Day Dreaming; It's No Small Thing

I'm a dreamer. Always have been. It is not unusual for my husband to have a conversation with me, of which I can remember nothing because I was dreaming up the next big "thing". I think it's a family trait. My 13 y.o., Bree, is often daydreaming. And then there's my mom, it's not unusual for her to pull an "all-nighter" when inspiration hits.

And it works for me. Most of the time. But sometimes it's easy to get stuck in my own head. What I've come to realize is that most of the time what holds me back from really living my dreams is fear ... fear of failure, fear of not being good enough ... yada, yada.

As a mother I am teaching my children to follow their dreams, to be who they want to be; not who friends think they should be. Shouldn't it be the same for me?

My Mom asked me the other day what are the things I enjoy doing and find fulfillment in. There are many things that make me happy but ultimately when I am sharing and being a contribution in other people's lives, I am happy. I am filled. This time of my life (being a mom & wife, working, PTA, church duties, etc.), it is very easy to only finish the "must do's" and leave no time for the me. No time for the projects and dreams that are in my heart. But if not now, when?

So I'm making a pact. Between you and me. I'm giving up the fear and replacing it with courage. Courage to pursue those dreams. Even if it's only minutes each day. It's something. And that is no small thing.

Carrie Keele
(a.k.a. "DearMYRTLE's daughter)

Preserving Scrapbooks From The Past: Canon DSLR vs. Flip-Pal

Over the river and through the woods, literally, to Great-Grandma Lois’ house we go! My husband’s mother’s, mother, Lois (Jeppson Hatch) Wells lives in a cabin in the mountains. From the main highway, you cross an ancient, wooden, rickety bridge (with only room for one car at a time) and no guardrails. Each time we cross, I half expect this is the time it will finally give way to the river below. A dirt road with sharp switchbacks leads to the cabin that the Hatch’s built in the 70s. The familiar flamingo pink trimmed balcony brings a smile to your face and stirs memories of summers past.

Everyone loves Grandma’s house. Removed from technology with only one (corded) white telephone to reach the outside world, you can literally breathe deeper. Life moves just a little slower and there’s more time for conversations and memory sharing. Last summer we had the chance to stay at the cabin for several days as family gathered to celebrate Lois’ 90^th birthday party.

During this visit I realized that while Lois was quite healthy and active for her age, she was slowing down. She has stories to tell and memories to share that I want my kids to remember.  Using my iPhone we recorded several impromptu interviews and cherished the stories.  We also explored her bookshelves upon bookshelves lined with old picture albums. She has hundreds of pictures from years past, most of them being non-archival, sticky albums. You know the ones that we all used until we realized it’s a black hole that slowly disintegrates your precious memories.

Since I hadn’t planned on doing anything more than celebrating with family, I hadn’t thought to bring my Flip Pal with me. No matter, I thought. I’ve got a great digital SLR … I’ll capture the pictures with my camera. Ummmmm, easier said than done. I tried three different locations and numerous angles but was never completely satisfied with the glare, distortion, blur, etc. (If you have ever tried to take pictures of pictures in albums, you’ll know exactly what I mean.) I even tried to jimmy-rig my tripod to make it work. I ended up with a few “okay” pictures, but nothing that was nearly as good as the original. I’m almost too embarrassed to post the proof!

Oh yes, there are more.  I really wanted some decent shots!

Learn from my failures, don’t do it the hard way!

Just a few weeks ago we spent a day with Lois on the way to Washington for a family vacation. This time I came prepared with my trusty Flip Pal. Much to the delight of my mother, AKA DearMYRTLE, I couldn’t wait to grab some albums and try it out.. My mom snapped these pictures while I happily scanned. I loved that I could easily sit and chat with the family while scanning away. I didn’t need to worry about lighting or even devoting my attention to capturing the pictures.

I love that my children were "into" it and wanted to hear more!

The best part? The look on Lois’ face as she watched me use this mysterious gadget. Remember, technology has not touched this cabin in the woods. The one computer that was purchased for her years ago sits untouched upstairs covered by a towel. (I think it has Windows 95 on it!) It is only used once a year to write a family Christmas letter. I explained to her that the Flip Pal is a scanner that uses batteries to operate. The touch of a button and about 5 seconds is all that it takes to get a beautiful scan. And the Flip-Pal software intuitively “stitches” scans together so I could easily scan whole pages of her albums. She shook her head in amazement at this world that we live in. While she mostly scoffs at technology and the “waste of time” it is and how impersonal it is, she actually said, “Well, isn’t that is a great little tool!”

