Thanks For The Memories

It is another Thanksgiving, a time to reflect and realize all the blessings and memories which surround me. First I am so very thankful and blessed that the Lord is in my life day in and day out! Without Him I would not be able to accept all that has happened this past year!

I am so very blessed to have a wonderful husband he is the best even at his worst! Does that make sense? To me yes, to you perhaps not. He is my life, really, we live together, love together, worship together, work together, laugh together, share together, squabble together and survive together. He is my REAL BETTER HALF, without him I wonder if I would be. God placed him in my life at the right time.

This year has brought about many changes. We had changes in our Photography business, mainly with employees, but it has been a good change. There was a time when we needed people to work that really did their job so well, they had a great work ethic and to this day I miss them dearly and then there were those that took what they could without any work ethic, they just put in their time and took their paycheck.

We finally opened The McClure Guesthouse and it has been an experience. I am so thankful for the craftsmanship put in to the restoration and then for the help from family and dear friends in the decor and set up of each room. And once again I thank Mike for letting this dream of mine come true. And of course without my Mom and sister Kathy in dealing with the finances it really would not be. I appreciate all who helped!

A major change has been our church life. Sadly we have lost our St. Andrew's church family, but I can only hope the Lord has a much better plan for us. There is an empty church here in Olney and I believe there is a reason it has remained empty, we shall see and I shall pray and perhaps next year I will be thankful that we were able to open the church once again. It is in the Lords hands though.

I am thankful for the many friends I have in my life both near and far. Many friendships have been renewed and born this year, thanks to the Internet. And many friendships continue on, even though the friends have moved away, this too because of the Internet.

Finally, I am so very thankful for my family which includes Wards and Spieths. Parents, siblings, children and grandchildren they are all wonderful blessings and help create grand memories!

So as I look back, yes I am thankful for the memories of the past year and I am thankful for what will come in the future.

Have a wonderful, Blessed Thanksgiving!

A New Beginning With Old Time Charm

Last Saturday we had our first wedding couple spend their first night as newlyweds at The McClure Guesthouse. We were so excited for them. We also were privileged to photograph their wedding. After we finished the wedding pictures we went back to the studio and printed a couple of pictures for them, put them in frames and then went to the Guesthouse to place them around for them, along with some other little surprises. We then "pretended" to be the couple as they walked in for the first time to see if they would notice these little surprises. You may think we are crazy but it was fun to do this. On Sunday they were having a brunch and opening their gifts, with their families. Around 1 PM we received a call from the groom's sister asking if the couple could stay another night, they loved the house and since they were not leaving until Monday for their Honeymoon, they wanted one more night at the house (instead of at their parents, perhaps). This was great to hear and of course they could stay. Last evening the Groom's Mother stopped by and said that her son told her he never had appreciated "old houses" but this Home really made him realize old homes could be appreciated and enjoyed. Yeah, mission accomplished I think.

Last Friday a young man and his girlfriend were being photographed for "Christmas gifts" at the house, at the very end of the session, he asked Mike to take a picture from up on the staircase down on them leaving and Mike said sure. He took the picture and then the young man knelt down and asked the young lady to marry him! (Mike was in on this loving surprise) All of this was captured for them, keeping the memory forever. The pictures capture the love these two young people have for each other.

We look forward to sharing this Guesthouse with many in the future. Families will be staying during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. So of course there is love to be shared then. In the spring there are reservations for weddings and family parties. And there will be so many more I am sure as the word gets out.

In my June 30Th blog my vision for this home was "A Gift Of Love" from these two experiences I think it is happening! I am so glad and so excited for the Love that will come in the future. So check back as I divulge the many bits of Love as a result of The McClure Guesthouse.

If you wish to take a peak at the Guesthouse, click on the picture of Mike and I and it will take you to our web page.

THE GIFT OF FAMIILY

I am so blessed! This past weekend we celebrated my Mom's 75th birthday. It was a surprise party and we did succeed in surprising her. Of course the fibs to get to her to the venue were so involved and looking back are so funny. The expression on Mom's face when she realized that we were at a party for her is unforgettable. The love in the room as she entered was everywhere! And the family and friends in attendance was wonderful. I think the most touching moment was when she saw her sister there. And as she looked around and saw everyone else I am sure she was pleased.

As in previous posts I have discussed my great nieces and nephews, they come from great stock.

My sisters and brother are the best! Being the oldest has it's advantages and a few disadvantages.

