And off we go!!!!

I have debated and thought about whether I should continue this blog or not because I am certainly not keeping up on it very well.  I decided that my children might be grateful to have a family history in years to come.  So even though I am so behind, I do want to share the highlights and "noteworthy" events that they can look back on and remember.  So the new year has begun and off we go!!!!!


Nathanael was able to stay with us over Christmas break and catch up on some rest.  He is doing really well at Utah State University and seems to enjoy school.  He also continues to be busy singing in the American Festival Chorus and Orchestra.  We were able to go see his Christmas concert in December and it was so well done! He is the ward mission leader in his student ward and is busy with that calling as well.  He made some ambitious goals at the beginning of the year and off he goes working hard and enjoying college life....

Lindsay also was here for Christmas break.  She is continuing to do well at Utah Valley University and work as a manager at Little Caesar's Pizza.  Lindsay has a new primary class this year.  She loved her old primary class and was a bit sad to change- but at least Zachary is now in her class.  She seems to really enjoy spending time with her youngest brother.  She also has made goals for the new year and has decided to serve an LDS mission.  She has been spending the last few weeks working on filling out her mission papers.  I am excited for her and I know that she will make a fabulous missionary.  And off she goes working hard in school and getting ready to serve.....


Ethan has had a lot going on the last couple of months.  He was able to go to Mesquite with his soccer team and play in a tournament.  Their team competed really well- but in the end did not finish as they would have hoped.  However, they had  a lot of fun hanging together- doing baptisms for the dead at the St. George temple and doing all the activities at the Fiesta center.  Travis even let Ethan drive 4 hours home to get more driving time.  Ethan's big event during January was his birthday!  He turned 16 years old!  He had a late night with his friends to celebrate and we were expecting about 15 people. The doorbell kept ringing and ringing until we had a full house of teenagers.  He had a wonderful time and was excited to receive a new phone.  He also got the courage to ask a girl to Prom.  And off he goes making fun memories.....

Clarissa continues to participate in a musical theater group.  She was able to perform at the Dicken's Festival and Festival of Trees during December.  Her theater group is performing "The Little Mermaid" and Clarissa auditioned and got the parts of Chef Louis and a Mersister.  She is going to be very busy the next few months!  Clarissa also was able to have her science project compete in the Science Fair.  Her project was on "yawning".  She keeps working hard in school and is looking forward performing in the musical.  Off she goes developing her talents....

Zachary had a big month as well.  He turned 7 years old!!!!  We decided to have a Lego birthday party.  We invited his friends to come over. They first got to pick a Lego head, body, and legs and build a little figure.  Then we played a game where the boys took turns putting a brick on another and building as high as it would go until it fell over.  The person who placed the last brick on the tower was out and so whoever was last was the winner.  It was a little tricky.  I had to have them stack the Legos on the carpet and them pick odd shaped pieces to get it to fall over.  Finally, each boy got a Lego car to build and then we raced them.  I think that was the best activity of the party.  We finished with cupcakes with a chocolate Lego brick and figure on the top.  The boys thought that it was really cool that you could eat the decorations!  They seemed to have a good time and Zachary felt really special.  He also got to be the Star of the week.  I can't believe that my baby is 7!  Wow!  And off he goes growing and learning.....

There were too many "moments of joy" these last couple of months.  I will just highlight my birthday boys.  I would like Zachary to know that I love how he considers everyone he knows his friend. He always has a friendly wave to share.  The thing that I love most about Ethan is that he steps up to help his friends or family whenever they need it- even when it may be really inconvenient for him.  He is loyal and has a positive attitude even when the service is hard.  I am grateful for each of my chickens and the good choices that they are making.  I don't know how I got so lucky.  And off they go growing up and moving on....

Hallelujah!!!

I know. I know.  It has been so long since I posted anything.  I really do want to do better from now until the end of the year.  It is basically our family history and I feel that it is important to record-even if it is just for me and my children.  So here are the "noteworthy" events from the Lloyd home these past few months.   And yes.   They really are "noteworthy"....