So next time you head to Grandma’s make sure to pack your Flip Pal as you never know when it will come in handy. After all, Great-grandma Lois approves!

Carrie Keele
(a.k.a. "DearMYRTLE's daughter)

Printable Calendars, Planners and MORE!

"Presentation is half the battle." And I LOVE pretty things. Somehow, if I've got a graphically designed calendar or a super cute planner I suddenly become more productive. Maybe it's a girl-thing. Yesterday as I was getting paperwork ready for my first PTA meeting as Council President, I was working on the agenda (ho-hum) and knew I needed to add some graphical touches. Bree, my cute teenager, smiled as complimented it. (Bree is the artist in the family!)

Now, here's the thing. If you're not an artist or a graphic designer ... it's doesn't mean you can't enjoy the cuter things in life! I am constantly finding stylish printables & templates to fit my needs. Here are just a few of my current favs:

1. Routine Planner and Daily Schedule for Mothers from www.MeetPenny.com. Love the colors here. You can create a daily routine as a "guide" and then individualize the days.

2. Free Financial Printable from www.pinchalittlesavealot.blogspot.com. Budgeting ... not normally a fun subject. But I think these are just the dose of fun my budget needs!

3. Weekly Menu Plan from www.fabnfree.com. Next to budgeting this is probably the second most avoided topic in the house. And don't you dare ask, "What's for Dinner??" But what if you planned out 4 weeks and rotated them in a picture frame? Genius!!

4. Daily Planner from www.iheartorganizing.com. You can find many printables for free (and I do!) but sometimes to get the really good stuff you've got to be willing to pay for it. And really, if you are really going to use it, shouldn't we support the artists? Jennifer Jones is a brilliant designer and I just love the her style. she not only shows you how to use the elements together, but allows you to purchase that the products that you would actually use. LOVE!

5. How about a Blog Planner from www.infarrantlycreative.net? She breaks it down in a video with how to put it together and how to use it to plan a fabulous blog. Great ideas!

People are always telling me how creative I am ... if only they knew! ;)

Carrie Keele
(a.k.a. "DearMYRTLE's daughter)

Using Tweetdeck at Roots Tech

I love this picture from a class my mom and I taught last fall. So, is it?? Heck YA, you bet it is!

Now, you may think I say that just because social media is kind of my thing. But really, it's a way to connect with others, to learn and to grow. With so many people attending Roots Tech this year, you're not going to want to miss a beat. Twitter is a great way to see real time updates on all the inside details, but it can be a bit confusing. I highly recommend using Tweetdeck, here are some step by step directions: Use Tweetdeck to manage Twitter

Happy Tweeting!

Carrie Keele
(a.k.a. "DearMYRTLE's daughter)

Roots Tech 2013 & Story@Home Conerence

Wow, I can't believe it's here already! Tomorrow is the start of Roots Tech 2013 and their partner, the Story@Home conference. I'm getting nervous/excited/anxious/excited ... and probably a few other emotions. Why does a genealogy conference bring such emotion? Because I'm presenting a class Friday morning -- YAY!

I think it hit me when I saw my name on the speaker list under no other than the renowned Thomas W. Jones.

I hope you'll join us there. If not in person, than via live streaming. Just visit www.rootstech.org & download the app while you're there. My mom will be hosting several Google Hangouts or those that can't be there as well. Visit her site where she explains how: http://blog.dearmyrtle.com/2013/03/dearmyrtle-live-at-rootstech-2013.html

If you are going to be at the conference, I'd love to meet ya! You can find me at Saving Memories Forever booth (in the vendor hall) or Friday morning in my Photo Editing 101 class. If you come to the booth, you'll have to try this great app that allows you to easily record and store your recorded stories and memories!

See you soon, now time to get some sleep. Hopefully ...

Carrie Keele
(a.k.a. "DearMYRTLE's daughter)
www.NotYourMothersGenealogy.com

Instagram - Is it a Genealogist's Tool

INSTAGRAM – What is it?

Instagram is a fun & quirky way to share your life with family and friends through a series of pictures. Snap a photo with your mobile phone, then choose a filter to transform the image into a memory to keep alive forever!

