Simply Jaimie

Have you ever driven past a house and wondered about the people who once lived there? Who celebrated birthdays in the dining room? Who learned to ride a bicycle in the front yard? Who stood at the window waiting for someone they loved to come home? Houses quietly witness the stories of generations. The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton reminds us that while neighborhoods may change, the memories created within a home can last a lifetime. Built in the countryside, a little house is surrounded by rolling hills, blooming apple trees, and changing seasons. She happily watches families come and go, enjoying the peaceful rhythm of country life. As the years pass, the world around her changes. Roads are built, buildings rise, and the quiet countryside slowly becomes a busy city. Although everything around her is transformed, the little house never forgets where she belongs. Eventually, she is lovingly moved back to the countryside, where she once again finds peace among the fields and c...

What is your favorite memory with one of your cousins? Today is my cousin's birthday! Although we live on different continents now, I still loved seeing photos of his birthday celebration pop up on social media. Distance may change how often we see the people we love, but it doesn't change the memories we've shared or the place they hold in our family story. Reading Summer Is for Cousins reminded me that some of the best family memories aren't made during big events. They're made on ordinary summer days—playing games, eating meals together, staying up too late, and simply enjoying one another's company. Those moments might seem small at the time, but they often become the stories we carry with us for a lifetime. When I was visiting my family in England, my cousin, aunt, niece, and I went to see Tangled at the cinema. While we were waiting for my aunt and niece to come out of the restroom, I decided it would be funny to walk down the escalator that was going ...

 As parents, we spend so much time making memories with our children that we sometimes forget to share the stories that came before them. They know your favorite color, what you like to eat, and maybe even your favorite movie. But do they know what you dreamed of becoming when you were ten? Why you chose their name? What your grandparents were like? Or what you prayed for before they were born? The truth is, there are countless things your children will never know unless you tell them. Not because they don't care, but because they don't know to ask. One day they'll wonder what your childhood was like. They'll want to know how you met their other parent, what life looked like before smartphones, what made you laugh, what broke your heart, and what shaped the person who raised them. By then, you may not remember every detail—or they may no longer have the chance to ask. That's why it's worth sharing your story now. These 25 prompts are an invitation to preserve th...

 Every family has things that are passed from one generation to the next. Sometimes it's a recipe. Sometimes it's a tradition. Sometimes it's a story. And sometimes, it's a song. Music has a remarkable way of helping us remember the people we love. Long after conversations have ended, a familiar melody can bring back a face, a place, or a feeling in an instant. That's one of the reasons I loved Holding On by Sophia N. Lee. It reminds us that family history isn't only found in photographs or journals. It's also found in the songs that fill our homes. Lola's house is always filled with music. Sammy Davis Jr. plays in the morning, Dean Martin in the afternoon, and old Tagalog love songs drift through the house each evening. Along with the music comes one piece of wisdom that Lola often shares with her granddaughter: "If you want to hold on, you gotta sing your songs." Her granddaughter treasures those words, tucking both the music and Lola...

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 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...

What ordinary object has bro ught you comfort over the years? What memories does it hold, and why is it meaningful to you? Some of the objects we treasure most aren't valuable because of what they are, but because of the people and memories they remind us of. A worn quilt, a favorite mug, a well-loved stuffed animal, or an old recipe book may seem ordinary to someone else, yet to us they hold years of laughter, comfort, and love. In One Little Bag , a simple paper bag becomes one of those ordinary treasures. As it is used again and again, it quietly witnesses everyday moments and the passing of time. Though made of something as simple as paper, it becomes part of a family's story. Like so many meaningful objects in our own homes, its greatest value isn't in what it is made of, but in the memories it carries. That's one of the reasons I think this is such a wonderful book to add to a family history children's library. Although it was created with a message of conserv...

 Have you ever noticed how quickly a place can bring back a memory? The smell of fresh bread can transport you to your grandmother's kitchen. A porch swing can remind you of long summer evenings. Even hearing an old screen door slam might bring you back to a house you haven't stepped inside for years. Our homes hold so much more than furniture and photographs. They are where birthdays are celebrated, traditions are born, hard conversations are had, and ordinary days quietly become the stories our families tell for generations. When we think about preserving family history, it's easy to focus on people—and rightly so. But the places where those people gathered matter too. Our homes shape us. They become the backdrop to childhood adventures, holiday memories, family dinners, and everyday moments that often seem insignificant until years have passed. Whether you're thinking about the home where you grew up or the one you're raising your family in today, these 25 questi...

One of the best parts of family history is discovering the little details about our ancestors that you would never know unless someone took the time to write them down. Birth dates and census records tell us where they lived, but it's the small stories that bring them to life. Thankfully, my great-grandpa Norman wrote his life history. He shared memories of his childhood, losing his mother, and eventually meeting my great-grandma, Elva. Just as they had started "going steady" and became engaged, Norman was called to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, leaving Elva behind. At the time, Elva was a single mother working to provide for herself and her young son. During his mission, they wrote letters back and forth. In one of those letters, Norman wrote that Elva told him she had learned to fix beans fourteen different ways. Now, Norman didn't like beans. That one sentence tells me so much about both of them. I can almost picture her smili...

My mum loves to play games as the evening is winding down. They're a relaxing way to spend time together away from screens. Growing up, our family favorites were Cards and Marbles (a version of the game, Sorry!) and Mexican Train. Recently, the game she plays more than any other is Yahtzee. Over the past few years, I've wanted to gently push her out of her comfort zone by introducing a few modern board games to add to her rotation. For a game to earn Mum's approval, it has to meet a few important requirements. First, it needs to be simple to learn and easy to play. She has no interest in sitting through a 20-minute explanation of the rules. She'd much rather learn as we go. Second, it needs to be light enough that she doesn't have to think two or three moves ahead. She enjoys making interesting decisions, but she doesn't want game night to feel like homework. Finally, it can't drag on for hours. If a game takes too long, she'll lose interest before it...

