The Toy Box Years: The Simple Woman's Daybook

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!!

I've been on autopilot for a couple days now. Most of my blog posts were written and scheduled to be posted. I was too tired last night to write one for today, but as I was putzing around this morning, I found this:

And I thought -- ok, something that doesn't require me to think too much. So what the heck, I'll play along! (If you want to play along too, just click here

FOR TODAY:

Outside my window...I see the sun shining and the snow melting

I am thinking...that I'm really hungry, but don't know what I want to eat

I am thankful for...napping children and for awesome vets who have done a great job of taking care of Mitzi!

From the learning rooms...(if this applies)...I don't know what this means, so I'm skipping it

From the kitchen...I'm hoping to make some cookie pops this week for a birthday bouquet and for my MOPS Bible Study on Friday.

I am wearing...dog hair - thanks to having to carry Mitzi from the car to the vet. (Seriously though, my comfy Old Navy drawstring jeans, black tshirt and black zippered sweatshirt. )

I am creating...nothing. I am in a black hole at the moment and have no creative juices flowing at the moment. Maybe tomorrow.

I am going...to clean the living room as soon as I finish this blog.

I am reading...books. "Funny In Farsi" by Firoozeh Dumas; "Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours" by Dr. Kevin Leman; "Angels & Demons" by Dan Brown

I am hoping...that My Marine makes it home on Friday. Between a strike by Lufthansa and another pending East Coast snow storm, I'll be lucky if he makes it home in time for Nani to graduate high school

I am hearing...voices. (Just kidding!) Well, not really -- Desperate Housewives is playing the background.

Around the house...I smell Lysol and bleach. I was on a cleaning and laundry binge yesterday and this morning. I'm having friends over tonight and tomorrow. Nothing screams motivation more than having people visit your home.

One of my favorite things...is Dove caramel chocolate squares

A few plans for the rest of the week...ballet class tomorrow, shopping on Thursday, Bible Study on Friday, and hopefully picking up My Marine from the airport sometime Friday night

That's all folks!

14 comments:

Anonymous February 23, 2010 at 1:19 PM: I am always wearing dog hari and I love the color black - oops!

I have to get this book!
Helene February 23, 2010 at 2:20 PM: Hmmm, I should try that too...sometimes I have no clue what to write about!

Let me know how you like the book about getting children to mind you! I may have to buy it, especially if you think it's been helpful to you.

Oh and I hope you'll post a pic of the cookie bouquet, if you end up making it! I've always wanted to make one but I have NO clue how!

BTW, I love the new pic of you and The Marine on your sidebar!!
Simply Stacie February 23, 2010 at 3:32 PM: Tag, You're It!

http://stacievaughansblog.blogspot.com
dawn hild February 23, 2010 at 4:29 PM: Tag, you're it!
dawn hild
http://meandcraig.blogspot.com
YellowTennessee February 23, 2010 at 4:31 PM: Dove Caramel Chocolate Squares are the best!

Following you from MBC.
Siné February 23, 2010 at 4:32 PM: Thank you for sharing about your day! The "from the learning rooms..." prompt is for homeschoolers. Have a wonderful week.
Menopausal New Mom February 23, 2010 at 5:32 PM: Tag! You're It!!
LADYHIGHTOWER February 23, 2010 at 5:57 PM: Tag! You're it! Blessings! http//psychicmamaindigochild.blogspot.com
Sarah Wroblewski February 23, 2010 at 6:49 PM: This comment has been removed by the author.
For the Love of Naps - Sarah February 23, 2010 at 6:51 PM: Hey, I like this post. I might have to do this sometime.

The doughnut book is Arnie the Doughnut cooked up by Laurie Keller.
It is hilarious and has a TON of adult humor in it. I am going to do a post on it in a day or two...when I can incorporate some good old donuts in my boys diets. We just don't have a donut shop nearby..I am hunting!

Hope your hubby gets home safely - I CAN NOT imagine the life of a military wife. I am in awe!

SOrry, that was me that deleted my comment. I was logged into the wrong account.
Diana Mancuso February 23, 2010 at 7:30 PM: Mmm, caramel chocolate squares! I suddenly have a craving...

Tag, you're it!
Kristi February 23, 2010 at 9:18 PM: Tag you're it! (but I was already following anyway!) I used to have a dog named Mitzi! - She was a little black terrier mix and very smart!
Allison February 24, 2010 at 6:10 AM: i too hope you pick up your marine this friday! i will be praying you do. btw, your girls are absolutely little gems. just beautiful~
Personalized Sketches and Sentiments February 28, 2010 at 8:13 AM: Fun! again...laughing as I'm reading! :o)
Hm...what's a learning room?

Hope your marine is home now! and at Nani's graduation! Hm...actually, I feel bad that I have to actually check with my Army man and ask if he was home for our middle child's high school graduation! He was deployed when our oldest got crowned Homecoming Queen for the University of Louisville...and other significant events...

Blessigns & Aloha!
(If I could have some vaca time...I wouldnt have to do these marathon sittings in blog reading catch-up! I am adding your blog to my list of Blogs I Browse, so that I can *maybe* keep up better).