Monday, June 30, 2014

Team Izzy #teamizzy #cancersucks

Cancer is not a fun word. It's actually a word that I have learned to know well. Last year in November   my family lost a special person in our lives to Cancer. For a small family the moment was devastating and life-changing.

I want to be able to help make a difference and tell the story of those amazing families who have to go these difficult moments and endure the pain of Cancer. Until now, I didn't know how I would do this and then I through the magical world of Facebook I met, Esther Garcia and her daughter Isabella.

As parents learning that your child has Cancer cannot be easy. Thankfully Esther was able to notice that something was just not right with her baby girl and took action. Further than that, she is taking action by helping raise money while taking her child through medical treatments.

::Here is Izzy's story as told by Esther::



One morning she woke up saying her neck was hurting but we didn't think anything of it because it would come and go. Another morning she woke up throwing up and said she wanted to sleep so she slept and threw up all day, we thought it was just a bug but the next morning she was the same. We then took her to the hospital and the doctor noticed how she was walking and said he wanted to do a CT scan. So, the scan  was done and it came back and in less then 5 minutes the doctor said she had a big mass on the back of her head.  We were transferred to the main campus of Texas Children's Hospital that Friday where they put a tube in her head to relieve the pressure. The following Monday she had a major surgery to take the tumor out. When they saw it they told us it was all sitting on top of her brain and stretched to the front of her head. The name of the  tumor is called Ependymoma, it is Cancer but not the "really bad kind" that's why she is getting radiation treatments. If this doesn't work out the way they want it to she will have to do Chemo, God willing she won't. In total she has had 4 surgeries and 4 week of treatment 2 more to go and next 6 years of CT scans, X-rays and doctors visits to make sure it doesn't grow back. She has a permanent tube in her head that goes from the top of her head to her belly, that's going to be in her for the rest of her life and a port in her chest I don't know how long she is going to have that in.



In order to help pay for her medical bills we decided to create and sell shirts; anything and everything we get from the t-shirts helps us a little bit more than yesterday....

Thank you for the help and support if people are interested in purchasing a t-shirt please let me know your name, size and color (white or purple) and you can get a hold of me on Facebook or via email at vasquez_1018@yahoo.com

The shirts are $20 each, white or purple, Small-4-XL

Esther has another daughter her name is Layla and is married to her high school sweet heart; they have been together for 6 years. She is a Stay-at-Home Momma and Wife...and amazing of course!





Help this Houston family raise funds and Childhood Cancer awareness;
 #TeamIzzy



::2015 Update::

Izzy continues to be victorious over this battle but still needs your help!!! 

http://www.gofundme.com/awr9tc

Her family is also holding a raffle for more information you can contact her Momma on her FB page: 

https://www.facebook.com/esther.vasquez.12327608?fref=ts



Sunday, June 29, 2014

33 Years Later...and counting #mommabirthday

::Just a few lessons learned in the past 33 years::

Respect those who respect you, and the others, ignore them....
Cherish those people who are genuinely in your life 
Forgive but remember why you had to forgive in the first place, only to learn and decide better next time
Love with all you heart
Laugh as much as you can
smile everyday no matter what
Cry when you need to
Hug people tight because you never know when they will be gone forever
Take lots of pictures everyday, because you never know when your last day on earth will come
Appreciate those who say they want to help you and then really do
Party like it's 1999, life is too short to live a life of what-if's and regret, so LIVE life!
Don't just say you will, DO IT!
Actions really do speak louder than words
Work towards a goal
Follow your dreams and live your passion, it's no good to do something you hate the rest of your life... 
Be yourself!!! I can't stress this enough, don't do what others do because it's cool or good, do it because it's what you really want for yourself! 
Make new friends as often as possible, not because your old ones are not good enough but because you can  never have too many friends
Ignore the little things
Embrace the good moments
Make a list of things to do and try to do them 
Don't try to be perfect...little secret..no one is...
Remember all the good, remember those who are  no longer on this earth...
Be kind to one another... 
Listen to the advice you give others and apply it to your life
Life is NOT and should not be easy, what's the fun in easy... 
Avoid the drama, ain't no body got time for that...or room for it... 


Today I have been blessed on this earth with 33 years, I pray that I have many many more to come and that those people who are here with me will remain.... I love my Husband even though we argue, a lot, ha. I love my children even though we argue, a lot, ha. We are not perfect but we are so happy together. We make the best of every thing we do and live. We struggle but overcome as a unit. We live a humble and normal everyday life and we pretty much love it that way. 

I am blessed today more than ever, and I am human, and yes,  I need to constantly remind myself of my blessings so that I don't loose sight of how far we have come and where we are yet to go....

