Monthly Archives: November 2022

My Family Lights Up My Life! Fun at the Philadelphia Zoo’s Luminature

By

Yesterday, my daughter, mother, sister in-law, nieces and I arrived at the Philadelphia Zoo in the evening ready for some amazing sights. While the animals slumbered, the beautiful lights and decorations lit the night’s sky at their annual Luminature event. There was a huge light-up penguin show, a big flamingo tree, shimmer just about everywhere we turned, a sea display and gorgeous Christmas trees, and we were enamored by it all!

What made this evening extra special was watching my daughter and niece’s faces light up as they walked and even raced to the next light display letting out joyous giggles. I’m so grateful for these moments and am glad Quinn expressed interest in going for a third time.

All the best,

Tanya

The Triple “A” Call I Love Making: Celebrating My Daughter’s Hard Work

By

Most people associate triple A with vehicle troubles, but I learned this past Friday that that’s not always the case. My fourth grader came home excited to share with me that she was the first of the school year to earn the triple A: All Achievement Award for classroom focus, effort, and desire to learn.

Though I am proud of Quinn, I’m not at all surprised. She loves school and learning so much. But even still, I don’t take her focus, efforts and desire to learn for granted, especially as I struggle to keep many of the college students I teach motivated and encouraged to learn.

I can only hope that she continues to have the intrinsic motivation to learn and put forth her best efforts as a student and person well into adulthood.

All the best,

Tanya

As It All “Falls” Down, I Glad I Can “Leave” It to My Daughter To Help Out

By

While I love autumn and the beautiful colors of the leaves, they eventually find their way on the ground, yard and sidewalk. The nostalgia of jumping in the leaves as a kid and watching my daughter play in the leaves giggling and tossing them everywhere is fleeting.

But there’s new moments which may not be as fun but are memorable. While most nine year olds are glued to their devices and have to be cajoled and pried off the couch to do chores, especially yard work, my nine year old volunteered even without the incentive of earning an allowance. So of course, I decided to give her a little something for working hard and expecting nothing but just wanting to help me. 🥰

Here’s to hoping that she keeps this work ethic well into teenage years. ☺️🤞🏽

All the best,

Tanya