The Toy Box Years: "Movie In A Box" Themed Care Package

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!!

After working hard to get the Christmas care packages out the door, I was able to relax a little and start back up with the themed care packages for My Marine.

For my first care package of 2013, I decided on a "Movie In A Box" theme.

I'd been picking up some movies here and there and saving them to send. I know he can get a lot of stuff digitally, but I still wanted to send him something fun. Barnes & Noble was having their year-end sale and I ended up getting a bunch for close to 50-75% off!

DVDs added:

"Dukes of Hazzard" - Season 1
Robot Chicken - Star Wars version
*61
Ron White comedy DVD

and a couple more

Snacks:

Bagged popcorn and popcorn cups (from The Dollar Tree)
Junior Mints
Good & Plenties
Twizzlers
Reeses Pieces

And a cigar to enjoy while watching!

I decorated the box with popcorn scrapbook paper and movie-themed stickers.

I have quite a few more lined up...including our Valentine's Day box. I've also got a very special box planned for our unit's 1SG too! Can't wait to share that one!

2 comments:

Natasha January 6, 2013 at 3:04 PM: I always love your care packages! Thanks for sharing.
Jennifer January 9, 2013 at 8:04 PM: Your site inspired me to "wrap a box" for Christmas. The kids loved the idea and we had a lot of fun with it. My husband was so surprised. Thanks for the inspiration!