The Definition of Genealogy

Family is everything. It defines you--the heart of your spirit, the heritage of your smile, not only the color of your eyes but how they see the world. You are bound by kinship. You add your own link to the chain, and that is where you strengthen or weaken what you have been blessed--or burdened--with. That is where you use the indefinable quality that belongs to only you, the bit of uniqueness you pass on to your children for good or bad, the part of you that will always be separate from those who share your name, your blood, and your past. - Deborah Smith, from Blue Willow

Tip #2

Once you start collecting information, you'll need a place to put it.  I would suggest checking out some free software and making some notes on the things you like and are searching for in the software.  One thing I like is to be able to make list.  For example, if I know I'm traveling to a location where I know I have some family history, then I can print a list of every thing that happened in that state by county.  There are several versions online you can try.  The one I use is Rootsmagic.  Another one I've tried is Ohana.  I was not impressed with their merging for duplicates.  It became quite confusing.  Eventually you will find one you will be comfortable with.  When you find one, I think you will find that you will more organized. 

Tip #1

A lot of people don't know where to start. All I can say is just start.  And start now!  It's never too early, but it can be too late.  Start with yourself and then build you family tree going backwards.  It's usually referred to as a four generation pedigree.  If you wait, all that first hand information, names, places, dates and stories will be lost or harder to obtain.  After you finish the pedigree chart, do your family group sheets.  Start with your self as a child with your parents.  Do one for your siblings and then, again, go backwards.  Get that done and then you will be ready for the next tip. Here is where you can get a downloadable Four Generation Pedigree Chart .  Let's get started.

Thank You Veterans

As we approach the day in which we honor our veterans, I especially wanted to give notice to those in my family who fought valiantly to help establish these United States at it's birth.  And to all those in between who have served including;  my father, Hugh E. Russell, a marine, my husband, Roger D. Westrup Sr. Lt in the UASR during the cold war, and my son, Roger D. Westrup, Jr. serving in the California National Guard, infantry.  To all of you I give my thanks that we have the freedoms we have today.

Revolutionary War Soldiers
Captain Amos Bird  1737-1818
Captain John Bickerstaff  1720-1800
Private Jacob Lollar  1755-1837

Although we may not always agree with those who lead this great nation, because we have the rights and priveleges given us by our forefathers we can change those leaders in a democratic way.  Those founding fathers were truly inspired to set up our nation.

Please take a moment on Thursday to consider those men and women who sacrificed family to serve our new nation.  And a day early ..."HAPPY BIRTHDAY" to the Marine Corps.

NEW TO THIS

I went to a family seminar yesterday and if I got nothing else out of it, I vowed to do two things...start blogging.  First about genealogy, then knittting.  So this is the genealogy one as if you couldn't have guessed.  I didn't grow up with a bunch of cousins.  I was close to my mom's parents, but my dad's dad lived in another state and his mom died when he was young.  In order to get to know my ancestors, I have to find them.  And so far I'm doing a pretty good job...thanks to the work others have done and the world wide web, it's made my job easier.  Some would call me talented but I think alot of it's luck.  It seems that it is my calling in life. 

I added the first of my favorite blogs.  Saving family memories would not doubt include pictures and so I introduce you to Studio B.  My sister, Sharon and her husband, Scot do amazing work.  Check them out.

Here is the Russell coat of arms,  BTW, Russell is my maiden name.