Contributed by Info Guru Terri Wallace

In a world where everything is online or digital, it is refreshing to take the time to create something tangible to memorialize life’s moments.

Here are some journaling ideas to help you save, and savor, the important things in life.

10. Wedding Journal

When he finally drops to one knee and “pops the question,” your first reaction (after you scream “YES!”) should be to purchase a new journal. A wedding journal allows you to document every moment leading up to the final “I do!” Include pictures of your wedding dress and the bride’s maids’ dresses, the bridal bouquet and cake. Jot down the funny anecdote about the groomsman, the circus clown, and the rooster. Create a record of the little details that made the wedding unique and you will have a charming heirloom to pass down to your daughter on her big day.

9. Pregnancy Journal

The start of a new life is the perfect time to start a new journal. A pregnancy journal can document your reaction to the good news and described how you told others. Include pictures of the nursery and photos of the expectant mother as her “baby bump” expands. Make sure to provide a photograph of the newborn baby and the exhausted parents, as well as the baby’s length, weight, and official birth date and time.

8. School Years Journal

Before you drop off your little one for his first day of school, make sure to take plenty of pictures for a School Years Journal. Write down you reaction to that first day and list the teacher’s name. Start a new book or a new section for each year of elementary through high school. Make notes of some of his best friends for that year, as well as any life events that occurred, such as moving, getting a pet, or going to prom.

7. Travel Journal

A Travel Journal can include information about places you have visited (or places you would like to visit). Include plenty of pictures of the local attractions and places you visited. Make notes of shops or locations that you would like to return to again.

6. Dream Journal

Those vivid dreams that shook you from a deep sleep can seem unforgettable in the dark of night, but too often they dissipate in the harsh light of morning. Keep a Dream Journal near your bed and make notes of all memorable dreams that still linger after you wake up.

5. Gardening Journal

Gardening Journals are helpful in reminding the harried gardener where she planted the peas last year, which varieties of tomatoes thrived in the steamy summer heat, and when to expect the invasion of bugs that chewed your parsley to a nub last year. Photographs will help document varieties of plants, bugs, and vermin.

4. Literary Journal

Have you ever purchased a book only to get home and realize you already have three copies? A Literary Journal can help avoid this mistake. Make a note of books as your read them and save yourself from having to pawn off extra copies as holiday gifts.

3. Ancestry Journal

Several ancestry websites make it easier than ever to research your family history. Create a lasting record of those who went before you by creating an Ancestry Journal. Include dates of birth, marriage, and death, as well as any information on children and parents. A photograph of the ancestor is useful to include, if possible, and serves to bring history alive.

2. Recipe Journal

Don’t ever lose another family recipe. Create a Recipe Journal to archive the amazing recipe for shepherd’s pie, or treacle tart, or spiced pecans. Include photographs of the recipe, as well as family quotes describing the dish for future generations.

1. Traditions Journal

In order to create traditions, they must be shared … and what better way than with a Traditions Journal? Document your family’s traditions, from the scarecrow you build every autumn to the yearly visits to the berry patch. Include maps to locations that are routinely visited, photographs of locations that are important to your family, and a listing of important dates in your family calendar. By taking the time to record your traditions now, you ensure that another generation can carry on your customs.