2011 has been a big year for our family. After 12 years of medical education and training, Clark finished his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology in July. We sold our home to a great couple and bought a new home 40 miles north of Columbia in Mexico, MO.

Mexico is a small town boasting no more than 10,000 people. The community really needed another Ob/Gyn and the LDS ward in Mexico really needed more families. We have always wanted to live in a small town and be of service. So, we signed up, bought a beautiful home downtown and moved in August. Both the hospital and Clark's office are within walking distance of our new home. We have already adopted one of our neighbors as a surrogate grandmother, Jess has been invited to play bridge, and Clark has spent many afternoons and evenings doing speaking engagements for local clubs. This small Midwestern town operates and feels like a town from the 1950s. The feeling of community is so strong here.

As for the kiddos, they are perfect. Perfectly ornery, fussy, sassy, and of course, cute, cute, cute. Our Helen also know as Bubba and Baby Helen has completely captured our hearts. She is always smiling, exploring, and realizing she can fight back when big brother harasses her. "Go get him baby Helen!" We are enjoying watching her get bigger and bigger and look forward to hearing her talk and seeing more of her personality develop.

Isaac continues to be all boy. On any given day, you will find him sword fighting, throwing anything and everything he can get his hands on and alternating between harassing and playing with his sisters. We signed our Little Buddy up for soccer this fall and felt he made huge progress when he stopped picking up the ball. Maybe football will be his sport.

Our Olivia continues to take ballet classes and is a joy to watch as she dances and prances all over the house. She is our fasionista. Insisting on dressing herself she makes belts out of headbands and headbands out of scarves, wears pants under her skirts, and always has barrettes in her hair.

We have also added another member to our family. Todd, Clarks brother has been living with us since the fall. He is helping us do some remodeling. He is a gracious house guest, willing to watch kids when he's not tearing stuff apart and laying tile, and we have really loved having him here. We will do our best to keep him busy so he never leaves.

We are so thankful to be a family, to have a roof over our heads, and to have our lives full of people who love and support us. We feel truly blessed and enjoy this time of year of remembrance and thanksgiving. We hope all of you are enjoying the holidays and are able to spend it with the ones you love. God Bless.

Clark, Jess, Olivia, Isaac, and Helen