The Toy Box Years: DIY Doggie Biscuits

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!!

Right before Christmas, I thought I'd give making our own dog cookies a try. How hard could it be? I've had this recipe bookmarked forever and figured now was a good time!

This particular day, Nudgie was upset that she couldn't go Christmas shopping with My Marine and Nani. Until I promised her that we would make cookies for Zoja and then she just lit up and ran to find her apron!

Seriously.....this recipe is so easy! (And I need to add that this is not MY recipe. I can't even remember where I found it!) Nani loved being able to do it all by herself!

Mixing the ingredients

Kneading the dough

Rolling the dough

Since we were so close to Christmas, we used Christmas cookie cutters.
Next time, we'll use doggie-themed cookie cutters!

We made these the Monday before Christmas and they lasted us about a month. I plan on making another batch this weekend!

Zoja definitely loved them!

Please.....can I have the cookie?

Come on! I'm licking my chops here!

Fine.....I'll take it myself!

And here's the recipe if you want to try it out for yourself! I think next time I'll add a little beef or chicken boullion to the mix! Do you make your own dog treats? Feel free to share your recipe or a link below!