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Exploring Family History: What should be included in a family history

What Should Be Included in a Family History

The Journey Begins

Embarking on a journey to uncover our family’s origins is like diving into an intriguing book, filled with stories of triumph, love, and resilience. While the internet has made genealogy research easier, we often overlook the valuable knowledge that our own families possess. In this blog post, we will explore a simple 5 step process of what should be included in a family history.

Step 1: Embracing the Wisdom of Older Relatives

Our parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other older relatives hold a wealth of information about our family’s past. Engaging in conversations with them strengthens family bonds and gives us a chance to learn about our roots. Approach these interviews with curiosity and a willingness to listen, allowing them to share stories, traditions, and memories that may hold the key to understanding our family’s history.

Step 2: Documenting Stories and Memories

During interviews, encourage your older relatives to share their experiences, anecdotes, and family legends. These stories paint a vivid picture of our ancestors’ lives. Jot down important names, places, and events, as they may help us in further research. Recording the interviews, if possible, preserves the authenticity of their narratives for future generations.

Step3: Exploring Family Memorabilia and Documents

Old family records, photos, letters, and official documents provide valuable insights into our ancestry. Ask your older relatives if they have such items and take the time to examine them together. These artifacts can reveal important details like birth certificates, marriage records, or even old family Bibles with handwritten entries documenting significant events.
One very special artifact we really love is handwriting from our loved ones. It can be hard to read, but the tangible product of ink on paper helps us feel like those family members who have passed away are still a part of us! This is a small thing but is really big.

Step 4: Unveiling Family Traditions and Customs

Interviews with older relatives often reveal unique family traditions and customs passed down through generations. These practices give clues about our ancestral origins, such as cultural traditions, celebrations, or regional dialects. Embracing these traditions can deepen our connection to our roots.
For example, my mom’s extended family held a large family reunion every year in Iowa. Relatives from all over the country came into this tiny town in the middle of corn fields to visit each other. On one visit, one distant family member graciously allowed me to drive their golf cart for them during a round of golf. This was a huge highlight for me as a 15-year-old!

Step 5: Building a Family Tree and Conducting Research

Organize the information gathered during interviews to create a family tree. This visual representation helps us understand our lineage better. As we dig deeper into our research, online genealogical databases, historical records, and public archives can provide further information to support and expand upon what we learn from our relatives.

Pulling it Together:

What should be included in a family history will be different for all families. Interviewing older relatives is a valuable starting point for unraveling our family’s ancestral history. Through their stories, memories, and access to historical documents, we can piece together the puzzle of our lineage. Cherish these conversations, as the knowledge they provide not only connects us to our past but also creates a foundation for future generations. So, grab a notebook, sit down with your loved ones, and embark on this enlightening journey of self-discovery and connection to your legacy.
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How will You Share Cherished Family Memories?

How will you share cherished family memories with your beloved kids and adoring grandkids?

Life can be a whirlwind! Especially when you have little ones, it feels like time slips through your fingers like rays of sunlight. Juggling school, work, dance practice, soccer games, homework, and precious moments with friends, our family was constantly on the move.
Then, everything changed with the arrival of COVID. The world came to a standstill, granting us an unexpected opportunity to press pause. We decided to seize the moment and embark on thrilling RV camping adventures, exploring breathtaking new destinations. These travels became the bedrock of extraordinary family memories, forging unbreakable bonds.
Throughout our travels, we eagerly captured hundreds of mesmerizing photos. I’m astonished to discover that my Google Drive is home to a staggering 35 gigabytes of these visual treasures! Yet, as time flies by, how often do we truly revisit these snapshots on our phones?
Every six months, my wife lovingly sifts through our photo collection, weaving them into a beautiful keepsake – a tangible photo book. These treasures are undeniably precious, but they merely unveil our pictures. We yearned for a QUICK and EASY way to share our family memories using words and photos.
After failing to find a journal we could customize, we crafted the Family Storyteller’s Journal Digital template. It was a realization that we shouldn’t wait for the elusive “someday” to arrive; instead, we should seize the present and inscribe our family’s legacy. With this template, we meticulously preserve our irreplaceable family memories, destined to be cherished by our beloved kids and adoring grandkids for generations to come!

Embrace the opportunity to document your family’s unique story.

Our Family Storyteller’s Journal Digital Template serves as the perfect starting point, allowing you to weave a tapestry of your family’s legacy with love and creativity!
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Don’t Let Your Family’s Story Fade!

Don’t Let Your Family’s Story Fade!