I was most generally in charge, being the boss was fun. I never got to seek advice on how my siblings did things. I got blamed for many things. I was always the one who "should have known better"! I was able to do things first, "that is not fair" was heard often.

I have a sister who is just 10 and a half months younger than me and oh how we fought! But oh how I love and appreciate her. She is creative, generous and very loving. She is the one who is in charge now of helping Mom and a younger sister while she is experiencing medical issues. In addition she has 5 of my great nieces and nephews. Her husband is a police officer and I am sure she worries often. My next sister is 28 months younger and she is a great woman, she is truly a survivor having dealt with breast cancer. She has a wonderful husband and together they have two awesome children. She lives in Florida and how I wish she was close by. However we speak often and analyze much! Next comes my brother he is not quite 5 years younger than me but he is so much wiser in age then me. We made him suffer much when he was younger and I do not know how he can be so great to all of his sisters now. He is a great Dad and hubby and also one of my dearest friends! Nine years is between my next sister and me, she is so special to me! After high school she came and was my roomie for about 4 years. We had so many great times and I was lucky to have her with me, she, like me has never been blessed with children but she too loves her nieces and nephews. She has a neat boyfriend and unfortunately also has experienced cancer but is dealing with some changes in her life, but she too is a survivor and she surprises me often with how she reaches out. Her toast at Mom's party was wonderful! Then there is my baby sister, I was already out of the home when she was born and I often teased my Mom by saying she missed me so much, she had to replace me. This lady is so special and I am so lucky that we are close. She has 3 great kids and one angel baby in heaven watching over her. Her husband is a worker and also has two more children that live with them. Oh my what a busy house! My sister is a planner and attempts to get it done, but her daughter is the red head who is almost 4 going on 16! I wish her luck!

They all are blessings to me as is my Mother. We have our ups and downs as most families do, however in good times and bad times we are always there for each other. It might not be in person but always in spirit and love. Yes my Gift of Family is a great blessing!

SHHHH It's A Surprise....

.....Yes it is. This weekend we will be celebrating my Mom's 75th birthday. And we are having a surprise party for her at Margiano's a great Italian restaurant. Can we pull it off? I hope so, my sister and her family arrive tonight from Florida and Louisiana, my brother and his family will come in from Indiana and we are "visiting" Mom this weekend because "the McClure Guesthouse is not rented and we need to get away." Or so Mom thinks.

Coordinating this event has been an event in itself! The original plan was to have a catered party at my sisters new home in Naperville, but due to some personal events happening and our love for our sister we opted for a restaurant venue. Invitations went out and the replies came back and we will be having many of Mom's friends and family attending. Unfortunately her brother could not make it in, but her sister and sister in law will be there. And sadly my Dad's siblings can not make it because my Dad's sister passed away last week and they have gone to her funeral and to be with her children. I am certain though that along with my Dad, Mom's parents and her brother and nephew and in laws many in heaven will be in attendance there own way.

It is my responsibility to get Mom to the venue on time and without seeing anyone who may arrive late. We are having a luncheon and Mom is not a morning person; motivating her will be tough! We have given hints all week to her and if she was listening it should work. I am going to have to tell her where we are going and that we have reservations so that may help. So she does not notice familiar cars we will valet park and proceed in to the restaurant. We have to go to the party room which is on the lower level right by the elevator.

Fifteen years ago we had a surprise 130th birthday party which was the total of Mom and Dad's years, I think Mom was surprised, but Dad said he had his suspicions. It was a success, my only wish is that this could have been a surprise 160th birthday party, but Dad celebrates in Heaven now.

It will be great that we will be together for this time in Mom's life. I just hope she is surprised! Wish us luck and much fun!

Miracles and Love

Monday evening a wonderful couple received two beautiful miracles. They were blessed as I never have been blessed. Am I jealous? No I am thrilled for them! Their little girls will bless their lives and will be a part of mine through the very special relationship we have.

I have not been blessed with the miracle of God's gift of children, however I am blessed with those that share their children, my husband, sisters and brother and friends.

My dearest friend shared her three children from the beginning, our then spouses were in a band and gone all the time, so we were the "family". We went everywhere, I changed many diapers, rocked many hours, fed many bottles, read many stories and dried many tears, I was "Minnie Roo". These children are adults now and live far away, but I am aware of their achievements through their Mom. They are wonderful young adults.

