Wondertime: Memory Box - and More Joys of Parenting Young Children

Memory Box

by: Ann P. Lewis

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.

What to Record
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."

Measure all the sides of the box and the lid. Measure the decorative paper or artwork to fit each panel of the box, 1/4 inch smaller than the margin on all sides. Cut the paper to size.

Cover the back of one paper panel with glue. Glue the paper panel on the box, smoothing from the center out. Repeat with the remaining panels.

Using the grid on the back of the Con-Tact paper, measure and cut Con-Tact paper panels the same size as the box panels.

Peel off the backing, and one at a time, place Con-Tact paper panels over the decorative paper or artwork, smoothing from the center out. Do the same for the lid. Cut a slit in the lid's center if desired.

A ruler

A large shoe box with a lid

Decorative paper or kid's artwork

Scissors and a glue stick

Clear Con-Tact paper