The Second Day of Christmas 2025: Cookie Time

For four years before my daughter’s birth, I’ve been hosting a holiday party for my family and friends. Each year, the guest list increases a little, there’s a few more treats, and my twelve year old contributes a bit more. 

While we’ve made cookies together in the past, Quinn baked the chocolate chip and Christmas M & M cookies from start to finish, and they were deliciously made with love and a festive spirit.  

All the best,

Tanya

Queue the Violins

Yesterday was my twelve year old’s winter orchestra concert, and though it’s been less than a year since her spring concert in sixth grade, the improvement of the entire orchestra was noticeable. Not just the way they sounded, but their posture and overall performance demonstrated how much they all have matured.

I don’t know if it’s because many of them are or will soon be teens, but witnessing this makes me want to “queue” the violins as I reminisce about when Quinn first began playing the violin nearly four years ago.

It was a lovely concert, and I’m looking forward to seeing what they do in the spring.

All the best,

Tanya

Netflix in the House

I love spending time with my daughter, and we both love watching certain shows on Netflix, so checking out the Netflix House in King of Prussia Mall during her Thanksgiving break was the perfect outing to celebrate her perfect streak of earning straight A’s since first grade.

We had such a fun time playing nine holes of miniature golf featuring Is It Cake, Squid Games and Stranger Things, just to name a few. We’re definitely considering going back for their virtual reality series.

All the best,

Tanya

My Daughter Always Amazing Me through Her Strengths

Every day I’m amazed by the person my daughter is becoming. Though she’s only twelve, she’s developed an interest in fitness and joins me at the gym every Sunday. I love our bonding time and am amazed at how quickly she has grown and caught on.

I would like to think that she’s gotten her strength partly from me, but she’s gotten her drive to challenge herself from deep within. I’m so proud of the person she’s becoming.

All the best,

Tanya