New Year’s #SmartMamaLUTION 1: You will be a Smart Mama by preserving memories with your family.
We tend to remember the important days each year, like birthdays, holidays and even the 1st day of school. But do you remember what you did last year on March 3rd? or November 17? or the specific date your daughter found out she get an A+ on her science project? I don’t. But I want to. I want to have those moments sitting on the couch with my kids and husband, looking back like you do with a scrapbook, and reminiscing about the events of year’s past.
Today’s SmartMamaLUTION is to make a memory box to jot down a blurb each day of something that’s memorable. This 10 minute task will require:
- few packs of index cards – you’ll need 366 cards
- box no larger than a kids shoebox – I got mine at Target on clearance with the Christmas decorations
- pen
- date stamp (optional)
- Jot down the date, or use a date stamp, for each day of the year. i.e. January 1, January 2…
- If you have available, make tabs for the months.
- Place the cards in the box.
- Before writing the day’s memory, write down the year.
Let the Memories Begin!
Begin making and keeping memories by dedicating seconds each day to jot down something special about the day. The kids should be part of this. Invite them to recall the day and decide what to write. Those “boring” days of just school and soccer practice…well, something great happened – I promise! It might be that you tried a new recipe or that Dad actually got home from work before the kids fell asleep! Whatever is memorable, write it down.
I Know I’ll Forget to Write!
I’m sure you will, at least once. What I’ve found to be a Smart Mama strategy is to get your kids involved in remembering. My 5 year old has a far better memory than me! I’ve placed our box in her room. As part of our good night routine, just before prayers, we are writing down something about the day. She remembers. She always remembers!
It Really Gets Better Later
The best part doesn’t happen until next year, when you pull out the card for the current day, read & reminisce of what happened with the family that exact day and then add the next memory along the new year.
From start to finish, setting up shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes!
Share!
Take a photo or two and write a quick blog post about how you did SmartMamaLUTION #1: Remember 2012 & Beyond with an Easy, Quick Memory Box! You are invited to include a link to your post using the LINKY below.
If you do not maintain a blog, I welcome you to share a comment below about your memory box!
Return tomorrow for SmartMamaLUTION #2: DIY Ornament Box
Love this idea!
Oops…can you tell I need to go to bed? I spelled DIY wrong!!
Really, really love this idea. I’ve jotted down notes from the last couple of days so I can transfer to index cards when I get the supplies later today.
I just bought all the supplies and will be creating mine tonight. I will post a photo and write a blog about it as soon as I am done.
Can’t wait to see!