Memory-Making Mom: Building Traditions That Breathe Life Into Your Home

The memories and traditions that we create for – and with – our families are a gift. This new book by Jessica Smartt reminds us that while it often takes some extra work (and she is the first to understand what that can mean for an already constantly busy mom), it’s important, worthwhile work that binds a family and has a profound, lifelong impact on our children- and us. It’s full of inspiration to create new traditions and memories, as well as motivation to continue keeping existing ones alive.The book is full of fun and practical ideas- from those that require a bit more planning and work, to the very simple and easy to implement. There is NO pressure, no mom guilt. Instead we get plenty of ways to start small and make it easy if we want, ideas for more intentional memories that take a bit more planning and prep, and encouragement to seize opportunity for adventure and spontaneity.I laughed out loud at parts, related to so much, and teared up a few times. I definitely came away with a resolve to be even more intentional to weave traditions and memories into areas I may haven’t considered as much before- sick days, milestones for different ages, learning together, etc. One of the best things about reading this book is that I never felt like I’m just not doing enough, or I need to do better or more. I just felt excited to add more fun, more celebration, and more silliness to the traditions and memories we already love. We can see every day moments as an opportunity to build a memory.

I love to celebrate life‘s big and small moments in our family and intentionally look for ways to make them count and make them memorable. I try to put my stamp on each celebration 😊 However, i often find the fatigue of parenting can make me question if I should skip something on a particular year because I am exhausted. There have been many a times I have been working on birthday door decorations at 1-2am, after all the other preparations that go into birthdays and I am on empty. I wonder how much it matters sometimes? Jessica reminds us just HOW much it matters to our our children. We are creating the moments they will never forget in life. The ones that tell them they are loved, cherished, and important to us.Jessica’s book offers so many suggestions on how to create traditions and memories within our families. She even organized a quick reference appendix with over 200 possible ideas for all types of family structures (even in the case of divorce/split custody, military families, as well as how to celebrate traditions after a loss of a parent) There is something for everybody!From activities to do with your kids each season of life to vacations you take and the memories you create during them and from tasty foods that pour love into your families to smells in your home that create nostalgic memories. This book is for the Mom with small children, as well as Mom with older children. It is never too late to create a new tradition! Jessica’s book will nourish your heart. You will be so glad you read this!

I’ve had this book on my wish list for a while and I finally decided to order it, and I am SO glad I did. I am a stay at home mom now of 3 young kids. I whole heartedly believe that making memories and traditions with your family is the key to staying close as a family forever. Your kids will grow up to cherish your family bond and when they are adults they will carry with them those good qualities. The author is Christian but you don’t have to be Christian to get something from this book that will benefit you for the rest of your life! Playing board games, going on an “adventure”, making food together, trying new activities. Those are the days you will remember and what will stand out from the ordinary monotonous days. I absolutely love this book. The author is very encouraging but realistic to how tiring motherhood can be. Read this book if you need to “breathe life into your home!”

What a great book to remind us moms about the importance of bringing joy and celebration into our homes. The author is relatable and encouraging, and now I feel renewed energy to start more traditions with my family.Even though I am terrible at planning, organizing, and following through, I never felt like the author was talking down to me or telling me all the things I should be doing. She simply gives ideas with lots of reasons why traditions are important. Some topics include beauty, food, sickness, rest, and holidays.Jessica Smartt makes the point that the most important tradition we should be building on is our faith. The reason behind our traditions is not to give ourselves more work to do, but to remind our kids of what is important to us. I can get overwhelmed with all the ideas on Pinterest. But when I remind myself why I’m doing an activity, I can narrow down what I want to do and what will make it special for my family.After finishing this book, I’m excited to think about what fun things I can do with my family this month. Traditions give us something to look forward to and something to remember. I will be keeping this book and referring to it often as I think of things to celebrate with my kids!

Working on becoming a better mom! Loved it. It was recommended to me and now I recommend it to you!

Amei como a autora foi intencional e o livro realmente faz jus ao seu título. Que livro rico de não somente como estabelecer tradições, mas da importância de nossos olhos e corações estarem no lugar certo. Um livro para ter sempre por perto.

Really easy to read with great ideas and info

Love this book. It has given me great ideas !!

I cannot recommend this book enough! I never leave reviews but I just love this book so much I had to leave a comment! I almost didn't buy it because I'd read a review saying it's too religious. Yes it is a bit, but that doesn't bother me in the slightest and shouldn't put anyone off. I was so engrossed I'm now reading it for a 2nd time. The ideas are simple yet so effective and I can't wait to start introducing more traditions in our family. And Jessica has a lovely way of connecting with the reader. It's really struck a chord with me and ill be recommending it to everyone!