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

#ad Ford Trend Conference #fordespanol #fordtrends

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is not a compensated post. I was invited by Ford Espanol to attend the Ford Trend Conference this year. Compensation was given in form of travel and lodging expenses. The statements below are both my true and honest opinion.}

This morning my routine was pretty usual. I got dressed and ready to go, dropped my kids off at daycare, kissed them good-bye and told them to behave.  Instead of heading to my regular 8 to 5 though; I had a packed suite case in the back of my truck and a knot in my stomach as I rode to the airport. My nerves have been on edge since last night. 

As a Blogger I have had several experiences here locally in Houston, never leaving my children or Husband for more than an 8 hour day or a 4 hour evening. Today ::deep breath:: I will have an entirely new experience, away from my home and family. But, not without their undying love and most incredible support. 

As I sit here having made it through the high tech, yes, "high tech" check-in system and not so bad security check waiting for my flight to take off; I have that "Home Alone" feeling. That feeling that I am forgetting something. Did I pack everything I need? Will this empty nervous feeling fade soon? How will this trip go and will I succeed? 

Truth is no matter how many people I have met over the years or how many conferences and fears I have already conquered this year there is always the doubt and fear that it may just not go as planned. 

But, then I am reminded why I am here. Not only have I been selected to attend but I am capable of so much more and I am here to succeed. I find strength and gain confidence with the knowledge that I have a beautiful family waiting for me at home. Watching my every move. Loving me no matter what. 

My knowledge is about to be expanded and I can't wait to see what the next few days of growth and learning hold for me. I am over the top excited to meet everyone and take in all of their inspiration and motivation. 

I am headed to the Ford Trend Conference in Dearborn, Michigan. Michigan is a state that I hold deep in my roots, my family migrated there years ago from their homeland of Mexico to the promise-land that is the U.S.. I have uncles and family who still live there. A piece of my heart is there.  

Are you ready to take this Momma Adventure with me? 

Follow me on Instagram @mommaofdos and on Twitter @MommaofDosTX









Monday, June 23, 2014

#ad Lianna Grethel Celebrando Etapas del Bebe #babiesrus #procterandgamble

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is a compensated campaign in collaboration with Procter & Gamble and Babies R Us. I received the gifts mentioned below both for myself and 1 winning reader. The statements below are both my true and honest opinion.}


Ayer tuve el gusto de conocer a Lianna Grethel, la hermosa conductora de Alarma TV. Fue tan linda y sincera conmigo, me encanto platicar con ella sobre sus experiencias como Momma! Estuvimos en la tienda de Babies R Us del 17776 Hwy 249 cerca de Willobrook Mall, y platicamos mientras llegaba toda la gente para aprender mas sobre los productos de Babies R Us como son Pampers y Dreft.

Nos explicas un poco sobre este evento y lo que significa para ti poder celebrar las etapas como Momma?

“Imagínate, primero estoy súper contenta que me hayan escogido a mi como Madre para representar a Babies R Us y Pampers! Poder utilizar la imagen de mi hijo y sentirme representada por otras madres también que trabajamos y tenemos que hacer 20mil cosas al mismo tiempo. Es un proyectó en donde puedo dar el ejemplo o ser la vocera de que uno como Madre aprendiendo a administrar su tiempo puede hacer todo para su bebe!”

“Y cada etapa del bebe es muy importante y es importante disfrutarlos!”

“Saber de cada producto de Babies R Us, y los represéntates de la tienda todos saben de los productos y lo importante que es saber que producto es mejor para tu bebe…”

Ella le dio Gracias a Dios por haberle dado la oportunidad de encabezar esta gira con las tiendas de Babies R Us y los productos de Procter y Gamble como son los Pampers y Dreft

Que es el reto más difícil para ti como Momma?

“Pues para mí fue volver a empezar! Yo tengo una hija de 18 y mi hijo Liam de 14 meses… ya se me había olvidado todo y pues fue de volver a aprender todo de vuelta! Y es que los dos han sido muy diferentes. Y la verdad ahorita estoy disfrutando todo mucho lo que no aprendí a disfrutar con mi hija, porque fue diferente todo y Gracias  a Dios tener el apoyo del Papa también es muy importante.”

Como te organizas, ya que eres muy ocupada?

“Ya toca planear todo, pero tu mente y cuerpo se programa con un horario, como una alarma ya! Y crear un horario y una rutina de todos los días que funcione. Y si algo sucede que no estaba en los planes siempre mantearme organizada pero recurrir a otra estrategia. Es lo que yo he aprendido ahorita con Liam. A veces me ha tocado llevármelo al trabajo pero todo te funciona…”

Últimos consejos para las  Momma’s de Houston?


