'Round and 'Round

We have had kind of a busy summer here at the Lloyd home.  I personally have been in eight different states in the last few weeks.  Here are some "noteable" happenings from this last month....

Nathanael was recently transferred to a new area.  He is in a town named Codegua.  It is quite rural and it is also a very large area.  He and his new companion have been given bicycles to get around.  He told us that at first he he was very sore because it had been a while since he has ridden a bike.  One experience that he told me about happened this last week.  He and his companion had ridden a bus to teach some people about 30 minutes away.  (The wheels on the bus go 'round and 'round...)  However, they did not know how they were going to get back to their apartment when a man offered them a ride. They were able to have a great conversation with him and he wants them to come back and teach him this week.  Nathanael also just completed his first year on his mission.  He was a great young man when he left, and yet, I have seen a more amazing young man emerge as he has learned to love the Chilean people he serves.

Lindsay went with me, Clarissa, and my parents to a family reunion in Minnesota.  We drove there and so we were able to stop on the way there and back at some neat places.  On the way to Minnesota, we stopped at Winter Quarters and took a quick tour in the visitor center and then went to the cemetery nearby.  It felt as if we were on sacred ground.  Both my girls mentioned how the atmosphere "felt like home".  It was a wonderful reminder of my heritage and I was touched by the sacrifices of my ancestors and the other early saints.  We took 2 days to drive to Minnesota going through several states to get there. (The wheels on the car go 'round and 'round...)  The family reunion was a great experience as we got to catch up with some relatives and get to know others better.  We had a lot of time to relax and enjoy the little town nearby.  It was also a treat to have some time with just my girls and we had some meaningful discussions about important things in life.

Ethan had the opportunity to attend a scout camp at Windy Rivers.  He ended up hiking about 40 miles with a 40 pound pack on his back.  He said that it was beautiful but also a lot harder than he expected.  However, he was able to rise up to the task and came home strong.  Ethan was already in good shape- which was a blessing as he was hiking 'round and 'round.  This last month, he also had two soccer tournaments.  The first one was not difficult competition until the final.  His team was playing a team that is a bit of a rival for first place.  The game was intense and the boys really stepped up and played really well.  They were able to win 1-0.  It was a great win and the boys can hold their heads up because not only did they play well- they were good sports.  The second tournament was more difficult as the boys were playing some teams that were a year older.  They did make it to the final again, however, they lost that game but came in second place.  Even though in this tournament they did not take first, they felt really good about the game because they were losing and looked like all was lost.  They rallied and came back at the end and came really close to winning.  They also had most of their starters missing or injured.  Therefore, the team is excited for the new season coming up.  Ethan really "gave it all" this last month and I think has become stronger for it.

As I mentioned before, Clarissa came to Minnesota with me for the family reunion.  She was so excited that she chose Minnesota for her state report in fifth grade.  On the way back, we stopped at Mt. Rushmore.  It was amazing to me that they were able to complete such a large monument  with so many obstacles.  It was a massive undertaking and the result is quite impressive.  We took 3 days driving home.  (The wheels on the car go 'round and 'round...again) Needless to say, we drove a lot in one week.  Clarissa handled it very well and I was so pleased with her and Lindsay and how they behaved on our trip and were helpful and polite.  At the reunion, my aunt had put out a puzzle for everyone to work on throughout the time there.  Clarissa sat down one night and said that she was not very good at puzzles.  Then she found 5 pieces in just a few minutes.  She then helped complete that puzzle and my aunt got out another puzzle that had about 300 pieces-more for kids and Clarissa completed most of it herself.  She found that she really is good at puzzles and that she really likes to do them-just like her Grandpa!  The girls also learned a bit about my Dad that they didn't know.  For example, they found out that he is good at yo-yo tricks.  They also found out that he was in Madrigals in high school which is comparable to the Chamber Singers that Nat was in and that Lindsay will be performing in this year.  Clarissa really enjoyed the trip and experienced a lot of new things-like seeing fireflies!

