As you know, I really enjoy scrapbooking as a way to document special events and vacations. But as life gets busier, it's becoming harder and harder to find the time. Not to mention that there are some things that don't really fit into a scrapbook. That's where the memory box comes in.
Now that I was fully on board with this idea, the first step (obviously) was to find a box. I started by checking the inventory at Target and Home Goods. The more I thought about it, though, the more I realized how much I wanted the box itself to have meaning. I searched our house, but didn't see anything that could work. Then one weekend, while at my parent's house, I found an old wooden box in the basement. It was being used to hold some old family movie reels, but it looked to be about the right size. The box had a lock on it, and no key, but luckily the top had been unscrewed so it was still functional. When I asked my dad if I could use it, he told me that he had actually made it when he was in high school. That was the meaning I was looking for, plus it had the rustic look that matched our decor. I was thrilled, and Dad said it was mine for the taking! Once I brought the box home, I needed to fill it up of course, so I went from room to room collecting odds and ends. I found some of Dan's childhood things in our basement, including his stuffed lion, varsity sports letter and high school yearbook. These were perfect for the box. He even had some hand-painted plaques his grandmother made for him. So sweet.
I also found some sentimental things from early on in our relationship that didn't fit in the scrapbooks I had made. For our first Valentine's Day together in 2005, I had written out on post-its several reasons why I liked Dan and stuck them around my dorm for him to find. When he had collected them all, we put them in a heart-shaped box. So when I found this box in the basement, I knew it was the perfect addition. It was also fun to re-read the notes. Lucky for him, most of the reasons in that box are still reasons why I love him to this day. Awww.
Now I needed to find something to corral all of the smaller sentimental items like our wedding invitation, postcards, etc. I found another box at my parent's house which Dad said I could have. I filled it up with things like my Bentley graduation tassel, vintage coins Dan got from his grandfather, and remembrance cards of loved ones who have passed. This was turning into a special box.
The last step was to return to my parent's house and secure some of my childhood mementos. I had a box under my bed in my old bedroom so I took that home and went through it. There were a few things in there I didn't want anymore, but most of it I kept. It was a trip down memory lane for sure. I found old Bruins programs, some Eeyore figurines, photo key chains, and my old blanket. I even still had some ash from Mount St. Helen's we got in the 3rd grade.
Some of this stuff fit in the smaller white box, and the rest fit into the larger wooden box. It's pretty full, but it does offer some room to grow. I love that I have one place that houses our special memories. Now I just have to find somewhere to display the actual box.
Be well,
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