When the kid started talking, she would answer “Sure” instead of “Yes.” Example:
Kid (screaming): “Emonade, emonade, emonade!”
Me (about to lose my sh*t): “Would you like some lemonade?!”
Kid (very nonchalantly, as if she wasn’t just screaming for it: “Sure.”
She now says “Yes” more than “Sure,” which I know is the way things are supposed to go, but it does make me just a little sad.
My point is, I’m always terrified I will forget those little things.
I’m also worried about forgetting Grunt Labor’s ways of saying I Love You, like “You’re the thin set to my tile.”
(Where does he come up with this stuff?)
And the time Will asked if this was Jesus music on the radio.
I mean, it is Garth Brooks, he’s kind of like the Jesus of country music, people.
And then there was the time Grandma told the kid (at the age of 1), “Its amazing how advanced you are. Its also unfortunate.”
Truer words were never spoken.
So, to keep up with all those sweet (and humorous) memories of our cra-cra lives, I’ve found a few ideas.
Creative and Easy Ways to Document Memories
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1. Memory Rocks
Memory Rocks are something Grunt Labor and I already do. We’ve actually been doing these since the first year we were together and I realized that our courtship wasn’t just some fling. Apparently, he knew that long before I did, but that’s a whole other story. Each rock is numbered and that number represents a moment in our lives that we don’t want to forget. More details on our memory rocks (including some of our best memories are here.)
2. Family, Guest, and Friends Notebook
I had this idea a few weeks ago and it is definitely something I plan on putting into action in the new year. Sometimes, our friends will bring up some of the funniest things we have done and I will have totally forgotten about it. Case in point, when we went on the RV trip to the middle of nowhere and David and Heather reminded me about the party at their house where I moved around the house all night engrossed with the Ghost Radar app on their iPad.
I’m a sucker for anything ghostly.
Since our friends tend to have better memories than we do sometimes, I thought it would be fun to put a pretty notebook on our entry table and let them write down a few things before they leave our house after a visit. Of course, a green Kate Spade notebook that says Penny for Your Thoughts is my pick.
3. Yearly Calendar or Planner
I’m stealing this idea from my father-in-law. When Grunt Labor was born, his dad had a calendar and would write down anything that Grunt did on that day. So when the kid was born and we were wondering when Grunt Labor started eating solid foods or pooping on a regular schedule (I’m kidding – he’ll kill me for writing that), all we had to do was phone Mom and Dad, and they whipped out the calendar and told us. Seriously, how hard would it be to just buy an extra calendar or planner and jot down those memories right as they happen? I would suggest a planner or calendar that has large spaces for writing, and of course it has to be pretty, like this one.
4. Ticket Stub Holder
As soon as I saw this ticket stub holder idea from Lauren at The Thinking Closet, I did it. I mean, really, its so stinkin’ cute and its a fun and pretty way to display all those ticket stubs! One of the boys actually asked for one of his own recently and he’s in the full blown teenager stage. If he thinks its cool, its most definitely cool.
5. Memory Jar
I love how pretty and easy to make this Etched Glass Memory Jar is. You don’t have to stash it away – keep it out to enjoy all the time!
6. Memory Box (from a Recipe Box)
This is also another super simple way to keep up with those special moments. Wit and Whistle uses a pretty recipe box to document her life.
Do you have any creative and easy ways to document memories?
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Candy Walsh says
These are all great ideas!! Where were you when my kids were little?!? I guess I could start now huh, never too late to make memories! I better write mine down tho, or I’ll forget what all the numbers are for, lol. Since my daughter just got married, maybe I’ll have some great grand baby memories soon and who knows my son only has two more years of college so….yep, I’m gonna do it!!
Thanks for another truly awesome idea! You’re the best and keep me in stitches!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Oh, Candy, you are going to have some awesome grandbaby memories!! Our parents are head over heels for our little hellion!
Angie says
Love these ideas! I’m making a ticket stub holder for my 3 girls ASAP! We just returned from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and they all wanted to keep their tickets. They’re ages 15, 18, and 23
Thanks for the great ideas!
Angie
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Aren’t those so cool, Angie?! I just love that idea and they are at the perfect age for one!
Lauren @ The Thinking Closet says
Aw, thanks so much for including my Ticket Stub Memory Box in this mix. Fun fact: that was the FIRST EVER Thinking Closet tutorial, way back when. I clearly need to update that post with a photo our memory box filled to the brim with ticket stubs. It’s amazing how different it looks after just 2 years. Merry Christmas hugs to you, friend!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Was it really the first, Lauren??? That is so awesome! I love it! We have one and seriously, I made one for one of our boys for Christmas this year!
chris aka monkey says
jenna what an awesome post you are so thoughtful..i don’t want you to forget any thing so we can have story time..i have looked forward to your posts every day you know i am honest as hell..and i haven’t always like all of the stuff you do but love your way of presenting it..you have cracked me up so many times and have made me cry a lot too…you have made me ponder on things and i look forward to next years freak flag flying..merry Christmas to you, grunt and the circus xx
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Well hell, Chris, now you’re making me teary eyed. Love ya, gal!
Tammy says
MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and your family..!!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you, Tammy! I hope you and your family had an amazing Christmas as well! Cheers to the new year!
Rebecca says
This is all so perfect
I’m ready to get up in the morning
Find me a ticket stub frame for each of the kids
Get a memory jar
And some great little rocks
Yes!!!!
I can do this!!!!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Yes, you can, Rebecca!!
Michelle says
Super cute ideas Jenna. Memories are often fleeting and I’m always looking for ways to save them, especially now that I’m getting on on live. I love these ideas
Jenna says
Thanks, Michelle!
Kimm at Reinvented says
Love these ideas! Christmas got a little melancholy for me this year, as my children are growing in to adults. What great ways to preserve the memories! Thanks for linking up to Funtastic Friday.
Jenna says
Thanks, Kimm! Oh, I can’t even think about mine getting that big – I’ll start bawling!