Nathanael completed his mission in Chile, Rancagua and arrived at the Salt Lake Airport on July 12th about 10:30 am.  We then went to eat lunch at his favorite restaurant, Sette Bello's in Salt Lake City.  Then we came home and he handed out gifts that he had purchased for each of us and then played the piano for about an hour.  He was released that evening and we watched the new Star Wars movie that he had missed.  I cannot describe the gratitude that I felt to have him home and to see before my eyes the amazing young man that he has become.  He left a boy and came home a man.  That evening, I had a feeling of true joy fill my heart.  I was grateful that he was able to serve a full time mission.  I was grateful that he came home safe.  I was grateful for friends and family who decorated our home and made him feel truly welcome.  Hallelujah!   In August, he moved to Utah State University to complete his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry.  Travis said that when he took him up to visit with the advisers, it was confirmed to them again that he was supposed to be there at that time.  He is so far really enjoying his experience there.  He auditioned for a the American Festival Chorus in Logan and was offered a spot at his audition.  They were also excited to learn that he plays the bagpipes as well.  It was such a blessing to have my Mom and Leslie purchase the items that he needed for school because we simply could not do it at the time.  I don't know what I would have done without their help. I know that they will be blessed for their service.  Nathanael is enjoying college life by getting involved in several activities and making new friends -including a very special one :)  His calling is the ward mission leader and he has been busy helping with baptisms and new converts.  He recently taught the Gospel Principles class.  I love having him here and listening to him play the piano or his bagpipes.  Nathanael has turned into the man that I always wished that he would be.  Hallellujah!

Lindsay Kaye started her Freshman year at Utah Valley University.  She is living at home and commuting right now.  I am hopeful that we can move her down closer to the university in the next few months so that she can have the full college experience.  She continues to work at the local Little Caesar's and has 15 credit hours as well as an institute class.  Lindsay seems to really enjoy her classes and is doing well.  She had to drop a class that she originally had on her schedule because it was physically impossible to get there at that time.  She struggled to get into another class for a bit and we were worried because she needs 15 credit hours for one of her scholarships that she has.  Lindsay finally met with her adviser who recommended a class that I think has been a favorite so far.  Hallelujah!  It is about teaching kids who have special needs and how they learn.  One of the projects is to help in a special needs class for 10 hours, interview a teacher, and also interview a parent of a child with special needs.  She has really been enjoying her time helping in the class at the high school.  I am not surprised because she is so kind.  It is the essence of who she is.  Lindsay also turned 19 years old this last month.  What???  She is such an amazing young woman!  She has decided to stay in our family ward for now and teaches a primary class of 9 year old girls.  They adore her!  I am so grateful that she seems to be doing so well!  Hallelujah!

Ethan went to high school this year,  He is now a student at Lone Peak.  It has been somewhat of an overwhelming experience for him but he has stepped up to the challenge and has gained confidence in his abilities to manage all the things that he is involved in.  One of the biggest goals he had this summer was accomplished-hallelujah!  He enjoys playing soccer and loves things to eat that are cold-especially in the summer.  So, for his Eagle project, he sold snow cones at a soccer tournament to raise money to purchase over 1000 diapers for a local refugee center.  His proposal was submitted and finally approved on a Saturday evening.  The very next week, the soccer tournament ran for three days.  He had a goal amount of money that he needed to raise to purchase the number of diapers he was donating.  Everyone was extremely generous and his profit exceeded his initial goal.  His friends and other members of his quorum helped a great deal.  It was such a crazy weekend because his team was also playing in the tournament.  However, his project was a success.  Travis went with him and my Mom to purchase the diapers and were dropped off at the refugee center.  Eagle project complete!  Hallelujah!  Ethan has also been playing soccer.  His team qualified for Division 1 this season and even thought they are playing teams who are all older than his team, they are doing fairly well.  We have been pleased that they are able to compete well and have learned how to play at a higher level.  They are not ready to "own" this new division, but they are almost there.  I am grateful that Ethan is such a good young man.  He is the kind of young man that notices things and always steps in to help without being asked.  He has a gift for seeing the good in others.  So grateful for him in our family.

