Archive for February, 2010

Most any couple spends some time considering about their similarities and differences. Surely our ancestors did too – they were probably aware of how alike they were in religion, culture, social class, and other areas. One thing that they didn’t know, however, was their ancient ancestry.

Knowing their deep origins probably wouldn’t have changed how they felt about each other, although they would have learned more about each other. The technology wasn’t available to them, but it is to us. And, because we carry the DNA of our ancestors, we can learn more about them after they are gone.

 People who are closely related to us genealogically can quite different from us genetically. Most people find that their own mtDNA haplogroup is different from their father’s and their grandfather’s. On the flip side, you might find out that your genetics are more alike than you thought. We know of one couple who discovered that their mtDNA was identical, meaning they probably share a maternal ancestor about 2000 years ago.

Our friend Anna started a new pedigree chart mapping out the mtDNA haplogroups of her family to see how genetically different some of her closest ancestors are. Take a look below to see how she did this. When asked why she made a new pedigree chart, Anna responded “I did this to show my parents the larger picture of how DNA works. It is fun to see where deep ancestry takes each of us in our whole pedigree chart rather than just the individual lines. I have also tested all 3 of my brothers-in-law and their mtDNA has all been from haplogroup H. I joke with my sisters that they have all been fishing in the same genetic pond.”

“So, what’s your haplogroup?” might not be the next catchy pickup line, but it can make for an interesting conversation. Whether you are testing yourself and your own sweetheart, or exploring the relationship of another couple in your family tree, you’re discovering a piece of history that hasn’t yet been written down.

How do you get started preserving the legacy of love in your family? Here are a few things to keep in mind … and in your heart!

Although you want to have as many genetic lines as possible to add to your family tree, you don’t need to test all your relatives! If you have had an mtDNA test, you already know your mother’s DNA. And if you are a male with Y results (or if you have a brother with Y results) you already know your father’s line.

But you can’t be tested for your father’s mtDNA or your maternal grandfather’s Y or mtDNA. If they are alive, have them take a DNA test. If they are no longer with us, it’s usually possible to find a relative who can take the test instead. (We can help you with that if you need it.)

When you are tracing the family of one ancestor, it is also a good idea to know the DNA of their spouse. Chances are you can learn more about grandpa through exploring grandma’s records and connections.

Each DNA test you add to your genetic family tree gives you a better picture of your family. And it preserves your family’s DNA, genealogy, and legacy of love for generations to come.

 (images from http://www.art-e-zine.co.uk/vintageresources.html unless otherwise attributed)

And don’t forget our February special! $30 off a kit, $49.95 off a 5-hour consultation, or both (see http://blog.genetree.com/2010/02/all-because-2-people-fell-in-love-and-a-wonderful-money-saving-offer/ for the details)

Yep, love’s the theme for February.  And what a great time to discover (or re-discover) your ancestor’s legacy of love..

Doing genealogy is relatively  new to me and because most of my ancestors are from Ireland, it is, at times, challenging.  But one thing sticks in my heart (another Valentine reference?) is how, back to whenever, we are all here because of 2 people

{images from http://www.art-e-zine.co.uk/vintageresources.html)

Now, while looking for our histories, there are times when a wonderful discovery is made..a photo or a story, a document or  even a tall-tale.

And to have a place to save them is wonderful (read: GeneTree’s Family Tree, where you can upload photos, documents and write your own story..)

However, there are also times we do not find the obvious links..no photos, missing documents, no stories to share with the up and coming generations.

Those two people that fell in love left us a far more telling document of their lives and times and those of their parents, and their grandparents, and back through the pages of time.

That is, of course, their DNA.  And because it is within all of us, it’s a gift we can now easily discover and leave for future generations.

Share Your DNA

While scrapbooking, blogging, Facebooking and Tweeting  are the daily journals of our lives, DNA give us much, much more.

We can trace the very foundation of our family; where we started, how we migrated and who we are related to in real time.

And, from now until the end of February, GeneTree is offering  two very very special Valentine’s promotions – and what a significant Valentine’s Day present this would be!

Offer 1:

$30.oo off of the the regular price of a Y46 DNA kit (male) or the mtDNA kit (male or female) or the Combo kit (males only – both YDNA and mtDNA tests)

Offer 2:

When you purchase our  Full Service Consultation package, you’ll receive a 5-hour consultation consisting of in-depth research and a full written report with a DNA expert, using YOUR results,  for the prices of 4 hours !  A savings of $49.95

Offer 3: Choose BOTH!  With a combined savings of $79.95

You will need to call in and ask for the Blog Special.  Our Customer Service team will process this over the phone.  Just call toll-free 866-740-6362

This is a wonderful month to give those you love the keys to unlock their own stories..

And to one day hear, “this is what I learned about US..all because two people fell in love”