Keep a record

Just before we got married, my husband’s mother presented him with a special gift. It was a journal she had kept of him from the time he was born. It was so precious to read back over the funny things he said and did. It was also wonderful to hear his mom express over and over again how much she loved him and the hopes and dreams she held for him.


We decided to keep up with that tradition with our children. Each one has a journal dedicated just to her and in it we keep a record of their lives. Sometimes the entries are funny “You are the awesomest pottier ever!” or “Today you came to us while we were at Grandma’s and said ‘Daddy, Mommy. Rice goed up my nose.” Sometimes the entries tell of our incredible love for our little ones. Sometimes they record special blessings we have witnessed, as President Eyring advised

Before I would write, I would ponder this question: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done.

We try to use their journals not only as a sentimental journey but as a place for us to bear testimony to our children. Maybe I’m morbid, but sometimes I think about what my kids would know about me if I were to die. I try to record in their journals, and in my own, the things I want them to remember.

I have 3 little girls, ages 6, 4, and 2. And although I think I will remember exactly what each one was like at a certain age, the reality is that it starts to blur. I am so grateful to have these journals to look back and remember their individual personalities, likes and dislikes, and phrases. For more than a year my little girl would wake me up in the morning by sticking her nose in my face and saying "I want guffast" (breakfast). She doesn't do it any more, but you better believe it's written down so that in my old age I can know it was Kate and not Eve who did that.
Another idea is to write a letter to your child on his birthday each year. Keep them all together and give them to him when he is grown. He will so appreciate the love you express by writing things about the person he is.

Should we not have respect enough to God to make a record of those blessings which He pours out upon us and our official acts which we do in His name upon the face of the earth? I think we should. –Wilford Woodruff