The things one keeps over the years

I was over at my mom's house this evening going through old boxes (organizing, condensing)--getting everything organized so when we do move, those things won't be a worry.  These are boxes that my mom packed up from my bedroom in CA after I had already started my freshman year at BYU.  She worked so hard to get everything moved out here to Utah and did it all practically by herself!  She is an amazing woman.  

Anyway, I just love going through old stuff.  It makes me laugh and smile and reminisce the "good 'ol times."  There's the issue of space and lugging it around with you, but it's incredible to find things that you have had since you were two (and they're still around and in good condition!).  I went through boxes of my high school graduation, prom, I've kept all of the books I ever received, stuffed animals, games like Mall Maddness and Barbie Ice Cream Shoppe, all my teeth I lost, molds taken for my retainers (Matt will probably be rolling his eyes at that one!),  my collection of buttons (including one that says "I'm a Big Sister" that I got at the hospital when my brother was born), old planners, my Bobby Sox softball socks, my very first baby doll that I carried everywhere, my 6th grade yearbook, and the list could go on and on.  

It's amazing the memories and emotions that are linked to objects.  I mean, they're history.  I'm so excited to be able to share these things with my children and the stories behind them.