Memories fade over time. As we create new memories and exciting moments in our lives, our older experiences get buried deep in our minds.
These memories are often our most cherished moments from our childhood, from stories our parents and grandparents shared, or special moments as our children are growing up. One thing is certain, these moments never recreate themselves in the same way. Once the moment passes, it’s gone. Our minds begin writing new fresh memories on top of the older memories.
Finding time to write our family stories is really tough in our world of constant on-the-go physically and mentally.

We faced the same challenge!

That’s why we created The Family Storyteller’s Journal a digital template that serves as the perfect starting point, allowing you to weave a tapestry of your family’s legacy with love and creativity!

Safeguard your family’s story before it fades!

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How Will My Legacy Live On?

How Will My Legacy Live On?

In one way or another, we all wonder how we will be remembered when we’re gone. We hope it’s for all the good we’ve contributed to our family, friends, neighbors, and everyone we meet. Are we living to “live a legacy life”?

What does it mean to live a legacy life?

Merriam-Webster defines a legacy as

  1. a gift by will, especially of money or other personal property
  2. something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past
  3. a candidate for membership in an organization (such as a school or fraternal order) who is given special status because of a familial relationship to a member

So, there are several options for leaving a legacy in life to the next generation. Let’s focus on the second bullet point, “something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past”. Rather than considering something as a thing, let’s consider something as an experience. Or a set of values, the virtues we live by.

Leaving experiences and virtues

Lately, I’ve been meditating on my actions. Are they leaving the legacy I desire? I think my children, family, and friends will remember me as hard-working and caring. Will they remember me for the experiences I helped create or bring into their lives?

Are these experiences memorable? These don’t have to be viral TikTok videos. No, the simple everyday things. Showing up on time. Maybe I’m alone when I show up for all the “important” things on-time when my family is left to wait. Day by day, my attempt is to break those habits and put the first things first.

Ultimately it’s our actions that shape our virtues. We can talk all we like, but it’s how we act when no one and when everyone is watching that we are remembered.

Create experiences while you can

Lately, we’ve had a number of family reunions. We’re fortunate to have that opportunity. Listening to stories of I worked hard, I saved, now I’m sick, or I’m in poor health, or worse brings into focus the importance of creating experiences while we can.

Our family found through COVID we really enjoyed RV travel. One day in September 2020 changed our outlook on the world and on travel. We expanded our horizons. We began creating new experiences.  Creating memories that we hope will last a lifetime for ourselves and our kids.

Enjoying these moments as we are creating these experiences helps me live a legacy life. How are you living a legacy life?

Take time to capture your memories of your experiences while they are fresh in your memory. Our Family Storyteller’s Journal is perfect. But, really any form of journal works. Just start writing. Share your writing with your loved ones. They will cherish the memories as much as you!

I wish you an epic journey of a lifetime as you live a legacy life!

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The Art of Family Storytelling

 

How can writers improve their art of family storytelling?

Exercises Description
Sensory Details Close your eyes and image a specific moment you want to convey
Dialogue Exercise Re-image the conversation you had around the dinner table. Where you were sitting, what food you were eating, what family members were talking about
Emotion Exercise Consider the vivid language you can use to paint the picture with words for your readers

Bring Memories Back to Life

The art of family storytelling brings our memories to life using words to create images in our minds. Words that whisk us back to moments of pure bliss. Have you ever reminisced about Uncle Jim’s clever phrases or felt the warm embrace of love when visiting Grandma’s home? Perhaps the aroma of fresh chocolate chip cookies triggers memories of the family kitchen. 

Welcome to a journey into the realm of storytelling—a place where creative language and vivid imagery bring cherished memories to life, momentarily freezing time.

Words as Time Machines

Uncle Jim had a way with words, a gift that made every interaction memorable. His humor wasn’t just about jokes; it was about encapsulating the complexities of life in a few choice words. In the world of storytelling, words take us back to those moments when Uncle Jim’s wisdom and wit lit up the room. 

By meticulously selecting words, storytellers can capture an individual’s essence, preserving their distinctive spirit for generations.

Embracing the Language of Love

Grandma’s home was a sanctuary. A place where every nook whispered stories of comfort, love, and cherished family memories. Her home was a special place to visit where I could be the only child. The one who received all the attention. Like my favorite mint chocolate chip ice cream or the chocolate wafer cookies. Don’t we all like chocolate? 

