Meet Tanya Jones, our November 2009 Everday Mom

Full name: Tanya Marie Jones

Where did you grow up? My father was in the Air Force. My parents are from Exeter N.H. I was born in Utah. I have been to New Mexico, England, Tampa, and Fayetteville. I have been here since 1993.

Did you have any siblings? I have two sisters and a brother.

Where do you live now? Fayetteville.

Names and ages of your children: Kevin Jr., 10, and Gabrielle, 3.

What are your favorite activities to do with your kids? We love to go camping. Kevin and I like to play board games and he likes me to play his video games with him. He also has taught me to battle with Yu Gi Oh cards. I am not good at that and have only won once. We play a lot. Gabby loves puzzles and we do them all the time. She is up to 100 pieces with help. We also read the " Jesus book" a lot and sing.

What are your least favorite “mom chores”? I really dislike doing dishes and peeling potatoes.

What kid-free activity do you enjoy in your free time? I love to watch comedy. I do not have very much kid-free time, though. My son watches some of our favorite shows with us.

Tell us about your hobbies. I love to travel. I like to do crafts but, i am not very good with them. I bake a lot and send the goodies to Guy's School, where my son goes, because my husband will not eat most of it.

Are you involved in any organizations? I am not involved with anything right now. Gabby is at home with me, and I work for my husband's plumbing business at home.

Tell us about your typical day — from the morning wake up until you finally climb into bed. We get up around 7:30 and get ready to take Kevin to school. Depending on the day of the week, in the mornings, I have things to do for my husband's business. Gabby and I watch Nick Jr., read, sing, play and do lots of puzzles most days during the week. We get Kevin between 3 and 4. When we get home, Kevin showers and does his homework. We eat between 6 and 6:30. I try to have Gabby in bed between 8 and 9. I read Bible stories to both kids before bed. I have to sing "Old MacDonald" to Gabby every night. Kevin goes to bed around 9. My husband and I watch TV for awhile and I try to be in bed by 11.

What advice do you have for new moms? It was so different between my two. Every child is different. Never go by what all the others are doing.

Do you have a time-saving tip to share with other moms? I try to have Kevin's school things ready the night before to save me time in the mornings.

Share your favorite 30-minute (or less!) recipe. Rocky Road Fudge: Foil an 8-inch square pan with foil extended over the pan. Lightly butter the foil. Take two 1-oz squares of semi sweet chocolate, 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips, 1 1/4 milk chocolate chips. Combine and melt in medium saucepan. Remove from heat when all is melted and add one 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk. Stir, then add 1 cup mini marshmellows and 1/2 cup walnuts. Spread in pan and refrigerate overnight.

What is most challenging at your children’s ages? Kevin is growing up and likes to question everything. Gabby really dislikes the potty and refuses to use it.

What is most rewarding at their ages? Kevin has A LOT of good ideas. He is very creative. I love to see Gabby sing and dance.

What do you look forward to most as your children grow? Every day is new. I wonder what their hobbies and personalities will be like when they are in their teens.

What three words would your children say best describe you? Makes me happy ( my son says that).

What is your favorite children's book (title and author) and why? "One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish" by Dr. Seuss. I have always liked that book. I knew every word when I use to babysit as a teenager.

Anything else you can share about you or your kids? Both of them are very smart. Kevin does real well in school and Gabby knows her ABCs, can count to 13 in English and, thanks to Dora, to 10 in Spanish. Now she just needs to use the potty so she can start Guy's School.