I originally started penciling in a tree, which was a bad idea since I had to move the tree over and erase the lines.

A smarter idea was using painter’s tape, which could me moved around without too much hassle.

Next, I created an Excel file with pictures, names, and birthdates of the ancestors on both sides of our family, printed and cut those out, then put them on the wall. I tried out an Omnigraffle file, but it was frustrating.

What worked best for me, was putting my side of the tree where I wanted them. I then painted tree branches around them. I just had to go for it and hope for the best.

Since the hardest part was getting the tree symmetrical, I took a picture of the right side, mirrored it on my computer, and then projected that on the wall. That was the best thing ever! Unfortunately, my library wall cut off about a third of the tree.

I had to fill in the missing third of the tree just by eyeing it. It didn’t turn out perfectly symmetrical, but again, I was limited by my walls, and it was good enough.

Next, I took off all the paper pictures and filled in the branches. I left little bumps on the branches for where the pictures had been.

Adding the pictures was the most fun part! I made the Lund male line go straight up the trunk of the tree, and the Heap men starting with my dad go up the right side. The women’s lines branch off to the sides. It is fun to see our sides of the family right next to each other like that.

I made another Excel file of the ancestral order of names for each person. I printed, cut these out, and glued them onto the back of each picture before laminating. That way, if we want to take someone off the wall, or if they fall off, it won’t be a crisis trying to figure out where they belong. Not to mention, it will help us know them each better and how we relate to them.

I have been able to fill in many of the cartoon people on Jon’s dad’s side of the family with real pictures. (I’m still hoping for a few more.) I was happily surprised to find photos of the entire South side of the family (minus one couple) on Family Search! I love Family Search!

Phase two of my family history wall was adding at least one image per ancestor that represents something interesting about them. This was so fun to do, and has sparked interest in the kids about their ancestors!

I did this as quickly as possible, not worrying about getting something that represents the entirety of a person. After all, when I tried to think of just one object to represent myself, it was basically impossible. So I’m not concerned about that, just finding something interesting and unique about each person.

For example, the honey represents a time, when on the pioneer trail to Utah, when food was being rationed, Edward sneaked some honey. The mother of another family noticed, and chastised Edward’s mother, telling her that she should hide the honey unless she wanted her son to sneak it. Edward’s mother replied that she would like Edward to be able to see the honey, but to choose to obey and not take it... and that he would not have taken any unless he was very hungry.

The picture of the oil lamp and Brigham Young: Ellen had a beautiful voice, and President Young would always request for her to sing when he came to town. On one occasion, she was wearing a new white dress while singing for him. He leaned over to see better, knocked over the lamp and apologetically asked her if it had spoiled her dress. She noted that he called her “Little Miss,” even though she was soon to be married, so didn’t feel like a little miss.

Several images have made someone whose picture otherwise doesn’t look too interesting to my kids, very exciting. Take Rhoda Elizabeth, who doesn’t look too intriguing ...until you notice the wolf eyes! While camping in a wagon, she woke up to a pair of animal’s eyes. She quickly pulled the covers over her head. Then her sister sleeping next to her said, “Liz, you stop pinching me!” She replied, “It wasn’t me, but it’s something!” and they began to scream. It frightened the animal away, but it returned three times in the night. Two mornings later, the men shot a large wolf, and the girls knew they had had a narrow escape. NOW how cool is she?!

This has been so fun to compile. Amy has helped me gather information and stories on the ancestors. We have been relying almost exclusively on Family Search, so it’s a huge blessing when people add stories there! I began by calling my parents to get their quick responses to the one-thing per person idea. That helped a ton and saved me loads of time. After researching Family Search dry, I called my Grandma Fish to ask about her grandparents. That was really fun because she remembers them and was able to help me. Besides, I love to hear my grandma’s voice... and I love that she calls me Jenni.

It took a while to cut all the pieces to size and put them on the tree, but 6-year old Tyler helped me, and asked about the people on it, pointed to a lot of the little pictures, and recalled some of the stories we had recently told. Everyone got a big kick out of the change, and I love bringing attention to the wall any way I can.

Seasons - Winter

For winter, I cut strips of thick, white felt, and stuck it on the branches and the ground using UHU tac (the same thing I used for all the pictures).

Seasons - Fall

To keep things interesting, I’ve been changing the tree for each season. Fall was the first season I did. I used UHU tac to stick a pack of faux leaves to the wall and some beneath the tree. Super quick, easy, and cute!

By my friend Laurel’s suggestion, I added red berries to the tree to give it a little color.

Seasons - Spring

I love pink blossoms on trees, so bought a few bunches and used the petals.

We put this baptism symbol next to each ancestor who was the first to join the church in his or her line. If their parents were the first to join, I put it on the top right corner of their picture.

We put a wagon wheel next to each person who crossed the plains.

The kids love looking at their ancestors as they pass by this wall.

Since making this wall, we have had a “Family History Moment” as part of every Family Home Evening where the kids take turns sharing a story about an ancestor. We begin by taking a field trip to the family tree wall so the kids can find that ancestor and learn how they are connected to them. This has been really meaningful.

Yay for the completion of another long-dreamt-of project!

“....And the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers” D&C 2:2 / Malachi 4:6

I also later added flags to each person who was born in a foreign country. There are more countries represented in more distant generations, but I’m sticking with the people on my wall.

At the bottom of our tree, I included pictures of our kids with images below them representing things they like to do or their talents. I’ve told them that whenever they want, I will add a new image under their picture. This is another fun way to relate with their ancestors above - to see who else played that instrument or whatever.