfathers were brothers. This young man is also from Idaho where our Lloyds are from. One interesting note, Nat told us that this other Elder Lloyd's first name is Nathan. So far, Nathanael seems to really be enjoying this new area. I am so grateful that he is serving a mission. I am grateful that he is happy and doing well both physically and emotionally. I am grateful for the growth that I have seen in him. I am grateful for his wonderful example.
I am grateful that Lindsay continues to do well in her schooling and other activities. She had several choir sectionals this month getting ready for a Madrigal Feast that the high school does in December. She is the section leader and has made some new friends having that responsibility. Lindsay also went to the "Cheapskates" dance this last month. It is a dance in which the dance is ice skating and it was an "Eighties" theme. She originally was not going to go but there was a young man that she knew that really wanted to go and he was a bit shy. She asked him and they had a really good time. I am grateful that she was kind and took the opportunity to get to know a good guy a bit better. She also went with Ethan and I to the last "Hunger Games" movie. I am grateful to have shared that experience with her. It was fun to hang out with my teenagers. I am grateful that Lindsay is willing to learn and accept the rules of our home, even when it seems that Travis and I are the strictest parents on earth. I am grateful that she accepts responsibility for her choices because it shows me that she is really maturing into a wonderful young adult.
Ethan was busy this month participating in a soccer camp at the high school. He also has been playing futsal as well. I am grateful for the friends that he has chosen. They are such great young men. I don't worry about what he is doing when he is with them. I had the opportunity to do a "mother-son" date with him. We call them "days off" at our house. Anyway, he chose to go see the "Peanuts" movie-which I loved. I especially loved the fact that he laughed all the way through it because he could relate. We then went to dinner at Five Guys and finished at Game Stop where he purchased a used game. I am so grateful that I got to spend that time with him. I am grateful that he is such a well-mannered and kind young man. I am grateful that he enjoys spending time with me.
Clarissa was able to participate in the Western Regional Oireachtas this year with a group performing the "High Cauld Cap". She had made a mistake at the Feis the month before which caused the others in her group to make mistakes. She had felt really bad and so she was extremely nervous for this competition. The girls practiced several times before they went on stage and their costumes and hair had to be just right. We were all praying that Clarissa would do her best and feel calm and peace and remember the dance. The group did so well! Clarissa did great- she was awesome! I am so grateful that she worked hard and that she was able to do her best even when she was so worried. I am grateful that she was able to prove to herself that she can overcome her fears.
I have the opportunity to help in Zachary's class once a week during center time. I am grateful to be able to see him interact a bit at school. He is growing so much in so many ways. He also was able to do the family Turkey Bowl as well. I am grateful that he loves to do things with his Dad. I am grateful that they have a really good relationship already. I am grateful that he likes to snuggle with me when he has gotten up really early. He became ill this month for a couple of days and I am grateful that he got over it quickly and that he was so appreciative of anything I did for him to take care of him. It was very sweet.
My "moment of joy" this month was just after Clarissa had competed and she knew that she had done well. Her team did not place- but I am so grateful that she was able to realize that she can accomplish things even when she is nervous.
It has been kind of a stressful month for me and I became ill over Thanksgiving weekend. However, I am grateful for medication and for the long weekend that I was able to rest and recover. I am grateful for each of my children and the people that they are becoming.
