Potraits of the Kids - Spring 2008

Took the kids to JC Penny's and got some update portraits done. The boys look so grown up in their shirts and ties. The camera loved Adelie, and she could not get enough of smiling for her pictures....what a sweetie. Also had a few shots with cousins Aden (4) and Tyler (2).

Random Pics of Adelie being Mischievous - June 2008

Here is an accumulation of some random pics of us catchin' Adelie acting mischievous...and even if we can't prove that she was up to no good, she at least looks like she was; guilty until proven innocent !

Potter Family Coat of Arms - June 2008

Thought it would be neat to do some research on The Potter Family Coat of Arms.

After several searches on the Internet, this is what I found....

The Coat of Arms to the right is the historic Potter Coat of Arms. I will do me best, with the assistance of several sites I found, to explain all the symbolism in the different images, colors, lines, etc within the Coat of Arms as they all have meaning and add a deeper understanding to our heritage.

The diagram to the right is a quick guide to the meaning behind all the imagery and symbols used in the Coat of Arms. This diagram has been historically used by historians and artist throughout all ages in creating Coat of Arms. Click on the image to be directed to the website that this diagram came from to better view the details in the diagram and do your own research into Coat of Arms history

Per my searches on the Internet, I found the following symbolic meanings behind the Potter Coat of Arms....

Moto: Apparently, our forefathers or historians in charge of creating our Coat of Arms did not think of a unique Moto...maybe we can think of one ?! Our Moto Banner simply reads "The Ancient Arms of"

The Crest: The Crest, what appears above the helmet, gives meaning about the role of the family. Our Crest is a Horse, specifically a Sea Horse. The symbol of the Horse historically means; Readiness for all employments for king and country. The Sea Horse adds further meaning; Power of the water. So, it would appear that our family was known for our loyalty to king and country, and frequently did so upon the waters of the sea.

The Helmet: This frequently identifies the class or status of the family. Royalty always showed their helmets facing forward, while all other classes show the helmet facing the left...so sorry, I guess we are not royalty, though most of us are Royal Pains ! Our helmet (to the right) is that of the Chevalier. Found several meanings for this; A member of certain male orders of knighthood or merit, a gallant or courtly gentleman, a horseman, chivalrous.

The Wreath / Torse: Not much symbolism to be found here, other than the colors used, which are usually two colors that repeat themselves. Our colors are Red and White. Red signifying Warrior or martyr; Military strength and magnanimity and White for Peace and sincerity

The Shield: There are a few elements to the shield which include lines or separation of the shield as well and any designs / pictures on the shield. To the right is a close up of our shield.

- Lines; the line through the middle of our shield signifies the Military Belt - represents Honour - The three Cinquefoils at each corner of the shield (look like five leafed clovers) represent Hope, Joy

- The other symbols on the Belt were hard to locate a meaning for....but they sure are cool looking !

Let me know your thoughts on this one, especially you Mom as you have done the majority of our family history work...would love to hear if the symbolism shown in the Coat or Arms is supported by what you have researched / seen in Dad's family history

And no worries, I have plans to do the same analysis for McIntosh Coat of Arms....but that will have to be another day :)