My children go to school. My children go to Sunday school. My children generate so much paper stuff that I have three bins dedicated to trying to contain it! I have graded school work. I have completed craft items - most of which have unidentifiable other stuff falling from it. I have journals and workbooks and finger paintings.
I bought a schoolwork box to keep those items that hold a special place in my heart for the future. The future of what?! When my son and daughter are 18 years old and looking at me from underneath this ever-growing pile of paperwork, asking why I saved the three scribbles written in magic marker (which ripped a hole in the paper) because it was the first time they used something other than a crayon?! Are you kidding me?!
I have tried to cull as much of this as I could. But as moms can probably related to, I am afraid of throwing away that one piece of paper that will hold some kind of emotional significance later, and I will deeply, DEEPLY regret tossing it out with the 11x14 paper with sand glued on it. You know what I mean.
So, I've come up with a solution that allows me to breathe again, and it has deepened the relationships within our family. I mail all precious-yet-trashable masterpieces to every relative I can think of who might appreciate them. How awesome am I?
8 comments:
Very smart. We're in the beginning stages of receiving the not-so-great art work. I plan on scanning them in and getting rid of them, we'll keep a few but I don't need boxes full of scribbles...
Did I mention I recently changed my mailing address? Yeah, you can mail me all those projects just as soon as I get the new address for you. Look for it in the mail. Any day now.
That's a great idea! Why didn't I think of that? I'm only 16 oz of awesome. You are easily 44oz of awesome. Sigh.
I so remember all of the art work my kids use to bring home when they were younger. We decided in order to show off all the kids work and not hurt any feelings (and not to have my house covered in paper) we made "Garage Art". We lived in our last house 8 years and when we moved the garage looked as if we had wallpaper coverering every wall. The kids thought it was cool to see all their work up there and we discussed all of them as we took them down to move.
I can totally relate... and my one and only daughter is only 2!! What a great idea though!! :)
It is hard to keep up with and some culling is to be expected. I culled a lot of the scribbles from her "formative art years" (2-4)
I have one of those big clear plastic storage containers I put her papers in, after I make sure the date of creation is written on.
I have this vision: I see her when I'm very old or dead (or both,) she on her third glass of wine, pouring thru the box - wailing about what a great mom I was to save all that stuff.
You mailing idea is Grrreat, tho.
Great idea! My mom saved a HUGE bin full of EACH of her children's school work! It will probably deteriorate before I ever see it!
I will leave this issue to you womens.
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