Well, all the kids have been gone somewhere this summer and Zachary now had the opportunity to go on a trip as well.  Our family went to Yellowstone with my extended family to celebrate my Dad turning 65 this year.  We all stayed in a cabin together and played games, visited, and went to see the sights during the day.  We got to see different geysers-including Old Faithful the first day.  The next day we did a little hike and saw the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and a couple of beautiful waterfalls.  We also saw a couple of bison and some elk.  My kids had a great time with their cousins seeing some amazing wonders of nature.  Zachary also had a great time playing with his cousins in the cabin. Zachary has made some wonderful memories and we had a great time together as a family. I will say that Yellowstone was extremely crowded- but I thought that the kids did really well driving 'round and 'round to the different sites.

I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that I have had this month.  However, I am so grateful to be home and to enjoy my family.  I am grateful for my husband who has supported me and our children in having these different opportunities.  I hope that my girls find someone like him and that my boys turn out to be as attentive to their kids  as he is to them.  He is a wonderful husband and father as we go 'round and 'round in this life together.

My "moment of joy" this month had to do with Nathanael.  He had just transferred to a new area with a new companion, new surroundings, new people etc.  Adjusting can sometimes be difficult.  As a mother, I was a bit worried about him and how he was handling this change.  When I wrote to him, I asked him how things were going and how he was getting along in his new situation.  He wrote me back and told me that he was completely adjusted and really enjoying learning a lot from his new companion because he is Chilean.  He was so positive and seemed so happy.  I felt an overwhelming feeling of gratitude that he is doing so well.

Cathy

We Can Do Hard Things

June has been a very busy month here at the Lloyd home.  We have done some "hard things" that may be physical or emotional and found that we can rise up and grow from these experiences and become better.  Here are the "noteworthy" events from this last month.

Nathanael left to serve an LDS mission 11 months ago today.  He was just transferred this week from the city of Paine to a town called Condegua.  It is just North of Rancagua.  He was ready to have a change- but it is still kind of "hard".  He wrote this week that saying goodbye was "not fun" -which is Nat's way of saying that he feels sad to be leaving these people that he has grown to truly love by serving them.  Serving a mission can be a "hard thing" at times.  However, he knows that he can do "hard things" and keep trying when he becomes discouraged.  Recently, he was asked to remove a  tree stump with his companion.  He wrote that after hours of trying to remove it, the stump won. It made me think how sometimes we have obstacles or "stumps" in our lives that we cannot remove but we just have to keep going and let it go.  Even though a mission can be a "hard thing", I am so grateful for what he is learning and the growth that he is experiencing.  He is becoming a better man than I could have envisioned.

Lindsay had a lot of "noteworthy" events this last month.  She does not like hiking or camping but we encouraged her to take the opportunity to go on a pioneer trek with our stake.  It was a "hard thing" for her to get excited about and do.  The stake challenged the youth to find an ancestor that was the first to join the LDS church and become familiar with his/her story and learn what sacrifices he/she had to make in faith.  Travis and I have a lot of pioneer heritage on both sides.  It was a matter of choosing just one from the many books and stories that we have of their experiences.  She chose Susannah Stone who was in the Martin/Willie handcart company and endured extremely great hardships in trying to come to Utah.  Lindsay was able to get a tiny glimpse of the "hard things" that Susannah had to experience and sacrifice for her faith.  It was a good reminder that even though our kids have such a great heritage, each of them needs to know for themselves and truly be converted and do the "hard things" that will be required of them to stand up for what is right.  Lindsay also had the opportunity to go to Girls' camp with our ward.  Travis ended up having to take her back and forth because she was preparing for the Utah State Irish dance competition at the end of the week.  Lindsay had practiced and practiced more for this feis than any other and only placed in one dance.  It was "hard" for her because she is used to placing in most of her dances.  However, she learned that sometimes you work really "hard" and "things" may not end up the way that you hope.  She handled the disappointment really well.  It was a "hard thing" not to place in more dances- but my respect and admiration grew for her to see how mature she was in her reaction.  She is truly a remarkable young lady.