My dear Clarissa started seventh grade and went to junior high for the first time.  It has been quite an adjustment.  However, she continues to have an attitude of doing her best, even when it is hard.  She was able to participate in a local theater company production of  "Oliver" this summer.  She was cast as a member of Fagin's gang.  I was asked to help on the props committee and it took a lot more time than I expected.  In the end though, Clarissa had a really great experience.  We had several strangers after performances come up to her and remark how good she was.  She really did stand out!  Other mothers on the committee also told me that she was very good and that she should continue to do musical theater.  I was grateful that she enjoyed it so much.  It was a treat to watch her perform.  I must also admit that I was grateful when it was over too.  Hallelujah!  Clarissa also turned 12 years old just after school started.  We had her friends over for a "late night" to celebrate.  The girls seemed to have a lot of fun.  Now that she is 12, I don't have to do a "themed" party anymore.  The kids invite friends over to play games, eat snacks, and watch movies.  On her actual birthday, the young women in our ward traveled to the Monticello temple to do baptisms for the dead.  Travis and Nat got to go as priesthood leaders.  She had a blast!   They were gone all day but she felt that her birthday was truly special.  I was also very grateful for my parents who were able to purchase her birthday presents this year and snacks for the late night with the girls.  I don't know what I would have done without their help.  Hallelujah!

Zachary started first grade this year.  I feel like his teacher is a really good fit for his personality.  Hallelujah!  He is excited to go to school every day and seems to be happy when he comes home.  He has also started a new season of soccer and is "playing up" so that he can be with his friends who are just a couple of months older than him.  So far he is having a great time and loves that his Dad is his coach again this year.

The biggest "Hallelujah" is that Travis was able to get a job.  It has been a long and difficult summer.  We had several things break down or need to be replaced and the worst was when I ended up getting Shingles.  Yeah.  That was fun.  My anxiety was extremely high all the time.  I struggled to go to sleep which then gave me migraines.  I shed many tears and prayed many times even wondering if the Lord was aware of our situation and that we were all struggling to some extent.  I remember one day, I was complaining to my Mom on the phone that I felt like Heavenly Father was not helping us.  I was focused on the fact that Travis still did not have a job.  My Mother kindly reminded me that He was through other people.  She was absolutely right.  Even though I was so grateful for all that others were doing for us, I was focusing on the fact that we could not provide for ourselves.  I  began to really understand that I did have angels all around me to be with me on my right and on my left.  They happened to be my extended family and friends and neighbors.  We would receive boxes of snacks on our porch every couple of weeks.  We received services for free from neighbors.  We received food and cash that we were able to use for house payments and other necessities.  Most of those who served us did so anonymously.  We were overwhelmed with the love that was given to us.  I have always hoped my children were watching as I tried to serve others, but this experience has taught them what it really means to "bear one another's burdens".  The things that we have been given by others is sacred.  My children did not have an attitude of entitlement before, but now the experiences and opportunities that they have are now received with even more gratitude.  I hope that they have learned also that we will all go through difficult times and I hope that they will remember that Travis and I have gone through some very difficult things individually and together that have tested our faith.  We have continued to keep our covenants hoping that in the end, it will be for our good.  I hope that they will remember these times and that it will help them in their trials that they will have to endure.  I recognize that it is a lesson that they could not have learned any other way.

As I struggled this summer to stop "kicking and screaming" about this trial and step back and place my burdens on the Lord, I had a couple of experiences that got me through.  I read my book of scriptures for my own personal study every day.  When we read scriptures as a family, I use my phone.  In the past, I have bookmarked certain scriptures so that I can refer to them for teaching or other things.  One week during the summer, when I pulled up the scriptures on my phone, my bookmark took me not to where I had marked in our family scripture study, but another scripture that I have no idea when or why it was marked.  It came up every day for 4 days.  I finally decided that I should read it.  I know.  I am a little slow.  It was D & C  11:16-20-

"Wait a little longer, until you shall have my word, my rock, my church, and my gospel, that you may know of a surety my doctrine.

And then, behold, according to your desires, yea, even according to your faith shall it be done unto you.

Keep my commandments; hold your peace; appeal unto my Spirit;

Yea, cleave unto me with all your heart, that you may assist in bringing to light those things of which has been spoken-yea, the translation of my work; be patient until you shall accomplish it.

Behold, this is your work, to keep my commandments, yea, with all your might, mind and strength."

