How I Document My Family Throughout The Year

Before creating this system, I used to take countless photos on my phone and camera, only to upload them into a yearly folder on my computer—where they would inevitably be forgotten. When my husband and I welcomed our son, I realized I needed a more meaningful way to preserve our memories—something intentional and lasting. I wanted to give him more than just digital files; I wanted to create something tangible he could look back on and cherish. That’s when I developed this new approach. Even at just two years old, he already loves flipping through the memory book I made for 2023. My hope is to continue building a collection of yearly books that can be passed down for generations to come.

My Process

1. Dedicate time to reflect

   This first step is my favorite. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, sit back, and scroll through the photos on your phone or camera—or both—and pick out your favorites from the past month. I like to take this time to clean up my photo library too (because let’s be honest, I don’t need 567 versions of the same picture of my child’s face!). This simple habit has not only helped me stay organized, but it's also become a meaningful practice in gratitude—taking a moment to reflect on all the little joys each month brings.

   
   

   

   
   

2. Compile all your favorite images

   Now that you've selected the photos you want to include for the month, I recommend storing them in a folder labeled with the current month on an external hard drive. Personally, I love using the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSDs—they’re compact, reliable, and help free up space on my computer while keeping my images safe and organized.

   
   

   Tip: If you typically take photos on your phone, make sure you're shooting in JPG format instead of HEIC. While HEIC is the default on iPhones because it saves space, JPG offers better quality—especially when it comes to printing. To switch formats on your iPhone, go to Settings > Camera > Formats and select Most Compatible.

   
   

   

   
   

3. Upload photos to Mixbook and design your monthly spread

   I use Mixbook to create my yearly photo books. I’ve found Mixbook offers the best combination of ease of use and affordability. Once I upload all my photos, I select a layout for each month’s spread and add a paragraph to reflect on what we did that month. Some months get just one spread, while others get two—it all depends on how full the month was.

   And here’s a gentle reminder for fellow rule-followers like me: there are no rules. Your photo book is yours to create—so design it in whatever way feels right to you. Let it reflect your style and your memories.

   
   

   

   
   

4. Continue each moth + order in January of the next year

   I continue this process at the end of each month, so by the time December rolls around, the entire year is already documented. I genuinely look forward to this little ritual—it gives me a moment to slow down, reflect, and appreciate all the memories we’ve made, even the ones I might have forgotten just weeks later. Life moves fast, and this practice helps me hold onto the moments that matter.

   
   

   Once I’ve finished the December spread, I order the book in January—no stress, no scrambling to sort through a year's worth of photos all at once. It’s a system that works, and best of all, it means our memories aren’t stuck in the cloud or buried in a camera roll. They’re preserved in a beautiful, tangible way.