Cultivating Memories and Mom Guilt

Know anything about that? Mom guilt–its the worse. The thing with mom guilt is, no matter how much you do right there is always something that is nagging at you. I am a stay at home mom and I work pretty hard to be present in my children’s life. We make a holidays and birthdays a big deal. We have lots of traditions. We get out and experience the world. I feel good about that. What has been nagging at me lately is how little I have done to record our life. My children have no baby books, I barely marked milestones. All I have to offer them are random blog posts, Facebook and Instagram posts and a hard drive full of photos. Please tell me I am not the only one?

Maybe it is baby #3 coming in a month, or my grandfather’s Alzheimer’s or just the nagging fact that life is flying by, but I feel like I need to start documenting life. I have been stalking something called Project Life for a long time. I even tried winning it a few times. Project Life is suppose to make documenting life easy and give you that adorable scrapbook look we all want, without the hassle or the thought. I’ve debated and debated on purchasing project life. I was nervous that I was buying something that would just sit. That I wouldn’t use.

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Well I bit the bullet and I ordered the kit. Here is what sold me.

I figure when something adorable happens I can jot it on one of the cards. Then I have the memory for safekeeping. My plan is to order my photos at the end of the month and put one month together at a time. Like anything, make it a habit. I can couple my already recorded cards with photos and I should have a meaningful photo journal for my family.

I already ordered prints from Persnickety Prints. They have these adorable Instagram polaroids you can order. They are the same size as the journaling cards, so they will fit perfectly into the project life sleeves. I figure I will start with January and get myself caught up real quick. This year I am focusing on just 2013. In the past I have overwhelmed myself by worrying about past years. After 2013 is completed and a new habit is formed I will start worrying about 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.

One idea I have for playing catch up is to order the January prints for ’08, ’09, ’10, ’11, ’12 while doing January of 2014. Repeat. That way by the end of 2014 I will be completely caught up.

Truth be told, I feel better already. Just ordering the kit and making a plan makes me feel good. I cannot wait to tell you how it goes and share my progress. I am sure many of you are looking for solutions to a similar problem.

I wasn’t paid or perked in any way to tell you about this product. I have yet to receive my kit. I really hope this is the solution to my problem. I would love to know how you document life. Are you overridden with guilt too? Anyone try Project Life? I would love to know your experience or if you have any tips.

Katie Pallen

I struggle with mom guilt everyday. I work full-time and not being able to spend that time with my daughter is enough guilt in and of itself. I think this is a great idea-keep us posted on how you like this!

http://www.balancinghome.com Megan Bray

Right? The guilt never ends. I will be sure to let you know. I have had that guilt too. At the end of the day they know they are loved and we are probably doing way better than we give ourselves credit for. Enjoy your weekend!

Guest

For 2013, my goal is to complete a Day to Day album with one photo a day for the entire year. I’m creating a digital scrapbook (using Creative Memories StoryBook Creator Plus software) and will have my album printed at the end of the year. Once a week, usually on Saturday night, I spend about 30 minutes going through my photos of the week and pick out 7 that represent our lives at the moment. I add the photos and document the details into my digital album and I’m done. So far, this has not been overwhelming for me. I too am afraid of life going so fast that I am going to forget all these precious moments! Thanks for sharing what you are doing! Keep us posted on how well you like it!
Alyson

I think if you dont feel guilty about “insert latest guilt trip”, then you’re not a mum (haha) because sometimes it seems a never ending cycle of never feeling you are doing or being enough. We can sure be our own worst enemies at times. I do scrapbooking, have also stalked project life (lol) but havent gone down that path yet, i am currently working on 2006 & once i hit the 2007 photos i can go digital which i’m really excited about! Good luck, i would love to hear updates on how you progress with it this year
Elizabeth Wilkinson

I do PL digitally and I use Seafoam, just love that kit. I think the best tips are to grab a little notebook or use your phone jot down daily notes or weekly notes and download your photos from all cameras weekly and make weekly folders so your photos are sorted easily. Another great idea is to check out the CT for tips and google PL tips and organising ideas as this comes up with great PL advice. Best of luck , keep it fun. Libbywilko
http://thebigwhitefarmhouse.blogspot.com/ Ashley at the BWF

I have used Project Life for three years now. Since the baby was born, I am horribly behind and haven’t done anything for 2013. But you are right, it’s all about getting in that routine! And the easy part is that once you find it, you can catch up so quickly! Slip those photos in a pocket, add a little notecard and done!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=55300617 Kelsey Winter

I used to scrapbook, but have since transitioned to Shutterfly photo books. I find they’re faster and cheaper than traditional scrapbooking and take up less space. No matter what format you use, it’s good to keep to a schedule. I try to keep up with my book by transferring my blog entries immediately into my photo book and then doing a month’s end entry with all the random pictures that didn’t relate to a specific event. Normally, I keep up with it pretty well and it keeps me from falling really behind. Having a system that works with your life will definitely help keep you on track. I hope you have fun with it and I can’t wait to see your progress!