Trick-or-Treat

So yes.  I am getting worse and worse at posting at the beginning of the month.  However, I am still hoping to accomplish my goal of posting at least once a month this year.  Better late than never.  So here are the "noteworthy" events from the Lloyd home in the month of October...

Nathanael has now been a missionary for 15 months.  For me, the time seems to be going really fast and I am already thinking that he will be home for all the holidays next year :)  The people of Chile like to celebrate a few American holidays including Halloween.  He and his companion bought candy to hand out to the kids.  He said that a lot of the parents took pictures of them handing candy to the children.  I guess it seemed funny to them to watch missionaries handing out candy.  He said that they ended up running out of candy because they had so many trick-or-treaters.  The "tricky" thing for him this last month has been trying to find members who are less active and getting them to come back to church.  In the end, it was a "treat" to have a few of them come back to church after many months of inactivity.  His e-mails sounded as if there were some small miracles occurring last month.  It is such a "treat" to have Nathanael serving a mission and watch him grow in so many ways.

October was "tricky" for Lindsay to try to keep up with so many activities.  She had a lot going on this last month.  She participated in a choir concert in which she performed with both the Chamber choir and A' cappella choir.  Between them both, she learned and sang seven pieces.  She also was invited to Homecoming again this year.  She was asked by a good friend and so she was not really nervous. She seemed to have a really good time.  The day date was simple and appropriate and it was fun to help her get ready for Homecoming for her Senior year.  Finally, she recently earned her Honor Bee for Young Womens.  She needed to complete 40 hours of service, read the Book of Mormon again, and help another young woman with her goals towards Personal Progress.  When the Bishop asked her what the most difficult thing was, he wondered if it was reading The Book of Mormon- to which she replied that that was the easiest one.  She has developed a habit of studying her scriptures every day.  For her, the most difficult thing was remembering to write down her service hours.  Because she earned her Honor Bee, Lindsay was asked to speak in their Young Women of Excellence evening.  She bore her testimony and it was truly a "treat" to hear her testify of the things that she knows to be true.  She doesn't bear it often and so it was a touching experience to listen to what she had to say.  For Halloween, she decided to be the "Queen of Broken Hearts".  She wanted to be a bit unique.  We took a normal "Queen of Hearts" costume and turned all the hearts into broken hearts and then we crimped and teased her hair and made her make-up messy.  She was pleased with the result.  It was a "treat" to see her participate in all those activities this last month.

Ethan also had a busy October.  His choir also put on a concert and it was a "tricky" night as there was also dance and a soccer game.  Travis and I ended up showing up to watch the concert at different times with me leaving in the middle to go get Clarissa from dance.  However, I was able to make it just in time to see him perform and it is always a "treat" to watch him sing.  He has gotten a lot of his buddies to join choir and sing with him and it is a "treat" to see him and his friends enjoy music and sports together.  Ethan's soccer team had a goal to make it to division one and it was "tricky" to win the toughest teams on the road.  One game in particular, the referees did not show up and so they played a scrimmage but it was not official.  It had to be rescheduled and ended up being the last game of the season.  They both were playing for first place in their division.  All the hard work that Travis and the boys put in and a bit of luck paid off.  They won first place and are now in division one.  Ethan chose to be a Gladiator for Halloween. His costume looked cool and it has been a "treat" to watch him continue to develop his talents.

October has been a big month for Clarissa.  She has been working really hard in Irish dance.  The Utah State Feis (Irish dance competition) was in October.  She is competing in Novice and Prizewinner levels now and it is a lot harder and "trickier" to place.  She also has  been going to extra practices to prepare for the Western Region Oireachtas coming to Salt Lake for the very first time.  She is in a group of 8 girls that dance the "high cauld cap".  The girls competed in the Utah State Feis to get some experience performing it together and poor Clarissa was so nervous that she made a couple of mistakes.  It kind of threw the group "off" and others started making mistakes.  Clarissa was very disappointed and felt really bad.  She cried all the way home.  She felt that she had let her group down.  The next day was "tricky" because she had to compete with her solo dances and she was extremely anxious because of what had happened the night before.  However, she did very well and was able to place in a couple of dances-including one first place.  It was a "treat" to see her overcome her disappointment and anxiety and perform her best.  Clarissa decided to be a "masquerade ball attendee".  Many people associated her costume with Christine from "Phantom of the Opera"-  I can totally see that with her!  Clarissa is a "treat" to have in our home because of her goodness and desire to do what is right and do her best.

