Kids write the darndest things!
I admit it. I am a pack rat, much to the dismay of my husband. Honestly, it is usually the sentimentality of the objects that has me holding on tightly to them. Last year when I began to become overrun with papers and art projects and drawings, I got 3 containers. One for each of my children. I could only keep what would fit into those containers. Once they became full, I had to go through the many papers and get rid of some of those cherished (at least at some point) notes and drawings. My favorites? The letters! Those little notes that our kids write to us. To the Tooth Fairy. To Santa. Even to each other. I have finally been convinced rather than get rid of those cherished items when my container overflows, I need to scan them. That way I get to keep a record of things that I may have thrown away in years past.
Apparently, I am not alone in loving these kind of letters. Prompted by a post by Sheila it was evident that there was a wonderful post to be written that would be full of these types of memories. Searching through the vastness of Mommy & Family blogs, I have been led to some of the most precious letters out there. I wanted to share a few of them with you all. (Hey, sometimes we just need those warm, fuzzy posts. I am gifting you with that joy now.) FYI: Clicking on the image will take you to the actual site where these letters are posted. To truly grasp the content, you should go visit these sites and learn more about the kids behind these adorable letters of love.
First we have a letter from a girl named Ava to a friend in her class, Rachel.
Ava has a friend in her class, named Rachel. This is a letter she wrote to her, which I find adorable. She got Rachel's look just right, glasses and all.
Such simplicity. Don't you remember when you would write a note to your best friend just because. No reason. Just because you wanted to draw a picture and say hi? I miss those days.
Then of course we have an all time favorite of mine. These are the types of letters I find on my pillow at night or by my computer during the day. Truth be told, these are the ones I just cannot let go of--even if I have scanned them. Joyce of Joyce Makes Art shared this beautiful piece of artwork that would make any mother weak in the knees. My kids still know that they can get away with anything when they draw me one of these. (Even the teenager and tween!) How many of you have one of these tucked away in a special place?
In her words: "For my trip, Miss Ellie made me a wonderful picture to take along. I wish I could become half the artist that she already is."
Admit it. That is some special artwork there!
Now, this next one came in the form of a dedication on the website Sugar Bunny Boulevard. It is from Poems by Benny for a fifth grade English class project in May 2003, age 11. (I will translate at the end.) This is a great page. Click on the image and go check out the rest of these.
DEDICATION This book is dedicated to my mom who has loved and taken care of me for all of my life she has taught me to love others and to always tell the truth. When I am troubled or worried she always listens to what I have to say. The most important thing she has taught me is to do my best and to try until I succeed.
Such honesty. I love how a child will share his love and admiration without any hesitation. We should all be so free and willing to thank those who have helped us get where we are today.
Of course, we could not leave out the most cherished of all letters that comes every year. The letter to Santa. On the blog A Family Runs Through It, she posts a classic letter to Santa. I absolutely adore this kid. He totally had to call out the kids in his class who did not believe, thus ensuring that Santa knew that he believes and even reminded Santa that he would totally leave cookies for him. Because? That is what makes Santa love you best! (In the words of this boy's mother: "Triston" and "Zakerey"... You are so busted! ")
For a few more, check out these:
Mrs. McGowen: Thank You, Mom (There are some great ones here!)
Gina Cobb
Rebirth Media
I know there are more out there, but time and space limit what I can share here. What about you? Do you have some of these cherished letters? I would love it if you would share them with us! Put them on your website and leave a link. I could read these all day. Or nearly all day. I do have to work, you know.
~~~
Jenn is off to reminisce with letters from her own children. Remembering why when the going gets tough, this is why we parents keep on going.
[Cross posted on BlogHer]
Comments
Soooooo sweet!
My daughter wrote a letter to the President this year - it was soooo crazy cute!
Posted by: Christine | September 30, 2007 3:57 PM
letters are keepers. Art work? My daughter is a very prolific artist, and has been all through school. We send a lot of her art works to the grandparents. They love them, especially the out-of-town grands.
Posted by: Daisy | September 30, 2007 4:16 PM
I have kept all of my oldest's artwork, he hasn't written letters yet but I do intend to do that same exact thing as you with all three of my children. My parents recently pulled out a box filled with my childhood memories and I SO enjoyed going through them. =0)
Posted by: Manda | October 1, 2007 5:26 AM