Why use it?

• Easy, fun way to share your life with friends & fam
• Showcase and personalize your blog or website
• Connect with like-minded people

How is it different?

• Easy to follow other, you don’t have to “friend” people like Facebook
• Not limited to 140 characters like twitter
• Pinterest is for sharing ideas found on the web, Instagram is for sharing your stories, interests, etc

Check out the full webinar:

My mom and I had a ton of fun demonstrating how to use and create instagram pictures.

DearMYRTLE's Instagram for Genealogists featuring Carrie Keele.Alternately, right-click the link below and select 'Save As...' or just click to save the file to your computer.

http://www.dearmyrtle.com/webinars/InstagramforGenealogists/InstagramforGenealogists.mp4

http://www.dearmyrtle.com/webinars/InstagramforGenealogists/InstagramforGenealogists.mp4

My top 7 favorite apps to use with Instagram:       

1. Diptic
2. Instaplus
3. Labelbox
4. Camera+
5. 100Cameras
6. Frame Free
7. InstaFrame - free

Carrie Keele
(a.k.a. "DearMYRTLE's daughter)
www.NotYourMothersGenealogy.com

A Day of Thanks, Gratitude in My Heart

I don't know about you, but I love this time of year. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a fan of cold (still have my Florida blood running through my veins!) What I love about this time is the general spirit of gratitude that is found everywhere you look. Many of my Facebook friends are participating in 30 days of gratitude and post daily the things that they are thankful for. At a company Thanksgiving feast, people were heard sharing their thanks. My son comes home from school each day telling me a story he learned at school about pilgrims, Indians and traditions.

Life isn't perfect in fact it never will be. (Isn't that the design?) But despite the hardships and trials that I see so many loved ones facing, more abundant is the Spirit of the season and the underlying good.

This year I will be hosting my own Thanksgiving dinner. As I have prepared the menu, clean & organized the house, searched for decorations, fought to throttle my inner Martha & go for simplicity ... I have been reminded of the blessings in my life. From the obvious to the obscure, I am one lucky girl.

I won't attempt to list everything, it's impossible. But here are a "few". In no particular order.

Taylor, Bree, Braden, my mom & sisters, all of my family, friends, church, scriptures, prayer, my home, health, clothes, vehicles, computers, opportunities, modern medicine, iPhone & iPad, airplanes, Skype, food, schools, libraries, ice cream, conferences, social media, webinars, pictures, mountains, beaches, cabins, Orcas Island, freedom, choice, temples, comfy bed, heating & ac, bathtubs ... and BLOGS!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Carrie Keele
(a.k.a. "DearMYRTLE's daughter)
www.NotYourMothersGenealogy.com

Story at Home February 1-2, 2013 - Mark Your Calendars

I am so excited to part of the 2013 Story at Home conference this February!

I was able to attend last year after a good friend invited me. It happened to be around the same time that I was considering making the plunge into this world of genealogy, officially.

This conference is the perfect mix of story telling & family history. There's a chance to record your own story, start your family history research, start (or revive) your own blog and even learn how to tell your story through social media (YES!!)

Classes are held at the Joseph Smith Building (JSB) in downtown Salt Lake, with the opening session in the theater of the Conference Center. If you haven't been there before, you'll be marveled by the beauty of the JSB. Really. I could just sit there and daydream ...

I'll be hosting a hands on "Online Photo Editing" class. And I so excited that we get to do it in the lab. Because that means everyone gets to try it as we go! This class is not meant for the Photoshop guru, it's for you and me. Real people who want results without being too complicated.

Here are all the deets & how to register: http://www.cherishbound.com/blog/storyathome

Let me know when you register and I'll be sure to look for you there!

Carrie Keele
(a.k.a. "DearMYRTLE's daughter)
www.NotYourMothersGenealogy.com

And the winners are ...

CONGRATS to the winners of the 2012 Share a Memory Contest for their originality and creative use of technology. Each entry shared personal stories that are now preserved for future generations. The decisions of the judges are final. NOTE: We were good at not accepting any chocolate bribes whatsoever.

