Recording every. single. memory. Whether it’s by photo or the written word, we as moms feel intense pressure to document every little thing our children do. Surely you’ve seen the ideas on Pinterest . . . every month write a journal entry detailing your child’s loves, hates, and milestones; make an imprint of their favorite teddy bear on canvas; endless photo books; frame their funniest quotes; save the boxes from their favorite snacks (yes, that’s an actual suggestion found here). Don’t get me wrong, some of these ideas are wonderful. They certainly will preserve those memories you don’t want to let go, but they’re also time consuming and can take time away from you actually living those moments with your kids. If you’re looking for some memory keeping methods that are quick and easy, I’ve got you covered:
Memory Jar
Unlike a long, monthly journal entry a memory jar takes about five seconds, and it’s something the entire family can participate in. Simply set aside a large mason jar or vase, plop a sticky notepad next to it, and you’re all set. Every time your family has a perfect day at the pumpkin patch or your one year old does something so hilarious you never want to forget it, jot it down on one of the notes and stick it in the jar. We have a memory jar in our home and read through the notes together on New Year’s Day every year, but you can choose to do it when the jar is full or even every month if you like – whatever floats your boat!
One Line Journal
One of my friends gave me this journal, and I adore it. It’s set up to write down a quick memory from each day, over the course of five years. Granted, mine are usually a few sentences. Sometimes I don’t find the time for it every day so I have to catch up, but it’s worked out perfectly. You don’t even have to buy the book, you can easily make your own one line journal out of a blank notebook or journal that you have around. I have at least one memory or milestone written down for every day of my daughter’s life. Although they’re short and don’t tell the entire story, that’s what our actual memories are for, right?
Birthday Book
Children’s birthdays are always such a nostalgic time for moms (amongst the party planning insanity). I think a birthday book is the perfect outlet for all of that “she used to be SO little” emotion. Oh, and they’re a great gift for your future adult children (don’t start crying on me now!). In a leather journal, I write a lengthy letter to my daughter every year on her birthday, including a photo of us from that day. I plan to give it to her on her 18th birthday. After I make copies of every page, of course.
How do you record those precious memories in your home?
Excellent tips! I was terrible about recording my firstborn’s milestones. This second one hardly even seems to exist for the massive lack of records, bless her heart. As a matter of fact, when I saw this post I immediately wrote in my iPhone notes a quick summary of milestones I could remember. Thankfully she’s not had her first birthday yet so my memory hasn’t completely left me yet.
Love this! Love you! Love it all!