First the basic form used to record family history is the Pedigree Chart.
The pedigree chart begins with you and branches out to show your direct line ancestors. Which are your parents, then grandparents, then great grandparents and so on.
The word pedigree comes from the french word "pied de grue" or cranes foot, because the lines of the chart resemble the thin leg and foot of a crane.
For someone who is just beginning to do family history I would advise that you print out a free pedigree chart and start by just writing out the information you have. I would not at this point sign up for any website that is going to cost you money. Because you don't want to pay for something that you could get for free, and you don't want to pay when you are just beginning to learn.
So the site that I found to be the best and free is About.com Genealogy. They have free Pedigree charts and they also have a small video that tells you how to fill the pedigree chart out. It is very basic and easy.
If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints you will at some point need to learn how to use their free family history site. I would advise that you become comfortable with doing family history before you go to their site. I went and looked at their site and felt if I was just starting I'd be overwhelmed. They have too much information for a beginner. I often hear people talk about being overwhelmed and I can see why.
So For this week check out About.com genealogy. Let me know what you think of the site and it's videos. I actually learned some new stuff while I was checking out Pedigree charts.
If you have any questions on starting please leave a message and I'll answer you.
Here is a Quote about Family History from Elder Russell M. Nelson in May 2010
" Our inborn yearnings for family connections are fulfilled when we are linked to our ancestors through sacred ordinances of the Temple."
My other goal for this year is to live on a very tight budget and learn how to save money.
I have gone one month with out buying any clothing for myself.
I have not bought anything from the break room vending machines.
I have driven less each week for a savings of $10.00 a week.
I also turn down the temperature in the house 4 degree's each night. It cut my heat bill by $30.00
I'm also not using credit cards this year. If I don't have the money I don't get the item.
For March I'm trying to start a grocery price book so I can track the ups and downs in prices of the things we like to eat so I can buy at the lowest price. I'm also making a very big pantry.
My goal is to save enough money to go to Arizona in November to visit my brother and parents. Then to save for a trip out east in 2014. So if I find any good saving tips I'll pass them on.
Good luck with your family history research. The other reason I have not written recently is I've found a family line that has not had any work done, and I've been busy putting the names into the Family Search website.
G.G.
