I Have a Clue That This New Year is Gonna Be Golden Girl!

I’m so happy I spent part of the first day of the new year playing games with my daughter. We’ve played Clue in the past, but this was our first time playing “The Golden Girls” version, and we both thought it was fun.

I was so impressed that Quinn knew who the characters were and developed a strategy to figure out who “stole the slice of cheesecake.”

Even though I did win, discovering that it was Rose with a feather slipper in the bathroom, Quinn was a good sport and quickly learned about keeping a “poker face.”

We may not have a total “clue” on what 2023 will bring, but if it’s anything like today, it will be fun-filled and memorable.

All the best,

Tanya

On the Seventh Day of Christmas 2022: A Big Girl Advent Calendar

Giving my daughter an advent or 12 days of Christmas calendar has been a tradition for quite a few years now. Usually, there’s a candy theme, but this year, my nine year old was excited to get a 12 days of pampering calendar with lotion, foot scrub, facial cleanser, you name it! This is just a reminder that my little girl is growing up, but we still have Christmas memories together which I love.

All the best,

Tanya

All the best,

Tanya

I Can’t “State” It Enough! I Represent My Daughter!

Today, my daughter along with 57 third graders did presentations on the United States of America. About a month ago, each student selected a state to investigate and find out facts to share for this special day. Quinn excitedly told me, “I picked Michigan because Daddy went to University of Michigan!”

Though she worked on the project independently in school, my husband and I occasionally asked her random questions about Michigan to make sure she was prepared. We discussed ideas for her outfit, she helped locate images for me to iron on her shirt. Her dad let her borrow his University of Michigan hat and “Michiganopoly” game.

We both proudly came wearing our navy blue and gold to support Quinn, and she did not disappoint. I noticed that quite a few parents stopped by to hear her presentation as I circulated around the room to hear about other states from different children. I’m so proud of Quinn and so glad my husband and I were able to be there for her.

All the best,

Tanya

A Merry Christmas with the “Presence” of Family

When I asked my daughter what she enjoyed most about Christmas yesterday, she said that she loved getting presents, but it made her feel good to give presents too because she loves seeing how happy people are as they open gifts. But she also said getting to spend time with family was something she really enjoyed.

Last year, we were stayed at home for Christmas as Covid restrictions were in full swing, there was limited vaccines and it was highly recommended that people limit their interactions to just their immediate family. With the Omicron variant on the rise, we may find ourselves back under restrictions as it continues to make its way to more people.

It’s times like this that I’m glad we have a relatively small family and that we’re all taking precautions to remain safe. While no one knows for sure what will happen in the days or months to come, just like Quinn, I’m so glad I got to enjoy the presence of my family for Christmas.

All the best,

Tanya

It’s a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday!

It seems like more people than usual are struggling to feel festive or have holiday spirit. It’s times like this that I’m grateful for my eight year old daughter and our year and a half old toy poodle who constantly lift my spirits during this time of the year.

They definitely keep me merry, especially Quinn as she opened her gifts this morning displaying appreciation for each one.

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

All the best,

Tanya

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, My Daughter Gave to me… The Joy of Relaxing in Our Matching Pajamas

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, My Daughter Gave to me… The Joy of Relaxing in Our Matching Pajamas.

Very seldom do I give myself a pajama day, but when I do, it’s usually around Christmas time with my daughter.

I’m looking forward to us just watching Christmas movies, baking cookies for Santa and relaxing on Christmas Eve.

All the best,

Tanya