It was a warm and sunny day. My young family was outside enjoying the golden daffodils and the brilliant display of colorful tulips while listening to the breeze rustle the leaves on the trees. Suddenly, the wind blew harder, and dark clouds appeared.

First a light spray turned into a shower, then it poured out. We quickly collected our things and headed for the shelter. Why do we run away from the same thing that sustains us?

Whenever there is a severe drought, no one runs away from the rain. Instead, they call everyone they know, staring up at the sky as the rain falls on their relieved and happy faces. they absorb it all, they get into it, they walk in it and they laugh at it. But that day… That day we ran like the dickens!

As I watch the rain from inside, I often think about how lush and shiny the foliage will grow with good watering. My thoughts shift to episodes in my life that indicate personal growth, achievements, and goals accomplished. So I say, I have to take the time to write this.

It is important to record notable events in the life of each family member and review them from time to time. Recording everything in a family history record preserves history for generations to come. But achievement isn’t all the history books should be about. There are sunny days and cloudy days, droughts and surprise rains. There are times when you bend over to dig deeper and reach higher and many life lessons learned along the way. Best of all lots of laughs and spontaneous fun. These times also deserve to be recorded.

Have fun with family history

And speaking of family history records, it’s always best to keep a log, journal, or blog of your family life, including genealogy, personal achievements, contributions to the community, and life in general while growing up. But family history doesn’t always have to be cut and dry.

Add some life by including some fun photos of the baby in a bath full of soap scum or the toddler frantically chasing bubbles at the park. Include silly jokes like throwing water on daddy’s head while he’s sleeping on the porch or baby’s first attempt at feeding while making a complete mess of what was once a perfectly prepared spaghetti dinner.

Add some light anecdotal family interview stories and include some humorous text message excerpts to and from family members. Step back in time to yesteryear and take a walk on the fun side of life. He collects bridesmaids dresses and tuxedos worn over the years.

Describe the dances and clothing characteristic of the time. Record the days when the children decided to take over the kitchen and prepare dinner? Record those secret shower serenades when the bather thought no one was listening. There’s nothing quite like watching photo stories and videos of failed attempts at inventions, recipes, and art compared to the look of glee when, after many attempts, they finally succeed.

Present your story at family gatherings

What better place to present family history than at your family gatherings? While family gatherings often feature traditional activities like picnics, recipe swaps, outdoor games, delving into family history and sharing it in an organized and meaningful way can be exciting. But good intentions are often met with distractions, and a genealogy presentation project is often left undone.

Often the problem is time and delegation. Genealogy projects are often the last minute item on the event agenda and with all the time and effort it takes to prepare for a meeting, the mental energy needed by the event planner is spent on the event itself. To put together a really compelling genealogy presentation, first find someone who is in the early planning stages of the event to carry out the tasks of collecting photo and video documentation, as well as making copies of written journals. The next thing you need is a goal, some organization and inspiration.

The goal

There are a number of approaches to recording family life and history. Photos, videos, slideshows, audio, journals, and more. Why not combine them all and create a 15-20 minute documentary complete with narration and soundtrack? These would be a hit at the next family gathering.

a little organization

There are some family reunion planning web apps that guide you through the process of hosting a successful and enriching genealogy-themed family reunion. Complete with online tools to help you do your genealogy research and worksheets to help you present your family genealogy record presentation style, you’ll have your family reunion event planned, organized, and ready to manage in no time.

Inspiration

Take time to watch popular documentaries about entertainment personalities and prominent contributors to literature, science, medicine, and entertainment. You are likely to find inspiration and direction for your family history presentations and documentaries. “Hey, looks like the suns are coming up. Everybody outside and get the video camera!”