FIRST PLACE: 

SENTIMENTAL SUNDAY: MEMORIES OF NEW ENGLAND

by Vickie Everhart, posted 30 Sept 2012 on the Be Not Forgot Blog

TYPE OF SHARE: Picasa Slide show created from MyCanvas printed book

http://www.benotforgot.com/2012/09/memories-of-new-england.html

JUDGES COMMENTS: LOVE the bulletted list explaining each image in the slide show. Great info with links to FindAGrave and online photo albums with more info about the folks in the presentation.

SECOND PLACE:

BACK IN THE DAY -

by Dixie Petty, via her Facebook page.

""Back in the Day" photo: "In the early 1940s before WW II started, Albert Petty, Sr. (Buddy), bought a combination service station and family home in Nelliburg. The front was a small store with a service station. The rest of the building was a two bedroom home. "

TYPE OF SHARE: Photo and lengthy commentary from a series of Facebook postings where Dixie shares a vintage photo and the stories that come to mind when viewing it.

JUDGES' COMMENTS: We particularly like the old cars and filing station photo. Makes the 21st century cars look uninspired by comparison.

THIRD PLACE (tie):

GRANDPA'S CHRIS-CRAFT

by Shelley Bishop, posted 26 Sept 2012 in A Sense of Family Blog

TYPE OF SHARE: Blog with vintage photos, memories of weekends at Buckeye Lake.

JUDGES' COMMENTS: Logical progression of text and photos for us to follow along and get the whole story even though we weren't there.

MY CHILDHOOD ROOM - Pink, Pink, My Share a Memory Post by M. Diane Rogers, posted 26 Sept 2012 in the Canada Genealogy, or "Jane's Your Aunt" BlogTYPE OF SHARE: Blog with personal recollections, photos of pics on the wall, and the floor plan of her room. JUDGES' COMMENTS: Not sure what the "smoking table" is doing in your bedroom, but oh, how we'd like to see something like this for our Rev War ancestors' homes.

PRIZES:
The winners have been notified and will receive their prizes shortly!

Carrie Keele
(a.k.a. "DearMYRTLE's daughter)
www.NotYourMothersGenealogy.com

Online Photo Editing Webinar

Last weekend, my mom and I presented at the UGA Fall Conference and we had a blast! We've done lots of webinars together, but this was as first series of live classes. And I'm hooked! We had so much fun coming up with the content and thought we'd share it with you, since so many of our friends are around the world and couldn't make it to our neck of the woods. 

This week's webinar will be all about online photo editing. The best part is, the website I'll be demonstrating is FREE and user friendly. Hope you'll join us!

When: Mon, October 1, 2012

9:00pm – 10:30pm

9pm Eastern US 

8pm Central US 

7pm Mountain US 

6pm Pacific US 

Description: Explore how to easily edit pictures using free online resources. Achieve professional results without spending hours learning complex programs. Participants will be able to perform at least ten photo editing functions by the time they leave class.

All DearMYRTLE Workshop Webinars (c) feature a little bit of PowerPoint and a lot of demos. 

REGISTER now at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/598086360


If you need a time zone converter, there is a great one located here: 
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html 

Title: Online Photo Editing DearMYRTLE Workshop Webinar
Date: Monday, October 1, 2012 
Time: 9:00 PM - 10:30 PM EDT 

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

Carrie Keele
(a.k.a. "DearMYRTLE's daughter)
www.NotYourMothersGenealogy.com

Going to the Share a Memory webinar tonight?

Me and Mom, aka DearMYRTLE

Hiya! We're getting lots of entries for our 2012 SHARE A MEMORY CONTEST and tonight we're hosting a webinar on the same topic to help the rest of you get started. Here's the login info:

SHARE a Memory DearMYRTLE Workshop Webinar
September 17, 2012
Space is limited.

REGISTER now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/676266768

9pm Eastern US
8pm Central US
7pm Mountain US
6pm Pacific US

If you need a time zone converter, there is a great one located here:
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html


Carrie Keele
(a.k.a. "DearMYRTLE's daughter)
www.NotYourMothersGenealogy.com

Instagram Webinar ... the recording!

You've been hearing me talk all about Instagram lately, haven't you? Want to know what it's all about? Or get a refresher from Monday's webinar? It's here, check it out ...