Wow!  I felt that the Lord was telling me to be patient and that it would all be okay.  It comforted me for a bit and then I started to feel panicky again as we were coming up on the year mark of when Travis lost his job.  I decided to fast and attend the temple seeking for personal revelation on what to do.  While I was there, I kept having the thought come to my mind to hold on and that something in September would happen.  I was not sure what that was but it continued in my mind the next few weeks.  September then began and the year anniversary was upon us.  One night, as I was doing the dishes, I thought about the 3 major trials in my life that brought me to my knees.  I realized that I developed forgiveness and unconditional love through the first trial.  I learned not to be so judge-mental in the second trial.  I developed more compassion for those who struggle with mental illness.  I do not condone wrong choices, but I understand.  So then I thought, what have I learned from this one?  I have learned to be more patient and long-suffering.  As I thought about these attributes, I realized that my trials have helped me come closer to my Savior as I am learning to develop the qualities that He has.  I am learning to become more like Him-which is what it is all about.  I am still so far from being the person that I should be, but I have learned that I am loved by Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ because I have been given trials that help me to be more like Them so that I can be with Them again someday.  I don't know why I must learn things the hard way.  Incidentally, Travis received the offer in September and he was able to start right away.

I know that this is personal and I don't want to just share sacred things with anyone and everyone.  However, as this blog is really just for my family and they are the only ones who care to read it, I feel impressed that I need to share this so that my children and grandchildren can know where I stand and that I have a testimony that Heavenly Father is mindful of us individually.  He loves each one of us perfectly.  I don't always understand why we must go through hard things, I do know that it will be for our good-if we allow it to change us for the better.

Keep on keepin' on

So there are some "noteworthy" events from the Lloyd home this last month.  Some are good and exciting and others are just "notable".  Here are the good, bad, and ugly things that have happened and we just have to "keep on keepin' on"....


Nathanael has been enjoying his new area and new companion for the last weeks of his mission.  It is hard to believe that he will be home in less than two weeks!  Elder Nat continues to "keep on keepin' on" and teach and work hard.  He received a letter from and sister and brother that he was teaching in his previous area that told him that they had been baptized.  One thing that was neat was that Chile beat Argentina for the second year in a row to win the Copa America.  As you can imagine, he was thrilled!  I am so grateful that he has served the Lord diligently these past couple of years.  I am looking forward to having him here for holidays etc. and to have his wonderful example of faith and strength.

Lindsay Kaye has been working a lot this last month.  She was just made a manager at the pizza store that she works at and is doing a great job.  Lindsay is "keeping on keepin' on" as she helps me out in any way she can.  With the struggles that our family has dealt with recently, Lindsay is also an example of faith and strength.  She has not complained at all about some of the things that we would have liked to have done to celebrate her graduation- but are not possible in our present circumstances.  I am grateful to see that she has become a strong young woman who can "hold her own".


Ethan was able to attend youth conference in St. George this year.  He felt that it was a good experience.  He also was able to participate in a soccer tournament.  His team struggled for various reasons but he continued to do his best and never gave up even when it was obvious that they would not win.  Ethan is also a great example to me of someone who "keeps on keepin' on".  He recently gave a wonderful family home evening lesson about not giving up and continuing to have faith and focusing on serving others.


Clarissa has been working hard learning the dances and songs etc. for her part in a musical that she is participating in this summer.  Last week, she stepped on a random toothpick in our basement (we still don't know where it came from or why it was there) and had to go to the doctor to get it removed.  Thankfully, it was the shorter end of the toothpick but it was deep enough that she is now taking an antibiotic.  She wasn't able to go to her rehearsal that night, but did go for the rest of the week.  Even though it was difficult for her as her foot was still healing, she was a great example of someone who is "keeping on keepin' on".  She found out that she is strong and can deal with things.

Zachary has been loving the last month as he gets to do movie night every night with his siblings.  Zachary is the one who has helped our family keep our sense of humor as he does and says many cute and clever things.  He and Clarissa were able to go to my parents' house for the annual sleepout and I was so impressed that he insisted on carrying all of his own stuff (sleeping bag, luggage, pillow, etc.)  I offered to help but he knew that he could handle things himself.  Zachary has begun praying loudly lately he says so that his prayers are heard.  His child-like faith is helping me to "keep on keepin' on".


