Simply Jaimie

"But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."    (1 Samuel 16:7) I learned the truth of this principle while working at an after-school program. Each afternoon, children from the local elementary school would come to our program while their parents finished work. Together we completed homework, made crafts, played outside, and on Fridays we watched movies and ate popcorn. Before the start of a new school year, my boss informed me that I would be assigned to Juniper Elementary. This school had a reputation because of one particular student who was constantly getting into trouble. My coworkers hated working there, but my boss assured me that if we documented every infraction and followed the proper procedures, we would eventually be able to remove him from the program. So that is exactly w...

 Summer has a way of slowing us down just enough to make room for conversations. Whether it is around the dinner table, on a family road trip, sitting around a campfire, or enjoying a popsicle on the porch, summer creates opportunities to share stories and make memories together. One of the simplest ways to preserve family history is to start talking. Every family has stories worth sharing, and often all it takes is a thoughtful question to bring those stories to the surface. A memory about a childhood summer, a favorite family tradition, or a funny vacation mishap can quickly turn into a meaningful conversation that helps family members learn more about one another. To help get those conversations started, I have created a collection of summer memory prompts, conversation starters, and kid-friendly questions. Use them as journal prompts, dinner table discussions, road trip entertainment, or simply as a way to learn more about the people you love. Remember, family history is not ju...

One of the questions I hear most often from parents, particularly mothers, is, "How do I help my children become interested in family history?" I understand the challenge. Family history can feel overwhelming, even for adults. We know the value of records, census documents, and research, but these things are not always meaningful to children. Most children are not eager to spend an afternoon examining records or discussing where an ancestor lived one hundred years ago. What children crave is connection. They want stories. They want to know what their grandparents were like as children, how their parents met, why they were given their name, and what adventures their ancestors experienced. They want to understand where they fit within their family's story. This is why I believe children's books are one of the most effective ways to introduce family history. Stories provide an accessible and engaging entry point into conversations about identity, heritage, memories, t...

Summer has a way of creating memories that stay with us long after the season has ended. Whether it is chasing down the ice cream truck, spending time with grandparents, splashing in a lake, building sandcastles at the beach, or enjoying long days with family and friends, summer is often filled with the moments we remember most. These simple experiences become part of our story and, when shared, become part of our family history. The following children's books celebrate the joy of summertime through adventure, family traditions, nature, and memory-making. They remind us that some of life's most meaningful moments are often found in the ordinary days of summer. Each book also includes a simple family history activity to help preserve the stories and memories that make this season so special. click on the book title to purchase the book through my affiliate link. To print the book list and activity page simply click on the image. When Lola Visits by Michelle Sterling In When Lol...

Summer has a way of creating memories that stay with us long after the season has ended. The simple moments—eating popsicles on the porch, taking a family road trip, or staying up late just because—often become the stories we tell for years to come. I created this Family History Summer Bucket List to help families find simple ways to weave family history into everyday life. My prayer is that each activity will help strengthen family connections while creating lasting memories together. You do not need to complete every item on the list. Choose one or two that spark your interest, adapt them to fit your family, and enjoy the conversations and connections that follow. After all, family history is not just about discovering the past. It is about strengthening the relationships we have today, preserving the moments we are living right now, and helping future generations understand where they come from. I hope this bucket list inspires your family to create meaningful memories this summer,...

 For some people visiting a cemetery may seem morbid or depressing. However, cemeteries can be some of the most peaceful and meaningful places to connect with the past. One of my favorite activities on FamilySearch is the Cemetery Activity. Using your location, FamilySearch can identify nearby cemeteries where your relatives are buried. With just a few taps, it transforms family history from something you do behind a computer screen into a meaningful experience you can share as a family. 1. From your homepage, click on activities  2. Click on all activities  3. Scroll down (and maybe over) till you find Cemetery Search 4. Enter your location 5. View your results 6. From there you can view their profile, your relationship, go to another website to find more information which could include their location within the cemetery We visited the gravesite of my grandmother's sister, Renee. She was my grandmother's older sister, and of the four sisters, Renee and my grandma lo...