Ethan also had the opportunity to  go on Trek with our stake.  The ancestor that he chose was Thomas Lloyd (who married Susannah Stone shortly after rescuing her).  Thomas sacrificed wealth and a marriage that would have given him status in his community for his faith.  Ethan also got a small look at what his ancestors went through and gave up to come and "build up the kingdom".  Ethan was pleased to learn more about his heritage and the legacy of faith that they have left.  It has given him a bit more confidence and courage to realize that he can rise up and do "hard things" as well.   His soccer team also played in a local soccer tournament and won first place.  It was "hard" because the weather was extremely hot.  He does his best to play "hard" and "leave it all on the field".  He has pushed himself "harder" this year in developing his ball skills and it is showing on the field.  At his team party, Ethan got the "Braveheart" award because he puts his heart into each game that he plays.  He has learned that he can follow the examples of his ancestors and step up and do your best and push yourself to do "hard things".

Clarissa worked really "hard" practicing Irish dance this month.  She is grateful to have Lindsay work with her and help her to really improve her technique.  Clarissa participated in the Utah State Feis as well.  I don't think that she has ever competed any better and was able to place in multiple dances.    Clarissa also went to the Scottish Festival with Zachary and Travis and myself.  It was a bit "hard" to have so many of our "clan" missing, however, it was great experience to remember our heritage and the sacrifices that they made for their faith.  She is also growing up a bit in the fact that we let the children each choose one souvenir at the festival and she had to make a "hard" choice.  She had to choose between getting something now or waiting for something else that she would order and have to wait two more weeks.  It was "hard" for her but she chose the item that she would have to wait two more weeks to receive.  It will last a lot longer and will mean a lot more to her in the end.  She is learning that sometimes growing up means making decisions that put off immediate gratification.  Clarissa is growing up to be a wonderful young woman who can do "hard things" too.

Zachary went to the Scottish Festival as well (which I mentioned previously).  He chose to get some kids armor to dress up in and play in.  He has worn it often.  I hope that as he grows, he will choose to "put on the armor of God" every day and follow the examples of his siblings of doing those things that will help him to become a strong disciple and follower of Jesus Christ.  Zachary received a bicycle for Easter this year.  The old one that we had for Ethan and Nathanael could not be fixed.  Zac needed a bike that would be small enough for him to learn to ride on without training wheels.  Because he has never really had a bike to practice on, he had a "hard" time even moving the bicycle forward.  I worked with him every day on having him get used to pushing the pedals and by the end of the week, he was moving as fast as he  could go with training wheels.  He worked really "hard" and was able to  ride in the Flag day parade with our primary kids in the neighborhood.  He has been working "hard" every day to do his jobs and he is turning into a great kid!  He brings a lot of joy to my life.

This last month, Travis and I celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary.  I am so grateful for him.  I honestly could not have asked for a better father for our children.  Marriage is sometimes a "hard thing".  We have had our share of ups and downs over the years.  We both have had "hard things" to deal with personally and together.  As we continue on our journey together, I have realized more and more what an amazing man my husband  has become.  He supports each of his children in so many ways.  Not only does he provide for them, he spends hours and hours supporting them in their talents and hobbies.  Travis is a wonderful provider, father, and man of God.  He has courage to do what is right as the head of this family and I am grateful that he has chosen me to stand by his side and deal with the "hard things" that we face together.

My "moment of joy" was on my birthday.  Our family had gone to a favorite Mexican restaurant and on the way home, the radio began to play "Livin' On A Prayer" and to my surprise, my children all joined with me on the chorus singing at the top of their lungs!  That is what it is all about-we can make it through the "hard things" together :)

Cathy

Marvelous May

I can't believe that another month has come and gone bringing the end of the school year and beginning of summer.  Although I feel a bit sentimental at the end of the school year, I am really excited to have a break and look forward to some new experiences this summer.  Here are some "marvelous"  and "noteworthy" events from the Lloyd home...

