BACKSTORY: Like many mothers, I saved selected samples of art projects, stories, and schoolwork that my children created over the span of almost two decades. Since they are both in their forties now, I decided it was time to surprise them with a giant cache of memories. Last Christmas, my heart melted as they unwrapped their huge bin of paper treasures. My favorite part of this photo is the water color picture my youngest daughter Mollie is painting. It was in her box among those paper gifts. I love being their mother.

Mollie painting her first watercolor with a brush.