Grandma's Love

In the realm of storytelling, writers embrace the language of love to recreate that warm embrace and preserve special family memories. Words stir emotions, and storytellers resurrect the atmosphere of Grandma’s home, reminding us that love is as tangible as the words on the page.

Savoring the Aromas of Memory

Warm Chocolate chip cookies

Stepping into the family kitchen, the scent of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies fills the room. Fragrance transports us to bygone moments. Using the art of storytelling, storytellers can resurrect the aroma of those cookies, and suddenly, we’re standing in the heart of our childhood kitchen once more. The scent becomes a bridge across time, connecting us to treasured memories in an instant.

Painted Pictures in the art of family storytelling

Storytellers are artists who wield words as brushes, crafting intricate scenes that rekindle the past. Through their imaginative depictions of settings, characters, and events, storytellers can revive the world of simpler times. Whether it’s the squeak of an old porch swing or the echo of laughter through the neighborhood, these painted pictures allow us to relive the essence of those moments.

The Art of Family Storytelling

The Heartfelt Art of Connection

The beauty of storytelling lies in its ability to bridge generations and forge connections. As we read stories of shared experiences, we find kindred spirits who have paved similar paths. In a world that’s ever-evolving, stories remain a constant, providing solace and understanding to those who immerse themselves in them. The emotions captured by storytellers of the past are ageless, echoing in the hearts of present-day readers.

Crafting Our Own Nostalgic Narratives

You too can step into the shoes of a storyteller, weaving your family’s memories into narratives that resonate across time. Embrace sensory details and heartfelt expressions to capture the essence of moments that have shaped your life. Your stories can become treasures, handed down through generations, offering a glimpse into your family’s history. Check out our Family Storyteller’s Journal.

Keep Talking and Sharing Stories

In a world where time sweeps us forward, storytelling offers a way that soothes our spirits. Through skillful language and the imaginative creation of sensory experiences, storytellers build bridges between eras. They remind us that the past isn’t lost but rather preserved in the pages of narratives. As you embark on your journey as a storyteller, remember that every word has the power to conjure memories, emotions, and connections that stretch far beyond the present moment using the art of family storytelling.

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Sharing Stories: Preserving Special Family Memories

Preserving Special Family Memories

Just like a beautiful color makes that special family quilt stand out, sharing stories is our secret formula to preserve special family memories. Memories help us figure out who we are, and they make our connections with family stronger. But as time goes by, these memories can start to fade away, like when old pages in a book become hard to read. The important details that used to stand out start to get blurry, and before we know it, the memory is gone forever. Luckily, there’s an everlasting way to save these fading memories – by telling stories about them.

Why Family Memories Are Important

Family memories are like little treasures that we keep in our hearts. Providing reminders of the fun times, laughter, and even tough moments that shaped our lives. 

Picture driving your car on the way home from work and an old song comes on the radio. Immediately you remember all the words. And probably even have a picture of a special place where you heard that song years ago. Memories transport us back to versions of our past selves. 

Maybe the smells of certain foods take you back to your grandma’s house at Thanksgiving. When you arrive at a warm and inviting home filled with love and wonderful aromas. Memories are more than just things we remember – they’re the pieces of our lives that make us who we are.

When Memories Start to Disappear

As the years go by, our memories may begin to fade. It’s similar to when old photographs lose their vibrant colors or when the sequence of an event slips from our minds. Even the emotions we feel can gradually weaken.

The Magic of Telling Stories

Storytelling is like magic and can help fight against our forgetful minds. Telling stories is like painting pictures with words. It’s a way to bring those faded memories back to life and is an active accessory to preserving special family memories. I like to think in the days before smartphones and constant social media blast families used to share stories around their living rooms as the sun would set for the day. 

I remember going to my grandparents and learning from them. Sometimes it was “forced” because of school work. And other times, I was genuinely interested in what the “old days” were like. Their stories were like time machines for both of us. My grandparents remembered the joy of their youth and me, I pictured myself sitting at the soda fountain enjoying a new tasty treat! Stories help us keep these memories alive, even when they’re starting to disappear.

Preserving special family memories in writing offers several benefits. First, it helps me remember the story and lock it in my memory, until it fades. Second, as it begins to fade, it’s written and ready at a moment’s notice. And maybe most importantly, one day, I’ll be gone and I want my children and grandchildren to remember some of the events that contributed to my life. The active art of storytelling in a journal helps preserve my memories.

Check out our Family Storytelling Journal.