“Para todas las mamas; lo más importante pues para mi disfrutar cada etapa con tu bebe son el amor verdadero, son angelitos, e inocentes. Para mí, mi bebe es como terapia, el me ayuda a olvidar todo! No tiene precio poder compartir con ellos en cada etapa… Pero para todas las mamas recordar que somos SUPER MAMAS! Saber que un Papa es importante pero nosotros lo podemos todo…podemos desempeñar todo el trabajo que nos venga, porque Dios nos dio esta capacidad. Y que no desistan de sus sueños y de sacar a sus hijos adelante!”

Para mí personalmente siempre me gusto usar los panales de Pampers cuando mis hijos estaban bebes. Y el jabón de Dreft fue el mejor para la piel de mis hijos. Los productos se pueden conseguir en cualquier Babies R Us, si viven cerca de la tienda del 249 se las recomiendo el personal habla español y son muy amables!  

Para registrase para ganar lo siguiente vea al final de este resumen, y registrese  por medio del "Raffelcopter" o deje su Nombre y correo electronio en un comentario:

 Yo estoy regalando lo siguiente a una seguidora de Momma of Dos!! 

·         Pampers wipes

·         $50 gift card to Babies “R” Us

·         Kids tableware set











Saturday, June 21, 2014

#ad Jugada Musical #XMSIRIUSRADIO #elshowdepiolin

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is not a compensated but I was invited by XM Sirius Radio in collaboration with Lopez Negrete Communications to attend the Jugada Musical event for free. All statements below and opinions are my own and are true and honest.}

This past Tuesday, June 17th, we were invited to attend a Mega-Event that was hosted by none other than Piolin! He broadcasted live through his XM Sirius radio station, from the House of Blues here in Houston. The event was a huge viewing party for all Mexican's and proud Hispanics here in Houston who showed up to support their favorite soccer team, Mexico, as they attempted to defeat Brazil.

And, even though the outcome was 0-0, the event was a great success and fans of all ages and all genders showed up to support not only their favorite team but also to witness the return of Piolin to Houston.

Piolin attributes his success not only to his humble beginnings but to the support of Mexicans and Hispanics here in Houston, his personality really does shine through in everything that he does and speaks. It is no doubt that he was born to shine. This event proved to be everything that he promised the Houston audience.

Jugada Musical featured not only, the successful radio talk show host Piolin but also the funny and charismatic Gabriel Iglesias who is promoting his new movie Fluffy Guy. And, it ended with a classic performance by Tejano band, Intocable who played some of their greatest hits like “Y Todo para Que?” and “Coqueta”. Both songs that took me back to my high school years. Yes, a long, long time ago.

Jugada Musical began with comedic entertainment, food, drinks and after the game dancing and good times. The line-up of entertainers was stellar and they did not fail to impress! We had a great time; the family friendly event went on without a hitch and provided entertainment for everyone!

The venue was perfect to keep out of the Houston heat and host a cozy game viewing crowd; everyone cheered and watched Mexico take on Brazil with great pride and on the edge of their seats! After many nail biting, nerve wrecking moments the Mexico fans went home content. The next game which will determine the fate of Mexico will take place this Monday…Good luck to both teams, from what I know they will need it!

I was also given the opportunity to interview Piolin where he gave us more details about the event and his new show on XM Sirius Radio. You can read all about it here: http://www.mommaofdos.blogspot.com/2014/06/ad-jugada-musical-xmsiriusradio.html

Follow Piolin on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElshowdePiolin

Here is a picture recap of all the fans that came out to show Mexico and Piolin their un-dying love and support!















Sobre el Show de Piolin:

“El Show de Piolín” se transmite por SiriusXM Piolín Radio y presenta su visión de los eventos del día, entrevistas con famosos, llamadas de los radio escuchas, bromas, música y los queridos personajes “Doña Chela”,  “Casimiro” y “Don Poncho.” El programa en vivo de cuatro horas se emite de lunes a viernes de 6:00 am – 10:00 am PT llegando a todos los oyentes del país y reemitiéndose, varias veces a lo largo del día, por Piolín Radio canal 147. 

Los fans en todo el país pueden escuchar “El Show de Piolín” por SiriusXM Piolín Radio canal 147 gratis poo medio del SiriusXM Internet App para teléfonos inteligentes y en línea.  

Para escuchar “El Show de Piolín” gratis visita www.siriusxm.com/piolinprueba.  

