The Toy Box Years: Elf on the Shelf Returns

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!!

Chippy, our Elf on the Shelf, officially made his return on Sunday. He was supposed to show up on Black Friday but was detained a couple of times.....

On Friday, he was trampled in the Black Friday stampede. On Saturday, he was detained by Customs. Apparently Customs thinks that powdered snowflakes can double as cocaine. Poor Chippy had to endure a very unpleasant cavity search before continuing his journey to the girls.

Pretty creative excuses from a mom who just couldn't get her shit together to get everything going!

So, finally, Chippy and I came to an agreement and on Sunday, he made his grand appearance.

Chippy explained his delay by telling the girls that he had to make a stop to see Daddy and that Daddy has some special Christmas books that he wanted Chippy to deliver.

Nudgie got the book "Llama Llama Holiday Drama". My Marine would read "Llama Llama Red Pajama" to her at bedtime, so this was a natural choice.
Nani got "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" - one of my favorite books!
Both girls got Santa stationery to write their letters to Santa

Chippy also brought ingredients for his special "Welcome Back" breakfast. I Chippy made Eggnog French Toast - dyed red and green - and topped with whipped cream and red and green sprinkles. They were served on Santa plates. (The same plates I picked up at Goodwill last year for .25!!)

The girls don't know this (and why would they...because that would just ruin the magic!), but I sent My Marine a second Chippy so that he can take pictures with him to send back to the girls. I just hope he makes it there in time for some good pictures!

Do you have an Elf on the Shelf? If so, what fun things do you have planned for your Elf?