Scrapbooking is a lovely way to keep your memories while sharing them. I have held on to the poem below for almost four years. It came to me as one of those 'forwards' we are always receiving from friends. It was such a sweet sentiment I had to keep it.

I have given this poem to friends, already typed on pretty paper, with a note; a small jar of tempura paint and directions for making the handprints. My first gift was to a young friend frustrated by her son's "terrible two's" phase. She was so delighted, I knew it was something for sharing. Make this beautifully worded keepsake. Mother and child with love it equally.

Child's Left Handprint
(left side top of paper - fingertips up)

(center poem)

To (child's name)

Sometimes I get discouraged
because you are so small
and you sometimes leave your fingerprints
on furniture and walls.

But everyday you are growing --
you will be grown up someday --
and all those tiny handprints
will surely fade away.

So I am making a final handsprint
just so I can recall
exactly how your fingers looked
when you were very small.

Love, Mom (Dad, etc.)
Date
Child's Right Handprint
(right side bottom of paper - fingertips up)

Directions for making handprints. Pour a small amount of tempura paint into a plastic plate. Spread paint out so child will be able to get a whole hand print. Press child's right hand into paint and place at bottom paper. Do the same with the left hand, placing it at the top of paper. Let paint dry completely. Place in frame or use for scrapbooking.

See Scrapbook Your Child's Handprints - From Child in Related Links.

Recommended book:
For ideas, go to your local library and visit the chidrens section or talk to your librarian who will point you to the right section, or see Crafting Fun: 101 Things to Make and Do with Kids, available from Amazon.