 

Here's a list of my fav iPhone Apps:
(this is definitely not all-inclusive, there are literally 100s if not 1000s of apps that you can use to edit and create cool pix to share on IG and other sites)

• Instagram
• Camera+
• InstaPlus
• 100Cameras
• DipTic
• Frame Free
• InstaFrame - free 
• LensFlare 
• PopBooth
• iMovie
• Hipstamatic
• PS Express
• Live FX lite
• VersaGram
• TextGram
• Red Stamp
• Tweegram
• Label Box
• Pinstagram
• Pic Jointer

I have only ever used Instagram on my iPhone, so I don't know which apps are also available on the Droid. During the webinar, Patrice Green said PhotoGrid for Android is a good one. If you know of some great apps that you use (iPhone or Droid) I'd love to hear about 'em. I'm always looking for what's fun and new!

Make sure to follow me on Instagram: @CarrieKeele and @NYMGenealogy and my mom: @DearMYRTLE. I'll follow you back so I can see your awesome creations! If you want to make sure we see your pictures, when posting or commenting, just type "@CarrieKeele" and I will see it in my news feed! :)

Here's the link to the archived copy of Instagram for Genealogists.

DearMYRTLE's Instagram for Genealogists Everyone featuring Carrie Keele.

Alternately, right-click the link below and select 'Save As...' or just click to save the file to your computer.

http://www.dearmyrtle.com/webinars/InstagramforGenealogists/InstagramforGenealogists.mp4

Carrie Keele
(a.k.a. "DearMYRTLE's daughter)
www.NotYourMothersGenealogy.com

Eliza's bible: Video with DearMYRTLE

DearMYRTLE and I explore the Charles Switzer and Eliza (Wasden) Weiser family bible. I'm so glad we're documenting the stories! This bible is soooooooo neat. I know that we won't be able to open it many more times as it is falling apart.

Here is the first part of the video:

Here is the 2nd part of the video:

There are still some mysteries to unravel for sure!

Carrie Keele
(a.k.a. "DearMYRTLE's daughter)
www.NotYourMothersGenealogy.com

As promised ... slides from the Instagram Webinar

I've had a few people ask me if I could upload pictures of the slides from the Instagram Webinar that I hosted the other night. These slides go over Instagram basics including what it is, comparing it to Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest and navigating the menu. I should have a link to the whole webinar later today, so stay tuned! 

 

Plus it's fun!!

 

Once you have Instagram on your smartphone or iPad, it super easy to set up an account. Just tap on the app and follow the intuitive directions.

Newest IGs will show at the top. Yay, Instagram doesn't choose which IGs it thinks you want to see!

Don't forget, that search box will become your friend!! It will help you search for hastags or users.

If you click on the camera, this is what you will see:

IG doesn't email you when you receive new comments, likes or follows. So make sure to check your news feed to see if people are commenting & following. 

Now that you have an overview of the menu and how to navigate within Instagram ... just play around with it for a bit. It's relatively easy to use and really isn't too complicated (love that!)

Make sure to follow me on Instagram: @CarrieKeele and @NYMGenealogy (this is a new IG account I created just for this blog).

Carrie Keele
(a.k.a. "DearMYRTLE's daughter)
www.NotYourMothersGenealogy.com

"Share a Memory" contest!

I looooooove a good contest. So why not host one, genealogy style?!? 

During tonight's Instagram for Genealogists webinar, I, of Not Your Mother's Genealogy and my mom (aka Myrt) of DearMYRTLE's Genealogy Blog will tell you all about the 2012 "Share a Memory" Contest running now through 30 Sept 2012, with winners to be announced 5 October 2012 during Family History Month here in the USA.Thanks Mom, for helping put this together and for sponsoring the prizes!!

It could be a child's memory, an ancestor's story, a reunion memory, a recipe story, a back to school memory, a family ski vacay story, a camping trip memory, a water-skiing story, a miracle memory, a do-it-yourself project story, a favorite thing memory, a cousin story, a birthday memory... 

In this video we share several ideas to get you started:

but you could also do something like:

• Remind a 5 year old how proud you are he can ride his bike without the training wheels by sharing the video clip on YouTube for the world to see.
• Blog about how you made that family photo quilt. 
  
• Use Instagram to begin sharing ancestor photos with your siblings and cousins, preserving family history 
• Share a joke your Dad always used to tell via FB or your blog. 
• Create a short video clip about that old family heirloom.

ALL PROJECTS are designed to "Share a Memory" with other members of your family. (Even if they don't like traditional family history work, they'll get a kick out of your work on this project!) 

