December updates...

It seems as thought this year has been a blur, especially the last month.  Matthew has completed another semester, one more and he will have a degree in Philosophy.  He will graduate in the Spring and we are so proud.  Sheila just received her Certified Nursing Assistant license and is looking for a job as a CNA and beginning school at the local junior college.  Claire had another surgery where they removed two protruding screws from the hardware in her back as well as replaced a shunt in her spine.  She is recovering nicely and has regained some strength.  We are so grateful for her improvement since the surgery.  Kieran was just advanced to the adult class, given his size and strength, and all of the boys, Kieran, Thomas and Joseph, advanced in belt testing.  John turned two years old and Fulton, Michael, and Stephen have been anxiously waiting for Christmas.  We have had a very busy month, and now that the Christmas season is upon us we are thoroughly enjoying this time to pray together and reflect on the precious gifts that we have received from God.  Merry Christmas to you and many blessings in the New Year!

A very Blessed Christmas to you and your family from the Murray Clan!

Happy Birthday Thomas!!

Thomas turned 12 yrs. old on Dec. 20th.  During this time of preparation for Christmas it was important for the clan to take the time to appreciate Thomas and his significance in the family.  We had the family together and celebrated with a cake.  In December there are two birthday celebrations that force us to appreciate the lives of family members among us as well as prepare us for The life born to save mankind. As we prepare to open our hearts for His entrance into the world and into our hearts we reflect on His gift of family and meditate on the incarnation.  God became man to save us and set us free. Happy Birthday Thomas!

The New Blog picture.

In November the family was very adventurous, we had our portrait done.  We have not had a portrait done of the family since 2007. Given the family size and the challenge of getting 12 people, adults and children to smile at the camera is quite a challenge.  Our parish, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Brentwood, is preparing a directory of all the parishioners and they offered portraits to be taken by Olan Mills at the church.  Joe and I were very skeptical given our past experience of taken photographs while herding and directing the children to appear happy in the photo.  The photographer was wonderful and truly captured each child's and adult's personality.  This was our Christmas picture this year and we are so glad that we took the time to have it done.  What a blessing to have our family take the picture and spend Christmas together.  Praise God for His goodness and His tremendous blessings.

Happy Birthday John Mary!

John Mary turned 2 yrs. on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe!

He had a wonderful birthday with family, especially on this wonderful feast.

Pictures are not his favorite, but he will tolerate them on his birthday.

He was glad to receive his bike from his grandparents. What a great day for a birthday! Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!