Big Things....

So this post is for the last couple of months-lots of big and noteworthy things going on at the Lloyd home.....


Nathanael survived his first year at Utah State University and did well.  In April, he turned 21 years old- which was crazy because that is how old I was when I had him (I was closer to 22-but still)!  My favorite thing about Nat is his passion for those things that he loves.  His enthusiasm is contagious! He has been busy refereeing soccer and on May 17th-he asked his girlfriend, Lindsay, to be his bride and she accepted.  He took her on a picnic, played his bagpipes, and then got down on one knee and popped the question.  Wow!!!  Big thing for him and Lindsay and big for us as he is the first one to get married out of our children.  We are so excited and grateful that he has found someone that is kind, intelligent, has a firm testimony and makes him happy!!!

Lindsay Kaye also completed her first year of college. She attended Utah Valley University.  She did extremely well and has enjoyed her classes-mostly.  There was that one in which she had to write a 25 page paper.  Yeah.  That was fun.  She continues to be a manager at Little Caesar's Pizza and has been very busy finishing all her paperwork to serve an LDS mission.  It seems that everything has taken us  longer to get her forms done than it did with Nathanael.  However, we are expecting her mission call any day now...I am so impressed by her courage to do the things necessary for her to go.  For example, she needed to have her wisdom teeth removed and she is terrified of getting an I.V. -but she did it anyway.  Her oral surgery went really well (we have some great video footage) and two days later, she had an interview with LDS family services for a pre-mission evaluation because she has Tourettes.  I was so worried that she would be on narcotics and swollen and that we would have to reschedule, however, she hardly swelled and was not in pain enough to require a strong pain medication and she was lucid and herself!  It was a miracle-truly.  So this mission call is a pretty big thing.

Ethan did really well in his first year of high school.  He is just an impressive young man.  His big thing is that he earned all the requirements for his Eagle Scout Award.  He just needs to do the Board of Review and he is done!  Another big thing for him is that he got his braces off-finally!  He was so excited.  He kept feeling his teeth with his tongue and giggling because he was so happy;)  Ethan was just so done with braces.  Finally, his last big thing was that he played on the Lone Peak provisional soccer team with Travis coaching and they came in first place again.  Second year in a row of being undefeated.  Awesome!

Clarissa was so grateful to get through seventh grade and do well.  She really had to work hard in a couple of subjects- but it paid off and she was successful.  Her big thing was performing in Alpine Community Theater's, "The Little Mermaid".  She got to play the character, Chef Louis and was fabulous!  I know that I am her Mom and am biased, however, she really blew me away.  She can really sing and she totally nailed her character! I am so glad that she has found something that fills her soul up with joy!

Zachary completed first grade and did really well!  He cried when it was the last day of school because he said that he would miss his friends and his teacher.  Zachary's big thing was the fact that he struggled just a bit with reading, but with a little extra help, he jumped up quite a bit to be right on track!   He always had such a positive attitude and did his best!  One cute thing with him is that he has a crush on a little girl in his class and he was invited to her birthday party.  He wanted to do a gift that was really special and so he enlisted the help of his sister, Lindsay, and made a friendship bracelet for her and one for him that matched the pattern (it was just a different color).  He said that it was so they would never forget each other.  I know.  I think I will need to keep an eye on that little charmer ;)

My "moment of joy" was when I heard that Lindsay Kaye turned on General Conference while working so she and the other kids working that morning could listen.  She said that it was a really slow morning- but I was so impressed that she chose to do something that not only benefited her, but also the kids that she was working with benefited as well.

I know this blog is just limping along, but I will keep trying even as we get ready for all the big things coming up this year!!!

Connecting With Family

I cannot believe how fast the month of March flew by!  Most days are full of the normal day to day tasks-but there was one thing that stands out in my mind that has become a tradition and helps us connect as an extended family and connects us to our heritage as well...

Nathanael continues to attend Utah State University and sing in the American Festival Chorus and Orchestra.  Nat was able to come home the first week in March for Spring break.  It was kind of an odd break for him because everyone else still had school and work.  Nathanael was able to come up with us to our extended family tradition of going to East Canyon for the weekend.  This was the first time since his mission that he was able to participate in our celebrating St. Patrick's Day as an extended family.  It was fun to have him there to connect with family and remember his Irish heritage.  Nat also asked me to finally cut his hair!!!!

Lindsay Kaye keeps busy attending Utah Valley University and working at Little Ceasar's.  She also is finishing up filling out her papers to serve an LDS mission.  Lindsay came up to East Canyon with us as well and was able to spend some valuable time with extended family and her siblings.  It is wonderful that she wants to spend time with those she loves and really connect with them before she goes.  Lindsay also had Spring break- but again- everyone else still had school and work so Spring break was odd for her as well.  