My "moment of joy" was when Ethan and Clarissa made my birthday cake.  We laughed that it looked like the cake that Hagrid made for Harry Potter.  I just thought that it was so sweet as they worked hard that day to make it special for me.  I wasn't in the best mood when I woke up considering our circumstances, and yet, my family went above and beyond to make it a great day and one that I will never forget.

One "notable" event was that Travis and I celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary.  I can honestly say that I cannot imagine going throughout life without him.  We have had many ups and downs just as many others do- but I feel that we have become even closer over the years.  He is still my best friend.  Another "notable" event is the fact that our severance package has now ended.  Travis continues to look for a job and I continue to worry.  It is a place that I never saw myself- especially at this age.  I have had my moments of meltdowns and frustrations.  Travis and the kids continue to be strong and I feel that I am leaning on their faith.  However, I am trying to "keep on keepin' on" and continue to keep my covenants.  I am continuing to do those things I know I should do.  It is a choice that I make every day.  I hope that someday, our children will remember how difficult it was when we lost our little baby Michael and this difficult trial as well, and realize that we continued to keep the faith even when it was really hard.  I hope that they remember our examples and that it gives them strength to keep going when they go through their own trials.  There will come a day in each of their lives where they must choose, every day, which way to follow.  We haven't been able to do the things that we had hoped for this summer.  Nevertheless, they are learning life lessons that I hope will make them better people in the end.  I also hope though that they remember the kindness and service of friends and family.  I have been so touched by anonymous gifts and money on our doorstep.  We have had help come to us in this way a few times.  I hope that they remember their aunts and uncles and grandparents who brought meals and helped in other ways when it was desperately needed.  They were inspired.  I hope that they remember to be mindful of others and that these trials that they have watched Travis and I go through will help them to be empathetic to those who are suffering.  I also hope that a miracle will bless our family soon.  I have seen miracles in my family and know that God is a God of miracles.  Until then, we will "keep on keepin' on".

Closing chapters

May has been very eventful at the Lloyd home.  Several chapters are closing and it is a time of transitioning for every member of this family.  Here are some of the "noteworthy" endings and celebrations from this last month...

Nathanael was transferred for the last time on his mission.  He went from Buin back to Rancagua where he will complete his mission.  It is hard to believe that he will soon be coming home and that this chapter of his life is coming to a close.  Elder Nat still has his sense of humor but his sensitivity to others has grown.  He was able to confirm Luis after he was baptized before leaving the area.  He also felt that the investigators that he was working with were progressing well and that they would probably be baptized this next month.  I know that Nathanael has grown in so many ways and I am so grateful that he has been a stalwart missionary who has been obedient and worked hard.

Lindsay Kaye graduated from high school.  This chapter in her life has now come to a close and she has accomplished so much.  She also graduated from seminary which was just as important to me.  With graduating from high school, Lindsay has also closed the chapter on being a young woman in the Young Women's program.   Lindsay sang with the Chamber choir and was the ASL club president at school.  She worked really hard and was able to earn scholarships.  Most of all, however, she has become such a kind person.  I am grateful for the woman that she has become and I am certain that each new chapter in her life will also help her to become who Heavenly Father wants her to be.

Ethan finished his ninth grade year and will be moving onto high school next year.  His junior high chapter has come to a close.  I believe that Ethan is very happy to be moving on.  Junior high can be a difficult and trying time of life for many.  However, I feel that Ethan has proven to be a young man with righteous convictions.  He has become a champion for those that need a friend.  He also has worked really hard and done well in his classes.  I am grateful to have him be such a great example to his younger siblings and those around him.

Clarissa completed elementary school this year.  This chapter in her life has come to a close.  She is sad to leave but she is on the path to becoming an amazing young woman.  Clarissa was voted by her classmates as the best singer and actress.  However, what she was most pleased about is that they also voted that she is a compassionate and caring friend.  She worked really hard and even though Math was especially hard for her, she was humble and asked for help when it was needed. She was able to gain confidence in herself that she can succeed even when she has to work a bit harder.  I am grateful for Clarissa.  She brings so much joy and sunshine to my life.  It is hard for me to believe that my little Clarissa is growing up- but it will be fun to see what happens in the next chapters of her life.

This was the best smile that we could get from her....

