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
Though my ten year old is technically the only child, it’s so nice knowing that she and her “little brother” our toy poodle have each other, especially around this time of the year.
Just like “human” siblings, they’re sometimes naughty together, getting into mischief or even fussing with each other about who gets to sit next to me on the sofa. But more times than not, they’re so sweet and have a nice time enjoying each other’s company.
I’m so grateful for them both as their presence alone are both special gifts in my life.
All the best,
Tanya
The Eighth Day of Christmas:
Eight years ago I posted about my fascination with Santa Claus and the North Pole and how my then two and a half was still learning about Christmas, Santa, where he lives and how he knows if she’s been naughty or nice.
Even though Quinn’s now ten, I’m so happy that she still looks forward to listening to Clementine, one of the head elves, Mrs. Claus, a few other characters and even Santa himself sharing little facts about what goes on in the North Pole from December 1st through December 25th.
All the best,
Tanya
The Sixth Day of Christmas: There’s a store my family loves to go to during this time of the year just for the environment: Feeney’s! It’s just so festive and whimsical, putting us in a happy mood and even giving us some inspiration for our own Christmas decorations. Sometimes, it’s not about spending money but just spending time together getting in the Christmas spirit.
All the best,
Tanya
The Fifth Day of Christmas: Since before my daughter was born, we’ve been having holiday parties to bring our extended family together for some food, fun and fantastic memories. As the hosts, my husband, daughter and I will wear “festive” clothes for the occasion , which we all enjoy. But this year, it took Quinn and me some time to figure out what we wanted to wear. So we used my husband’s T-shirt as an inspiration.
Last year, I got a Cricut for Christmas, so I couldn’t resist designing ones for Quinn and me. My husband suggested “busy bod” for her to match his “Santa Bod” shirt, but she felt it was negative making it seem that she gets into trouble, so she went with “cute bod” and was too adorable. As the fitness enthusiast of the household, I went with “fit bod.” Quinn thought it was perfect. I think we all looked great in our shirt and think we may have a new tradition on our hands. 🤗🎄
All the best,
Tanya
Though my ten year old is not into toys like she used to be, she does love many of our Christmas traditions. One of them is receiving a 12 days of Christmas treat.
Since Quinn is now into smell goods and spa stuff, I had to get her a 12 days of wellness calendar. Though the first day is something she wants to give to me, collagen peptides, 😅, I hope she’ll enjoy the rest.
All the best,
Tanya
For years, my daughter and I have been going to the Philadelphia Zoo’s Luminature event for the holiday season. We both love the lights and everything about the atmosphere. But there’s something that has made this activity even more special for us: going with extended family.
My mom (Quinn’s nana), my sister-in-law and nieces, my cousin, her daughter and mom (my aunt), have been joining us too. Since Quinn is an only child, I’m so grateful that she has such a close bond with her cousins and that they got to see each other and enjoy the lights together. This most certainly lights up my life.
All the best,
Tanya
I’m so excited for the field trip that I woke up at 2:30am,” my ten year old told me. She then asked me if I was excited too. While I didn’t tell her directly, I was probably a little more excited than her because she actually didn’t mind me volunteering as a chaperone. 🤗
We toured historic Philadelphia and learned some great facts through our animated, lovely and fun tour guides. Her homeroom seemed to all have a nice time. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to be there for Quinn and for her to want me to be there. 🥰
All the best,
Tanya
After a few weeks of my daughter fundraising for her school, she and the fifth graders participated in a fun-filled Boosterthon. There was music, inflatable archways, water stations and tons of children ready to burn off some energy for a good cause.
While there weren’t many parents in attendance, my husband and I were among the few who cheered as some kids zoomed, skipped or walked by. Quinn even came up and gave us both hugs and said that she was glad we came. I am too! 🥰 I’m also so grateful for family and friends who were kind and generous to support Quinn and her school.
All the best,
Tanya
I rushed from strength training, washed up and hurried to the local McDonald’s because this afternoon, I had a lunch date with someone extremely special to me, my sweet daughter Quinn. Her school has a lunch connection for parents to not only interact with their children but to get to know the teachers too.
While Quinn enjoyed her nuggets and fries, I enjoyed seeing the smile on her face and my fifth grader eagerly welcoming me to sit with her and her friends.
I wholeheartedly agree with the quote the school included on the invitation by Fredrick Douglass, “It is easier to build strong children, than to repair broken men.” I look forward to more opportunities to be there for Quinn offering support and love.
All the best,
Tanya
