Creating Memories

How to Capture the Essence of Your Last Child-free Year

By Shel Franco

After three children, you might be surprised to know that my favorite memento is not one of the baby books that I so diligently kept. While they are certainly good for a smile or two and irreplaceable as far as data goes, lately my daydreams have turned back to ones occupied by two – my husband and me.

I missed the chance to capture "us" in concrete form. While I was wrapped up in trying to conceive, no one told me that I might someday long for the time we shared as a couple. No one warned me to slow down and savor the very love that would eventually create our children. Maybe even more important, no one prepared me to become a total stranger to myself.

If you're planning to make this your last child-free year, consider putting together a personal memento of your life before it's invaded by the pitter patter of little feet. A concrete reminder of all the reasons you fell in love with your spouse – and yourself – will be a welcomed companion when the chaos of parenthood gets you down.

Scrapbooking has firmly implanted itself into the framework of today's crafting landscape. With entire magazines and specialty stores devoted to the subject, it's easy to get some idea of just how popular it has become. And the good news: You don't have to wait until you have children to enjoy this creative venture.

"I started with the pictures of our honeymoon," says Becky Johns of Mobile, Ala. "It was our first vacation together, and we went to Europe. It was a dream on many different levels: being there with him and just being there. I love to make a cup of coffee and look through that book on a rainy day."

How do you get started? Every place from discount stores to some supermarkets carry scrapbooking supplies, but if you really want to do it "the right way," you have to enlist the help of professionals.

Consultant-based businesses, such as Creative Memories, build clientele through in-home workshops. "In the class, people get to use all the photo-safe products they need to complete their first of many pages, and I am there to provide hands-on assistance," says Stephenie Hooker, a Creative Memories consultant in Silverdale, Wash.

In-home classes provide you with a great excuse for a "girls night." Some consultants offer ongoing, evening workshops at a neutral location or in the consultant's home.

The professionals at your local scrapbook store can also give you the guidance you need to begin your masterpiece. They'll help you pick an album, find supplies and give you a few pointers on page layout.

"I just finished my wedding album," says Johns. "That makes three complete albums for Jeff and me: the wedding, vacations and an 'all-purpose' album."

Want to see more?

• Keeping the Love Alive When You're Trying to Conceive
• Taking It Easy (When Trying to Conceive)
• Relati onship Top 10s
• Talk about it!