Monday, August 3, 2009

K.I.S.S. and Tell

August = Transition. Not only is August the start of grade school for young people and college students all over the country, but it is also the month that I safely tuck away last year's memories and prepare for another year of Keep-it-Simple-ScrapJournaling (K.I.S.S).

We're a blog of new ideas, so rather than cheat by dragging you through a repeat performance of an old topic, I'll let you peruse the posts as interested. The steps are as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Here's a little something to peak your curiosity...

Three kids.
One folder, one 60-page photo album, and one calendar per kid.


Three "treasure boxes." Ricky, Matthew, and Jack.
One folder for each year of their lives. Ricky is 16.
Each August, tuck away last year's packet and...

Start anew.
No fuss, no muss. One drawer per kid.
Each drawer contains a folder, calendar, and photo album.
Add, a few markers, some glue, and a couple stickers
(if I want to be really fancy).


Inside cover of each calendar, include a recent picture.

Curious about the specifics or just want a refresher course? Take some time to visit Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3. Tell us what you think or... share a tip you use for organizing memories.

Now for a totally new idea. This is a compliments of a woman I met through another friend. She and her husband share a journal. Here's the fun clincher...

They take turns writing thoughtful notes to one another inside and then hide the journal in non-descript places so the other person will find it!

I love it. Simple, thoughtful, and with the perfect element of surprise.

Signing off until tomorrow...


13 comments:

cassie p said...

thats a cute idea! she has a sweet husband.

heather said...

I love the KISS system (the have to admit that I haven't done it yet...)

As far as the journal-sounds like a great idea but I can't imagine my husband going for it.

Katie said...

I tried to start scrapjournaling last year, but fell out of it after about a month.

I am determined to do it this year, and this reminder is a great way to get me motivated.

I also love that journal idea between husband and wife.

Happy Monday, HLA!

Peggy said...

Love this idea!!! Worth repeating... ah sharing... oh what the heck... I think it's great to bring back great creative ideas, with a twist... it then it becomes a new idea!!!

I do (did) something very similar, with my two, but much simpler....
25c folders with interesting papers slapped in there, extra school pictures and awards.

As one of my goal fishing items... I came across my "Memory box" from Jr/Sr high... my diaries... yikes. In 1983 I was working at McDonalds and got a .10c per hour raise... making $3.90 an hour! And I went to see the movie Personal Best and thought it was good!

Cheryl Houston said...

That's hilarious Peggy. I hate reading my journals. I am so freaking corny.

I started the ScrapJournaling last year with just the calendar. It's pretty sparse. I couldn't get into any routine. I might try again this year though. I did look for calendars in WalMart the other day but I didn't see any. It would be nice if I could carve out a spot in my spare room/studio for a little box like that. We'll see.

Claudia said...

Good morning everyone.

The most important thing about this system is... NO GUILT!

Anything you include in your scrapjournal is better than including nothing. A ticket stub here, a newsclipping there, funny quotes, and photographs of everyday items - it all adds up!

In some ways it's like being a good dieter. We don't worry if we skip a day, a week, or even a month. We get right back on the saddle, believing... knowing that even one day of good eating (memory keeping) is better than none.

Onwards and upwards... Here's to another year.

Chaotic Kristi said...

hello all... a bit on the sick side this morning so i am late! As for KISS2009, i tis hard to improve on a terrific system... my only tip (because I keep things by the event or year) is DO IT NOW. When I print those pictures from so&so's party, don't set to the side for 'later'. Put them in the folder along with whatever I thought about that party, along w/invitations, notes, etc.

Claudia said...

Yes, doing it immediately is key. By automatically having a place to put pictures, fun observations, and collectible items such as A+ papers,etc..., you are more likely to USE the system.

Give it a try. It's designed not to be cumbersome or expensive!

One of our fellow readers uses this system with her FIVE kids. She uses ONE calendar and five different colored pens.

No Time Struble said...

Does the "cute comment" husband work? Have small kids? Extended commutes to/from work? Does he sleep? Where is the time? I can barely keep up with Packer training camp. If it ends up being Richard I will die.

Cheryl Houston said...

NTS- huh? Is that an inside joke?

I'm telling myself that if I have that little drawer system set up somewhere then I can make it work better.

Anonymous said...

Cheryl,

He's talking about the journal between husband and wife.

I know you have it in you Struble. A line or two every once in a while telling your wife how great she is and how much you appreciate her? I know you can do it.

No, it isn't Richard.

Cheryl Houston said...

Oh! Got it! NTS- I don't believe you. Aren't you the same guy that wrote that loving display about your wife that won a prize? Please don't spoil it for me and say Cristine wrote it.

Unknown said...

I love how you keep it simple and organized so it is easy to keep up with. I will have to file that somewhere so I can do the same when I have kids.

The journal is cute, I like that. How long have they been doing that for?

(Side note - I don't have internet at home, so that is why I never post on Saturdays...although I LOVE strengthsquest...I am Arranger, Maximizer, Intellection, Empathy, and Harmony)