Word Quilts » Genealogy

Checking In

Cheryl — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 04:30:25 +0000

Well, I’m still here. I am a busy busy gal right now, but it is for a season. I don’t have much free time, and when I do have a minute, I have nothing to say. I am too distracted and there is no flow of thoughts. About the only thing I have accomplished recently is the start-up of a new genealogy blog, McClure Connections Genblog. It isn’t much, but it is something I have been wanting to do. So see? There is proof that I am still around….. Ya’ll take care–and stay warm!!

Thanks Giving

Cheryl — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:55:36 +0000

The concept of celebrating Thanksgiving has become much more personal to me since I learned that I probably have ancestors who were on the Mayflower and who signed the Magna Carta. It gives me a deeper appreciation for the extreme sacrifices made by those passengers. Many came to America with the purpose of freely worshiping their Creator. All had a tremendous spirit of adventure and an unparalleled determination. Many didn’t live long enough to know anything about their new world.

Thanksgiving is not something Christians practice once year. Giving thanks to God is a natural extension of a grateful heart. There is always something to be thankful for. All of us have hopes and dreams that never become reality. I realize that I will never build my dream house. My home isn’t even close to what I WANT, but it is stable and solid and meets all my NEEDS. The older I get, the less appeal the things of the world have for me. I learn more and more about what REALLY matters.

I am thankful every day for the life God has blessed me with. I am thankful for the air I breathe and the lungs to breathe it with. I am thankful that I can still put one foot in front of the other. I am so very thankful that God loves me and forgives me. I am thankful for the people He has placed in my life. I am so grateful that God does not change, but that He changes me.

This good day, it is a gift from You.
The world is turning in its place because You made it to.
I lift my voice to sing a song of praise
On this good day.
Fernando Ortega
“This Good Day” from the album Home

Fall in Northwest Arkansas

Cheryl — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 23:40:04 +0000

We’ve been out of town for 4 days for a family funeral. Getting things in order at work beforehand was extremely stressful, and several coworkers told me to have some fun while we were gone. Well, we did just that!

The funeral was sad, but it was a welcome release. The family member had been losing her mental acuity for quite some time and didn’t know anyone any longer. She had a new grandbaby, but she could never remember whose baby it was. I’m sorry she never knew the joys of loving her grandchild.

After the funeral, we spent the rest of the day with my husband’s family. We had a great time talking and being together. The next day we took my parents up the mountain to see my uncle, who has had a massive stroke. I had been hoping we would have time to make that trip, anyway, to see the fall leaves. I was so happy to see my uncle and his wife, and I think maybe he is going to be ok after rehabilitation. The leaves had peaked already but were still very beautiful in some places. After visiting my uncle, we went to lunch at the AQ Chicken House, a rare opportunity for us. Yummmmmm Yummmmm!

Then we set off to find my father’s sister’s grave. Dad hadn’t been back since she died, and it was so good to remember her together and get some pictures of her headstone. Because of the location of the cemetery, we had to come down the old highway which “s” snakes its way down the mountain–quite a thrilling ride and full of memories. That evening my brother’s family came to Mom and Dad’s and we visited all evening. It was a great trip. Hope you enjoy the pics! Oh yeah. The Hogs lost Saturday. Big time.

BEAUTIFUL FALL in NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

THE BOSTON MOUNTAINS

THE AQ CHICKEN HOUSE

GRAVEHUNTING with MY PARENTS

REMEMBERING MY AUNT