Category Archives: Mommy Approved

The Votes Are In! Hamilton the Musical Left Us Amazingly Hopeful

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Yesterday, I surprised my eleven year old and took her to see Hamilton the Musical. From the seats to the ambiance to the acting to the singing and rapping, we loved everything. With the election results not what either of us had hoped for days prior, part of me was concerned with if this play, addressing many political issues would leave us both emotionally drained.

Surprisingly, the energy of the actors and many of the audience members left us both hopeful despite the uncertainty of the future. I’m thankful for Lin Manuel’s genius and enjoyed many of the illusions to hip hop culture and rap songs too. I’m grateful for the opportunity for Quinn and I to bond and neither of us are throwing away our shot to celebrate positivity and community in the face of change and possible challenges ahead.

All the best,

Tanya

With My “Boos” at the Zoo

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This year marks the 10th anniversary of my daughter and me taking part in the Boo at the Zoo event for some Halloween fun. We both love getting dressed up in costumes (always a mom and daughter theme, 🤗) and Quinn loves trick or treating for candy too.

What we love even more is that this is not just a mother daughter tradition but a cousin tradition too! With the busyness of life, we may not see each other as often as we’d like, but this is one outing we all faithfully attend donning costumes, smiles and ready for some quality time with family. I’m grateful to have this time with some of my favorite “boos.” 🥰🤗🎃💀

All the best,

Tanya

Recognizing a “Dad” Worthy of Celebration on Father’s Day

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In an effort to celebrate a “Father’s Day” for a person worthy of the title “dad,” I decided to break tradition and take my husband somewhere new to enjoy a brunch fit for a king. Founding Farmers, that our daughter Quinn, mistakenly and jokingly called “Founding Fathers,” was well received.

What makes this place special is everything is made in-house from the bread to the beverages, and local farmers contribute. It made me think about the relationship between my husband and daughter. It’s naturally organic and something so authentic about their connection. Admittedly, I do feel that their father/daughter relationship is not necessarily better but different than our mother/daughter relationship. They have something special that cannot be recreated: a strong bond. For that I am grateful.

Happy Father’s Day to all of the fathers, fathers-to-be, like a father, uncles, pop-pops, etc. This is your special day!

All the best,

Tanya

Having a Happy 12th Mommyvserary!

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Twelve years ago my life changed for the better when I became a mother. Though it’s been a joy watching my daughter grow and develop into a lovely young lady, I’ve taken pleasure in knowing that I too am growing as a person in a positive way while on the journey of motherhood. I try to model confidence, strength and love while teaching the importance of patience, determination and kindness through my actions.

While I’ve certainly had done missteps along the way and am not a perfect mom, I am grateful to gain so much wisdom, strength and courage as Quinn’s mom and to be showered with her love.

All the best,

Tanya

Art of Brick: Building a Foundation of Fun!

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My daughter and I love going to the Franklin Institute, not just because our last name is the same, but we love their special exhibits. Today was the beginning of the Art of Brick with fabulous and intricate displays made of legos. I was in awe. Quinn and her bestie loved the Lego portraits, and I couldn’t get enough of the three dimensional displays.

It brought back childhood memories for me as I spelled my name and made a creation in the building section. Also, seeing Quinn and her best friend built a tower made me think about the foundation of our relationship. I’m grateful for outings that are not only fun but meaningful while giving us both lasting memories.

All the best,

Tanya

On the Actual Day of Christmas, My Daughter Gave to Me…Nostalgia and Happiness

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On the Actual Day of Christmas, My Daughter Gave to Me…Nostalgia and Happiness

A Christmas gift I look forward each and every year is seeing my daughter’s smile, hearing her along with oohs and aahs and feeling her appreciation as she opens her Christmas gifts.

But something that made this year different was that she used her hard earned money to get me a thoughtful and heartfelt gift: a sterling silver mom necklace that projects, “I love you” in 100 languages. It came in a lovely box with little roses and a teddy bear that lights up. Though I encouraged her to hold onto her money, it makes me feel so good that was willing to spend her entire savings on me.

Another bonus was that many of the gifts she wanted this year were quite nostalgic as they brought back wonderful memories of my childhood playing games, doing crafts and making treats.

All the best,

Tanya

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas 2023: The Magic of Twinning

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Both my daughter and I love surprises. I was pleasantly surprised that she agreed to “twin” today in our Charlie Brown Christmas sweatshirts. While she was surprised to an evening of magic and illusions with Christmas twists, lights and music.

I’m so grateful for family time and outings, especially around this time of year. I can’t help but smile while in the festive environment, with delectable treats and extra time together.

All the best,

Tanya