Happy August everyone! The last hoo-rah of summer has begun and I hope you are somewhere on a beach, drinking a piña colada out of a coconut with a brightly colored tiny umbrella. …Aaaand…If you’re not physically there, I hope I was able to take you on a mental vacation, even if only for a few minutes.
The beginning of the month marks the introduction of our featured mom! I am very excited to introduce her to you. Welcome Tamika Twyman- our August “M.O.M!” I met Tamika almost ten years ago when she was volunteering as a high school cheerleading coach. I was doing cheer choreography at the time, and it was amazing to work together with her. She has always been such a warm, bright, and inspiring person. Tamika has given my husband and I some great advice with our son, and helped us to be less nervous parents.
My favorite Tamika quote was when she was talking to my son Dante at his 1st birthday party:
“Tell your mom you are one year old and you are done with that mush. Say, mom give me a plate, a fork, and some real food!”
It was such a cute interaction and so heartwarming. I will definitely be telling Dante that story when he is older.
Tamika works as an Administrative Coordinator in the heath care industry, and is very involved in her community. She volunteers at Abington Townships No Place for Hate, Youth Aid, Victim Services, and is also part of the Montgomery County DUI task force. Tamika lives in Pennsylvania with her husband Anthony, her son Donte (24 yo), and two bonus children, Jasmine and Anthony Jr (18 & 22 yo).
Tamika and hubby Anthony 
And her son Donte!
I had the pleasure of talking with Tamika, and learning about some of her most warming and tender moments of motherhood. Check out our Q & A below!
Q: What is the most important thing you need to remember when raising a teenager?
A: The most important thing to remember is- they are impulsive and will make mistakes! They have so much going on, bodies changing, high school, peer groups, etc. Teenagers are a special breed and need to be handled with care. Clear boundaries and consequences for going beyond said boundaries will go a long way!
Q: What is the funniest thing your son has ever said to you?
A: My son loves cheese. When he was about 3 or 4 he snuck into the refrigerator and stole a hunk of “cheese”. He says mommy this is really good “cheese!” I fell over laughing because he was eating a stick of butter! He’s 24 and we still laugh about this!
Q: If you could go back in time and give the younger you a piece of advice, what would it be?
A: I would tell my younger self to be more adventurous, and stay in school until you’ve completed your master’s degree! I was a serious young adult. I’d tell myself to have more fun, go to a club, and hangout with friends! Working and going to school is no fun!
Q: What has been your proudest moment as a mom?
A: My proudest moment as a mom was when I saw that my child was kind and caring towards others. He was always aware of how others felt and if a kid was sad or outside the group he made sure to befriend them. I know I raised a God fearing, kind and compassionate young man and that makes me smile. The world can be full of hate and darkness but he will always shine bright.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
A: I love to take naps!! I also love to read. When I read, I see the story in my mind. Reading takes you away for a couple chapters, no thoughts other than the characters on the page!
Q: Where is your favorite place to shop?
A: I LOVE to go to the Coach Store. I love pocketbooks and coach is my favorite. After a rough day I would just sit in there and chat with the sales person, look at bags and leave with something just for me!
Q: Last but not least- Would you rather have a lifetime supply of coffee or chocolate?
A: I would rather have coffee! I don’t love the taste, but I really enjoy the smell!
A big thank you goes out to Tamika for taking the time to share some of her life and motherhood journey with us!
Be You. Be Resilient. <3 Mika