4girls Worth the time and effort, especially of busy Mommas - When I purchased Memory Making Mom, I expected to discover some new ways to make holiday memories with my family-and I did. However, my overarching precepts of memory making and tradition building were challenged in the best way. I love the idea that “traditions make us implement what is important” (p11). Furthermore, memories are not just made on holidays but “that maybe we need both the comforting monotony of the everyday as well as spontaneous special days” (p17). Portions of the text are dedicated to creating memories while taking our kids on learning adventures, while serving others in acts of love, while building relationships with family members as unique individuals, and even while ministering to our families in times of sickness. As a mother of four, a particularly challenging concept for me personally is “the clincher in the whole thing about memory-making: we need ways to tell our children, ‘You matter’. You individually (p123). The author, Jessica Smartt, paired thought provoking reasons to develop memory-making traditions with practical suggestions to reach families with children at various stages of life. The book concludes with an Appendix of Memory/Making Ideas organized by concept or holiday. The chapters and appendix are chock-full of creative ideas along with the constant reassurance that you don’t need to do them all and that being a Memory Making Mom is worth the work.

Virginia Mom A Must Read for Moms!!! - A Must Read for Moms!! This book has energized me to focus on being a Memory-Making Mom by celebrating life and creating new traditions for my family! As Jessica Smartt writes in her book, "Traditions are a planned determination to remember, celebrate, and value what is important". This book reminds us that planning special treats, excursions & celebrating life isn't frivolous or wasted time - it's some of the most important family time and it doesn't have to be expensive! We live in a "busy" world where work is many times valued over creating memories that matter. This book is full of precious stories, inspiration and practical ideas to breathe life and joy into your days as a Mom! I highly recommend it. Buy this book and be encouraged!!!

jjfro Wow! - WOW! I WISH I'd had access to this book 10 years ago! But even though my kids are mostly grown, there are STILL ideas I'm going to use. Jessica understands (so much!) what it's like to mother littles. She's also just a regular person like me, who wants to make memories with her kids and she's tired and overwhelmed some days and still, she's finding ways to give her children a childhood worth remembering. Also, she makes the reader feel like we can do it too! This book will help anyone in any stage of motherhood. Just one idea found within its pages might make an ENORMOUS difference to one child you love. It's an easy, quick read and worth every moment. I hope you'll check this one out!