I have a great family...

I know many people can say the same thing about their children, their family, and they should.  But, I know it is important to say that about my wonderful family. Things are going well this Lenten season for the Murray family.  Joe and I had the opportunity to get away for a couple of days to celebrate our upcoming birthdays.  We went to Napa for a two nights and enjoyed some time together.  While we were gone Sheila, Kieran and Claire stayed home watching the children and maintaining the fort.  My mom and sister were able to come for some respite time and help out when needed.  We are so thankful for their help and generosity.  It is important for couples to get away and spend time listening to each other and remembering why they are married.  This time together enables them to nurture and sustain the beautiful vocation of marriage.  Our selfless family enabled us to do just that.  I  love our family and I appreciate their kind gift, and I praise God often for His blessings and their presence in our lives.  It is important to thank the source and giver of all gifts and never more than this weekend was it apparent to Joe and I.
Many Blessings this Lent and into the Easter Season.

Kieran's Snow Camp Survival

Kieran recently attended a snow survival camp with his Boy Scout troop. Each Scout dug out their own cave to sleep in over night. It was quite an experience for Kieran, this is not the first time he has gone on the survival camp and it may not be the last. It is very impressive the skills and techniques they instruct over the weekend. It certainly is not something the girls and I would want to participate in, but Matthew and Joe were intrigued and encouraged by the trip. Good for you Kieran!

Happy Lent!!

Now that Lent has officially begun it is very important not to lose the sense of joy that we have within us. As scripture tells us, let them see the hope that is in you. We are hoping to come close to God and this takes some work, but no less joy. I wanted to share this Brian Regan comedy with you as you journey into Lent. We stumbled upon him from Sr. Miriam's blog (soltsisters) and it brought us some laughter, especially at a time needed given Claire's surgery.  She appreciated him given her own Emergency room past.  Our whole family has watched and enjoyed his humor which is wonderful because as a family we can come together and experience laughter and joy.
May our Lord continue to richly bless you and your family this Lent and into Easter.
God Bless!!

Claire's home!

Thanks be to God, Claire has returned home and she has been recovering at home with the family.  She has to wear a brace around her trunk when she is not sleeping in order to stabilize her and allow her back to fuse. Due to the brace, Claire has spent the last couple of days becoming accustomed to completing daily activities in her brace and regaining the use of certain muscles that were comproised during the surgery.  She will have several follow-up appointments and she hopes to return to physical and occupational therapy soon to begin to work more on her upper body strength.  Your prayers continue to surround our family and we dedicate our evening prayer to all those who care for us and have been a tremendous gift to our family.
God Bless you and thank you!