Simply Jaimie

 One of the things I love most about card games is how easy they are to bring to the table. They don't take up much space, they're quick to set up, and they're perfect for everything from family game night to vacations, camping trips, or evenings with friends. Over the years, we've discovered a handful of card games that we reach for again and again. Some make us laugh until our cheeks hurt. Others have us trying to outsmart each other or wondering whether we should risk one more turn. But every one of them has earned a permanent place on our shelf because they're easy to teach, fun to play, and always leave us wanting another round. If you're looking to add a few modern card games to your collection, these are six that we happily recommend. No Thanks! combines simple decisions with surprising strategy. Every turn presents the same choice: take the card or spend one of your precious tokens to pass it to the next player. Knowing when to take a risk and when to s...

I only have one memory of my grandad. I was six years old, eagerly waiting for Mum and Dad to arrive home with my brand-new baby sister. In our family, there was a little tradition. Each of us children would sit on the couch while the new baby was passed from one sibling to the next. We each got a turn to hold the baby for just a few seconds before passing them along. After my turn, the front door opened. My grandad walked into the house. He struggled with his health for as long as I could remember and was in constant pain, so it wasn't common for him to visit. As he stepped into the living room, he smiled and said, "Where's my little granddaughter?" That's it. I don't remember what happened after that. I don't remember whether he sat down to hold her, how long he stayed, or what anyone else said. I only remember that one sentence and the joy in his voice as he came through the door. Two months later, my grandad passed away. That single memory has ...

One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is a sense of belonging. As they grow, they naturally begin to wonder who they are and where they fit in the world. While we often think about passing on eye color, curly hair, or a familiar smile, our children inherit so much more than physical features. They may share a grandparent's love of gardening, an aunt's creativity, a parent's determination, or an ancestor's adventurous spirit. Helping our children recognize these connections reminds them that they are part of something much bigger than themselves. They are the continuation of a story that began long before they were born, and each day they are adding a new chapter for the generations that will follow. The questions below are designed to spark conversations about the family traits, traditions, memories, and stories that connect us across generations. There are no right or wrong answers. Instead, let these questions lead to laughter, storytelling, and meaningfu...

 What is something about yourself that reminds you of someone else in your family? One of the things I love most about Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho is how it celebrates seeing ourselves through the people who came before us. The young girl notices that her eyes look like her mother's, her grandmother's, and her little sister's. Instead of wishing she looked like everyone else, she learns to treasure the family resemblance that connects generations. Family history isn't just about the stories we tell—it's also about the pieces of ourselves we carry. A familiar smile, a laugh that sounds just like Grandpa's, curly hair from your mother, or the same kind eyes your grandmother had. These small connections remind us that we belong to something much bigger than ourselves. When I look in the mirror, I don't just see myself. I see my Nan's nose, my Dad's ears, and glimpses of my mother and great-grandmother looking back at me. Their features l...

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...