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The Refrigerator Gallery

Today we received a package in the mail from our grandsons.  As you might guess, it was filled with special drawings, just for Grandpa and Grandma. There were also photos from their latest adventure at Busch Gardens. Obviously they'll go on the refrigerator to be proudly displayed for quite sometime. We're always happy to receive these special packages of drawings or get them hot off the press when we visit.  They warm a grandparent's heart.

The crayon drawings are also reminders of years past, when their mom and aunt provided a steady stream for the refrigerator gallery. Back then, I wondered how I would be able to get them all on the door. Teachers must plot to overload parents with all sorts of assignments that require display at home and not at school. Of course, each one is quite special and better than their sister's, thus it demands the center of the refrigerator door.Whether a drawing or a spelling test with a perfect score, it has to be on the appliance marquee. It seemed fitting that while reorganizing some craft supplies and miscellany in the guest bedroom today, I ran across several old treasures provided by our daughters years ago.  A tattered Christmas ornament from the 80s, photos from a high school musical, a primitive clay Easter basket full of blue and brown eggs, photos of ribbons won at dog shows, and a dish fashioned for a college ceramics course.

So no matter how old the kids are, parents still receive the odd treasure now and again.  After comparing both clay creations, I decided there wasn't much difference between the grade school art class and college one. It makes me quite happy our oldest daughter didn't pursue ceramics or drawing. Although, I was in a throwing out mood, none of that memorabilia was tossed. They are treasures after all.

I will pass on some advice to moms who may be inundated with too many of these treasures.  When we were in the throes of paper collecting, I finally purchased small file boxes and set up folders for each of the girls. Once the display time was over, the very BEST were put in a folder, and then the box. This worked all the way through 6th grade. It was always their choice about what to keep.  Eventually the boxes stuffed with all those school memories have gone to live with them. There were some things that I secreted away for myself from time to time. Some of those were rediscovered today.  It brought back pleasant memories to go along with the new ones we're making. But I do hope the boys don't take up ceramics. There are only so many coil pots you should have to save.

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