Zachary had a small chapter close by completing Kindergarten.  He loved school and was very sad to see it end.  He came into me one morning and told me that he needed a hug.  I sat down and asked him what was wrong and he told me that he was sad that school was ending and that he wouldn't get to see his school friends everyday.  Zachary has a tender heart.  Travis and I were able to go to a Kindergarten program and it was fun to see him sing and do the actions because he always tells us that he is not a singer like the rest of us.  Oh  really?  I am grateful that his experience in school was positive and that he has a newfound confidence in making new friends and learning new things.

Zac during the dance festival.  The last couple of years they have had the Kindergarteners do the" Mexican Hat Dance" instead of the "Chicken Dance"

My "moment of joy" this last month was on Mother's Day.  I had asked that the yard get weeded and cleaned up for summer etc.  Travis and Ethan spent all day Saturday getting that done and then Clarissa made me breakfast in bed and Lindsay took care of Zachary so that I could enjoy myself.  I also was able to Skype with Nathanael.  That night, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for each of my children, my husband, and my own mother who is still one of my best friends.  It was a moment  of complete joy.  

Spring Is Here

I had wanted to post a lot sooner, however, my time on the computer that I use is very limited and so here we are half-way through the month and I am just now posting.  Oh well!  Spring is here and in full swing.  Here are some "noteworthy" events from the Lloyd home...


We know Spring is here when we celebrate Nathanael's birthday.  Elder Nat turned 20 years old this month.  I can't believe it!!!  He also has been on his mission for 21 months-meaning that he will be home in just a few short months.  I feel like time is quickly passing and I am starting to get really excited to see him.  He has met a new investigator named Luis.  Nathanael has told us that Luis is the best investigator that he has ever had.  Nat seems to be very happy and continues to work hard serving the people of Chile.

Lindsay got a job working at a Little Caesar's Pizza store.  So far she has enjoyed working there and is making money to help with expenses coming up.  It reminds me of when I was a teenager working at another Little Caesar';s Pizza store.  Spring season is also Prom season.  Lindsay had the opportunity to attend her high school Prom again this year.  She seemed to have a really good time and looked beautiful.

Spring is her when soccer  takes over the family schedule.  Ethan has been busy with soccer-which means Travis too as his coach.  Ethan has even scored a couple of "garbage goals" for his team this season and he isn't even a forward.  He has just capitalized on shots that miss and that the goalie did not get.  Ethan see the opportunity and puts the ball in the net!  As Travis says, "They aren't pretty-but they count!"


Spring for Clarissa means continuing to work really hard to keep up with her homework, Irish dance, and attend Activity Days.  She was awarded the Eagle of the Month for being respectful.  She is the perfect one for that character trait.  She was brave and stepped up to help a fellow student.  A girl in her class at school was being called names and being bullied.  There was one incident in particular.  Clarissa stayed back from P. E. and went and found her teacher to let her know what was happening to this classmate.  She was worried that she might be looked at as a "tattletale" but she knew that telling an adult was the right thing to do- even though she was a bit afraid.


In Kindergarten, each child gets a turn to be the V. I. P. for the week.  Zachary got to be the V. I. P. one week during this last month.  On the Monday of the week the child is assigned to be the V. I. P., parents get to come in and tell about their child and read his/her favorite book and bring a treat.  Travis and I went in to tell about Zachary and all of his favorite things.  We brought in his favorite toy to show-which is a Star Wars ATTE.  We then told about some of his favorite things and then Travis read his favorite book, "The Monster at the End of this Book", in a Grover-like voice.  This book also happened to be my favorite book as a child as well as Travis'.  The kids loved it!!!  We then handed out cotton candy for the treat.  Zac was beaming!  It was obvious that he felt special.  As with Ethan, soccer is a big part of Zachary's Spring as well.  He loves playing with his friends and having his Dad coach him.

My "moment of joy" this last month was when it was Ethan's turn to give the Family Home Evening lesson.  He chose to do it on the importance of mothers based on a conference talk given by Jeffrey R. Holland.  At the end, he was bearing his testimony and got a little "choked up" expressing his appreciation for me.  I felt so grateful to have such a thoughtful and sensitive young man for a son.

A Memorable March

March at the Lloyd home is always crazy-but also "memorable".  This year was no exception with the "madness" and the "noteworthy" events...

