With the gobs of birthday parties at my house these past couple months, I’ve got another thing to add to my “to-do” list. But, at least it’s something I enjoy doing and is very important to me! Every year, for my childrens birthdays, I write them a letter. I have this huge fear that my children might grow up not understanding their value and place in this world. It would also break my heart if they were to every question my love for them and how important they are in my life. So…I’m hoping they will value these letters I write to them and maybe do it for their own children too! Sometimes life gets in the way and we forget or just don’t tell our kids how important they are, so doing this is a great opportunity to do so!
Include in your letters:
– Your child’s current favorites: foods, shows, things to do, etc.
– Funny things that have happened throughout the year
– Big events/happenings (family or national)
– Insights on your child’s personality
– Special things about your child
– Express your love for them and your hopes for them
I have a folder for each of my children saved on my computer where I include all of their letters from me, their letter to Santa, gift ideas for them, etc. Besides saving their letters in the folder, I also like to have them printed off on the first page of their photo books. Photo books by Shutterfly, love them.
The days of scrapbooking are long gone…I’ve got no more time! And, digital scrapbooking is so easy! I just upload my pics to Shutterfly, drag and drop them into the photo book layouts. I can save them and add to them whenever I want. When I’m all done I submit it and it comes in the mail to me. They seem pricey at first but when you think of all the money you are saving on printing photos, purchasing a binder, purchasing paper, stickers, embellishments…it’s TONS cheaper! 
Be sure to make time for making memories and preserving them!
That is a REALLY great idea, Mariel!!!
I love this idea. I can’t believe my little boy is 2 and I still have to do his first year book! Oops and our second is almost here… then when will I have time. I have wanted to make one of these books for him, since they are so easy and fun, but it’s going through the TON of pictures and organizing them that keeps me putting this off. Any ideas on how to sort digital pictures? You know the ones that you snap like five in a row and then have to figure out which one looks better then the others… lol. 🙂
What a wonderful idea! Tessa just had her first birthday but I think I’ll write one anyways….better late then never!
Thanks for your entry on scrapbooking. I was just thinking about this very thing and was hoping that you would give some insight. Perfect timing. I love your website!
Thank you so much for this entry. My little boy turns one in just a couple months and I’ve been thinking of something I can do for him every year. This post was right up my alley and I’m thrilled about looking into doing one of those books for him. Thank you, thank you for the idea!
Great post! I LOVE the letter idea! You will be so proud of me- I just started doing my scrapbooking digital since I sold my scrapbook stuff. Much easier!
Just found your blog and love it!!! This is THE BEST scrapbooking idea I’ve seen. I don’t know how many scrapbooks I’ve started and never finished (before digital pics)….now I just need to scan my old prints and start digital scrapbooking. I can’t wait! Thanks for sharing!!!