A Murray Vacation

It is not often the Murray clan goes on vacation.  There are many things to prepare, to worry about and situations to handle.  Yet, for the first time in a long time the Murray's had the opportunity (through the kindness of Joe's parents who allowed us to use their time share in Tahoe for a few days) to spend in beautiful Lake Tahoe during August.  It was much fun for everyone.  The older children, Matthew, Sheila, Kieran and Claire, were a big help given that it is alot of work, they were great sports and enjoyed being and playing with their younger siblings. We all certainly enjoyed our last vacation as a family for a long time.  As you can tell by the pictures, the lake was a big hit.  I have not been able to be there for a few years, and it is so gorgeous that it takes your breath away and truly gives glory to God for His creation.
Amazingly, Stephen took right to the beach and the water and it was hard to take him away.  Everyone, especially Fulton, Michael, Thomas and Joseph, enjoyed the pool as well.  We took long walks, went to Reno to visit the Cathedral, and spent time talking and laughing.  We had a wonderful trip and enjoyed our time together tremendously.  Thank you Bill and Mary Lou for generously offering your stay to us this year.  You are in our prayers.  We love you and miss you.
Love the Murray Clan

Marriage Blessings!

Thank you Ralph and Brigitte Desimone for all of your kindness, patience and generosity.  Our family has truly benefited from all of the help you have provided for our family with everything from schooling to marriage training.  The Diocese of Oakland is truly blessed to have a wonderful dedicated couple devote over 30 yrs. of experience to nurture and prepare marriages.  At this pivotal time in our country when marriage is under attack and decay your perseverance in the fight is truly heroic.  May God continue to bless your work.  Thank you again for all you do!  Joe and I highly recommend your workshops and training sessions and we do pray that your work continues to bear fruit in the future.
God Bless you both!

We received a meal the other day...

Claire has been home for almost a week; and each time she comes home from the hospital she suffers for a few days adjusting to medications so that her system becomes familiar with the changes from the hospital.  As we all try to help and allow her to rest, other minor details follow by the wayside...like eating meals.  About mid day last week I tried to figure out what to do for dinner, I was unsure of where Claire would be given her struggles with pain and headaches. I hoped and prayed we could get something together rather than stress out about it.  This prayer led the kind Figueroa family to our home and they brought us a very delicious meal complete with a salad and dessert.  What a big hit it was for all of the family, and how very timely and appreciated it was by me.  We are so very grateful to the Figueroa family for their generosity as well as the daily prayers that they mentioned they say on Claire's behalf.  As I have written before, the prayers, masses and rosaries said for Claire and our family is what continues to sustain the Murray's.  I am positive that without these graces from heaven we would be unable to make it together and with the peace we attempt to maintain in our hearts and home.  The Figueroa's kindness can not adequately be thanked in material form, still our prayers for them as well as the treasures received in heaven will most likely surpass any thank you card or phone call we could offer.
Thank you again for your prayers, and may God Bless you for your generosity.