July 2009, Burleson, TX, 1:06 p.m., D.S.T.~

Howdy from the Lone Star State!

This is Breeanna J. Clarke writing; thought I'd update y'all on my family; figured it was way past overdue, so here goes nothing:

I live in Burleson, Texas, south of Fort Worth; I live there with my husband, Greg (been married 20 years now), and our 17 children, who range in age from 2 1/2 to 18 years.  All but the oldest (Walker) are adopted, and ten have special needs.

Our children have problems ranging from mild learning disabilities and delayed development to severe cerebral palsy, autism, arthritis, severe asthma/allergies, and Prader-Willi syndrome/diabetes.  Some are in need of constant medical care/supervision while others can function beautifully on their own.

Parenting such children can be rewarding a lot of the time.  There are those times, on the other hand, where I am left wanting to bang my head against the wall or pull my hair out by the roots, especially if they fall sick all at once or if I have to send for an ambulance in the middle of the night. 

Then it's not so pleasant, as you can very well imagine.

When the children are in school or at sleep-away camp, it is when I can get the most work accomplished; fact is, it's these times I look forward to the most because I can finally have some breathing room!

Well, I hate to up and run, but Sammy Christian, our 2 1/2 year old, is crying; he needs a diaper change.  I can tell that just by smelling the air.  Pew!  LOL  I will write soon with more family doin's.  Until then, this is Breeanna Clarke saying so long and God bless!

~Love, your friend in Burleson, Texas, Breeanna.  :)