Thursday, January 25, 2007

Memory Trunks



I have always loved the attic scene in Little Women where Jo lovingly looks through all the treasures in Beth's box after she has passed away. And, so I was inspired to create these "memory trunks" for each of my daughters. I found the trunks on sale at Hobby Lobby (two different times) and use them to store special treasures of each life represented. I also hope to use it as a tool of limiting what we save - keeping only the most special and important treasures. And, I sincerely hope that these will be a precious treasure for them someday! So far in their trunks are one baby book in each, the outfit I brought them home from the hospital in and a few baby cards. Emily's has a piece of artwork or two but there is still LOTS of empty space. I will probably not keep these in the attic due to the changes in temperature up there. But, they are currently both in Rachel's room, though they may move around in the future.

10 comments:

The Frugal Shrink said...

Those are gorgeous, Monica! I know they will love them when they get older. :)

Amy said...

I got my grandpa's trunk when my grandma passed away. Right now it's holding my stuff from college, but I was just thinking the other day that I need to put some real keepsakes in it. It's always more fun when they have their own special place.

It's a Mom Thing said...

I love this idea, Monica! At my Mom's Bible Study, we had a little session on "treasure boxes" and the lady who spoke read from the book Mary's Treasure Box. It was a very meaningful lesson. I need to start one for Talley as the stuff I have saved for her is all over the place. I love the trunk you have, too.

Monica Wilkinson said...

Tessa - I hope so! :)

Amy - That is so neat! You are right that it is fun when keepsakes have a special place. And, can't you just imagine a rainy (or snowy as in your case) afternoon going through all of those memories!

Miriam - I'll have to see if I can find the book at our library or somewhere - I'd love to read about the treasure boxes. I don't know if there is a Hobby Lobby near you - but that is where I found these on sale or clearance.

Christy said...

Another wonderful idea. I've been trying to figure out what to do with the items that don't fit in a baby book. I'll be on the lookout for a trunk or something similar. I still have old cardboard boxes my best friend and I decorated with fabric and such with treasures and journals inside ... but I ran out of room quite fast.

Amy said...

Those are beautiful Hope Chests. My mom had one that was filled with things and I would love to do this for our Emily. I will start being on the lookout for a good deal on those. I had no idea that Hobby Lobby carried that type of thing. I haven't been in there yet. I have heard it might be dangerous to the wallet ;)

Anonymous said...

Monica -- this is such a good idea -- much nicer than the copy paper box I used!

Love, Mom

PS: I'm glad to see the photo of Rachel's keepsake chest --

Debi said...

Hey Monica, I love the trunks. The second one looks like a really old one that I have in my closet that came out of my grandparents attic. I haven't been on the blogs for a long time, so I am checking out yours and Angies just to see what's new. Good to hear from you.

Monica Wilkinson said...

Indeed, Amy, Hobby Lobby can be a little dangerous to go into - but it is a place of fabulous inspiration and they have GREAT sales! I love that they are owned by Christians and are closed on Sundays, etc...

TeamWalbruch said...

Monica - I have been looking for trunks like these for my children. Do you know where I could get them from? Can you email me if you know: walbruchs@comcast.net. Thank you!