An update on the Clan...

So, how are the rest of the clan members doing? We are all doing well, we miss Claire while she is in the hospital doing some rehabilitation after surgery. We ask for your prayers as she continues to work and gain strength. John Mary (Sheila is holding him in the picture) is almost 6 months old and has doubled his weight since birth. He is much adored by all of his siblings and still, although he is very big, gets his brothers and sisters asking to hold him. Fulton, (Peggy is holding him in the picture) is now three years old, is a very precocious and sensitive young boy. He loves to play with his brothers especially trains and cars; he is talking all the time and often trying to stay out of trouble. Next comes Michael,(he is in the front row all the way to the left in the picture) although he is number eight in the birth order, he is often front and center demanding attention, and receiving it either positive or negative. He can't wait to go to school and often tries to get his school work done each day. He is the most strong willed but the most sincere all at the same time. Stephen (Joe is sitting next to him)who is seven almost eight, is doing so well in school, and his recent IEP reflects his growth. He is responding and interacting a little more each day, and he continues to amaze us with his intellect. His siblings often tell us how glad they are to have Stephen in our family, and even though times can be challenging they would'nt have it any other way. Joseph who is eight almost nine(front row left of Michael) is doing well in school also and he is also striving to complete his orange belt in American Shaolin Kenpo. Thomas who is ten (front row and next to Joseph in the picture) is also in American Shaolin Kenpo, he is stuggling with allergies during this rough season and also working hard in American Shaolin Kenpo to receive his orange belt. Kieran is now twelve almost thirteen - a teenager - ( who is sitting next to Fulton in the picture) is doing well in school, is a part of ASK as well as Boy Scouts. We are so proud of him because within a year of boy scouts he has achieved his first class rank and his red jacket. Good Job Kieran! Claire who is now fourteen years old (sitting next to Stephen in the picture) is in the hospital and offering up all of her sufferings for conversions, for priests in this year of the priest, for her family and for her improvement. Sheila who is seventeen (back row of the picture holding baby John) just took her SAT's and is preparing for college, she is looking into different career paths, she is working at a local Catholic book store, working hard in school, preparing for driving, and generally is very busy and so helpful at home. Finally Matthew, who just turned 21 (he is sitting next to Claire in the picture) is applying to another college and is praying and discerning God's call for him in his life. Claire's prayers for him have been tremendously beneficial as well as his ability to spend time with her and help her. He is working and preparing to move on to the next step of his life and vocation.
My wonderful husband Joe is doing well at his new job at Wells Fargo. He is so thankful to have a great group of coworkers especially his boss who he respects and who he is learning a tremendous amount in this new position.
Thank you all for your prayers. God is so good!