Why Stories Are Amazing

Telling stories doesn’t just help memories survive; it also does something amazing for us. It makes us feel better! Scientists, at the National Institute of Health, say that talking about our memories can help us feel less stressed and more connected to others. When we share our stories, we’re not just keeping memories alive – we’re also creating bonds with our family and friends.

What are Four Ways to Preserve Special Family Memories

Preserving special family memories through storytelling is actually pretty fun. Here are some easy ways to do it:

  • Talking it Out: Ask your relatives (grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents, siblings, and other family members) to tell you stories about their past. When they talk about their memories, it’s like you’re right there with them.
  • Writing it Down: Writing down stories about important times in your family’s history. It’s like making a special book of memories that you can read whenever you want. Check out our Family Storytelling Journal.
  • Adding Pictures and Videos: Pictures, videos, and old letters can bring stories into amazing clarity. With these elements we see what places and people were like in the past.
  • Sharing with Others: During family gatherings or special times, share stories with each other. It’s a way to keep the tradition alive.

Saving Memories for the Future

It’s not just about telling stories now – it’s also about saving them for later. Technology makes recording our memories easy. Family Storytelling Journals are perfect for recording our family’s history and preserving special family memories.

Remembering My Own Special Memory

As I learned more about preserving special family memories through storytelling, I thought about a memory that means a lot to me. Growing up my parents, grandparents, and an uncle took a road trip to Texas. We had two cars on this road trip. This was long before cell phones. We used a CB radio to talk to each other on the way down. It was so cool! 

That’s the power of storytelling – preserving special family memories.

Memories are like treasures we want to keep forever. Even though they might start to fade, storytelling is magic that helps us remember. Let’s keep sharing stories and making our family memories live on for generations to come.

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The Power of Humble Heroism: What makes a hero a hero?

What makes a hero a hero?

In life, what makes a hero a hero is often the little things that contribute to the most intricate details. Our lives are full of moments where we have the opportunity to serve others in seemingly small ways. These actions may go unnoticed at the time, but they have the power to create a legacy that shines brilliantly through the pages of history. 

Welcome to a journey into the heart of humble heroism, where the everyday becomes extraordinary, and where our stories inspire generations to come.

Unveiling Heroic Legacies

When we hear the word “legacy,” we might envision grand estates, towering monuments, or vast fortunes. But a legacy isn’t just about material wealth—it’s about the impact we leave behind, the lives we touch, and the ripples of goodness that spread outward.

Often, it’s the smallest of actions that mold our legacies the most profoundly. Imagine a smile that brightens someone’s day, a helping hand extended when needed, or a quiet act of compassion that makes all the difference. These are the building blocks of legacy, woven into the fabric of time.

Remember going to a grandparent’s or loved one’s house and having certain foods or drinks?  My grandparents always made sure to make our favorites everytime we visited: sausage balls, congo bars, handmade milkshakes and endless 2-liters of soda. My heart is warmed with fond memories of time with my grandparents when I enjoy these foods.  And it always brings a smile to my face!

The Quiet Heroes Among Us

What makes a hero a hero, isn’t the loudest person on social media or the super star sports figure. It’s many times the individuals who perform acts of immense significance and then downplay their contributions. These individuals shy away from the spotlight, preferring to work behind the scenes. Unsung heroes remind us that true heroism lies not in seeking recognition but in making a genuine difference. 

Recently when I was picking up my dry cleaning, the lady that worked there asked if I knew someone with the same last name as mine.  Crazy enough, it was my mother-in-law!  The lady working nearly started crying telling me about the impact my mother-in-law made in her life as her 8th grade teacher nearly 15 years ago!

Legacy in the Making: Stories Untold

In a world filled with stories, it’s surprising how many of them remain untold. We’re often too modest to share our accomplishments, thinking they’re not important enough to merit attention. 

Moreover, certain cultures emphasize humility, which can lead to the suppression of stories that deserve to be heard. However, these hidden stories hold immense power. They have the ability to ignite inspiration and spark change. By sharing these stories, we breathe life into moments that might otherwise be forgotten. Sharing our stories helps heroes live on into the next generation.

Inspiration for the Next Generation

The tales of humble heroism that have come before us are like lanterns guiding our way through life. They light our path and remind us that even the smallest actions can have a lasting impact. These stories serve as living examples, shaping our values, fueling our empathy, and igniting a sense of responsibility. As we pass these stories down to the next generation, we equip them with the tools to treat others with compassion and understanding.

