::No Light at End of the Tunnel::

This post came to me the other night as I did chores and tried to summon the strength to get them all done. Hope it helps in whatever stage of childhood you are in.

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In those moments right before you are about to lose your shit. You think. This too shall pass, right!?

As I wipe pee off my toilet seat and floor for what seems like the millionth time today and I pick playdoh pieces off my bare feet. The exhaustion kicks in but the determination lingers. Determined to tame these wild children of mine; their giggles and Christian music play {yes this potty-mouth family listens to Christian music} in the background. My nerves ease and my frustration gone. I am living in these moments  of  chaos and messiness. You know those moments all too well? The "half" moments; of things making it halfway to the toy bin, halfway to their room, halfway to the trash and of course halfway in the toilet. Hence, the pee wiping.  

And, still no matter what they are happy, those two little ones that put up with my extra loud voice and sometimes witness the tears. Their love is endless y'all. And, in that moment, I see a light at the end of the tunnel that wasn't there before. And, I have peace. I have love and joy. Always. Deep in my heart no matter what the sorrows are or what obstacles we meet, they bring me true joy and peace. No matter how many times I have to wipe the pee off the toilet seat or how much playdoh sticks to the floor. I am living in these moments that will never come back. And, the frustration is gone. 

Then hope kicks in, hope that your kids will grow up to be appreciative, hard working and loving. The hope that they will be a better person than you and achieve far more than you. The hope that they will not fear or suffer the things you did. Faith. Faith that they will have happy fulfilled lives with the best blessings that they surely deserve. That in 20 years they will remember all the moments you lived together. Moments of joy, sacrifice, and peace.

As Momma's we all live in these moments, whether we publicize it or not, we are all in that same boat of days when you don't see a light at the end of the tunnel and could decide that you can't anymore. But, somehow with short rests and time, strength is renewed, and we do it all over again the next day. 

Momma, you are strong, you CAN do this. Wipe that pee off the floor and move forward... because I promise you, this too shall pass. You can either sit and cry over the moments of frustration, which sometimes are needed, or you can learn to embrace it all and love every moment you are living in. It's not always easy and it is VERY much easier said than done, but if this unorganized working Momma of Dos can do it, you can too!  

Just a little piece of my heart on this Tuesday morning.... 

::Top 10 Travel Must-Haves for Busy Toddlers:: #texastravelers #travelwithtoddlers

With the Holiday's just around the corner and while many families fly, hundreds of families are soon to take the roads as well. Surely many of you will travel some place to visit family. If this is your first major road trip with toddlers then you might want to have a mini-check list of things that you will need to have to make your trip a not so stressful one.

As my kids have become toddlers there are certain things that keep them busy; the following have really helped when we have gone on recent road-trips. My children are now 3 1/2 & 5, we have been traveling with then both for a few years now.

Please follow us on Instagram it's were we post all of our fun road-trip pictures !

::5 Items you can pack that will make your road trip a successful one::

Books to Read- My children love stories and I make sure they fill their backpacks with the books they love and sometimes they "read" and make-up their own stories or I will read to them.

Coloring Books-What toddler doesn't love to color? I go to the dollar store and buy inexpensive coloring books and crayons and then take them out when the kids are getting restless.

Toys-My son is huge on certain toys. So, I allow them to select their top 3 toys that will really play with on the trip. For my daughter it is usually dolls and nail polish. For my son some kind of action figure or cars and trucks.

Portable DVD Player- We personally do not own a portable DVD player but my Mother-in-Law does and twice now we have borrowed it. Usually this is best for when we are road-tripping late at night. It's easy and the kids love it.

I-Pads/Tablets/Smart Phones-My parents recently gifted us a an I-Pad and an Android tablet, my Husband and I both have smart phones. When the kids become too restless and most options have failed we let them play games or watch their favorites like Peppa Pig or the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on YouTube.

::5 simple and fun activities to do in the car while on a road trip::

Now while I can dream that my kids will sit quietly and play in the back seat it hardly ever happens that way. My children, like most, require so much attention and interaction even while a row of seats away. So, we have created certain road-tip games that are fun for both my husband and I as well as for the kids. Sometimes we get a little carried away and take over, that's OK too, haha.

Snacking- Of course who doesn't love to eat! We give our children snack options and allow them to help pack their snacks. This is usually a good way to get my children's attention. They love food and especially snacks for a road-trip; they become very excited to be able to select their snacks and will almost immediately ask for them once we get in the car!

Music Game- My Hubby loves music so he created a music game. We connect our phones with an auxiliary cord to our vehicle radio and then use YouTube to select songs. We go in a circle and take turns the kids love keeping up with whose turn it is. This game is only good until their Daddy takes over and starts playing 10 songs of his choice in a row. For the most part the kids love his music though. Some of our favorites are music from La Bamba, Dirty Dancing and Jersey Boys as well as old Rock and then of course Disney songs. (You can create your own play list or version of the game depending on the kids ages.)

I-Spy- My kids love it but don't really fully understand the rules. Still we play it their way and they love it! It's so great to listen to them give you answers or come up with their descriptions which for the most part are colors right now.

