Looking Toward the New Year of 2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2012 ~ I hope by the end of this year we all can say that it was our best year yet. I have lots of genealogy to get done and a few family history books to get printed and distributed. We have a trip to make to Nevada, maybe one to the Florida Keys too. My husband is retiring so we have some 'honey do' things to do or finish up! *smile*. And several excursions we want to take. I pray everyone stays healthy, smiles often, enjoys life, doesn't sweat the small stuff and enjoys the little things that God places in our path each day - sunshine and rain, snow or flowers, good food and family, homes to live in and grass to mow. Time and life goes by too fast . . . and our blessings outweigh our burdens. I've decided to begin, what is called, A Bucket List. This is a new phrase I've learned recently and I like it. So, the first thing on my 'Bucket List' for 2012 is to try and 'not sweat the small stuff. Wish me luck!!! :D

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2011, FROM A FAMILY GENEALOGIST

Genealogist's Christmas Eve

'Twas the night before Christmas
When all through the house
Not a creature was stirring,
Not even my spouse.
The dining room table with clutter was spread
With pedigree charts and with letters which said...
"Too bad about the data for which you wrote;
Sank in a storm on an ill-fated boat."
Stacks of old copies of wills and such
Were proof that my work had become too much.
Our children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads.
And I at my table was ready to drop
From work on my album with photos to crop.
Christmas was here, and such was my lot
That presents and goodies and toys I'd forgot.
Had I not been busy with grandparents' wills,
I'd not have forgotten to shop for such thrills,
While others bought gifts to bring Christmas cheers,
I'd spent time researching those birth dates and years.
While I was thus musing about my sad plight,
A strange noise on the lawn gave me such a great fright.
Away to the window I flew in a flash,
Tore open the drapes and yanked up the sash.
When what with my wondering eyes should appear,
But an overstuffed sleigh and eight small reindeer.
Up to the house top the reindeer they flew,
With a sleigh full of toys and 'ole Santa Claus, too.
And then in a twinkle, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of thirty-two hoofs.
As I drew in my head, and bumped it on the sash,
Down the cold chimney fell Santa--KER-RASH!
"Dear" Santa had come from the roof in a wreck,
And tracked soot on the carpet, (I could wring his short neck!)
Spotting my face, good 'ole Santa could see
I had no Christmas spirit you'd have to agree.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work
And filled all the stockings, (I felt like a jerk).
Here was Santa, who'd brought us such gladness and joy:
When I'd been too busy for even one toy.
He spied my research on the table all spread
"A genealogist!" He cried! (My face was all red!)
"Tonight I've met many like you," Santa grinned,
As he pulled from his sack a large book he had penned.
I gazed with amusement--the cover it read
Genealogy Lines for Which You Have Plead.
"I know what it's like as a genealogy bug."
He said as he gave me a great Santa hug.
"While the elves make the sleighful of toys I now carry,
I do some research in the North Pole Library!
A special treat I am thus able to bring,
To genealogy folk who can't find a thing."
"Now off you go to your bed for a rest,
I'll clean up the house from this genealogy mess."
As I climbed up the stairs full of gladness and glee,
I looked back at Santa who'd brought much to me.
While settling in bed, I heard Santa's clear whistle,
To his team, which then rose like the down of a thistle.
And I heard him exclaim as he flew out of sight,
"Family history is Fun! Merry Christmas! Goodnight!"

WE GATHER TOGETHER
We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;
He chastens and hastens His will to make known.
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing.
Sing praises to His Name; He forgets not His own.

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;
So from the beginning the fight we were winning;
Thou, Lord, were at our side, all glory be Thine!

We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant,
And pray that Thou still our Defender will be.
Let Thy congregation escape tribulation;
Thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free

Fall Is Here

Fall Is Here - October 1, 2011
It is hard to believe but summer is gone. We are having some very cold nights right now but it is just a cold spell. I like Fall and Spring best. The leaves are just beginning to show their pretty colors . . . we have picked the last of the produce from the garden. We do have some sweet potatoes to dig and I am looking forward to those, baked with cinnamon and butter. I am thankful for what I have. I've had some answered prayers recently. God is good.

FALL, 2011

We are finally getting some much anticipated cooler weather. I am sure we will have some additional hot days but Fall is around the corner. I have been doing a Family History Book on the genealogy of a friend of my daughters. It has been fun and challenging. I compare Genealogy to putting the pieces of a puzzle together. But at times, I hit what we call 'Brick Walls'. That elusive ancestor just doesn't want to appear. The information on him might be vague or non-existent. The times when you stumble onto a piece of information unexpectedly, makes it all worthwhile. I always think this about my Ancestors: If it had not been for them, I would not be here today. For reasons that I don't understand fully, I was suppose to be here, at this time in history. My ancestors made the way for me and I thank them.

Summer - July 30, 2011

My son, his daughter, my daughter and her son visited us the end of July. We went on a picnic at Old Fort Picnic Grounds and visited the Andrew Geysers, waded in Mill Creek and enjoyed being together. Now everyone is gone home and I am back to genealogy. I am working on a Book for a friend of my daughter. It is always a challenge but I never tire of it. This year I want to do an updated book on the paternal side of my family.