Friday, June 20, 2014

#ad Conozca a Lianna Grethel!! #babiesrus #procterandgamble

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is a compensated campaign in collaboration with Procter & Gamble and Babies R Us. I received the gifts mentioned below both for myself and 1 winning reader. The statements below are both my true and honest opinion.}





Procter y Gamble y Babies “R” Us se han juntado para celebrar nuevas etapas con Lianna Grethel, la conductora del programa Alarma TV en Estrella TV! Es una modelo internacionalmente reconocida y modelo popular de en programa  "Deal or No Deal” en NBC. “Whether it’s a baby’s first smile, first crawl or the first meal, Babies“R”Us is there every step of the way to help prepare me – and every mom - for all the milestones with baby,” dijo Lianna. 

Ella entiende que hay Momma's ocupadas como nosotros quienes necesitamos un solo lugar para hacer las compras necesarias para las necesidades de nuestros hijos.


Los queremos invitar a conocer a Lianna Grethel en Houston estará en el Babies”R”Us, ubicado en el 17776 Highway Interestatal 249,el 22 de Junio de la 1-4pm. Durante el evento Lianna estara hablando sobre su experiencia como Mama y de cómo celebra las etapas de su bebe. Estará tomándose fotos y firmando autógrafos.

Tendrá la oportunidad de participar en rifas durante el evento en la tienda que incluyen premios semanales de  tarjetas de regalo de $250 para compras en  Babies”R”Us o el gran premio de una tarjeta de regalo $1,000 para ir a un dia de compras en la tienda.  

 Yo tambien estare regalando lo siguiente a una seguidora de Momma of Dos!! 

·         Pampers wipes

·         $50 gift card to Babies “R” Us

·         Kids tableware set



  Los esperamos!!! 

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Tejana Made Designs ::shop giveaway::

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is not a compensated post but I did receive a free custom made Rosary Bracelet and a Gift Card to giveaway  in exchange for this feature of Tejana Made DesignsAll statements below and opinions are my own and are true and honest.}


Today I am introducing to you an amazing artist from Texas and proof that good friends can be found on the world wide web;   Jessica Olivarez-Mazone of Tejana MadeDesigns. {Her custom made jewelry is amazing, I love it!} 

I created a short Q & A for her to share with us about her shop, enjoy! 

Why did you start your Shop?

Well, originally my blog started first when I was still trying to figure out what I wanted to write about. I started off sharing about my life in Texas. Tejana Made also means Texas Made but that was already taken. Obviously, right?

I started making jewelry mostly rosaries because they are the easiest way to learn how to string. I had huge success with my husband’s co-workers at his rig site.

Slowly, we started offering wearable rosaries, calavera braclets (skull bracelets), and then I moved to leather making.


I wanted to embrace what it meant to me to be Tejana, American, and Mexicana all at the same time.



What inspires you or motivates you?

Honestly, being Texan inspires me. I grew up in rural South Texas amid the mesquite tress and nopales. With boots on my feet and the sun on my face, it is the only life I have ever known. It is sitting on porches, sniffing mesquite laced smoke on the BBQ pits while watching my kids run up and down in boots and shorts.

Leather crafting and my Rosary Bracelets embrace those tiny parts of my cultura that are near and dear to me.

My Abuelita praying the Rosario and each click of the bead between her nails in the sacred halls of San Juan, Tx.

My reclaimed leather cuff bracelets that remind me of my Abuelitos and their weathered “good” boots.

I have always been a little bit country. Okay, more than just a little.

::Get in touch with Jessica::




Any fun details you want tshare about yourself?

I am a Supernatural Fan but I may be more in love with the car than the Winchester Brothers.
I love anything with bling (tacky or not). It must be a Texas thing that I like to call Country Glam.
My favorite food is Chinese food and Sushi.
Favorite taco will always be Bean, Cheese, and Chorizo.

What is your routine while creating items for your shop?

 I am a huge Diet Pepsi drinker so that is always around when I create.
The music depends on what I am creating and who is around me. My 4 yr old loves to play Katy Perry when she is painting with me. I prefer to listen to Lila Downs.

Are you bilingual and what is your favorite saying or motto?
I speak Tex-Mex but the one saying that stuck with me growing up was it didn’t matter if you were poor but always hold yourself up to a higher standard.  My grandpa used to say something like “No necessitias a mirar ni hablar como estas pobre”. 

Can readers contact you if they have questions?