Story Telling- My Husband is huge on story telling and during bed time he has started to just create stories with the kids and allows the kids to create their own stories. It was started because my Hubby didn't want to lay in bed and read long story books. But, the kids love it. I suck at it. It's so fun to listen to the kids tell their stories and use their imaginations. Some are so random it's hilarious. My son has mastered it and Camila she tries! Haha.

Potty/Stretch Break-And finally, we have recently made it our custom to stop at Bucee's but on longer trips we stop at designated rest areas as well. Just to give the kids a break for few minutes from the car and their car seats. It helps them take a breath and relax. We let them know it's only for a few minutes because they can quickly turn it into an extended play time. But,  we have found that even 15-20 minutes helps them and us regain sanity! We do make scheduled stops such as Bucee's and as many needed for bathroom breaks. These have become less as my kids become used to our road-trips which is good for travel time.

::Wordless Wednesday:: Kinda Sorta...

This week has already been exhausting. But, these Dos make my days go by real fast.... The weekend can't come fast enough... 

Case of the Mondays ::Back to School Edition::

Today was the first day of school for many! 

While my children are not in public school, which for this Momma is santiy on this very unexpectly emotional Monday morning, they still had exciting changes today. My little man started Pre-School in daycare, he is officially in the "big kids class". My little Mama started in the 3/4 year olds class she was in the 2/3 year old class until now. 

I didn't think I would be emotional but here is the thing, for the last year and half Camila and Santiago have been in the same group of toddlers and their days were pretty much on the same schedule. With Santi moving to the Pre-K class he will no longer have lunch or recess with my baby! They will both have to depend on their own strengths and courage to go through the day without one another. Santi is a very big brother who loves and protects his Sister when he isn't trying to get her out of his face. 

I think this will serve as an experience of growth and appreciation for one another. I hope. My Hubby and I have given them both very firm and supportive talks about starting this new stage of their lives and I hope that they will not only make brave decisions but also stand up for themselves and be strong in their beliefs. A bit much for a 3 and almost 5 year old? Maybe but my Hubby and I are both the eldest in our families and we have learned from struggles and mishaps and know the direction in which we wish to shape our children's independence as well as their courage and bravery. 

This world, no matter what age can be cruel and while we are teaching them to see the good in everyone and everything we also don't want them to grow up close-minded or naive to the harms of the outside world. I know that may sound a bit intense but until now our children have developed very unique personalities and they are never afraid to be themselves. I want that to continue. 

Everyday a new lesson. Everyday growth.

Happy New School Year!!

What do you want your children to learn this school year?

Classic Hershey's S'Mores ::Toddler Activity:: #veranohersheys

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is not a compensated post, but I received sample products from Hershey's. They are also providing a Hershey’s S’mores Prize Pack to giveaway to one of my readers. All opinions and content is my true and honest opinion.}

::Additional Momma Disclaimer:: Do not by any means assume that my children have personalities, I have no idea where they get it from. ::insert laugh here::

My children are at the age where they want to help with everything I do {I hear it won't last long} and last month thanks to a visit to the circus they discovered S'mores!  Which is why when I was asked to create this post in honor of Hershey's S'mores I was sure they would be ecstatic! I wasn't wrong!

My kids helped me prepare their new favorite snack; perfect for after school snacking or to help keep two busy toddlers, well busy! We had so much fun preparing and enjoying our delicious snack! The process was so toddler friendly and easy to clean-up it definitely allowed us to enjoy this Summer moment and have a little fun in the process! 

Please note that at the end of this post you too will have TWO opportunities to win your very own Hershey's S'mores Prize pack!

Here is what you will need to create your classic Hershey's S'mores:

• 4-8 graham crackers, broken into halves
• 2-3 Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars (1.55 oz.), broken into halves
• 4-8 large fluffy marshmallows

Oh yes and Dos {2} adorable helpers, as you can see I had no luck! 

::Directions::
1. Place ½ of Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar on a graham cracker half.
2. Carefully toast marshmallow over grill or campfire (supervise the kids if they’re doing this); place over chocolate.
3. Top with second graham cracker half; gently press together.

And, yes while you can do this activity outdoors, it was a little rainy and hot in Houston today, so we decided to use our S'more to Love kit and prepared our tasty treats with the oven at 350 degrees and in only a couple of minutes our S'mores were done!

And, now for a chance to win your own prize pack to create this amazing snack to enjoy with your family and friends!

Your Prize pack will include:

• Pair of Tongs
• Apron
• S’mores Grill Basket
• Marshmallows
• Graham Crackers
• Hershey’s Milk Chocolate

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About The Hershey Company


The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a global leader in chocolate and sugar confectionery. Headquartered in Hershey, Pa., The Hershey Company has operations throughout the world and approximately 15,000 employees. With revenues of more than $7.1 billion, Hershey offers confectionery products under more than 80 brand names, including such iconic brands as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Hershey's Bliss, Hershey's Special Dark, Kit Kat, Twizzlers, Jolly Rancher and Ice Breakers. The company is focused on growing its presence in key international markets such as China, Mexico and Brazil while continuing to build its competitive advantage in the United States and Canada.

