In this holiday season when families are together and so important to us, it's an ideal time to gather information, pictures, and stories for passing on to future generations. Unfortunately, it seems many of us wait until we're the oldest generation living and there's no one left to answer questions about ancestors. That leaves us with the awesome task of solving many mysteries and riddles through lots of research. Off and on over the years, I've asked questions and put some information on paper, and that helps; BUT there are so many puzzles! "What were the names of the three Jones brothers who came from Wales and were my ancestors?" "When did they come to this country?" "Who was the Cherokee woman who was my great grandmother?" "What is the correct spelling of my great grandfather's middle name?" "Which of the three James Joneses who lived in Polk County was he?"

Solving the puzzles can be very addictive. I warn you! Each time a little bit of information is located, it's such a thrill. AND, to solve puzzles like these, I know I have to start with myself and then get the information on my parents (and who their siblings were) and work backwards. I've talked to friends who have done extensive research, attended some of ICON's Genealogy Special Interest Group sessions, and taken the Basic Genealogy class at OTC taught by members of the Ozarks Genealogical Society.

Of most importance, I've learned that to research efficiently, it's critical to be organized and to document sources of information-where you found something and where you didn't--so you won't waste time looking there again.

I recently purchased Family Tree Maker 2005 and because it has web search features, accepts pictures that can even be printed in pedigree charts, a Family Home Page on the web can be created, and a book can be published with all the tales included, I have an awful time tearing myself away from the computer and the telephone. ICON now has in the library two tutorial DVD's: Family Tree Maker 2005 Basics and Family Tree Maker 2005 Advanced-they're good.