Nathanael has now been serving for 10 months.  We are so grateful for his decision to serve the Lord and are amazed at how much he has grown in so many ways.  The "marvelous" event of his month was having a man that he and his companion had been working with and helping to progress got baptized.  This gentleman was ready to hear and accept the Gospel before he even met Nat and Nat's companion.  As you can see in the picture, Nathanael is filled with joy as he serves.  We also were able to Skype with him on Mother's Day and talk to him for an hour.  It was "marvelous".  He is so happy and it was so neat to hear him bear his testimony in Spanish.

Lindsay finished her junior year of high school.  She performed "marvelously" in her Spring choir concert.  Typically, most kids feel that their Junior year in high school is pretty difficult and Lindsay feels the same way.  However, she worked and studied hard and has done really well.  She finished the school year strong and is a "marvelous" example of always doing your very best in all that you do.

Ethan has completed his eight grade year.  He also performed in the year-end concert and even sang a duet at the end.  He didn't tell us that he was doing a duet and it was a total surprise!  His performance was "marvelous"!  He also finished up the soccer season and was able to score 2 goals which is actually "marvelous" considering that his team was playing in a higher division this season and he is also not a forward.  It was "marvelous"!

Clarissa finished the fifth grade.  We got to see her in the elementary school dance festival that they do every year.  She wasn't really fond of the song or the choreography but she was "marvelous".She also had a small part in the school's "Hope of America" program.  Clarissa spoke clearly and with feeling.  She did a "marvelous" job.  Her part was about appreciating our military and all the sacrifices that they make for us.

Zachary had a "marvelous" year in Alphabet Kids preschool and graduated this last month.  While he was singing some of the preschool songs, I had a huge lump in my throat.  We have had a preschooler in our home for 16 years.  That night marked the end of an era.  I am so grateful to see my children growing up and becoming great young men and young women.  However, I must admit, I am having "growing pains" as my family moves into a different phase of life.  Nevertheless, I will try to enjoy each stage as it comes.  Zachary also scored his first goal at the last game of the season.  It was "marvelous"!

Our end of school year tradition was to go to the park for a picnic lunch.  This year, all the children, including Zachary, were invited to parties or to "hang out" with friends.  It was time to create a new tradition.  So, my "moment of joy" was eating ice cream for dinner at our local ice cream parlor.

Overall, the month of May has been "marvelous" and I am so looking forward to the summer and all the new memories that we will make as a family  

Springing up New Memories

April has been a full month of "springing up" new memories and having the past "spring up" allowing us to reflect on other great memories.  Here are some "noteworthy" events memories from the Lloyd home...

Well, I am sure that Nathanael's birthday was memorable as this was his first birthday away from home and in another country.  I can't believe that I became a mother 19 years ago.  I still remember when Nat was turning 3 and he had seen a toy magazine six months before and picked a little truck to ride in outside.  That is the only thing that he wanted and he talked about it for six months!  That was his first birthday in our home.  Now he is a great missionary and I am so grateful for his decision to serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and that he is working really hard and doing his very best.  It also has been nine months since he left.  I know that the new memories that are "springing up" on his mission will be very dear to him for the rest of his life.

Lindsay has had new memories "spring up" as she went to Washington D.C. on tour with the A'cappella choir.  Travis was able to go be a chaperone and he loved being able to spend time with his daughter and experience some really cool things with her.  Lindsay also said that it was fun to have her Dad on tour with her and that she enjoyed spending time with him as well.  She also had new memories "spring up" as she was invited to attend her high school junior prom.  Her date was a good friend that she feels very comfortable with.  He picked her up and they went to get their pictures taken at another friend's house.  Then they went to dinner at the Lion House.  It was catered and in a private room.  Then they went to the dance at the state capitol.  Afterwards, they went back to another friend's house for games and dessert.  They did not have a day date the next day which was wonderful because Lindsay was exhausted from her choir trip and a huge test in one of her classes.  She really needed to sleep and get some rest and get caught up on homework.  Although she had a great time at prom, her dress was not what we had expected.  She rents dresses and jewelry and shoes etc. from a very talented woman.  The dress that she picked needed sleeves added.  Because two of the local high schools had prom Friday night and Saturday night, the only time Lindsay could pick up the dress was Friday afternoon, the day of the dance and instead of sleeves, there were thick straps.  It was too late for me to really do anything about it.  She was still very modest, I just have higher standards and we agreed that next time, she would choose a dress that already had cap sleeves at the very least.  Lindsay's April was full of new memories "springing up".  I know that she will always cherish that time that she spent on tour with her father.