Zachary has had a great time in October.  He played soccer with his best friends and was coached by his Dad.  It was somewhat "tricky" during the season because we had to reschedule a few of his games because Travis could not be coaching two teams at the same time.  However, it all worked out and it was a "treat" to watch Zachary score some goals this season and understand the game better while "goofing" with his friends as well :)  Zachary also could not wait for Halloween.  He was so excited!  I was able to help with his Halloween class party.  Zac was "Captain Rex"  from "Star Wars".  There was another little girl who was a clone trooper in his class.  They happened to be put in the same group for the activities.  He would carry her mask with his and set them down so they would not get ruined.  He took very good care of the masks.  The little girl then took his hand and they held hands while waiting for their turns playing the games.  It was very cute.  It has been a "treat" to see Zachary's growth in so many areas.  He is thriving in school and is making new friends.  It is a "treat" to see him become more independent.

My "moment of joy" this last month was at the Utah State Feis.  In the competition, there are soft-shoe dances and hard-shoe dances.  The hard shoes can be slippery and during one of the hard-shoe dance competitions, a girl in Clarissa's group for the solo dance competitions, slipped and fell during her dance.  The judges allowed the young lady to do it again by herself (usually three go at a time).  After she finished, the audience all clapped for her in support.  I noticed that not one of the girls she was competing against clapped for her except Clarissa.  I am sure the other girls were not sure what they were supposed to do, however, Clarissa spontaneously clapped for her because she was so happy for her to perform again and do so well.  Managing these kids can be a "trick" but I am so grateful for all the "treats" that I get from being their mother.

Sensational September

Yes.  I know.  This post is even later than last month, however, I am determined to accomplish my goal of posting once a month for this year.  So.  Better late than never.  Here are some "sensational" and "noteworthy" events from the month of September...

Nathanael celebrated his one year anniversary in Chile and a week later Chile celebrated their Independence Day.  Nat dressed up as a huaso (Chilean cowboy) for an Independence Day celebration in his area.  He looks "sensational" in the pictures!  That week Chile also experienced an earthquake that registered 8.5 on the richter scale.  Nathanael's area is closer to the Andes mountains and the areas that were most affected were near the coast.  His mission president had e-mailed us that night to let us know what had happened and assured us that he felt all the missionaries were safe and that he would e-mail us again in the morning after all the missionaries had been accounted for.  Sure enough, all were safe and well.  Nat said that he didn't realize that the earthquake was that big but that it lasted longer than most (earthquakes are a common experience in Chile).  He is very happy and seems to be enjoying his mission.

Lindsay was "sensational" in a couple of choir concerts this month.  She participated in a patriotic concert honoring those who lost their lives on September 11th.  Then, later in the month, she performed in the annual Disney concert to raise money to help with costs of going on tour.  Lindsay and one of her close friends performed, "Let's Get Together".  They sang, danced, and acted "sensationally".  It was fun to see Lindsay perform so well.  Their act really looked polished.  The only thing that she felt bad about was not being able to find her cap sleeve shirt that she wears under this dress.  She was still very modest and found a cardigan later to wear in the numbers at the end.  Lindsay Kaye also celebrated her 18th birthday -which was also her "golden birthday".  She had friends and grandparents over to celebrate and I am so grateful that she is my daughter.  She is kind, sensitive, intelligent, talented, and beautiful-inside and out.  Lindsay is truly "sensational".  She also went to the Sadie Hawkins dance and had a great time with her friends.  She is trying to work hard but also have a "sensational" Senior year.

Ethan has had a "sensational" start to his soccer season and is doing really well in school.  He is such a good example of hard work and giving his best even under trying circumstances.  Ethan helped run the concessions stand at a BYU game earlier in the month.  Travis is in charge and it was the night of the Sadie Hawkins dance. We desperately needed people to help.  BYU allows those that are 14 years and older work the stand.  He had just played a tough soccer game and quickly changed and came with Travis and I early. Travis and I had responsibilities that required that we be there early and stay late.  It was an extremely late game and sometime during the night, his pants ripped right in front-thankfully he was wearing an apron that covered the large hole :)  After the cleaning had been done and all the others had gone home, Ethan and I were waiting for Travis to settle.  It was 2:30 am and Ethan laid down next to me on a bench and fell asleep.  He never once complained even though he had every reason to!  He just laughed and said that he has a good story about falling asleep on a bench at the BYU stadium at 2:30 am with ripped pants.


Clarissa has been practicing a lot for the Irish dance Oirachtas coming in November.  I know that after all the practice and work that they have put in to perfecting the dance that they will be "sensational".  She is also working very hard in school and goes in for extra help when needed.  She is not afraid to be humble and ask what she needs to do to improve her assignments or tests that she feels she needs to redo. Clarissa is a "sensational" student.


