About Me

Author: Brenda Leyndyke /

Welcome to my Blog and My Journey!  I believe researching your family history is a journey and who doesn't like journey's?

My journey began in a small town in the thumb of Michigan.  You know you are from Michigan when you point to a place on your hand to show where you are from, so envision where the thumb is located.

I left the thumb to attend Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan.  I received a Bachelor's of Science degree in Home Economics Education and Health Education.  I have been a Home Economics teacher, a preschool teacher and a WIC nutritionist.  The best job I ever had was that of being a mother.  I am a mother of two delightful young adults, Kirsten and Travis.  I have a son of the heart, Chase, Kirsten's husband; and a daughter of the heart, Alayna, Travis's girlfriend.  Family is everything to me.

I met my husband, Kirk, when he was teaching in the thumb.  We met, fell in love, had a daughter and a son and moved, eventually settling in Battle Creek, Michigan where we have lived for over 20 years.

My husband, Kirk, and I are empty nesters now and genealogy has given me a new purpose in life.  One might say I am addicted to it.  Many a days have gone by and I don't even realize that it is time for the hubby to come home. 

If I am not researching our family, you will find me reading, gardening, or organizing something.  Oh, and I collect cookbooks, having hundreds of them!

I love comments and feedback so feel free to contact me.  I promise I will step away from my pedigree chart and respond.