Ethan also had some new memories "spring up" this last month.  He was able to participate in musical theater this semester and perform in the school musical.  They did "Shrek, the Musical".  Ethan did a great job.  He played the character, "Tweedle-Dum" and a guard.  There were a lot of talented kids that were in the show.  However, "Shrek" is not my favorite.  Regardless, Ethan was able to "spring up" some great new memories a lot of new friends and having fun performing with them.  He also had a new memory "spring up" by scoring the final goal in a recent soccer game.  He has played defense for many years and this year has been able to play in a different position where he has a few opportunities to shoot.   I got to be there to see it!  I don't always get to go to his games because of the other kids' schedules and Travis is his coach and so at least one of us is always at his games.  He also had some new memories "spring up" when he attended his first multi-stake dance.  When I went to pick him up, he and his friend were in great moods.  They had a wonderful time.  He isn't my little E anymore.   I know that he will look back on this time with fondness.

Over spring break, our family decided to switch and "clean sweep" the kids' bedrooms to give them more space.  Ethan went into Nathanael's old room.  Clarissa moved out of the room that she and Lindsay were sharing and moved in with Zachary.  It was a big change for her and she was sad to leave the room with Lindsay.  She had had so many great memories with Lindsay but she is starting to really love her new room.  She is "springing up" new memories with Zachary and really enjoying the space that she has to herself.

Zachary has new memories "springing up" with sharing a room with Clarissa instead of Ethan.  I am so grateful that Zachary is so close to his siblings even though he is our little caboose.  They have a special "movie night" every Friday night and he asks everyday how close we are to Friday.  He lives for Fridays!  This is a special tradition that has bonded them and Zachary has benefited so much by spending this time with his siblings.

My "moment of joy" was a little bittersweet.  In order to move Ethan into Nat's old room, we had to pack up his stuff and put it in the storage room.  It was the end of the day and and I sat on the couch downstairs feeling overwhelmed because of the memories that accompanied his things.  It was the realization that he will never really be coming home to stay in his room and in our home.  He will come home and begin his adult life and it was the reality that our family is in a new phase of life.  It does make me feel sad and I must admit, it is difficult to adjust, but at the same time, I felt so grateful that Nat is teaching the people of Chile.  I am also so grateful for my other children and the people that they are turning into.  As I sat reflecting on the past and having memories of my little ones flood my mind, I also felt excited as to what the future holds and the new memories that will "spring up" as our children start leaving our home and this new chapter in our family continues.

Marvelous March

March was "marvelous".  Each week was definitely full and each weekend was pretty busy-but in such a good way.  Here are the "noteworthy" events from the Lloyd home...

Nathanael has been serving now for eight months.  He was made the Senior companion and he feels that he and his companion are working very hard.  He had some illness this month for the first time- but he seemed to recover quickly and seems to be doing very well.  Right now his companion is Mexican and then the other elders they live with are Korean and Brazilian.  He told us that it has been interesting that each person living in that house speaks a different native language.  He seems to really enjoy the diversity.  It is "marvelous" that he has been enjoying his mission and growing so much.

Lindsay was absolutely "marvelous" in her Irish dance recital.  She seems to really enjoy Irish dance and she especially loves to perform.  Her class performed a few dances that they do when they compete and then the last half of the recital was a "Disney" theme.  Her class danced to the song, "When Will My Life Begin", from "Tangled".

Ethan sings in the "marvelous" Men's choir at school.  For the "Boys' Breakfast Bash" , he and a good friend performed a duet called "Agony" from the musical, "Into the Woods".  He and his friend came up with the actions and expressions etc. themselves.  When Ethan told us that he wanted to sing this duet, I told him that it would be fine but I was very busy and they had to do it themselves.  I was so impressed.  They were "marvelous" and it was so fun to watch.  The soccer season has also started- which Ethan thinks is "marvelous".

