December 2002

Well a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone!!!

The year 2002 is coming to a close and what an eventful year it has been for all of us in the Clark household. I'd like to share a brief update with you.

Tom, who doesn't really care for change, was pretty much forced to look around for other job opportunities recently. Although this news wasn't very welcomed right before Christmas, it has actually turned out for the better. Starting January 6, Tom will begin working for Indiana University as a Systems Analyst/Programmer (Graphics Designer/Web Developer) within the University Information Technology Services. Everything about this job appears to be better than where Tom was before, so we're thrilled for him. Other than that big change, Tom continues his routine of teaching saxophone lessons during the week and performing on weekends. He recently returned from a 2 1/2 week USO tour to South America with a Show Band. He plans to go back some time in 2003.

I think I can summarize this entire year for me into one word: LEARNING. I can easily compare all of my learning experiences to being at the MTC. 2002 has been really intense, but really wonderful at the same time. I'm so grateful for the power of prayer, for scriptures, for great friends and family, and most of all, for the gifts that the Spirit brings. I've learned so much from listening to the promptings of the Spirit of our Heavenly Father. My testimony continues to grow daily. I'm grateful for my calling in Primary, for my three kids, my husband, for opportunities to use my talents, and constant encouragement from those around me to keep reaching for my goals.

Nathan is 9 years old now and is such a nice kid. I think my favorite thing about him is his raspy voice and his freckles. He recently did a school project based on the book, Freckle Juice by Judy Blume. It was well received by his classmates. Nathan tries very hard at everything he does. His motto is to "Do my personal best". He hasn't quite found his niche yet, but he spends most of his time playing basketball, playing Chess, Cub Scouts, playing the piano, Legos, and playing with friends.

Several people have come up to me recently telling me that they "just love Wesley". I think it's because he is so unique. He can not be described or stereotyped-he's just Wesley! He can be frustrating for me sometimes because I can't seem to figure him out. But over the past 6 years, we've developed a nice relationship regardless of how well we understand one another. Wesley, like Nathan, really enjoys Chess, Checkers, and Legos. But Wesley is still in his Good Guy vs. Bad Guy mode and loves Star Wars and any other movie/story where Good vs. Evil is well portrayed.

Camilla is 2 1/2 and FULL of spunk! For the first time EVER (it seems like), I'm allowed to go down the "pink" aisle of the toy store. Camilla is fully into dolls, playing house and dress-up. However, I saw her rocking Darth Vader to sleep the other day, and putting the Storm Trooper on a "horsie". Hmmmmm . . . I love seeing her feminine side, yet observing how she 'deals with' her two older brothers.

Well, I think that covers everyone. We don't have any pets this year to report on so I think I'll just end with another round of We Wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Please keep in touch. We love you,

Tom, Michelle, Nathan, Wesley, and Camilla

March 2002

Happy Easter Everyone!!!!

I hope you enjoy receiving updates from us as much as we enjoy hearing from you. We're even sending pictures in an attachment this time. Yipeee!

Well Spring is definitely in the air in Bloomington and it's all around us. I forget how glorious Spring is until the flowers start to bloom again. Sometimes the beauty is almost overwhelming. It's a reminder to me of the joyous resurrection of our Savior and his promises to us.

Well Nathan, Wesley and Camilla are definitely ready for Easter and to start spending more time outside with the Spring like weather. (So am I.)

So here's what's new with all of us:

Camilla is almost a terrific two. She has sort-of learned how to whistle and her vocabulary continues to increase. She loves Nursery now and enjoys playing with all of her toys as well as Nathan's toys and Wesley's toys (much to their dismay). She enjoys mimicking mommy, singing, giggling and is attached to her blanket. She still looks like Boo from Monsters, Inc.

Nathan is 8 1/2. He loves cub scouts, basketball, soccer, legos, reading, the computer, and playing with friends. He does very well in school-especially spelling. His art skills have increased dramatically, but he struggles in math. He's an all-around great kid and tries hard to always do his best and to always choose the right.

Wesley will be six in June. His 6th birthday will be spent in Disneyworld. He will be starting kindergarten this Fall. He is learning how to read, how to tie his shoes, and will hopefully learn how to swim this Summer. Wesley is always difficult to describe because he is so unpredictable. He loves to quote movie lines at odd moments and go into character or play dead when he's been listening to someone too long. His preschool teachers can't figure him out-but neither can I.

Tom's daily routine doesn't change much, which is good I guess, since he doesn't like change. He continues developing web sites for the local newspaper full time and gigs and teaches in his Àspare time”. Tom is still the Wolf Den Leader and picks up any of my slack from Primary. Tom is awesome at helping me at home with housework, dinner, etc. I am so lucky!!!

I love change so I have all kinds of new plans this Fall. First, I'm going back to school to get a Bachelor in Nursing Degree. I would then like to continue on and do a master's in counseling. Why not? As long as school doesn't interfere with me spending quality time with my kids I think it's a great plan! I would still like to run a marathon in October. And I'm still the Primary President, but that may come to a halt this May when our ward gets divided. I think that's a good place to stop.

I hope you all are doing well. Please keep in touch and have a terrific Easter!!!!

Much Love, Tom, Michelle, Nathan, Wesley, and Camilla