Our missionary, Elder Nathanael, is doing well.  He now has been in the mission field for 20 months.  Nat finally sent us a picture of him and his 3rd cousin, Elder Nathan Lloyd, that he did divisions with a few months ago.  Their great-grandfathers were brothers and we sent Nathanael a picture of the great-grandfathers.  The experience meeting a relative in Chile has been "memorable".  Another pretty "memorable" event was the fact that one of the missionaries injured in the Brussels attack this last month is a friend of Nathanael's.  They grew up together.  Nat had heard about the attack because it was international news, he just told us that he didn't realize that it was his friend and that he had just written him.  They had been writing each other on their missions.  Nathanael has told us that things have been a bit slow lately as it has been summer and many are on vacations.  However, this week, he did share with us that he met a man who has become inactive but remembered singing with Nathanael in the district choir and he decided to go back to church.  I hope that Nat is writing all these "memorable" experiences in his journal!

Lindsay had some "memorable" experiences in March.  She had the opportunity to go on tour with the A' Cappella choir to California.  They were able to go to Knott's Berry Farm, Disneyland, the beach, and the Newport temple.  The choir competed well in the competitions and enjoyed the workshops.  One of the most "memorable" nights of the trip was when they went to Medieval Times for dinner.  Lindsay thought that the dinner and show were really well done.  I had gone to Medieval Times for dinner on tour in high school as well.  I enjoyed it so much that Travis and I went there to dinner for my birthday on our honeymoon.  Because it was my birthday, I was "damed" and got a picture with the knight that was jousting for our table. I have great memories from both those experiences and I am excited that Lindsay was able to make her own memories.  Lindsay also had the opportunity to go to the "Spring Fling" dance.  This was the first time that she was invited and she had a really good time.  As she gets close to high school graduation, she enjoys these activities.  They will be fond memories for her in years to come.

Ethan also had  a "memorable" March.  He tried out for the high school soccer team and was excited to make the Sophmore provisional team.  He has been working hard training on this team and he is getting to know a lot of new boys.  One "memorable" experience for him this month was participating in the Grand Concert with the Concert Singers choir in Junior high,  This concert includes the orchestra and band as well.  At the end, they all participate in a piece that honors our military veterans.  When the song of the different military branches are played and sung, our veterans or family members of those currently serving stand while we applaud them.  This is my third time watching this concert and this piece touches me every time.  I can't hold back the tears-especially during the Marines.  My Grandpa McMillan was a Marine in WWII.  Not a week goes by that I don't think about him and my Grandma.  They really had a huge influence in my life for good.  I still miss them.  I am grateful for their examples and the examples of my amazing parents.  One final "memorable" event for Ethan was winning the Jr. Jazz basketball league with his regular soccer team.  As Travis said, "Not bad for a bunch of soccer players!"

Clarissa also had a couple of "memorable" performances this last March.  First of all, the sixth graders get to perform Shakespeare plays in March.  Clarissa got to play the part of Rosalind in the play, "As You Like It".  She did a great job and just shines when she is acting!  She also performed in her Irish dance recital.  Lindsay was on tour and was unable to participate, however, once again, Clarissa shined in her performance! She did such a good job and it was such a treat to watch her.  It was a "memorable" performance.  The music was perfect for Irish dancers, the choreography was excellent, and Clarissa was darling.  She played her "dance character" well.  She has a lot of "memorable" experiences from sixth grade and is enjoying her last few months of elementary school.

Zachary had a few "memorable" experiences for him.  We went to East Canyon condominiums with Travis' family.  The leprechaun visited us there and left a little treasure.  He was thrilled!  Our leprechaun visits us every year but he didn't remember finding the treasure at East Canyon.  We also celebrated Easter in March this year (it was a bit early).  Zachary enjoyed all the activities that we do with cousins on both sides.  He seemed to really understand this year that we celebrate Easter because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  These family traditions are very important for all of us, however, Zac seems to really crave these "memorable" times with family.  He gets so excited that it makes the rest of us excited as well!  Finally, another "memorable" experience for Zachary was going to the BYU spring scrimmage with Travis and Ethan.  He seemed to have a wonderful time!

