Tom, Nathan, Wesley, Camilla, Heather and I wish all of you a very, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
We truly hope that you are enjoying this wonderful time of year in which we commemorate our Savior's birth. The lights, the music, the decorations, the Christmas programs, and the notes and cards that we receive from each of you are all so enjoyable. The Spirit we feel at this time of year makes it my favorite time of year. I wish it could last year round. I guess that in a way, it can . . .
Just to bring you up to date:
Tom remains busy with his many roles and responsibilities: daddy, husband, gigs, graphic designer, handyman, executive secretary at Church, counselor and friend, runner, etc. Most recently Tom has been asked to play congas, keyboards, tambourine, and sing in his variety bands. This winter he plans to learn how to be a plumber while remodeling our downstairs bathroom.
Nathan is in 8th grade and looks and acts more and more like his dad as he gets older, especially when Nathan plays his saxophone. It just makes me wonder if Nathan is giving me a hint as to what Tom may have been like as a teenager. Nathan is very easy-going and a joy to have around. I hear that teenagers are difficult, but so far he's been a really good kid. Nathan has many friends, mostly from Church, who choose wholesome activities to entertain themselves with. The most recent activity, however, that I'm questioning is when the boys chose to play “Capture the Flag” at midnight. Because it was dark, Nathan couldn't see where he was going and ran into a barbed wire fence. It slashed him across his face-mostly over his right eye. He has a scar now which he thinks is pretty cool.
Wesley is 11 and in the 5th grade. Wes still enjoys Taekwondo and has earned his purple belt so far. I think he would like to stick with it until he earns his black belt. Wesley's greatest gift is his sense of humor. He keeps us laughing daily. He also has a unique way of looking at the world and combines that with his humor and incredible creativity and memory. Wesley does very well in school with very little effort. He's managed to find some friends who share his enthusiasm for Star Wars and video games.
Camilla, 7, has joined Wesley in the Taekwondo studio. She should be testing for her yellow belt very soon. Although Camilla has beautiful long dancer legs, she'd rather put on a martial arts uniform and kick, yell, and punch than put on a tutu and twirl. This must have something to do with having two older brothers to defend herself from. Camilla looks like a very beautiful and feminine little girl, but inside she's all tomboy.
Heather turned 2 in October. Her progress is slow, but steady. She has four FABULOUS therapists who work with her during the week and they make a huge difference. I consider these women angels, because of their desire to do much good and bring hope to children and their families. Heather's hair is getting long enough to put in pigtails and other hairstyles. She and Camilla often have matching dresses and hair bows for Church (pretty darn cute!) Heather's personality is like Nathan's because she's pretty easy-going yet determined, but she's funny like Wes. A good combination with what she has to face in life.
Michelle: Well, I continue to teach early morning Seminary. I have 9 Freshmen/Sophomore age kids in my class. They're awesome! Besides Seminary and taking care of my four kids, I still work a few hours a week at the YMCA, and do Weight Watchers. I'm desperately trying to reach my weight goal (which somehow always seems unattainable-along with my goal to someday run a marathon.) I firmly believe, however, that with the start of a new year and with renewed faith in the Lord, perhaps I can achieve what may seem impossible . . .
I wish the same for all of you in the coming year (reaching your goals).
We love you all and wish you the very best,
-The Clarks