What family gathering do you remember most? What made it special? One of my favorite books about family is The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant. The story follows a family who travels a long distance to spend the summer with their relatives. The house becomes full of laughter, shared meals, late-night conversations, and children playing together. Although the visit eventually comes to an end, the memories remain long after everyone returns home. Family history isn't just about preserving names and dates. It's also about remembering the moments that brought us together. Family reunions, holiday celebrations, Sunday dinners, birthdays, and summer visits often become the stories we tell again and again. They strengthen relationships and create memories that future generations will cherish. For me, one of those memories is from the summer of 2008 when my aunt and cousin came to visit us in California. They were traveling to spread my uncle's ashes at one of his favorite vacati...

One of the greatest regrets in family history is not asking the questions while we still had the chance. We often assume there will always be another family dinner, another holiday, or another visit with a parent or grandparent. Then one day, we realize there are stories we never heard, memories we never recorded, and questions that can no longer be answered. The good news is that it doesn't take a formal interview to preserve a family story. Sometimes one thoughtful question is all it takes to unlock a memory that has been waiting to be shared. These 25 questions are designed to help you start those conversations today. Ask one question over dinner, during a phone call, or while looking through old photographs together. You may discover stories that become some of your family's greatest treasures. to download/print the 25 questions simply click here or on the image below

The Fourth of July is often filled with traditions that become some of our favorite family memories. Fireworks lighting up the night sky, neighborhood parades, backyard barbecues, sparklers, watermelon, laughter, and time spent with the people we love all become part of our family story. These 25 memory prompts are designed to help you preserve those moments before they fade. Whether your memories are from childhood or celebrations with your own family today, each prompt is an opportunity to record the traditions, people, and experiences that made the holiday meaningful. If you don't celebrate the Fourth of July, use these prompts to reflect on another summer holiday or family tradition. The goal isn't to remember a specific celebration—it's to preserve the stories that bring your family together and become part of your legacy. to download/print these memory prompts simply click here or on the image below

 Welcome to the 25 Questions Series Every person has a story worth telling, and every family has stories worth discovering. The 25 Questions series was created to make family history feel simple and approachable. Sometimes all it takes is one thoughtful question to unlock a forgotten memory, start a meaningful conversation, or inspire you to record a story that might otherwise be lost. Some lists are designed to help you discover the lives of your ancestors. Others will help you preserve your own memories and experiences. Whether you're interviewing a grandparent, writing your personal history, or simply reflecting on your childhood, these questions are here to help you capture the stories that make your family unique. You don't have to answer every question at once. Start with one. You may be surprised where it leads. 25 Questions to Help You Start Writing Your Personal History Your story matters. The experiences you've had, the lessons you've learned, the people you...

Welcome to the 25 Questions Series! Every person has a story worth telling, and every family has stories worth discovering. The 25 Questions series was created to make family history feel simple and approachable. Sometimes all it takes is one thoughtful question to unlock a forgotten memory, start a meaningful conversation, or inspire you to record a story that might otherwise be lost. Some lists are designed to help you discover the lives of your ancestors. Others will help you preserve your own memories and experiences. Whether you're interviewing a grandparent, writing your personal history, or simply reflecting on your childhood, these questions are here to help you capture the stories that make your family unique. You don't have to answer every question at once. Start with one. You may be surprised where it leads. 25 Questions to Help You Discover Your Family History Family history is more than names and dates on a family tree. It is the stories, traditions, and experience...

Some of our happiest childhood memories were made while we were away from home. Whether your family traveled across the country, spent a week camping, visited grandparents, or simply took day trips to a nearby lake or beach, vacations gave us something we all needed—time together. Years later, we may not remember every destination we visited, but we often remember the people we were with, the unexpected adventures, the wrong turns, the laughter, and even the vacations that didn't go according to plan. Family vacations become part of our family story. They introduce us to new places, create inside jokes, strengthen relationships, and often become the memories we tell over and over again. They remind us that some of life's greatest moments aren't found in expensive destinations but in the ordinary experiences we shared together. These 25 memory prompts are designed to help you preserve those stories before they fade. As you work through each prompt, don't worry about writ...

What is your favorite Fourth of July memory? Was it watching fireworks from a blanket in the park? Running through sprinklers before the barbecue? Waving sparklers after sunset? Or maybe it was simply spending the day with the people you love. One of the reasons I love Fireworks by Matthew Burgess is that it reminds us the best part of the Fourth of July isn't just the fireworks themselves. The story follows a family as they make their way through the city to watch the evening fireworks. Along the way, readers experience the excitement of the crowds, the anticipation of waiting, and finally the awe and wonder as the night sky comes alive. The book beautifully captures something many of us experience as children—that holidays are remembered not only for the events themselves, but for the people we shared them with. Years later, we may not remember every firework that lit the sky, but we remember who spread out the blanket, who held our hand in the crowd, and who sat beside us as we...

 "And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him; And spake to them after the counsel of the young men... "  1 Kings 12:13-14 One of the saddest moments in 1 Kings 12 isn't simply that Rehoboam made a poor decision. It's that he rejected the wisdom of those who had walked the path before him. When Rehoboam became king, he sought counsel from two groups of people. The older men who had faithfully served his father, Solomon, urged him to lead with kindness and humility. The younger men who had grown up with him encouraged him to be harsh and demanding. Rehoboam chose to ignore the wisdom of experience, and that decision divided the kingdom. As I read these verses, I couldn't help but think about family history. One of the greatest blessings of family history is that it gives us access to the wisdom of those who came before us. We may not always agree with every choice our ancestors made, but they learned lessons th...