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.