I thought it would be helpful (for me, at least) to write out my memory-keeping framework. I wanted to settle on an overall system to make sure that I’m capturing the big picture, the celebrations, and also the everyday details and stories of our lives.

I also think that setting these boundaries will give me the freedom to say no to new projects (like this or this – both of which I love). It’s taken me several years to develop, and I don’t doubt that it will continue to change, but for now here is how I’m approaching memory keeping.

Project Life

>This is our family album and the foundation of my entire system. All of our everyday life stuff goes in here. I don’t do individual albums for the kids but I will highlight them individually from time to time.

>Compiled in a 12×12 album, there is usually about a page per week, with a month encompassing two full spreads. Inserts are included for special events.

>At the back of each album I include a large envelope page for collected “stuff” that I want to save but don’t fit well into the spreads (such as birthday cards).

>One and only one album per year!

Week in the Life

>I just started this project last year (and am still completing my first album) but I know it is something that I want to do every year. I love the details it gives – way more than in Project Life – but it’s too intense to do more than once a year.

>Right now I am enjoying the 6×8 album format using Ali Edwards’ kit, but this might change in the future.

Holiday Mini-album (December Daily)

>I love the holiday season and the minibooks that I’ve created of them in the past are some of my favorites. These are stored with the holiday decor and pulled out after Thanksgiving.

>So far my format has changed each year, but I intend to continue putting together a holiday-specific album each year.

One Little Word

This is another tradition I’ve started this year that I love and intend to continue with. This album is more personal and for my own growth. The album is 8.5×11 and will hold 3-5 years’ worth in it.

5-year journal

I am in the fourth year of writing in my 5-year journal every night. This is where I write a brief overview of the events of each day. It forces me to be concise, but I capture the highlights. I also use it for reference when putting together my Project Life spreads.

Personal journal

I have opened a protected blog in order to write out my personal journaling. I try to do it at the beginning of each day, to get all of my thoughts out. This is just for me. I also have a prayer journal that I write in sporadically during my devotions.

Baby & Birthday Books

>The kids each have a baby book that ends roughly at age one. I didn’t want to stress about creating one myself, so I bought them each this one and just filled it up.

>They also each have a birthday book from the same author. They’re pretty cute and easy to keep up with.

Blog to photo books (planned)

I’ve also done a lot of writing about the kids on my blog. Birth stories, monthly updates during their babyhood, quotes, stories. My plan is to compile these posts into a photobook when I have enough of them. Right now I’m thinking every five years or so, but that may change. That way they will have something to take with them when they leave home.

Listing these all out it seems like a lot, but the only projects that are constantly ongoing are Project Life, the 5-year journal, and the personal journal; those are very much entrenched in my routine now. The others are either completed or sporadic. I think it’s a realistic framework to keep up with, and I hope it will only get easier as the kids grow up and gain independence.

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Related blog updates: I gave “documenting” its own category which you can access from the header menu above. Trying to keep things organized around here! And exciting: finally after nine years of blogging, I bought kapachino.COM! It was time. From now on, kapachino.info will redirect here. Thanks as always for reading!