For the past few years I have been making photo books for both Audrey and Nathan. I tried my hand at scrapbooking and let’s just say that I am not an artist nor very creative. However, when I have a computer and a format, watch out. Not to mention in my estimation it is much less expensive and time consuming than traditional scrapbooking, photo scrapbooking is perfect for me. The books are reasonably priced and the finished project is a professional product. There are several different websites to assist with photo books but the one I love and use is Shutterfly. (I also use Shutterfly to create annual calendars for the Grandmas, it is one Christmas gift they love, expect and something I don't have to think too hard about, it is always a winner).
This year I am going to be doing the photo books a bit differently. See, a few years back my friend Emily Buckley (Venice, FL) told me that her mom would keep an individual journal for each of her children. She started the journals when she found out she was pregnant for each of them. She would document and talk to them individually - her feelings when she found out she was pregnant, the first time she could feel them move, etc. When Emily first told me about these journals I was impressed. I thought about how wonderful it is for each of her children that she kept these memories for them, individually. I also thought of myself and the fact that I can barely keep a journal of my own (in fact, my blog has become my journal) I couldn’t imagine keeping more than one and doing a good job at it. So, I have modified the idea to better fit me and my family.
At the conclusion of each of the photo books I am going to add a special section just for that child – a letter from me representing that specific year. I want them to know what they were like, their hopes, dreams, quirks, the friends that they had, etc. But I also want them to know my personal hopes and dreams for them and why I find them to be special in their own way. I have been thinking about these letters for over a month now. I will begin drafting them and probably by their birthdays I will be ready to add it to their photo books. This year is setting itself up to be very emotional… I wish I would have started this when Nathan was a baby!
2 comments:
I love that idea Tonya! I've been contemplating how to make it a little more personal without becoming too much work that I fall off the bandwagon quickly. I could definitely do a little extra once a year. :)
Have I mentioned how awesome you are?? :)I love Shutterfly! I had a goal of making Jake a photo book of his first 8 years...I have worked on it but it hasn't been finished yet. (You see how well I keep up with my blog...now times that by 8 years...) It is so easy to put together, but it takes FOREVER to download the pictures to it for my computer...It is so worth it though to know your pictures are safe there forever! I started a journal when I was pregnant with Jake, but I am such a slacker...I know you will do it though-you are wonder women!!! :) When I grow up I am going to be just like you!!!! (and yes I remember you are younger than me...)
Post a Comment