Zachary is having a "sensational" time in Kindergarten.  He is excited to wake up and get ready for school and always has a huge grin when I go to pick him up.  I am grateful that he is having a positive learning experience.  He also has a little crush on a girl with long blonde hair and is very concerned with what he wears to school to impress her.  He wants to be "stylish".  One day, he told me that he wanted to wear a black shirt because I had told him that he looked good in black.  He picked out a black t-shirt and some dark jeans.  I put a black, blue, white, and gray plaid shirt around him and told him not to button it up.  He exclaimed, "Oh!  This is something Lindsay would do!"  The next day, he tried to put a button down church shirt over a jersey to be "stylish" and was very upset when I told him that it did not look good.  He insisted that it was a good style and we had a difficult time getting to school that morning.  Well, later he had Lindsay help him put some outfits together that looked good to impress this little girl.  What am I going to do?  He is only 5!!  He is also improving greatly in soccer and has been able to score a few goals this year.  Zac is having a "sensational" time with his team because they are his friends and he also has his dad coaching.


My "moment of joy" this month was when a woman in church leaned over to me after sacrament meeting and told me how much she enjoyed watching my children.  She could tell that they really loved each other by the way they treated each other.  I had not really thought about it before but my children get along really well.  They are not just siblings, but great friends and very close.  They cheer for each other and try to help each other when it is needed.    I feel that I have "sensational" kids and I am so very grateful for each one of them and the things that I have learned from each of them.

Currently

I know that I am a bit late on my post this month- I was doing so well.  Better late than never!  Here are the noteworthy events going on "currently" in the Lloyd home....

Elder Nat is "currently" serving in a rural town called Codegua.  One of the highlights this last month was a woman in the branch getting baptized.  He wanted to do something special for the occasion and so he asked for the recipe and made my family's lemon cookie recipe.  These cookies are one of his favorites "currently".  He felt that the baptism went really well even though there were so many things that seemed to be going wrong leading up to the ordinance.  He felt so grateful that she persevered and did get baptized.  He doesn't write a lot each week but he seems very happy and has a positive attitude even when things go wrong.  For example, his tire on his bicycle blew up and then his companion's bike completely broke and is not fixable-so they are "currently" waiting for new bikes.

Lindsay is "currently" a Senior in high school this year.  Some of her "current" classes are ASL 4, A' cappella, and Chamber choir.  She also is "currently" the president of the new ASL club.  They held their first official activity today and she felt that it went well.  They met during lunch and had donuts and played signing games.  She is "currently"  enjoying these classes and seems to have an exciting year ahead.

Ethan is "currently" a ninth grader.  He is also "currently" playing soccer and his team so far has started well by winning their first two games.  Ethan is also not very happy in some respects as he "currently" is wearing braces (round 2).  He will have them on for about 18 months and then he will be done with braces for good.  He is "currently" very busy with school and soccer and will soon be working on his Eagle scout project.

Clarissa is "currently" a sixth grader this year.  She is also "currently" enjoying being 11 years old as she celebrated her birthday this last month.  Because she turned 11, we had to do a Harry Potter birthday party.  It is a tradition in our family.  We had the girls come and get "sorted" into different houses.  We then had the "wand choose the wizard" and then went downstairs for transfiguration (Charades), and Defense against the Dark Arts (Harry Potter werewolves game), and then Quidditch and then finished with Potions (making butterbeer).  The girls had a blast!  We were so grateful for my sister-in-law who let us borrow the cool things that she made.  Clarissa felt like it was one of her best birthday parties she has ever had.  She "currently" is working hard to get everything done everyday and be responsible.

Zachary is "currently" in Kindergarten.  He is loving feeling like a big kid because he gets to go to school with the other big kids.  I can't believe that my baby is in Kindergarten.  I will admit that one of us shed some tears that day-I will let you guess who ;)  He is also "currently" playing soccer again this year and is on a team with all of his friends being coached by his Dad.  Needless to say, he "currently" loves soccer.

Well, this month has been difficult.  At the beginning of the month, we found out that Travis has been let go from his "current" employer due to some restructuring.  He has been working for this company for 20 years.  All month long, I have been thinking of a talk given by a distant relative, Elder Hugh B. Brown, about a "currant bush".