Clarissa had the most "marvelous" month of all!  She was able to perform as Cousin Mary in the school play, "Tom Sawyer".  She was "marvelous"!  They cast her so well as the sassy little cousin of Tom Sawyer.  Her character was very believable because she did such a great performance.  (I know-I am not bias at all!)  However, we received many, many compliments from friends and strangers alike.  Acting is definitely one of Clarissa's gifts.  She also performed with Lindsay in the Irish dance recital and she did so well.  It was fun to watch her.  She was so confident.  Clarissa also was awarded the "Eagle of the Month" from her elementary school for being trustworthy.  All in all, it has truly been a "marvelous" month for her!

Zachary continues to learn and grow.  I feel that it is "marvelous" that he is really learning to read his sight words.  It is starting to really click.  He is also "marvelously" entertaining.  He is always portraying some character from "Star Wars" or a dinosaur etc. -whatever he happens to be into at the moment.

My "moment of joy" this month was when my family and I participated in a stake Easter fireside in the choir and musical numbers.  It was a beautiful program and at the end, I felt the Spirit so strong. It really got me in the mood for Easter because it is about the Savior, Jesus Christ and how grateful I am to Him for His sacrifice on my behalf.  It was stressful in preparing for the fireside for me, however, in the end, it was a privilege to be able to sing praises about my Savior and share this experience with my family.

Fantastic February Finishes and Fun

February went by way too Fast-but it was Fantastic, Fun, and Fatiguing.  Here are some "noteworthy" events from February....

Nathanael was able to start doing some Family history on his mission once a week for one hour.  He wrote to me specifically and told me that he had Found the parents of one of our ancestors that needed their temple work done.  He is Fantastic!  So grateful for him and his example.

At the beginning of the month, Lindsay and Clarissa had a Feis.  This one was put on by their Irish dance school.  Lindsay placed in 7 out of the 8 dances that she competed in and Felt really good about how she had done.  Lindsay is Fabulous!

Ethan and his soccer team Finished in First place in a soccer tournament in St. George.  He and Travis stayed in a condo with about half of the boys.  They had such a Fun time together!  The team really bonded and Faced some adversity with some of the other teams using Foul language and bullying tactics.  Thankfully, our boys are great young men who were able to overcome the Frustrating challenges and win!  Ethan is First-rate!

Clarissa also participated in the Winter Feis.  She was able to do very well and received Five medals.  Clarissa is Fantabulous!

Zachary is Flourishing.  I registered him to start kindergarten in the Fall.  Yes.  My baby is going to go to school.  For real.  He is learning and growing so Fast.  It is really Fun to have him in our Family.  He sure keeps us on our toes!  Zachary is definitely Fearless!

This February just Flew by but my "moment of joy" was when I received an e-mail from Lindsay's seminary teacher.  He told us how he had asked for experiences about the power of prayer and that she had shared one that touched everyone in the class.  He told us that we were raising a pretty amazing young lady.  This wonderful e-mail had come just after Ethan had shared a scripture with me a couple of nights before during his personal scripture study that I needed to hear.  It was also just after receiving an e-mail from Nat letting me know that he had found some family that we can do temple work for.  So when I finished reading the e-mail, I felt joy wash over me and gratitude for my children and their good examples for me.

Cathy

Happy New Year!!!

As is the case every year, one of my goals is to post more often about the "noteworthy" activities at the Lloyd home.  Hopefully, I can accomplish this goal this year :)  Anyway, here are some "notable" things from our home....

Nathanael was transferred from Rancagua, Chile to Paine, Chile.  Apparently, Paine is known for their watermelon.  It is summer there right now and he mentions how hot is is right now.  However, he seems to be really happy in this new area.  One recent baptism is a man who lived in Naples, Italy for 15 years and then returned back to his home in Chile.  It was kind of a neat connection because Travis served in Naples on his mission.  On January 30th, Nat hit his "bump" day.  He has been serving for six months.  I am so grateful for his willingness to serve his Heavenly Father.  Every picture he sends, he seems so happy- which is what happens when you are serving the Lord.