For more than 100 years, The Hershey Company has been a leader in making a positive difference in the communities where its employees live, work and do business. Corporate Social Responsibility is an integral part of the company’s global business strategy, which includes goals and priorities focused on fair and ethical business dealings, environmental stewardship, fostering a desirable workplace for employees, and positively impacting society and local communities. Milton Hershey School, established in 1909 by the company's founder and funded by a trust administered by Hershey Trust Company, provides a quality education, housing, and medical care at no cost to children in social and financial need. Students of Milton Hershey School are direct beneficiaries of The Hershey Company's success.

#ad Rose & Rhodes Clothing ::Shop Review::

::Momma Disclosure:: { This is not a compensated post. I received a clothing item from Rose and Rhodes Clothing in exchange for this review. All statements are my own and my true and honest opinion.}

I love finding new shops where I can obtain affordable and cute clothing for my little girl. When the shops have colorful and playful items as well as a good variety; it makes it easier for me to fall in love with it. This was the case with Rose and Rhodes Clothing who right now has the cutest Swim Suits for the Summer! I received the cutest, two piece outfit which I used as a Swim Suit cover up when we went to the pool last weekend. Perfect for pool parties and these warm Summer nights!

The shop is owned by two hardworking and very inspiring Momma's which just makes it so much easier to relate and find what you need. Find out more about them and how the idea for their shop came to be as well as how you can get all of their items for your Summer events!

Hello Everyone!  

We are Yvette Perez and Beatriz (Bea) Garza, proud owners of Rose and Rhodes Clothing.  We are two cousins that grew up together in the Valley.  They used to say that we were "joined at the hip".  Bea and I decided to open Rose and Rhodes Clothing because we fell in love with children's clothing.  I, Yvette, had my daughter in 2009 and my son in 2012.  The idea of opening up a children's boutique was always there but I didn't know how to move forward.  Bea had her daughter in 2012 and it seemed natural to join forces and get the boutique up and running.  

We opened up Rose and Rhodes Clothing to cater to moms with small children looking for a good deal.  I know that sometimes boutique clothing can be very expensive so our motto is, "Adorable Clothing at an Affordable Price".  Our motivation comes from our children.  They motivate us on a daily basis to do better and to work harder. 

Rose & Rhodes Clothing ::Connect with Social Media links::

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/roseandrhodesclothing

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/randrclothing/

Twitter:     https://twitter.com/RoseandRhodes

Website:  http://roseandrhodesclothing.com/

   

Bea and I both have Bachelor's Degrees.  I have a degree in Business Finance and she has her degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Masters in Counseling.  She is currently a teacher at a local Elementary in Mission, Texas.  

  

We don't personally make our products and while we would love to always organize and promote our inventory in peace and quiet, the reality is that we usually do it with screams and babbles of our children in the background.  Of course, we wouldn't change it for anything.  It is the reason why we opened an online boutique and not a brick and mortar shop.  

  

There are so many ways to contact us.  I think the best way is to send a personal message through Facebook because if I don't see it, Bea will.  You can also contact us by email at RoseandRhodesClothing@gmail.com. 

We also have a blog on our boutique website at www.RoseandRhodesClothing.com.  It features items that we like best for the month.     

We like to remember that "Each river must flow at it's own pace." and to simply "BE HAPPY!"

Currently Rose and Rhodes Clothing is trying to reach 1,500 "Likes" on their ::FACEBOOK FAN PAGE:: We can help them reach their goal! Click on their link and hit "LIKE"...You will not be disappointed.

Raising Bi-Cultural Children {Toddlers Mexicanos}

I think that when most people think of Bi-Cultural children you look for them to have parents with two different races or nationalities. It's not the case in our home. Both my Husband and I are born and raised Texans. I was born in Brenham and he was born here in Houston. 

The difference is that both of us have parents that were born in Mexico and came to the U.S. many years ago to work. 

From September 15th thru October 15th Hispanics all over the U.S. celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. http://hispanicheritagemonth.gov/ Being of Mexican descendant,  I not only celebrate U.S. holidays but I also celebrate many Mexican holidays. Such as, Mexico's Independence day which is September 16th, not to be confused with 5 de Mayo which is when Mexico won the Battle of Puebla. 

Here in Houston there are several places that you can go to help your children learn more about and celebrate the Hispanic culture. Places like the Houston Library have family friendly events that are free and open to the public, http://www.houstonlibrary.org/hhm-events . And, the Miller Outdoor Theater which has presentations such as Traditional Folkloric dance presentation called Mexicanisimo; http://milleroutdoortheatre.com/events/464/

There are also places that have events year round such as Talento Biligue de Houston http://www.talentobilingue.org/ and MECCA http://meca-houston.org/. Both places on the top of my list to visit in the next few months as the Day of Dead {El Dia de Los Muertos} approaches. 

I believe in embracing my roots and teaching my children to do the same; we celebrate a variety of holidays in our home which will help them learn not only about our America culture but also about our Mexican background.