Cue the Violins: A Wonderful Spring Orchestra Concert

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This week has been super busy. My daughter had two track meets, was inducted into the National Juniors Honors Society, and I attended my college’s commencement ceremony as a faculty member along with several other tasks. I know, cue the violins for my “sob story,” but all of these tasks are anything but that and filled me with joy.

Wrapping up the week by attending the spring orchestra concert at my daughter’s school was a welcomed activity, and seeing her play the violin alongside others put a huge smile on my face. She and the other students on the orchestra have been working hard, and at many times, I had to remind myself that they are just seventh graders.

I guess you can say “cue the violins” as my eyes welled up with tears of joy as I applauded Quinn and the entire orchestra.

All the best,

Tanya

It’s An Honor! My Daughter’s Officially A Member of the National Juniors Honor Society!

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This evening, my seventh grader was inducted into the National Juniors Honors Society, and I’m absolutely elated! While this is a prestigious honor requiring a high GPA, which is one of the core pillars of membership, to be considered, it’s the other requirements that Quinn met which are all reflections of her character.

Regarding Service, Quinn was excited to serve on student council and to volunteer in our community. With leadership, her teachers often share with me how resourceful she is and that she’s a natural problem solver. Though I can take partial credit for molding her character, she has always leaned towards honesty, respect and integrity. One time, she came across a wallet and was eager to go out of her way to get it back to the owner which made me feel so proud. I’m also amazed at how she understands the importance of civic engagement and respecting rules.

Maybe so had a little something to do with her achieving these core pillars, but she is officially a teen and certainly at the age where she may face challenges and even dilemmas with living up to them all.

This is more than an achievement; it’s adding to the solid foundation of her future for which I am grateful.

All the best,

Tanya

Celebrating My 14th Mommyversary!

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I need to take a few moments to appreciate all of the baby steps and milestones that brought me to my 14th “mommyversary.” My little girl is officially a teen, and I’m gearing up for more milestones snd memorable moments.

Motherhood is not always easy, but I always try my best to be physically, emotionally and mentally present for Quinn. I’m blessed to be a mother to her and to have my mother there to offer advice.

I’m grateful for motherhood and all that it has taught me about life.

All the best,

Tanya

The “Beddian” Birthday and My Official Teenager Are Here!

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Alas! Another major milestone has occurred. Born in 2013, by “baby girl” is officially 13: a teenager. While I’m grateful for every moment from Quinn being placed in my arms minutes after her birth to taking her first steps and saying her first words, I need time to slow down a little because this mommy still feels like she’s taking baby steps.

Family 13th birthday

Though every year is special, similar to when she became a toddler, these years tend to have so many changes in development and at such a rapid pace, and I’m just hoping that I can keep up with her needs and be who and what she needs me to be when she needs me to be it.

Some family and friends have asked what it feels like to now have a teenager, and if I could only use one word it would be “overwhelming,” not because of my daughter but because I know that she’s now closer to adulthood than childhood, or at least that is how she will be recognized by society in just short five years. But even still, she will always be my sweet girl who deserves the world and for all of her birthday wishes to come true.

All the best,

Tanya

Regardless of the Hurdles, I Will Always Be My Daughter’s Anchor 🤗

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For a little over a month, my seventh grader has been diligent, consistent and even confident as she tried out for her school’s track team.

Today was her first track meet, and I was probably more excited than she was! Her Nana (my mom) and Auntie (my sister) even came out to support her. The weather was perfect, and I was bursting inside trying my best not to be that obnoxious mom in the stand yelling out my daughter’s name from the tops of my lungs.

I’m so proud of her and her track team. She’s such a natural athlete, and participated in four events. 😅 I’m eager to see where her track journey takes her.

All the best,

Tanya

“Universal” Fun at the Franklin Institute

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While Friday the 13th is often recognized as a bad day because of the superstitions associated with the number thirteen being bad luck, I was lucky enough to spend time with my daughter and mom for the preview day of the Franklin Institute’s Universal Studios Exhibition.

It was such a fun time. Though none of us were successful in creating a functional roller coaster, we thoroughly enjoyed the interactive components of the exhibit. The highlight was simply spending time with my mini me and mom.

All the best,

Tanya

New Year’s Eve 2025 Reflections

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It’s a happy New Year’s Eve as I reminisce about the wonderful memories and moments I had in 2025 with my mini me. So much has happened, but a few that have a special place in my heart are the many conversations we’ve had, our first spring break trip together to the Dominican Republic, attending the Eagles Superbowl championship parade, and getting a new workout and running buddy. 

Quinn’s also had many accomplishments of her own in 2025 from becoming a leader at her school in a student council position to improving her violin skills and successfully completing her first 5K, the Rocky Run. 

As 2025 comes to a close, I’m grateful to have a daughter like Quinn and look forward to more memories in 2026

All the best,

Tanya

Twelve Days to Christmas: A Sweet Christmas Eve at Hersheypark

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A wonderful way to celebrate the Eve of Christmas with family is at one of the sweetest places on earth: Hersheypark. With sunny skies, temperatures in the mid forties and a relatively crowd free park, we couldn’t ask for a better day!

We enjoyed our experience from start to finish, and I took on my usual duty as designated bag holder while my daughter Quinn, cousin Ellie and husband got on roller coaster rides. It’s already a merry Christmas with family.

All the best,

Tanya