HERE'S HOW:

Enter  the 2012 "Share a Memory" Challenge:

1. Create your "Share a Memory" project using any sort of technology to preserve the story.
2. Send us the the info with a link to your project, via Carrie's Facebook page:
   https://www.facebook.com/NotYourMothersGenealogy
   
   If it is an Instagram, or Twitter be sure to include:
   @NYMGenealogy (for Not Your Mother's Genealogy!)
   @DearMYRTLE
   
   Simply copy/paste the following text to make it easy:
   
   @DearMYRTLE @NYMGenealogy #shareamemory Here's the link to my contest
3. Your entry post on Facebook must explain why you've chosen to share this particular memory, and how the rest of the family reacted to your "share".
4. Limit one project per "share".
5. More than one project "share" may be submitted.
6. By entering the contest, you agree to allow us to "share" your "share" in our blogs and on our Facebook pages.

DEADLINE: 30 Sept 2012, so we can begin to share your "shares" during October 2012, Family History Month in the USA.

JUDGING: The decision of the judges will be purely arbitrary, chocolate bribes are welcome. No seriously -- the winner will be chosen at random, and the decisions of the judges are final.

PRIZES: The Prizes will be announced on 5 October 2012. The winners must submit a valid US mailing address to receive the grand prize, unless Amazon.com delivers to your address in other parts of the world. The prizes include:

GRAND PRIZE

Kodak PlaySport (Zx5) HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera - Aqua (2nd Generation) - Eastman Kodak Company. You'll note t has a built-in "SHARE" button to instantly share the video you capture with family and friends.

2nd PRIZE - $50 Amazon.com Gift Certificate
3rd PRIZE - $25 Amazon.com Gift Certificate

Carrie Keele
(a.k.a. "DearMYRTLE's daughter)
www.NotYourMothersGenealogy.com

Instagram Webinar!

Are you wondering just what Instagram is? Or maybe you've installed it but don't really have it figured out? Join me tonight as I share what Instagram is and why you want to use this amazing app. I'll also share with you my fav apps to create amazing pictures. Instagram is available for iPhone and Androids.

Thanks Mom (aka DearMYRTLE) for hosting this webinar with me!!  

REGISTER NOW: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/444522665 

 

All DearMYRTLE Workshop Webinars(c) feature a little bit of PowerPoint and a lot of demos. 

9pm Eastern US 

8pm Central US 

7pm Mountain US 

6pm Pacific US

Carrie Keele
(a.k.a. "DearMYRTLE's daughter)
www.NotYourMothersGenealogy.com

Marathon Scanning Project

So you think it's easy interviewing older family members about genealogy? Try doing it when your mom is DearMYRTLE. ;) Actually, we had a blast and really enjoyed the week. I brought the kids along with their bikes and they played while we scanned. We did put a few things on video when we need a break!

We started scanning in the kitchen with 3 scanners, but ended up in the living room with the two fastest scanners hooked up by the two recliners (our backs thanked us!)

Scanning Day 1 Video:

Here Myrt shows how she kept track of things back in the dark ages!! (Can I repeat that I am soooooo grateful for technology???) This includes the microfilm where I found my first find as a genealogist at age 10!

 In this video, I share some of the things that I found. We uncovered lots of gems but really only grazed the surface! I just loved reading my Grandpa's baby book, priceless!

I never knew that my Grandma and Grandpa were bowlers! I knew Blanche was gorgeous but loved the honeymoon pictures. 

I learned a lot from my mom this week, she has a knack for knowing what to hold on to and digging a little deeper. You never know what connections or answer those "unrelated" documents might hold. Here's a classic example!

You can see my Mom's point of view and thoughts on her blog: www.dearmyrtle.com. Although I'm sure you follow her already!! :)

What kind of things do you have around the house or in the family? Do you have a schedule or plans to preserve these memories? I was talking to a good friend, and in her family they distribute the work. Each month they get together for a family dinner at her mom's house. When they go home, she and her sisters each take with them as much as they think they can scan and preserve that month. When done, they bring it back with them the next month and get more. I thought this was a genius idea since we really still have so much work left to do.

(a.k.a. "DearMYRTLE's daughter)
www.NotYourMothersGenealogy.com

Mom Guilt

Ever heard of mom guilt? If you're a mom, you know just what I'm talking about.