It has been a "memorable" March for our family.  The "memorable" events are mostly good.  We did have one event that was "memorable" in a sad way.  Ethan's tortoise, Stanley, passed away on Easter and we buried him next to "Michael's tree", and Ethan's parakeet, Henry.  Unfortunately, we seem to have a difficult time with losing pets sooner than expected.  I felt so bad for Ethan and the other kids-but I know that these experiences provide important life lessons.  It also was a time to reflect on the fact that it was Easter and our Savior's sacrifice and how that helps us in times such as these.  So yes.  March was "memorable" this year.

Fulfilling February

Well, I wonder sometimes why I feel compelled to write another post when I am so clearly behind.  However, I do feel that I need to keep posting because it is a way for me to keep a family history.  Basically, I write these posts for myself, my children, and eventually grandchildren.  February was "fulfilling" and full of activities.  Here are the "noteworthy" events from the Lloyd home...


Nathanael has now been serving his mission in Chile, Rancagua for 19 months.  This last month he has had two companions instead of just one.  They all seemed to have gotten along well.  He told us that it is still very hot in February as it is summer and it is sometimes a challenge to find investigators as many go on summer vacations.  He did tell us that they were working with one young man named Felipe and that it was going well.  It is hard to believe that he will come home in about 4 1/2 months.  Nathanael's mission seems to be "fulfilling" for him as works hard and serves the Lord.

Lindsay's month was very "fulfilling".  I have decided that when a child is a Senior in high school, family life kind of revolves around them to some extent.  I keep reminding my younger children that Nat had his turn, this time it is Lindsay, and that as each one moves up the ranks, they will each have their turn to be a busy Senior with a lot going on.  A few "noteworthy" events for Lindsay were first, she was able to participate in a "Knight at the Movies" Chamber choir concert/fundraiser.  She sang a song from "Hunger Games".  Her voice was perfect for the song and her confidence in her ability to sing has really grown.  Next, she participated in her final Irish dance competition.  Because she is graduating this year, she will no longer be able to do Irish dance.  She will need to work and go to college.  She is in a level that is very difficult to place-and yet she did.  She placed first in two of her competitions and third in another.  I was so pleased.  It has been so "fulfilling" to have watched her develop this talent over the years.  Finally, at the end of February, she was able to go on tour with the Chamber choir to New York City.  Travis was able to be a chaperone and it was a wonderful experience for them to spend that time together.  While in New York, Lindsay performed with various choirs in Carnegie Hall, saw the musicals, "Wicked" and "Phantom of the Opera", and spent some time at the 9/11 Memorial.  It was a "fulfilling" experience that she will remember throughout her life.

Ethan had a "fulfilling" February continuing to develop his soccer skills and abilities as well as play basketball with his friends on a Junior Jazz team.  Ethan played a lot of soccer this last month as he played 5 V 5 games indoors and then attended almost all of the "open play" opportunities at the high school preparing to try out for the  high school soccer teams.  He also played on a Junior Jazz basketball team with his friends and was a good defender.  As Ethan's mother, it is "fulfilling" to watch him become such a kind and compassionate young man.  Travis and I have had many of his leaders tell us what an amazing young man he is and how impressed they are with his humility, kindness, and strong testimony.  He is a great leader and loyal friend.


Clarissa also competed in her last Irish dance competition (as far as we know).  She has grown so much these last few years in taking Irish dance.  She would sometimes make herself ill before the competitions and then go out and compete and even place.  She has learned that she can overcome her fears and do great things.  This last competition was "fulfilling" as she was able to place in a couple of her dances.  Like Lindsay, she is in a difficult level of competition and yet she was able to do well.  This was Clarissa's last Irish dance competition because she has prayerfully decided that she would like to try musical theater.  Travis and I feel that musical theater will be a very "fulfilling" experience for her.

Zachary is continuing to really enjoy his Kindergarten year.  It is "fulfilling" to see him make new friends and develop his little sense of humor.  One night, just before he climbed into bed, I gave him a hug and told him that he was my favorite six year old in the entire world.  He replied, "And you are my favorite hundred year old!"  He then laughed heartily.


My "moment of joy" this last month was when my girls hugged each other after the Feis was over.  They have been so supportive of each other and cheered for one another throughout these last few years.  It is "fulfilling" to see my girls so close and truly interested in each other's happiness.