Aaaahhh, sweet Summer

No matter how hot, I love summer. I can always get in the shade or find a cool spot in the house. Ice Cream, watermelon, cookout and picnics. Working in the yard and flower beds, fresh veggies from the garden and visits from my two kids. I am thankful to God for his blessings. I continue to work on Genealogy. My family as well as helping others. This is a wonderful hobby and I've learned so much about the people who made a way for me to be here today. I am blessed.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY - THANK GOD FOR AMERICA

On December 2, 2005, my grandson Matthew Tyler Shimberg was born still. Meaning he died the day he was born. We do not know why the Lord wanted him back so soon but one day we will know and we will see him once again. His Mom, my daughter, had him when she was 8 months 1 week. We all got to hold him and didn't want to let him go. I found this sweet quote and thought it fit Matthew so well: ~ An angel opened the book of life and wrote down my baby's birth. Then she whispered as she closed the book "too beautiful for earth"~.
AND THIS POEM IS IN HIS HONOR:

An Angel Never Dies
Don’t let them say I wasn’t born,
That something stopped my heart
I felt each tender squeeze you gave,
I’ve loved you from the start.

Although my body you can’t hold
It doesn’t mean I’m gone
This world was worthy, not of me
God chose that I move on.

I know the pain that drowns your soul,
What you are forced to face
You have my word, I’ll fill your arms,
Someday we will embrace.

You’ll hear that it was meant to be,
God doesn’t make mistakes
But that wont soften your worst blow,
Or make your heart not ache.

I’m watching over all you do,
Another child you’ll bear
Believe me when I say to you,
That I am always there.

There will come a time, I promise you,
When you will hold my hand,
Stroke my face and kiss my lips
And then you’ll understand.

Although I’ve never breathed your air,
Or gazed into your eyes
That doesn’t mean I never was,
An Angel never dies.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...
~ 1 Peter 1:3.

Think Spring . . .

It seems Spring has come a little sooner this year than last. I guess it is because we didn't have 4 huge snows this winter. Spring and Fall are my favorite times of the year. Of course, I don't complain about summer either, as I am an outdoorsey person and winter keeps me in. My forsythia, daffodils, grape hyacinths & tulips are in bloom or almost in bloom. We've turned the garden in anticipation of planting and I'm itching to start working in the flowerbeds. I am thankful for this season. The Weeping Willows are at their prettiest.

The many years I have been researching my family I have discovered that I am not of just one blood line, but many. I am English, German, Scotch-Irish and a few more. It is a challenge as well as a satisfying endeavor to search out these ancestors. I am thankful for each and everyone of them. If not for each one - I would not be here today. I salute my Irish heritage on this St. Patricks Day!

Happy Valentines Day

I HOPE EVERYONE HAS A SWEET VALENTINES DAY
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(a little genealogy humor)
YOU KNOW YOU'RE ADDICTED TO GENEALOGY WHEN:

.. . You brake for libraries.

.... You hyperventilate at the sight of an old cemetery.

.... You would rather browse in a cemetery than a shopping mall.

.... You would rather read census schedules than a good book.

.... You are more interested in what happened in 1699 than in 1999.

.... Eenrum, Baflo and Groningen are household names, but you can't remember what to call the dog.

.... You store your clothes under the bed (or wear the same two outfits to save space), because your closet is full of books and papers.

.... All your correspondence begins with "Dear Cousin".

.... You have traced every one of your ancestral lines back to Adam and Eve, you have it documented and still don't want to quit.

.... Your most important social life is meeting people who you run into while searching a family line.

Valentine Treasures
Valentine treasures are people who
have often crossed your mind,
family, friends and others, too,
who in your life have shined
the warmth of love or a spark of light
that makes you remember them;
no matter how long since you’ve actually met,
each one is a luminous gem,
who gleams and glows in your memory,
bringing special pleasures,
and that’s why this Valentine comes to you:
You’re one of those sparkling treasures!
By Joanna Fuchs

January 2011

Christian New Year’s Resolutions


How can I use the New Year
To better serve my Lord?
I’ll read my Bible every day,
And be more in accord.

I’ll find new ways to serve others;
I’ll love my neighbor, too.
I’ll focus on "give" instead of "get"
In everything I do.

I’ll forgive the people I’m mad at;
Angry feelings I’ll discard;
I’ll try to love my enemies,
Even though it’s hard.

In the new year, I’ll lift people up,
Instead of putting them down.
I’ll fill my heart with love and joy,
And never wear a frown.

I’ll let go of my worries;
I’ll put it all in His hands;
I’ll repent and try to sin less,
And obey all His commands.

These new year’s resolutions
Are difficult, at best,
But there’s something I can do each day
That will put my soul at rest:

I’ll love my Lord with all my heart,
With all my mind and soul,
And if I do that essential thing,
All the rest will be in control.

By Joanna Fuchs