Ethan had a noteworthy event this month.  He was able to go on his first date-which happened to be Prom.  His group went on Friday night for their "day date" to Hang Time (trampolines, foam pits, rope activities etc.)  They had a dinner at one of Ethan's friends' houses.  The next day was Prom.  They took pictures and then went to a relative's house of one of the young men where a lovely dinner was served.  Then they went to the dance.  Ethan said that he had a great time and hoped that his date did as well.  He also continues to play soccer- which takes a lot of his time.  However, he is also just finishing up his requirements for the rank of Eagle scout as well as Driver's education.  It will be so nice for him (and me) to have his driver's license.  This was the first time that Ethan was able to stay at East Canyon instead of going back down for a game.  It was awesome for him to be able to stay and connect with family.

Clarissa is enjoying the rehearsals for "The Little Mermaid".  She was actually the one that needed to go back from East Canyon for a rehearsal this time.  Travis and Clarissa woke up early Saturday morning and Travis decided to take a shorter route.  It should have been fine because he was driving a 4-wheel drive truck.  However, someone had abandoned a sedan in the middle of the road.  Travis went around and sank into snow and got stuck.  After two hours of making phone calls and trying to get some help, a man and his daughter came to take the same route and were able to help get the truck out.  Travis and Clarissa came back to the condo because it was too late to get her to rehearsal.  Even though those couple of hours were wasted, it was really nice to have them there the whole time.  Clarissa was able to spend more time with her siblings and cousins and keep those family connections strong.

Zachary just absolutely loves school.  When I ask him how his day was, he always answers that it was great!  St. Patrick's Day was a great opportunity to have him teach a family home evening lesson about one of his Irish ancestors.  I hope that he takes strength from those who sacrificed so much for their faith.  I hope that he remembers that his ancestors were able to get through their difficult trials and that he can as well.  Zachary loves spending time with his siblings and cousins.  It is one of his favorite things to do.  I am grateful that he strives to follow his older brothers and sisters and be like them because they are pretty awesome.

Although there were not a lot of notable events this last month.  There were more opportunities to spend time together as a family and connect with each other-which is so very important.  I also enjoy remembering the stories of my ancestors.  I hope that I am living my life in a way that honors them.

Same old, same old

So I am trying to get caught up on this blog and realized that there were not a lot of noteworthy events in our home during February.  It was just same old, same old as we just keep moving forward  trying to keep up with all the craziness that seems to be non-stop.


Nathanael was able to come home for the long weekend and spend some time with our family.  He is dating a young lady and they seem to be getting quite close.  He invited her to our extended FHE and it was really nice to visit with her and have the family continue to get to know her better.  Our family likes her quite a bit and it will be exciting to see where this relationship goes.  For the most part, however, things are same old, same old...

Lindsay Kaye is still working on her mission papers.  She is continuing to do well in her classes and is still working at Little Caesar's.  She has been able to participate in a couple of really fun school activities.  One of the activities was a Jazz night with a live band and dancing.  Lindsay told me that she had a blast.  Other than that, same old, same old...


Ethan has kept busy and works hard in school and has finished a soccer 5 v 5 season-which for him is same old, same old.  Ethan tried out for the high school soccer team and once again, did not make it.  He spent a lot of time working hard to step up his game and he put everything that he had into it.  The thing that I have to remind Ethan is that had he gone to any other high school, he would have made JV.  There are just so very many talented boys that go to his high school and play soccer.  He handled the disappointment well and is looking forward to developing other talents that he has while playing soccer at some level.


Clarissa is such a sweetie and still is doing well in school and practicing for "The Little Mermaid" in May.  She is enjoying Young Women's and making and keeping her goals.  Basically, Clarissa  is doing the same old, same old for her life as well.


My cute little Zachary is happy going to school and playing with friends.  His life is pretty much same old, same old except for a couple of things.  I just started teaching him piano lessons and I have been pleased to find out that he seems to have a natural rhythm.  Of course, that makes me smile!  The other thing is that he is part of the Stars program at school in which he works with a trained tutor to help him read a bit faster.  Zachary always has a positive learning attitude and it has been fun for me because I am a Star tutor myself and work with some of his friends.


My "moment of joy" was when I came home from our Stake Women's General Conference and found out that Ethan had made Clarissa a lunch for her because she would be at a rehearsal all day.  So although life in our home is same old, same old right now-we sure have a lot to be grateful for.

And off we go!!!!

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


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

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


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

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

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

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

Hallelujah!!!

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep on keepin' on

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


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

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


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


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

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


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

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

Closing chapters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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