Memory Box

by: Ann P. Lewis (Wondertime)

For some of us, keepsakes have to be easy or no keeping happens. My method requires 1) a pen, 2) paper, 3) a box. I simply scribble notes (see ideas below) and drop them, dated, in the box. Someday I may whip these choice scraps into an archival masterpiece, but probably not. I'd rather sprawl on the bed and read with my kids — no chronology, no calligraphy, no pressure.

Examples of what to write.

Direct quotes: "Mommy, how does the [childproof vitamin] bottle know a child is trying to open it?"

Snippets of overheard play monologues or child conversations
Clara: "I wonder who invented crayons." Freddy: "Someone who was very experienced with things rubbing off."

General descriptions: "Freddy went to school today in his new cowboy outfit: suede vest with fringe and a badge over his heart, matching chaps, boots, and a gigantic hat."

Lists (friends, visits, words, fears, etc.)
"What is in Clara's schoolbag: 2 rocks, 1 cotton-ball fairy pillow, 1 filthy stu­ed animal, 1 pair sparkly shoes, 1 newspaper."

Milestones: "Freddy lost his first tooth at 9 p.m., 5/11/05, while sitting in Daddy's lap in the striped chair in the playroom. One quick tug and out it came. Not a baby anymore. Think of all the action that little tooth has seen so far."

You could decorate a shoe box, tin, recipe box, or any other container you want. Make sure you leave the box somewhere you spend a lot of your time and it is very accessible, such as in your kitchen or family room. And make sure you keep a pen and paper near it. Otherwise you will plan to get the stuff out to do it, but never really get around to it. Then you forget exactly what was said or done.