Tag Archives: Tanya H. Franklin

Hoping to Capture Cherished Moments in a Bottle

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Upon arriving in Wildwood, NJ to have some fun with our cousins and aunt for a couple days, I took a selfie with my 12 year old to let my husband know we made it there safely. When I looked at the picture and observed how Quinn looked at me, I was filled with joy and hope. Hope that she will always look at me with love, happiness and towards me for guidance as needed.

I knew becoming a mom would change my life, but I didn’t realize how much it would change me into a more confident and assertive person. Perhaps this is what I am becoming because I know this is what she needs and what my hope is for her as she blossoms into an adult, which may seem light years away, but it’s really not. 😅😳🫣

All the best,

Tanya

Go Fly A Kite! Beach Fun with My Daughter 🪁

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The phrase, “Go fly a kite” is an idiom that is used as a way of telling someone to go away or to leave you alone,” yet there’s pleasure that comes from flying a kite and watching the wind carry it up into the sky as you direct it.

As we enjoy the usual family activities at the beach, my 12 year old and I decided to fly a kite together. Since we don’t fly kites often, it was a wonderful opportunity for her to relearn how to get started and to exercise patience as we waited on the wind.

If ever someone should tell you, “Why don’t you just go fly a kite,” maybe you ought to consider it. There’s certainly something magical about the experience.

I hope it’s one my daughter remembers as she gets older.

All the best,

Tanya

At Last: A School Chapter Ends

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I remember being nervous about my daughter leaving her elementary school and starting her new school as a fifth grader. Now, we are somewhat back where we first started, but this time she’s closing her sixth grade chapter and will be officially transitioning to middle school.

Though it was only two years, I know they made an impact on her as she met new friends, teachers and experienced a little of what’s to come as a seventh grader.

I’m so proud of the progress she’s made and look forward to having a wonderful summer with Quinn as we count down til the first day of middle school.

I All the best,

Tanya

Cousins Unite for a Nature Hike

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“Tweenage” years are an interesting time. Some look like children yet behave like teens and “adults,” some look like teens or mini adults yet behave like kids.

While some want nothing to do with adults nor their parents, others still enjoy their company and look forward to interacting.

Regardless, as a parent of a tween, I hope my twelve year old knows that I will love her as “nature” takes its course and hope she never asks me to “take a hike,” except for a fun outdoor adventure with our cousins.

Quinn, our cousins and their furry brothers had a wonderful time today just hiking, feeding the geese and ducks and enjoying each others company.

All the best,

Tanya

It Took Twelve Years to Formally Meet Mister Softee! 🤗

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As a kid growing up in the inner city, Mister Softee, Helado de Coco and the shaved ice guy were staples of the community. The neighborhood kids, including me, would scrape up their money or beg a parent or friend to spot them a dollar or two get get an ice cream cone or popsicle.

Living in a suburb right outside of Philadelphia, my daughter has had limited opportunities to beg for money to get a treat from the ice cream truck and certainly not Mr. Softee.

So when I heard that magical tune in the distance as we relaxed on a bench after our bike ride, I was probably more excited than she was to get her first treat at 12 years old. We were the first to arrive at Mr. Softee’s window as other children and adults began to make their way over. Though Quinn’s ice cream treat was a whopping eight dollars, creating this memory for us both to share was worth it!

All the best,

Tanya

Cue the Violins: First of Last!

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While in the first row and first chair, my daughter was focused and played intently, This will be the last time she performs with the school orchestra as a sixth grader.

I’m so proud of her. In knowing that she has decided to continue playing violin at her next school for seventh and eighth grade, I hope she continues to thrive and has a wonderful experience ahead of her.

All the best,

Tanya

Celebrating My 13th Mommyversary!

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As I celebrate my thirteenth “mommyversary,” I’m feeling luckier than ever to have a daughter like Quinn. While I will miss her as my little girl, I welcome her last year as a tween and how much of a positive influence she’s had on my life even as a child.

I’ve become more assertive as I advocate not just on her behalf but my own. I’ve become even more conscientious about my health to lead by example and to be around and active with Quinn.

Somehow, holding her in my arms as a baby simultaneously seems like it was yesterday and light years away, but the feeling of being a mother and loving my daughter unconditionally continues to grow and evolve into something beyond measure.

All the best,

Tanya

A Dozen Years of Birthdays with Many More to Come

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Though most consider becoming a teenager a milestone, I think turning twelve is just as significant. It’s the last year of being a tween and many changes are coming or already happening.

I’m so happy to celebrate my daughter’s 12th birthday as she continues to grow into a lovely young lady. She truly deserves a dozen roses for being such a great kid and person.

Here’s to many more birthdays to come because each one is special.

All the best,

Tanya

“Bracing” Myself for Another Milestone

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Yesterday, my daughter was overjoyed as we entered the dental office because she was getting something she’s wanted for the past two years: braces! For the most part, her teeth are straight with a minor cross bite and under bite on one side, but it was enough to warrant braces. I still recall when I got braces at 13, which was two years older than Quinn.

My teeth were in dire need of braces, but I was still a bit resistant to wearing them because of the taunting and name calling I endured from my sister and a few classmates 😩. Quinn, on the other hand, welcomed getting braces and had a big smile before and after. She spent the last week leading up to getting braces doing thorough research regarding what she’s permitted to eat and how to take care of them, which definitely impressed her orthodontist and me.

I have a feeling that braces will do more than just straighten Quinn’s teeth, but they will give her an opportunity to exercise self-control and discipline as she must resist food and treats she enjoys and responsibility when it comes to maintaining and brushing her teeth.

Here’s to a new milestone as I keep taking baby steps into motherhood.

Best,

Tanya