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.

Time Marches On

Happy New Year!  A new year is here with many exciting events that our family is looking forward to this year.  Of course, the events will unfold throughout the coming months which will obviously be written in this blog as the main purpose for this is our family history.  Here are some "noteworthy" happenings from the Lloyd home....time marches on....


Nathanael has reached his eighteen month mark of his mission!  He was transferred recently from Talca to Buin.  His time in Talca was the shortest that he has been in one area on his mission.  I think that he really enjoyed his time in Talca but he was looking forward to some new experiences in Buin.  He has visited Buin before when he was assigned to Paine, so he is already familiar with the city.  Before his mission, I suggested that he purchase something for his future wife from Chile so that there is a small connection to him from this very important part of his life.  He actually remembered that advice and purchased a beautiful necklace that includes stones that are mined in that country. Because the stones are mined there, he was able to get a really good deal.  Nat continues to work hard and is so very happy.  He feels that the weeks are just flying by and time marches on.

Lindsay's Senior year is definitely flying by showing me that time continues to march on.  Earlier in the month she attended her final Girls Preference dance.  She went with a young man that she gets along with really well.  She looked stunning in her dress.  For the day date, they went to a place in which they jumped on trampoline's, jumped into foam pits, swung on ropes etc.  They had a really great time.  Then they had dinner at a friend's home, took pictures, went to the dance, and ended the night with dessert at another friend's home.  She was glad that she went and is trying to enjoy the last months of high school.  Lindsay also participated in the Chamber choir's Masterworks concert.  All the Chamber choirs in Alpine school district learn major choral pieces and then come together to perform them in a recital.  One of the works that they performed this year was Morten Lauridsen's "Requiem".  Both Travis and I have sung that same piece in choirs that we have been and it is actually one of my favorite pieces of all time. I enjoyed the concert very much.  I ran into someone that I graduated high school with and it really helped me to realize again that time really does march on.

Ethan celebrated his 15th birthday.  I cannot believe how quickly he has grown.  We celebrated his birthday by inviting his friends to play futsal, have pizza, and then soak in the hot tub.  The boys seemed to have a great time.  On Ethan's actual birthday, we went to a Chilean restaurant called Pantrucas for his birthday dinner and Nathanael's 18 month anniversary.  The food was delicious as usual.  A couple weeks earlier, Travis and Ethan and his soccer team went to Mesquite for a soccer tournament.  They had a game their first night and then had a day off and played their final two games after having a day of recovery.  His team is playing in a new level and although they competed well, they were only able to win one of their games.  I have every confidence that they will work hard and rise to the challenge of playing at a higher level.  They are almost there.  However, what impressed me the most is that these young men chose to take the day in between games to drive to St. George and perform baptisms for the dead in the St. George temple.  They finished the day at a fun center.  I am so grateful that Ethan has such great friends.  They encourage each other to live their high standards and to be the best they can be on and off the field.  Ethan also participated in the Junior High Honor Choir.  I spent several hours helping him learn his part and was so pleased to here them perform.  The concert was  well done and it brought back memories of Nathanael also singing in the Junior High Honor choir.  I think Ethan was glad that he was able to participate.  Watching Ethan grow physically and emotionally is a huge reminder that time marches on.

Clarissa is becoming so responsible and is growing up too fast.  It was the annual science fair in January.  Personally, I dread these projects and am always grateful when they are over.  However, Clarissa tried to involve me as little as possible and took care of things herself.  She came up with her own idea and executed the whole project when Travis and I were out of town.  She had seen a website in which your personality was described by your favorite color.  Her favorite color is yellow and she said that it was a fairly accurate description of her.  Clarissa's science project was in psychology.  She created a survey for her classmates and then guessed their favorite colors based on their answers.  The students then told her whether or not she guessed correctly and she recorded the results.  Her hypothesis was incorrect, she got more wrong than she got right.  No matter.  I was just pleased that she got it done and received a good grade.  We were completely surprised by a phone call telling us to come to the school for an awards ceremony.  Clarissa's project was chosen to go on to district.  We were told that the judges were extremely impressed with her and could tell that she "owned" the project and the presentation.  Her taking on the entire project herself in planning and executing it shows me how quickly she is growing up and that time continues to march on.