I have 5 great nephews and 7 lovely nieces. They are such unique individuals. My oldest nephew Michael, is very creative, can experience life to the fullest and excels in everything! The next oldest nephew Bill, is also my Godson, he is a college graduate and served his country in Afghanistan and Iraq and now is a Captain in the US Army, a neat brother and a fine young man, I am so proud of him! Joe is the next nephew, he is my gentle giant, he is a college graduate, working on his masters. Joe is a great young man always caring and having fun. When his smile is hidden, his eyes sparkle with the smile within, yes I am blessed to have him as my nephew. Eric is a great young man, he is a Marine and served our country in Iraq. He is a Dad with a beautiful daughter and he is an achiever! I am so lucky to have him in my life. And I am proud to be his aunt. Matthew my youngest nephew is a joy, I enjoy every minute I can be with him and talk with him on the phone. He was lucky enough to begin his life living with his mom and my parents. Dad was a definite influence on Matthew and I see so much of the good Dad instilled in the values Matthew has.

Now my nieces; the oldest Samantha has been on the go since she was born, her life is so full of everything, she wants to experience it all and touches many hearts, Maggie is our Free Spirit, watch out 'cause she is going to open every door she can, I always want to grab her and hug her just to get a bit of her energy. Katie my next beautiful niece is in college with an athletic scholarship for softball, her friends and family will tell you she loves life and living! Kerri is a lovely young lady, she is going to go places and if you ever need a great friend she personifies it! Christina is a joy, a real beauty, she is Mike's Godchild, she is the youngest in her family and is also a great friend to all. I am sure her folks will watch her closely because she also will open every door and experience and achieve much. Molly oh my watch out, she is 4 going on 16 and she is a red head, need I say any more except that she too is a real sweetie! McKenna is our Ward family's baby & she is two, and with my knowledge so far of her, I find it hard to believe that there will be a "terrible two" stage but with Molly leading the way I don't know. She is a real doll though!

As I have mentioned I have shared my husbands two sons for 22 plus years. They are fine young men. Brad a college graduate, is helping in our business. I think he is a kind, smart and loving young man. He is a great asset to our business because as a family member he can nudge us into changes that outside employees almost never could, they say the Lord moves in mysterious ways and I believe this as it related to our business in the past 8 months, Brad joined us, during this time. Jeff is everything I wish I could be kind, generous, happy, loving and one great Dad and husband [well I don't want to be a Dad or husband, so I should say parent & spouse]. His sons, our grandsons are being raised right, Jeff is a hands on Dad for sure!

Now that I have written out this blog I realize that I too have Miracles and Love in my life. I must mention too Jamie & Mandy my "surrogate" daughters they are joys in my life! They too were able to nudge us in the business and ended up in our hearts. This blog began because of Jamie and her two new miracles. Clara and Anna who now join Bo and their parents, yes I am thrilled for them all!

God blesses us in so many ways, don't you agree?

In GOD We Trust.....

It is on our money, in our churches and it was at one time solidly in my heart. Yes I did say "at one time", however this changed a bit, in the past few months. Someone I trusted with my entire being and had good feelings about, broke me. They took advantage of me, my husband tells me I am an open book and easy to read, which allowed this to happen. My feelings at first were to "get even", then I decided to "just let it go" and now all I feel is much pity for them.

Trust is such a solid feeling and when it crumbles, oh my there is much debris all around!!! It is difficult to sweep it all away, to leave no reminders.

So I guess my husband is correct, however now instead of a paperback book I will become a very heavy hardcover book and not remain too open.

And yes in my heart I will always know In GOD We Trust. I thank GOD daily for helping me to renew this feeling and hope that they who tried to break me may be helped by GOD, to become who HE wants them to really be. They really do not have to watch their back because GOD is, they just need to turn around and greet and accept HIM back in to there lives, and I really hope they do!

This Is Why......

SIMPLY PUT....

.....This is one of the many reasons why I Love him.

I know I was blessed 22 years ago and there are many

affirmations daily. It amazes me just how wonderful

his nature and spirit are. As always I don't need the bit

of reminder sent my way, but I am grateful. When you

can be with someone 24/7 most generally and get along

famously you are so lucky and so blessed. I thank GOD

so very much that I am married to such a wonderful man

and I just wanted to share, he has a wonderful way of reaching

out and bringing God to me a little more every day.

Go ahead and look at his blog, my hope is it can touch you

as it does me. And you will see "This is Why..."

His Blog can be found at:

http://contendingforthefaithoncegiven.blogspot.com/

I hope you too are touched.

Thanks Mike and

Thank you so much God, I am truly blessed!