I am very active on Twitter and you can email me at tejanamadejewelry@gmail.com

My Blog is Tejana Made--It is evolving to become more of a DIY/Jewelry Tutorial site as well as an introduction into Leather Crafting. I really love making Leather Cuffs and hope to one day to learn how to make handbags. Or, boots! Wouldn’t that be awesome!      www.tejanamade.wordpress.com

::GIVEAWAY::

So, you want a custom piece from Tejana Made Designs? ENTER BELOW TO WIN A $35.00 GIFT CARD!!!! You have until July 1st to enter!!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Monday, June 16, 2014

::Papi's Day:: #fathersday2014

This reminds me, I wrote a Mother's Day recap and never posted it...such is life. 
Father's Day weekend was a great one. We had fun; eating, drinking and being merry! 

The kids and I worked on a picture project for Dad and we finished the weekend off with some relaxing and visiting the GrandPa's ... Great weekend for sure. 

Hope everyone had an amazing one!!! 



Thursday, June 12, 2014

#ad Jugada Musical #XMSIRIUSRADIO

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is not a compensated but I was invited by XM Sirius Radio in collaboration with Lopez Negrete Communications to attend the Jugada Musical event for free. All statements below and opinions are my own and are true and honest.}

El martes tuve el gusto de entrevistar a una personalidad de Radio Mexicano, es un orgullo como mexicana poder escribir sobre eventos de esta magnitud en Houston.

Jugada Musical se llevara a cabo el próximo 17 de Junio en House of Blues. El evento tendrá como anfitrión a Eddie "Piolín"Sotelo acompañado por el comediante talentoso y carismático Gabriel Iglesias, y para acabar el día con el gran grupo Intocable. Tambien sera transmitido el juego de Mexico contra Brazil! 

Aquí está un resume de lo que hable con Eddie "Piolin" Sotelo. En realidad su personalidad es como un sol y aun por el teléfono su gran sonrisa brillaba! Fue una experiencia única y un gran placer. Y me da gusto poder compartir con ustedes esta platica... 




Este evento combina todo lo bueno música, deporte y la risa; cómo surge esta idea?

“Son mis 3 pasiones, y sé que nuestra gente las ama también! Cuando yo vi la oportunidad de ver el partido y compartir con el gran amigo “Fluffy” y disfrutar del grupo Intocable; pense imagínate que manjar llevaremos a Houston con este gran evento!”

“Las 3 cosas son de primera calidad, son una combinación que nosotros los Latinos queremos ver todos los días!”

Que significa para ti regresar a Houston para este evento tan grande? 

“Ir a darle las Gracias a toda la gente que ahora nos escucha en Sirius XM canal 147, tenemos muchas experiencias con Houston…especialmente cuando han pasado cosas lamentables o catástrofes naturales, como cuando paso el Huracán Katrina. Hemos invitado a Houston para  que nos ayuden con diferentes eventos y Houston  ha sido una de las comunidades que nos han demostrado todo el amor y quienes comparten todas sus bendiciones con las personas más necesitadas. Y también hemos estado en momentos buenos, como en eventos donde jugamos futbol en el parque con artistas… como dicen hemos estado en las buenas y en las malas.

Y ahora tenemos esta oportunidad….Yo agradezco a Sirius XM por esta plataforma tan importante para Latinos tener estos canales nuevos que existen.

Hay una conexión muy grande entre mi persona y la gente de Houston…de mucho cariño y agradecimiento.”

Eres un aficionado dedicado del futbol? La copa mundial es algo que veías de niño?

“Si, fíjate me acuerdo de niño salir de la escuela cuando vivía en México y nos poníamos en las vitrinas de una mueblería pequeña a ver las teles para poder ver los partidos y nos quedábamos hasta que nos corrían a veces! Son recuerdos muy buenos…”  

Algún otro mensaje que quisieras compartir con la gente Hispana/Mexicana de Houston?


“Decirles…a que venimos?… a TRIUNFAR!” 





Sobre el Show de Piolin:

“El Show de Piolín” se transmite por SiriusXM Piolín Radio y presenta su visión de los eventos del día, entrevistas con famosos, llamadas de los radio escuchas, bromas, música y los queridos personajes “Doña Chela”,  “Casimiro” y “Don Poncho.” El programa en vivo de cuatro horas se emite de lunes a viernes de 6:00 am – 10:00 am PT llegando a todos los oyentes del país y reemitiéndose, varias veces a lo largo del día, por Piolín Radio canal 147. 

Los fans en todo el país pueden escuchar “El Show de Piolín” por SiriusXM Piolín Radio canal 147 gratis poo medio del SiriusXM Internet App para teléfonos inteligentes y en línea.  

Para escuchar “El Show de Piolín” gratis visita www.siriusxm.com/piolinprueba.