The Toy Box Years: Encouragement

The Creators of the Toy Box Years

The creators of the Toy Box Years are my two beautiful daughters and wonderful, handsome soldier husband.

"Nani" (our oldest) is a 11 year old 6th grader who loves Taylor Swift, ballet, books, fashion designing and sewing. Ask her what she wants to be when she grows up and it changes daily to anything from "an artist" to "a teacher" to "a singer/dancer". Nani is also currently fighting a battle against brain cancer -- recently diagnosed in June 2016.

"Nudgie" (our youngest) is a very smiley, very happy, very giggly, very spirited 8 year old 3rd Grader who's favorite toys are anything that gives mommy an anxiety attack - ladders, stepstools, the climbing wall at the playground. Like her sister, she has a love of reading and coloring, loves gymnastics and still provides mommy lots of snuggle time!

"My Marine" is my high school sweetheart. We've been married over 20 years and met when we were 17. (You do the math....) His favorite toys are Blackhawk helicopters, the lawnmower, our steam cleaner, and microbrew beer bottles. My husband is also my hero in that he proudly serves his country as a Blackhawk crew chief (hence his favorite toy!). And need I say that there is nothing hotter than my man in uniform!

All About Me......

Once upon a time I had a career and worked in the corporate world. Once upon a time, I dreamed about leaving that all behind to follow my true calling -- being a wife and mommy.

The first part of my calling was fulfilled in 1995 when I married my Marine (now soldier) and my love. Little did I know that being a military wife would change me in so many ways and that because of that, I would have an extended family all over the world from Japan, to California, to North Carolina.

The second part of my calling took a little doing, but I finally achieved that dream in 2004 with the birth of our first child, followed 4 years later by her baby sister.

So now, when someone asks me what I do for a living - I simply smile and say proudly that I'm following my calling - I'm a mommy and a wife -- and I couldn't be HAPPIER -- I'm living in the Toy Box Years!!

Encouragement - Army Style!

>> Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Today's BlogHop is about encouragement, I just had to share this little picture of "encouragement".

On Saturday, I took the girls to watch the Colorado Army National Guard Special Ops do their quarterly training. It was amazing to watch these fearless men jump with blind faith. But this one photo - of an instructor's hand on a soldier's shoulder - shows just a simple gesture of encouragement. With one touch, he tells that soldier - you're ok, you CAN do this!

This week's Blog Hop is your favorite quote, spiritual passage , life lesson, saying, PHOTO or encouraging thought. Post your favorite or most meaningful, and then include a sentence or two about what it means to you personally, and how it can encourage other people in their lives.

4 comments:

The Four Week Vegan August 4, 2009 at 7:55 AM: That is a really good pic - something most of us will never see first-hand. I like your thoughts on it too.
Maria@Conversations with Moms August 4, 2009 at 8:54 AM: I love this picture. There is so much meaning from it.
MoodyMommy August 4, 2009 at 9:40 AM: Thank you for leaving me a comment. I really like your post!! That is a great picture!!
Personalized Sketches and Sentiments August 11, 2009 at 2:28 PM: I didnt get to you during when this blog hop was happening... I am glad I took a peek this time around. Definitely, fits the theme!

What a comfort to know you have someone right near your side and that touch to encourage you!

Blessings & Aloha!

(oops, I also meant to say... I don't know how you pronounce Nani, but the Hawaiian (with the pronunciation as "Nah-nee") means "beautiful and/or splendor). You may already know this, but in case you didn't...)

...now I really am closing, so I can get some picking up before my hubby comes home :o)