Hello Friends!

With all of the rain this summer, we seem to be spending a LOT more time indoors than we had planned. Does the phrase (PLEA) "Mom! What can we do?!?!" repeated over and over sound familiar? I try to get the kids involved in reading, or crafts, or SOMETHING besides non-stop cartoons. It isn't always easy to pull them away from Sponge Bob, but coming up with some fun ideas for things to do while they're "trapped" in the house may calm their angst for at least a little while.

Your children will be able to share their books with their own kids one day!

Upon suggesting that she draw a picture of her favorite animal for our refrigerator collage, my daughter suggested that it would be even more fun to create her very own scrapbook. Creating a scrapbook is an inexpensive and rewarding way to make something that the entire family will be able to enjoy. Your children will be able to share their books with their own kids one day! Designing and building a scrapbook is a multiple-day task, so have them take the time to really think about how they want the finished product to look. Brainstorm together about all of the ideas that would make it the "very best scrapbook ever!" :)

Here is a "how to" outline that can be followed:

Use the first page as an introduction to the family. Write a poem, or perhaps a few paragraphs of family history, or create a family tree.

Use a two-page spread for each family member, one to include photos and the other to include journaling. On the adjoining page, list some information about the person. If you don't have many personal facts about a family member's), just include their name, birth date, and where they were born.

Here are some suggestions of categories to include in your family profiles: * Hobbies and interests * Favorite songs/movies/actors * Family pets * Schools attended * Current national and world events. * Clubs, Charities and Organizations * Places where you have lived or traveled

Use the last page to write a summary about your family. If you didn't create a family tree on the front page, you can create one on the last page if you wish.

A Family Album will be a treasured gift for many years to come. And, one thing is certain - by creating a family album, your family's history won't be forgotten.

Your friend in Parenthood,

Shelley Collins