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These are 'memory books' which I've made for the children for Christmas. I haven't mentioned it yet here on the blog, but we are moving to Wellington in the first week of January and I wanted the kids to have their own little albums recording some of the happy times we've had here in Nelson since we returned home from Norway three years ago. 

One of my favourite things as a child (actually, it's still one of my favourite things to do whenever I go to my parents' house) was to flick through the family photo albums, and I've always felt slightly bad about not making albums of all the digital photos on our hard drive. 

So now A and K can have their own albums to keep, and I made sure to keep some extra pages blank at the back for some photos from the Christmas and New Year parties and get-togethers we'll have before we finally leave in January. I bought the linen-covered cardboard albums a while ago and used 'magic dots' to affix the photos which I printed through my Flickr account.

We are moving because Tom has a new job in the central city- he was a high school teacher and he'll still be working in education, but in an office instead of in a classroom. We're all experiencing mixed emotions about leaving our family, friends and hometown (and the house we bought 18 months ago and love dearly) but luckily the capital city isn't too far away, and we are looking forward to all the exciting things it has to offer (such as international concerts and exhibitions for example, and hopefully visitors from home who come to enjoy them too.) In addition, Tom has been working up there for 6 weeks already, so it will be good to be together in the same house again.

I hope all your Christmas preparations are coming along nicely. See you tomorrow!

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38 responses to “memory books”

  1. Francesca Avatar

    My kids love the photo books I made for them in their early years, and have always spent a lot of time leafing through them – and so have I. Your post inspires me to go through my photos, and continue making “memory books”.
    The move? Wow, that’s big news Melissa! I hope that Tom is happy with his new job, and that you all transition smoothly into your new home.
    Happy packing! 🙂

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  2. ella Avatar

    What an exciting time! Wellington’s a wonderful place (well, I think so!) and I hope you settle in happily. Your books are a super idea, and remind me that I haven’t printed any photos since before George was born… I really should get on to that.

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  3. Nancy Avatar

    Best wishes for you and your family as you settle in somewhere new.
    I have to update the albums . They stop at 1 years old and the kids love them so much.
    It is in my to do list for 2012. I am sure A and K will treasure them . Happy Holidays.
    Xx.

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  4. pneu Avatar
    pneu

    Has it been three years already?! I started reading your blog right after you moved to Nelson, I think.
    The photo albums are lovely and will make the move much easier for the kids, I’m sure. And Wellington will be a great place to live; you’re right about the exciting things on offer. For some reason, I was thinking about Phar Lap the other day–his bones at Te Papa but his heart in Canberra. I wonder if he would agree with the symbolism of that, if horses even care about symbolism? (Probably not.) I’d love another chance to explore Te Papa, regardless.
    Best wishes for a smooth move and boxes that almost pack themselves.

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  5. Kate Avatar
    Kate

    The albums are lovely. All the best for the move north and new beginnings. Lots of love,

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  6. Viki Avatar
    Viki

    Firstly, congratulations on your move to Wellington and change in career for your partner. My husband too works as a high school teacher, and has thought of a change to the office. Also, I love the memory books. I haven’t printed photos for so long and it’s a brilliant idea. Have a lovely Christmas 🙂

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  7. Emily Avatar

    What a lovely idea. Good luck with the move 🙂

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  8. KC Avatar

    I don’t get time to comment often, but I read every post and wanted to let you know I enjoy your blog very much. I really like seeing all the things you embroider.

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  9. Denise | Chez Danisse Avatar

    These memory books are priceless. Best of luck with your new beginning. I hope it brings you joy and inspiration.

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  10. Margaret Oomen Avatar

    all the best for your move and all the memories will follow you.

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  11. Catherine Avatar
    Catherine

    That is such a good idea. Hope you have a great time in Wellington. Life has so many twists and turns. one never knows what is going to happen next. Best of luck.

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  12. julie Avatar

    The books are an excellent idea! I have meant to print out photos forever and never seem to get round to doing it.
    Good luck with the move. So many mixed emotions there. Leaving your hometown and moving to the city. But so exciting too, so many things to do.

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  13. sloane Avatar

    The albums look wonderful. They are sure to love them. Good luck to you during your move. I’m looking forward to seeing your new home, and hearing of your adventures there.

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  14. fiona Avatar

    these memory books are such wonderful ideas, i should make some too. i enjoyed leafing through the childhood pics at my grandparents’ and will still do if i get the chance to do it again.
    all the best on the move. xo

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  15. Amy Seven-Stitches Avatar

    While Nelson is a lovely place, Wellington has its own magic too. I know I really enjoyed the brief time I spent living there. And, the Wairarapa is only over the hill – you must visit there too.
    Wishing you all the best for the move.

