Home Keepsakes

You know growing up in a house that was constantly “under construction” was both fun and frustrating at times. Our long time running joke, when we get together for holidays with my parents, is “well, where is the forks and spoons drawer this year?” We all laugh and know what it means. My parents were and still are constantly changing around their house. I guess, they get bored easily. Home remodeling is their passion. This love was passed on to my two younger brothers and I too. What things have been passed down to you from your parents? Do you have interests, phrases you use, or special quirks about you that you know come from your parents.

My boyfriend (husband now) even said that I smell like “flowers and sawdust” when we first met. I did not know how to take that, except to explain to him that my mom loves flowers and our yard is covered in them (so that dad does not have to mow anymore) and my parents are always making something new for their house (hence the sawdust smell).

I know it may sound weird, but I would not trade my childhood for anything. Sure when I was little, I would have rather lived in a rich house with lots of toys. Although, as I am sure you have heard, money really does not buy everything.

Home Keepsakes to Preserve

Through all this remodeling for years, I have fond memories. Sentimental feelings come even more alive when I see actual items around my parent’s house that I can touch and smell. These kinds of tangible memories are irreplaceable. Here are some home keepsakes that you should be saving. Years down the road you may want to pass these kinds of items on to your children or grandchildren.

1. Antiques

I remember my parents shopping for hours with us as kids, looking for old antiques to decorate their house with bringing back memories of their parents. You name it, my parents probably had it. I am sure many of these heirloom items are worth a lot today. My grandma has many stories to share herself when she sits next to one of these old antiques, like a meat grinder, old cooking stove, or washing board. Listening to these stories helps us grand kids know what life was like when she was born. Priceless.

2. Baby’s First Shoes

Want a creative way to preserve your baby’s first shoes? Put them in a nice shadow box to hang on the wall of your nursery. You can also save them in this cute, decorative Baby Time Capsule. Then in 10, 20, or 30 years give the Baby Time Capsule to your child (like when he or she graduates high school) and have them open it up to see what all life was like when they were born, along with the other memorabilia you saved in the time capsule. Reminisce as a family. Precious.

3. First Home Keys

Turn your first home keys into Christmas ornaments. Make sure to include a paper attached to the ornament with special information about your first home. When did you buy it? What did you like most about your home? How much did it cost and the year purchased?

4. Photos and Artwork

Make sure you take pictures of your favorite photos or artwork to save online somewhere. These items are so valuable. You never want to lose them, not even in a fire. You can always save these pictures online for years to come. For your kids artwork, brought home from school every week, you can also take a photo of it to save, and not feel guilty when you have to throw it away eventually because you saved so much and it is taking up closet space. Save these photos of your kid’s artwork in a scrapbook for them to enjoy looking at again when they are older. You will be the best parent ever for saving all these through pictures of them.

To be continued….

We will talk more in our next blog on Wednesday (11-4-15) about other home keepsakes to save.

What are some things around your house that you could never throw away? Comment below.

Making Milestone Moments Count,

– Marcie