Simply Jaimie

Life looks a little different depending on who is gathered around the table, and over the years I've found myself reaching for different games depending on the group. Every few months, three of my closest friends and I plan a girls' night. For a few hours, we trade bedtime routines and laundry baskets for good food, plenty of laughter, and a table full of board games. It's a chance to catch up, make memories, and simply enjoy being together. Other times, it's my husband and me with two other couples. Those evenings have a different feel. They're filled with conversation, friendly competition, and just enough strategy to keep everyone engaged without taking ourselves too seriously. While the people around the table may change, one thing stays the same: board games have a wonderful way of bringing people together. They give us something to do while creating space for conversation, laughter, and the kind of memories that stick with us long after the game is packed away...

One of my favorite places to find family history inspiration is the children's section of the library. Every week, I come home with a stack of books, hoping to discover stories that spark conversations about family, identity, memories, traditions, and the people who have shaped our lives. As a family historian, I am always looking for books that help children connect with their own story. Some books inspire meaningful conversations. Some introduce important family history concepts. Others are simply wonderful stories that help children see themselves and their families in new ways. That's what inspired this new series: Library Roundup: Buy, Borrow, or Leave on the Shelf . In each roundup, I'll share recent library reads and give my verdict about whether I would: buy, borrow again from the library , or leave on the shelf next time . Along the way, I'll highlight the family history themes, discussion opportunities, and activities that each book might inspire. Whether you...

One of my favorite places to find family history inspiration is the children's section of the library. Every week, I come home with a stack of books, hoping to discover stories that spark conversations about family, identity, memories, traditions, and the people who have shaped our lives. As a family historian, I am always looking for books that help children connect with their own story. Some books inspire meaningful conversations. Some introduce important family history concepts. Others are simply wonderful stories that help children see themselves and their families in new ways. That's what inspired this new series: Library Roundup: Buy, Borrow, or Leave on the Shelf . In each roundup, I'll share recent library reads and give my verdict about whether I would: buy, borrow again from the library , or leave on the shelf next time . Along the way, I'll highlight the family history themes, discussion opportunities, and activities that each book might inspire. Whether you...

One of my favorite places to find family history inspiration is the children's section of the library. Every week, I come home with a stack of books, hoping to discover stories that spark conversations about family, identity, memories, traditions, and the people who have shaped our lives. As a family historian, I am always looking for books that help children connect with their own story. Some books inspire meaningful conversations. Some introduce important family history concepts. Others are simply wonderful stories that help children see themselves and their families in new ways. That's what inspired this new series: Library Roundup: Buy, Borrow, or Leave on the Shelf . In each roundup, I'll share recent library reads and give my verdict about whether I would: buy, borrow again from the library , or leave on the shelf next time . Along the way, I'll highlight the family history themes, discussion opportunities, and activities that each book might inspire. Whether you...

One of my favorite places to find family history inspiration is the children's section of the library. Every week, I come home with a stack of books, hoping to discover stories that spark conversations about family, identity, memories, traditions, and the people who have shaped our lives. As a family historian, I am always looking for books that help children connect with their own story. Some books inspire meaningful conversations. Some introduce important family history concepts. Others are simply wonderful stories that help children see themselves and their families in new ways. That's what inspired this new series: Library Roundup: Buy, Borrow, or Leave on the Shelf . In each roundup, I'll share recent library reads and give my verdict about whether I would: buy, borrow again from the library , or leave on the shelf next time . Along the way, I'll highlight the family history themes, discussion opportunities, and activities that each book might inspire. Whether you...

There is something special about growing up surrounded by extended family. Cousins often become our first friends—the people we celebrate birthdays with, stay up late talking to during family reunions, and make memories alongside year after year. While childhood eventually gives way to adulthood, those shared experiences often become some of the stories we tell most often. These six picture books celebrate the unique bond between cousins and remind us that family history isn't only about looking back. It's also about the relationships our children are building today and the memories they'll carry with them for the rest of their lives. Dozens of Cousins by Shutta Crum and illustrated by David Catrow A joyful celebration of a large extended family gathering where cousins of all ages come together to play, laugh, eat, and make memories. Through lively rhyming text and cheerful illustrations, the story captures the excitement and energy that only a house full of cousins can bri...

  One of the simplest ways to discover family history is to ask a question. We often think meaningful stories need to be searched for in old records or hidden away in dusty archives. While those sources are invaluable, many of the stories that shape our families are still waiting to be told around the dinner table, during a Sunday visit, or over a phone call with a loved one. That's why I created these 25 Family History Conversation Starters . Each question was chosen to encourage stories rather than one-word answers. Instead of asking for names and dates, these prompts invite memories about homes, traditions, friendships, favorite recipes, childhood, and the ordinary moments that often become the stories we treasure most. As you read through the list, you may notice that many of the questions seem simple. That is intentional. Simple questions often lead to the richest conversations because they help people remember details they might never have thought to share. Asking someone abo...