Time is indeed marching on.  My baby, Zachary, turned 6 years old.  He is obsessed with "Star Wars, Clone Wars".  His favorite character is Captain Rex because this character does not obey order 66 and joins in fighting against the Empire.  So for his birthday party with his friends, we did a "Clone Cadet training".  The boys were told to report for duty in their full winter gear because it had snowed so much lately and little boys are very active and need to do physical things.  Ethan was their commander and trainer.  He did such a great job!  The boys look up to him and he knows how to work with kids and what would be fun for them.  For the first part of their training, they had to do an obstacle course.  They had to swing on the swings for 30 seconds.  They they had to climb up the ladder and slide down the slide.  Finally, they had to run under the trampoline and then jump around the outside of it and jump off.  They did this activity two times-to encourage them to see if they could do it a bit faster the second time.  Next, I had bought cheap nerf-like guns for each of them and they did target practice.  I had two of my nieces and a nephew staying with us at the time and the girls made an awesome target for this activity-it was much better than what I could have done.  My nephew was Ethan's assistant and it worked out well.  Finally, the boys used a bucket to build a small barrier in the snow and played a simple version of Capture the Flag.  They boys had to work together to defeat their trainer and his assistant (Ethan and my nephew).  This was really fun and the boys were so excited to beat Zachary's big brother!  Ethan made it challenging but let them be victorious in the end because he is a good big brother.  The boys then came in to eat lunch.  They had Tie'fighter Pigs in a blanket, grape light-sabers, and blue milk.  I know that the food is not from the Clone Wars but the boys ate it up.  It was a successful party and I had several moms at church the next day tell me how much fun their boys had.

So my "moment of joy" ended up being a combination of two different situations within the same week.  Clarissa had told me that it was a young man's birthday in her class at school.  She said that he is a shy boy and doesn't have many friends.  She came up with an idea and recruited her teacher and a couple of friends to help.  The teacher made sure that this young man went to recess and Clarissa and her friends got the post-it notes and wrote "H-A-P-P-Y etc." on the notes and stuck it to his desk.  She said that he seemed very pleased when he saw it and had no idea at all who did it.  The next experience came a few days later. Ethan has a friend that has been very ill.  He and other his friends thought that it would be a good idea to make her a birthday card.  At his birthday late night, Ethan gathered all the supplies for a card and pens of different colors and had all the boys sign it.  Wow.   These two experiences caused me to reflect on how grateful I am for each of my children and how they are learning to look outside themselves and not just feel compassion for others- but to actually act on  those feelings.  They are growing up so quickly and time is indeed marching on.....

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Okay.  I know that the new month is half over and I am just now writing about December.  Oh well.  I still am accomplishing my goal of posting about each month for the year.  Yes!  Here are some "noteworthy" things from the Lloyd home....It was a wonderful time of year!


We were able to Skype with Nathanael on Christmas Day.  It was wonderful!  It was a treat to be able to see his face and hear him bear his testimony in Spanish.  We asked him about any neat experiences that he had lately.  He shared with us how he and his companion had given a blessing to a man that was ill.  The man started to feel better.  A couple of days later, Nathanael and his companion decided to check on this man.  He was feeling quite ill again and his wife was praying that the missionaries would come back when they showed up.  Nat also was able to perform his first baptism on his mission. It is wonderful to see him having these experiences and growing into such a great young man.

Lindsay was quite busy with choir in last month.  She participated in the annual Madrigal Feast and sang at several parties with Chamber choir.  During the feast, she was one of the dancers and was able to perform an Irish dance solo on most of the nights for entertainment.  She was wonderful.  Lindsay is a talented dancer and it was a joy for me to watch her perform using her talents of singing and dancing.  She is turning into such a wonderful young woman.

Ethan had a wonderful ending to his futsal season.  His team won first place in their division.  It was an intense game and the boys were able to come back from behind and win.  It was exciting to watch and so pleasing to see Ethan "put it all on the court".  He is a wonderful young man and has such a wonderful group of friends.

Clarissa was wonderful in her last performance of the Christmas Sing in elementary school.  She has felt that she has had a wonderful childhood and she is sentimental as she thinks about moving onto junior high next year.  She is so full of personality and anytime she performs, it shines through.  Clarissa is a wonderful performer.

Zachary is at the perfect age for Christmas.  His reaction to his gift that Santa brought was wonderful and priceless.  It is so fun to watch his wonder and amazement throughout the "most wonderful time of the year".  Zachary has been a wonderful addition to our family. I am trying to really enjoy these moments more as I realize that my children seem to grow faster and faster.