Cultivating Humble Heroism in Our Lives

But how do we embrace the role of humble heroism in our own lives? It starts with recognizing the opportunities for meaningful action that surround us daily. A kind word, a helping hand, or a simple gesture can create ripples of positivity that extend far beyond our initial intent. The key is to approach these acts with humility and selflessness, understanding that our actions, no matter how small, contribute to a larger goodness.

 

I have so many fond memories of my aunt and uncle coming to watch every basketball game I played in.  They traveled to watch my games.  They did this out of selflessness and their love for me and my family.  It was a simple gesture that I remember years later.

 

Leaving a Lasting Mark

Our legacy isn’t something we construct in a single moment; it’s a mosaic crafted over a lifetime. Just as a single thread contributes to the brilliance of a tapestry, our actions, however unassuming, contribute to the greater narrative of humanity. The legacy of humble heroism doesn’t just touch individual lives; it has the power to shape entire communities and society at large. As we reflect on our own contributions, we must ask ourselves: What kind of legacy do we want to create? How do we want to be remembered? What makes a hero a hero?

In a world that often celebrates grand gestures and monumental achievements, it’s crucial to recognize the unsung heroes who quietly shape our world. These individuals teach us that heroism isn’t always about donning capes and masks—it’s about showing up consistently, compassionately, and selflessly. By sharing our stories and celebrating the humble heroism that surrounds us, we breathe life into a legacy that inspires generations to come. 

Let’s honor the selfless heroes of the world, the everyday heroes who remind us that small acts, when woven together, create a legacy of immeasurable worth.

Call to Action:

I invite you to share your family’s stories of humble heroism. Our Family Storyteller’s Journal is perfect for preserving your family’s legacy. Engage with your loved ones in discussions about the importance of these stories, and consider using platforms like social media to spread their reach. We can amplify the power of everyday acts and ensure that they continue to shine as beacons of inspiration for the next generation.

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Traditions: Weaving the Tapestry of our Lives

Tapestry of our Lives

In the tapestry of our lives, one thread remains unbreakable and enduring—the traditions that have been woven through generations in our family. These traditions are more than just routines; they are the threads that connect us to our past, our ancestors, and each other. They are the stories whispered through time, carrying with them the essence of who we are.

Roots of Tradition

Every tradition has its roots, its origin story that often traces back to the courage and resilience of our ancestors. In my family, the tradition of gathering for a grand feast on every major holiday holds a special place in our hearts. This tradition, passed down through the ages, takes us back to a time when our forebears would come together to celebrate abundance and express gratitude for the harvest. It’s a beautiful reminder that our modern celebrations are deeply rooted in the gratitude of our ancestors for the blessings of life.

Bridging the Generations

As the flame of tradition passes from one generation to another, it’s fascinating to witness how each torchbearer adds their unique touch while preserving the essence. My grandmother would tell us stories of her childhood during these feasts. Her stories not only transported us to a different time but also added a layer of depth to the tradition, making it more than just a gathering—it was a bridge connecting us to the stories of our heritage.

Lessons and Values

Generational traditions are more than just festive customs; they are capsules that teach us lessons, values, and a way of life. Our family’s tradition of planting a tree on each child’s birth teaches us the importance of nurturing and growth. With each passing year, the tree grows just as our children do, becoming a living testament to the passage of time. This tradition instills in us the values of patience, care, and the responsibility to nurture life, whether it’s a tree or a relationship.

Adapting for Today’s World

While tradition anchors us to our roots, it’s essential to allow these threads to flex and adapt with the changing times. Our family’s tradition of handwritten letters, which started when my great-grandparents were separated by wars, has taken on a modern twist. In this age of technology, we’ve embraced emails, text, Facebook, and video calls to stay connected across continents. The essence remains the same—the intention to stay in touch and bridge distances, but the method has evolved to suit the modern pace of life.

Ensuring Continuity

As we tread the path of life, we come to realize that we are not just the beneficiaries of tradition; we are also entrusted with its continuity. The passing down of a cherished heirloom, such as a quilt meticulously stitched by generations, symbolizes the trust bestowed upon us to preserve and carry forward the legacy.

The Unbreakable Thread

As time passes, the unbreakable thread of generational traditions weaves the tapestry of our lives into a story that resonates through the ages. It’s a story that reminds us of our roots, our shared stories, and the values that shape our character. As we gather around the table for our traditional feast, or as we pen our letters across miles, we are not just performing rituals; we are breathing life into the stories of our ancestors. These stories, rich with lessons and emotions, become a tapestry that links us to a legacy that’s as enduring as it is beautiful. So, let us celebrate these traditions, for they are the heartbeat of our family’s journey through time.