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  16. Anna Emilia Avatar

    They look just wonderful dear Melissa. Memories collected, what could be a better gift to give and get.
    Wishing you happy and calm days.

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  17. Jill Wignall Avatar

    Exciting that you are moving. I’m sure it will all go well. X

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  18. rosa Avatar

    What a nice idea. A shame you will be leaving Nelson, but Wellington will be great and possibly a bit more cosmipolitan.

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  19. caireen Avatar

    great idea in this digital age – they will cherish them. I hope your move goes smoothly and you have fun homemaking again… Merry Christmas, Melissa – and here’s to 2012. Caireen XX

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  20. kate Avatar

    New places, new adventures! Nothing can beat a book that they can sit and look through alone, or together. Pre-digital used to be so simple: take your photos in, get them back and put them in albums. I’m putting together my own album for my soon-to-be 7 year old and plan more!

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  21. Annika Avatar

    Congratulations to Tom on his new job! I hope the move will bring nothing but good and welcome changes!

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  22. Carol Avatar

    What a lovely idea. Hope you will be very happy in your new home.
    Carol xx

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  23. Annie Avatar

    From a reader who rarely comments. Good luck with the move to Wellington and best wishes for the next part of your family’s journey through life. Oh, and Merry Christmas x

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  24. Kelly Avatar

    We’re also moving during the first week of January. I’m finding it really odd to be packing for a move during Christmas, and I’m sure that one of the presents that seems to be missing is in a box somewhere, waiting to be discovered at our new home…
    Best of luck in your new home and Merry Christmas!

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  25. Linda S. Avatar
    Linda S.

    Merry Christmas Melissa and thank you for the gift of your blog.
    I’m just recovering from a brain operation and I’m feeling a bit weepy. Reading your blog gives me hope that things can get better.

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  26. Cheryl G. Avatar

    Darling memory books!
    How exciting to have a new adventure! We moved across country several times and those were some of our best memories and times together.
    I’m happy he has a good job and you will be together!

    Like

  27. Brenda Avatar
    Brenda

    Beautiful. I loved the painting in your previous post as well.
    Wishing you a Merry Christmas. I so enjoy viewing your blog.

    Like

  28. Angela Avatar

    These are beautiful Mel, I had good intentions for something similar for the kids this year too (perhaps there birthdays now?) Exciting news about your shift! Closer to us for craft goodness anyway! (whoop whoop) Hope all goes well! Happy Christmas to you & your family xxx

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  29. www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawn_wQ8DSe02Gw2CW9Vp66YSDwTmymetXJo Avatar

    Wishing you all the best for your move! Changes can be painful but still they can be beautiful too!AriadnefromGreece!

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  30. Maraea Avatar
    Maraea

    Kia ora Melissa, Sad for your Nelson based whanau. This is just another leg in your whanau adventure. The weather here is awful though but just a plane ride away somewhere else. The dump shop is nothing like the one in Nelson but the one in Porirua is worth a scrummage and the op shops in Wairarapa and Whanganui are awesome. Naumai haere mai. Nga mihi

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  31. tinyhappy Avatar

    kia ora, maraea x

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  32. joanie Avatar

    These are the most wonderful gift, your children will love them. Best of luck with your move, I’m sure you’ll make a wonderful, cozy home wherever you are.
    Happy Christmas to you!

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  33. Katerina Avatar
    Katerina

    Good luck and Merry Christmas!!
    Katerina FF
    Greece

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  34. Nicole Avatar

    I know your memory books will continue to be filled with lovely times, no matter where you are living. Congratulations and good luck with the move. Looking forward to seeing your new house!

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  35. Marsha Avatar
    Marsha

    Three years you’ve been back from Norway! I’ve been lurking since your Norway posts, seems it’s finally time to say thank you for all the posts I’ve so enjoyed every day — thank you for the inspiration as well as the happiness. All the best to you in Wellington…look forward to seeing this new adventure unfold. Merry Christmas!

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  36. Karen H Avatar
    Karen H

    The albums are lovely!Gives me inspiration to get mine up to date before all the new Christmas and summer pics.
    Merry Christmas and hope the move goes well. I moved to Wellington from Nelson too, it is a fun city!

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  37. heather Avatar

    These memory books are so sweet and special, what a great idea! You’re so right, in the age of all things digital, its hard to keep proper albums.
    We’re also getting ready to sell our house, so I know this is a strange time, switching things around and getting to know a new place. I hope you have a smooth and easy transition!

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  38. tinyhappy Avatar

    thank you heather! i wish all the best for you, too. x

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