Lindsay Kaye started the new year finishing her second quarter well and beginning a new semester.  She is really enjoying her foods class and we both cannot believe that she is half-way through her Junior year in high school.  Lindsay asked a friend to Girls' Preference.  She was thrilled to be able to go with a really good group of kids.  For their day date, they did a "murder mystery" where each person was assigned a character from history.  Lindsay was assigned to be Marie Antoinette.  We only had a few days to come up with a costume and everything was too expensive or would not make it in time.  We decided that my wedding dress is close to that style.  Also, I was not able to find a wig and so I went on line and watched several tutorials on how to do a Marie Antoinette hairstyle.  I thought that she looked pretty good considering the amount of time we had to come up with a costume.  She seemed to have a good time.  Later, the group had a "Cafe Rio" type dinner at a dear friend's Grandmother's house.  Lindsay told me that the dinner was really good.  The group then went to the dance and back to her friend's Grandmother's home for games and dessert.  Lindsay had a really good time and just felt very grateful to be part of the group that she was in.

Ethan also has new classes this semester.  Like Lindsay, he is taking a foods class.  He really wants to go into something food-related and so we have encouraged him to take foods classes as well as business classes.  He is also taking musical theater this semester and they are doing the musical, "Shrek".  At the end of the month, Ethan turned 14 years old!!!  He had his friends come over for a late night.  They had pizza, played board games, and then watched a movie.  They seemed to have a lot of fun playing the games.  We heard them laughing and talking and just enjoying themselves.  We then went the next day as a family to Pantrucas for lunch.  Pantrucas is an authentic Chilean restaurant.  The food was delicious and we had a wonderful time as a family.

Clarissa started play rehearsal for the school play.  She is excited about being Cousin Mary and loves the rehearsals.  She also has been practicing and getting ready for the next feis.  At the beginning of January, the children meet with Travis and I and come up with new goals for the year.  Everyone tries to come up with a couple of goals in different areas such as learning and education, hobbies, physical, spiritual, social etc.  I have noticed that Clarissa has really taken her goals to heart this year and has been such a good example of following through.

Zachary turned 5 years old!!!  I can't believe that my baby is 5 and will be going to kindergarten in the fall.  We celebrated by having a dinosaur party with his friends and then a dinosaur cake with our extended families.  I guess after having done parties for several years now, you really become experienced and Zac's party seemed to go really well and the boys seemed to have a lot of fun.  When they arrived, they got to "dig" in some kinetic sand for little dinosaurs.  We then went downstairs and played "Don't Eat Rex!" which I had made with dinosaur stickers.  Then the boys played "Hot Dino Egg" and then we tied balloons to their ankles and they had to "stomp" and try to pop the others' balloons.  The last one with a balloon on his ankle won.  However, Ethan ended up "stomping" on the boys' balloons because the boys were having a hard time popping the balloons.  Of course, the boys LOVED running from Ethan.  The last activity was a dinosaur pinata (the only thing that Zachary requested).  Finally, they gave Zac his gifts and then had dinosaur cookies for the treat.  Zac is already talking about what he wants to do for his birthday next year-oh Zac!!!!

One of our traditions that we like to do is go sledding on the first day of the new year- providing there is snow.  We did have some snow this year and were able to go sledding.  Zachary was even brave enough to go down a few times.  Afterward, we came home and had hot chocolate.  It was a great start to the new year.

My "moment of joy" was when we were driving home from eating at Pantrucas for Ethan's birthday.  I was thinking about Nathanael having been serving for six months and how grateful I am for his decision to serve a mission and the growth that I have seen in him so far.  I then started thinking about Ethan turning 14 and how grateful I am that he is turning into such a great young man.  This thought led me to think about Lindsay, Clarissa, and Zachary and how grateful I am for who they are and the choices that they are making and the people that they are turning into.  I then thought about how grateful I am for Travis.  I could not have asked for a better father for my children.  He is truly a wonderful husband and father and we are so lucky to have him leading our family.  We were listening to some uplifting music and a feeling of gratitude and joy just washed over me.

Happy New Year!