Family History-I am doing it!

I have been working on a family history project for about three months now.  I still have a LOT of work left, but that is okay...because when it is finally finished, it will be a treasure. 

But, sometimes you just need to walk away from it for awhile.  (Mike taught me that.)  Being blessed with a large portion of the OCD gene, I tend to become overly engrossed in a project, neglecting other things, like eating and sleeping...

So, I decided it's time to clear the fuzziness from my overworked brain by switching gears and doing something else for awhile. 

It's been two months since I last blogged.  And so, in the spirit of the family history work that has so completely consumed me, I decided to post a few pictures from my own family history. 

This is my dad's great grandfather, Adin Newton, born in Vermont in 1805.  I think he looks a lot like Abraham Lincoln. 

This is Cora Ann Newton, Adin's daughter.  She is beautiful beyond words.

This is Mary Elizabeth Ehrler, my grandmother, and Cora's only daughter that lived to adulthood.  At the 2009 Park reunion, we had a look-a-like contest with Grandma's many descendants.  I was so pleased when my own granddaughter, Kylie was one of the winners! 

This is a family picture of Charles Vincent Shurtliff, my mother's great- grandfather.  He is seated in the front row, in the middle, next to his youngest son, Frank.  Leon, my mom's grandfather is seated in the front row as well, the last one on the right.  And here's a bit of trivia for you.  Charles' first wife Nancy Alzina Smith (mother to all the adult children in the picture) passed away.  Leon's mother-in-law, Sarah Jane Hawker Green, also a widow, married Charles and they had little Frank.  Here's the trivia question.  How many ways is Leon related to Sarah Jane?  And to young Frank?   

Okay, for my last picture-a much more recent video taken last Christmas.  I posted it to facebook, but I wanted to repost it here, as well.  This one is of Taylor and Brooke.  I think Kristi posted one of Hudson and Tyler which is adorable as well.  In fact, all the grandkids had so much fun with this dancing Christmas tree!

 

 I am grateful to belong to a wonderful family, with ancestors who left me with a legacy of  love and loyalty.  As I make an effort to learn about their lives, I am continually impressed with what I learn.  Above all, I am grateful for the knowledge I have that my family is forever.  One day I will be reunited with these people in these pictures.  In the words of one of my favorite songs, "I am a child of God...rich blessings are in store...if I but learn to do his will, I'll live with Him (and them) once more."