It has been a whirlwind around here lately. Hmmmm, let's see:

• Taylor and I celebrated 14 years of marriage (yay!!) ... we celebrated at a cute Bed & Breakfast up in Logan, UT where we met
• Taylor's dad got married (it's been just over 2 years since his mom passed away, the marriage is a great thing!)
• End of school year cRaZinEsS (party after field trip with more parties sprinkled on top)
• SLIG Registration opened this past weekend. Not only did Tom Jones' class fill up pronto (Hooray for my mom, she finally got in!) but several others are close. I've been working away trying to get them all settled (I'm the Administrative Assistant for the UGA).

I could go on, but why bore you? Plus, I know you get it. Now here's where the mom guilt comes in. You see, I missed the 1st grade bike parade last Friday. I know. GASP! How could I? But we were still in Logan for our anniversary.

Once home, my sweet little 6 year old said, "But mom, WHY weren't you at the parade?" I explained to him that I had been out of town, but that his BFF's mom took pictures so that I could see the fun (not to mention the fact that I helped him deck out his scooter and buy him just the perfect accessories so he could be stylin' in the parade). He was satisfied and ran off to play, but there came that darn mom guilt.

I've been to every-other-first-grade-event (and there have been a LOT of them) this year. I went on all the field trips, I volunteered in the class at least once a week and I was Room Mom & planned some super fun parties. So WHY do I feel guilty for missing one event? Yup, it's mom guilt. But I'm giving it up. I'm not going to feel guilty. Even though I think I should be able to do everything, I know I can't. And that's okay!

Thanks for being patient with me while I dealt with the mom guilt because in the meantime my baby (this blog) was also neglected. Let's not even get into BLOG GUILT. Nope, not going there!

I will say that I have lots of fun genealogy projects on the horizon and I can't wait to share them with you!! In the meantime here's a picture I put together to embarrass my cute hubby. And my mom too; she asked (very politely) if I could pleeeeease take a nice family picture where I wasn't sticking my tongue out or making a silly face. Hehehe!! :)

Carrie Keele
(a.k.a. "DearMYRTLE's daughter)
www.NotYourMothersGenealogy.com

Using animoto.com to make a photo/video slidshow

I've been working on a special project but had to keep my lips zipped so a certain mother wouldn't see it before Mother's Day! (If you know my mom, she's notorious for trying to open presents early. There was one Christmas where we opened presents at midnight ... because mom couldn't wait!!)

I've made several slideshows over the years using various programs. Of course as technology advances there are more and more options. My latest video was made using a website called animoto.com. This is a great option if you want stunning videos without a ton of work and technical knowledge. The price is either $5 per month or $30 for the year. Use this link and you can get the year subscription for only $25: Animoto $5 off.

Okay, on to the meat. If you didn't already guess, the video I compiled was a Mother's Day present for my own mom. It's the perfect present for the mom who has everything and is on the other side of the country. Take a look and tell me what you think.

Look tricky? It's not, I promise. Once you've created your Animoto account, just go to "create video" and choose from a pre-made theme:

There are several different themes to choose from. You can view a preview of that theme by clicking on it. Once you have the one you want, just click "create video".

Now that you have your theme, you can add music (either use music from Animoto or upload your own), add pictures or video or add text. Make sure to also click on the "Advanced Settings" so that you can change the title, description and thumbnail (this is the picture that will show as a preview before you play the video).

Use the tools on the right-side to rotate, shuffle & delete the files. One last useful tool, Right next to the timing (here it's 3:17), there is a pull down that let's you edit how quickly the pictures change. Play around with the settings until you are happy with the result.

When you have everything in order, just click the big green "produce now" button. You can wait for it to load, or Animoto will email you with the link when it is done. Voila, you've got a profession-looking video. And everyone will think you are a technical genius!!

Since Mom is still in Ohio after NGS, we had a family webinar using "GoToMeeting". All 4 families were online using webcams. After the grandchildren sang "HappyMother's Day" to all the moms, we showed the video to Grandma Pat. It was awesome ... she cried. A LOT. Score!!

Imagine taking your ancestor photos & stories and making videos that your kids and family will want to watch ...

Carrie Keele
(a.k.a. "DearMYRTLE's daughter)
www.NotYourMothersGenealogy.com