"  I was living up in Canada.  I had purchased a farm.  It was run-down.  I went out one morning and saw a currant bush.  It had grown up over six feet high.  It was going all to wood.  There were no blossoms and no currants.  I was raised on a fruit farm in Salt Lake before we went to Canada, and I knew what ought to happen to that currant bush.  So I got some pruning shears and went after it, and I cut it down, and pruned it, and clipped it back until there was nothing left but a little clump of stumps.  It was just coming daylight, and I thought I saw on top of each of these little stumps what appeared to be a tear, and I thought the currant bush was crying.  I was kind of simpleminded (and I haven't entirely gotten over it), and I looked at it, and smiled, and said, "What are you crying about?"  You know, I thought I heard that currant bush talk.  And I thought I heard it say this:  "How could you do this to me?  I was making such wonderful growth.  I was almost as big as the shade tree and the fruit tree that are inside the fence, and now you have cut me down.  Every plant in the garden will look down on me, because I didn't make what I should have made.  How could you do this to me?  I thought you were the gardener here."  That's what I thought I heard the currant bush say, and I thought it so much that I answered.  I said, "Look, little currant bush, I am the gardener here, and I know what I want you to be.  I didn't intend you to be a fruit tree or a shade tree.  I want you to be a currant bush, and some day, little currant bush, when you are laden with fruit, you are going to say, 'Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for loving me enough to cut me down, for caring enough about me to hurt me.  Thank you, Mr. Gardener."

Time passed.  Years passed, and I found myself in England.  I was in command of a cavalry unit in the Canadian Army.  I had made rather rapid progress as far as promotions are concerned, and I held the rank of field officer in the British Canadian Army.  And I was proud of my position.  And there was an opportunity for me to become a general.  I had taken all the examinations.  I had the seniority.  There was just one man between me and that which for ten years I had hoped to get, the office of general in the British Army.  I swelled up with pride.  And this one man became a casualty, and I received a telegram from London.  It said:  "Be in my office tomorrow morning at 10:00," signed by General Turner in charge of all Canadian forces.  I called in my valet, my personal servant.  I told him to polish my buttons, to brush my hat and my boots, and to make me look like a general because that is what I was going to be.  He did the best he could with what he had to work on, and I went up to London.  I walked smartly into the office of the General, and I saluted him smartly, and he gave me the same kind of a salute a senior officer usually gives-a sort of "Get out of the way, worm!"  He said, "Sit down, Brown."  Then he said, "I'm sorry I cannot make the appointment.  You are entitled to it.  You have passed all the examinations.  You have the seniority.  You've been a good officer, but I can't make the appointment.  You are to return to Canada and become a training officer and a transport officer.  Someone else will be made a general."  That for which I had been hoping and praying for ten years suddenly slipped out of my fingers.

Then he went into the other room to answer the telephone, and I took a soldier's privilege of looking on his desk.  I saw my personal history sheet.  Right across the bottom of it in bold, block-type letters was written, "THIS MAN IS A MORMON."  We were not very well liked in those days.  When I saw that, I knew why I had not been appointed.  I already held the highest rank of any Mormon in the British Army.  He came back and said, "That's all, Brown."  I saluted  him again, but not quite as smartly.  I saluted out of duty and went out.  I got on the train and started back to my town, 120 miles away, with a broken heart, with bitterness in my soul.  And every click of the wheels on the rails seemed to say, "You are a failure.  You will be called a coward when you get home.  You raised all those Mormon boys to join the army, then you sneak off home."  I knew what I was going to get, and when I got to my tent, I was so bitter that I threw my cap and my saddle brown belt on the cot.  I clinched my fists and I shook them at heaven.  I said, "How could you do this to me, God?  I have done everything I could do to measure up.  There is nothing that I could have done-that I should have done-that I haven't done.  How could you do this to me?"  I was as bitter as gall.

And then I heard a voice, and I recognized the tone of this voice.  It was my own voice, and the voice said, "I am the gardener here.  I know what I want you to do."  The bitterness went out of my soul, and I fell on my knees by the cot to ask forgiveness for my ungratefulness and my bitterness.  While kneeling there I hear a song being sung in and adjoining tent.  A number of Mormon boys met regularly every Tuesday night.  I usually met with them.  We would sit on the floor and have a Mutual Improvement Association.  As I was Kneeling there, praying for forgiveness, I heard their voices singing:

"It my not be on the mountain height
Or over the stormy sea:
It may not be at the battle's front
My Lord will have need of me;
But if, by a still, small voice He calls
To paths that I do not know,
I'll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in thine:
I'll go where you want me to go."

I arose from my knees a humble man.  And now, almost fifty years later, I look up to Him and say, "Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for cutting me down, for loving me enough to hurt me."


I don't know what the future holds for our family.  I am nervous because of the unknown, but I also know that somehow, things will work out.  I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for us and our children and that things will work out for our good.


My "moment of  joy" was when Travis and I went to dinner to one of our favorite restaurants to "celebrate" a new chapter in our lives.  I felt at peace being with him and I know that this trial can help us to grow even closer.

Cathy

*The school pics were from my Facebook post of , "Coming to a school near you!!!"  You get the picture.  Anyway, there will be drama, action, mystery, and romance etc.  That is why the kids are holding different objects.  Also, I will try to get a birthday picture of Clarissa posted soon :)

'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.