My "moment of joy" was when Nat called on Skype and I was able to see his face and hear his voice for the first time in months.  I am so grateful that he is serving a mission and doing so well.  However, I am really excited to have him come home this year -which will most likely be "the most wonderful time of year" THIS year :)

Grateful

Well, better late than never.  Here is my post for November.  One more and I will have accomplished my goal for the year, although I am limping towards the finish line! Here are some "notes" from November- I have a lot to be grateful for...

Nathanael has now been serving his mission for 16 months.  He was transferred from Codegua to a city called Talca.  Instead of being closer to the Andes mountains, he is now closer to the coast.  He actually was able to do a couple of divisions a couple of weeks ago where he saw the ocean.  His second companion on one of his divisions was another Elder Lloyd.  They were known as "Los Elderes Lloyd".  This other young man pulled out his fan chart (family tree) and they found that they are actually distant cousins.  Their great-grandfathers were brothers.  This young man is also from Idaho where our Lloyds are from.  One interesting note, Nat told us that this other Elder Lloyd's first name is Nathan.  So far, Nathanael seems to really be enjoying this new area.  I am so grateful that he is serving a mission.  I am grateful that he is happy and doing well both physically and emotionally.  I am grateful for the growth that I have seen in him.  I am grateful for his wonderful example.

I am grateful that Lindsay continues to do well in her schooling and other activities.  She had several choir sectionals this month getting ready for a Madrigal Feast that the high school does in December.  She is the section leader and has made some new friends having that responsibility.  Lindsay also went to the "Cheapskates" dance this last month.  It is a dance in which the dance is ice skating and it was an "Eighties" theme.  She originally was not going to go but there was a young man that she knew that really wanted to go and he was a bit shy.  She asked him and they had a really good time.  I am grateful that she was kind and took the opportunity to get to know a good guy a bit better.  She also went with Ethan and I to the last "Hunger Games" movie.  I am grateful to have shared that experience with her.  It was fun to hang out with my teenagers.  I am grateful that Lindsay is willing to learn and accept the rules of our home, even when it seems that Travis and I are the strictest parents on earth.  I am grateful that she accepts responsibility for her choices because it shows me that she is really maturing into a wonderful young adult.

Ethan was busy this month participating in a soccer camp at the high school.  He also has been playing futsal as well.  I am grateful for the friends that he has chosen.  They are such great young men.  I don't worry about what he is doing when he is with them.  I had the opportunity to do a "mother-son" date with him.  We call them "days off" at our house.  Anyway, he chose to go see the "Peanuts" movie-which I loved.  I especially loved the fact that he laughed all the way through it because he could relate.  We then went to dinner at Five Guys and finished at Game Stop where he purchased a used game.  I am so grateful that I got to spend that time with him.  I am grateful that he is such a well-mannered and kind young man.  I am grateful that he enjoys spending time with me.

Clarissa was able to participate in the Western Regional Oireachtas this year with a group performing the "High Cauld Cap".  She had made a mistake at the Feis the month before which caused the others in her group to make mistakes.  She had felt really bad and so she was extremely nervous for this competition.  The girls practiced several times before they went on stage and their costumes and hair had to be just right.  We were all praying that Clarissa would do her best and feel calm and peace and remember the dance.  The group did so well!  Clarissa did great- she was awesome!  I am so grateful that she  worked hard and that she was able to do her best even when she was so worried.  I am grateful that she was able to prove to herself that she can overcome her fears.

I have the opportunity to help in Zachary's class once a week during center time.  I am grateful to be able to see him interact a bit at school.  He is growing so much in so many ways.  He also was able to do the family Turkey Bowl as well.  I am grateful that he loves to do things with his Dad.  I am grateful that they have a really good relationship already.  I am grateful that he likes to snuggle with me when he has gotten up really early.  He became ill this month for a couple of days and I am grateful that he got over it quickly and that he was so appreciative of anything I did for him to take care of him.  It was very sweet.

My "moment of joy" this month was just after Clarissa had competed and she knew that she had done well.  Her team did not place- but I am so grateful that she was able to realize that she can accomplish things even when she is nervous.

It has been kind of a stressful month for me and I became ill over Thanksgiving weekend.  However, I am grateful for medication and for the long weekend that I was able to rest and recover.  I am grateful for each of my children and the people that they are becoming.