Opening the time capsule

When I was 13, my church group put together time capsules. We were asked to fill them with things that were meaningful, and we would open them the day before our wedding day. Soon after I turned 14 my family moved into a new house. When I got engaged I searched for my time capsule everywhere I could think of, but it seemed that it was lost in the move.

A couple months ago my mom called telling me she was cleaning out a cabinet in the laundry room and low and behold she found the capsule! She brought it to me to open this Christmas. (I got engaged over 9 years ago. How long has it been since you cleaned out that cabinet mom?)

My 13 year old self decided to fill a can with childhood memories. 19 years later, it was the perfect Christmas gift. (Emma, there was an awesome poem from you in there. All about when we pretended to be princesses in the field between our houses. I will send it to you.)

Hey, I'm still working on these goals!

I have been wondering for almost 20 years where this lovely antique silver frame went. (Gift from my grandma.) The photo is my parents engagement photo.

My cabbage patch doll birth certificate!

So many memories.

Seems my sister Abby has always been an artist. :) Are those her boobs hanging down or her puffy sleeves?

Hey. I see a resemblance here to another adorable little girl I know.

Looks like I always wanted to be a mommy.

While I was opening this, I thought of a great tradition I want to start. Every New Years Day, have the kids write a letter to their future self. I would save the letters for them. Shane and I could also add a letter every year as well. Could be a great family activity and a priceless future gift to our children.

***

Note: One of my very favorite Etsy Shops is having a great benefit. For the next three days, Allora Handmade is donating its 100% of their proceeds to Autism Speaks. Also, every $10 spent earns you an entry for a $40 gift certificate to Allora Handmade. Spread the word! It's a great cause.

17 PEOPLE HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY:

Miss Carey @----'---------- said...

I love that! Right now I am a 26 going on 27-year old single. I think that making a time capsule to be opened someday when I'm married would be very special. How do I make one? Looks like a coffee can to me. Thanks :)

JANUARY 13, 2010 10:23 AM 

Green Acres in the City said...

How wonderful!

JANUARY 13, 2010 10:42 AM 

Dave and Abby said...

Obviously they are sleeves! I didn't know what boobs were, yet.

JANUARY 13, 2010 11:19 AM 

MamaOtwins+1 said...

That would be a great tradition to start. I am going to have the boys do it for their birthdays!

JANUARY 13, 2010 11:52 AM 

bumblebeebags said...

My sons teachers have them write a letter listing their goals for the next year. I love looking back and reading them. My 10 year olds goal at 8 was to tackle more people in football. He had to put down how he would accomplish this and he wrote "find people to tackle" I still get a kick out of it everytime I read it!

JANUARY 13, 2010 12:01 PM 

Emily Taylor said...

Hey, where is the my antique frame. I've been missing mine too.

JANUARY 13, 2010 1:07 PM 

Natalie Jane said...

I bet Molly stole it.

JANUARY 13, 2010 1:22 PM 

Sarah said...

Thats so neat! i love the letter to your future children! ♥

JANUARY 13, 2010 4:45 PM 

Life With the Crazies said...

This is one of the coolest things I've ever seen... How special to be able to look at it after all these years. A group of my friends made a Y2K time capsule New Year's Eve 1999, with marriage predictions and so forth, but somehow has been misplaced and not one of us remembers where we put it. This gives me hope of someday finding it!

JANUARY 13, 2010 7:40 PM 

Whimsical Creations said...

Such wonderful memories in that capsule.

JANUARY 13, 2010 9:33 PM 

Artsy-Craftsy Merchant said...

Loved the time capsule! and all its treasures!

JANUARY 13, 2010 10:26 PM 

Brittany said...

I love what was in your time capsule. The note to your future children made me tear up a bit. BTW love the pic of you with your kiddos on your header... so darling! Lydias hair is beautiful! Just like her mommy's.

JANUARY 13, 2010 11:54 PM 

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

That is so neat....Thanks for sharing...

JANUARY 14, 2010 12:18 AM 

Are You Serious! said...

♥ How fun!!!! :)

JANUARY 14, 2010 5:50 PM 

Kandi said...

That is great that your Mom found your time capsule! Every year on my kids birthday myself, my husband and my mom (my dad has passed) write them a letter to be opened when they are much older. I also like to include a few things they made as well. Kandi www.thebabysbundle.com

JANUARY 14, 2010 11:21 PM 

by Ashley Guinto said...

SO COOL!! I'm going to make my kids do this.

JANUARY 17, 2010 12:48 AM 

Melanie Anne said...

What a fun gift to yourself!! I love you idea too!

JANUARY 20, 2010 8:26 AM