{Hola 2013} ♥

It's 2013 YA'LL! { I totally just typed 2012... it's going to take some time... I guess.}

I am so happy to be here!!! I am feeling  hopeful NO matter what my days bring I will always be hopeful everyday, thankful about it all and learning from what I do on a daily basis. I will also be seeking A LOT more than before where God wants me to be and where He is leading me and WHO He wants me to become! Be more outspoken He is saying. Be MORE bold in what you believe! And, HAVE NO FEAR. {and it's only day 3 of 2013!!!} Awesome I know!!!!

For now I want to say that the Holiday's have been rough... again when it's time I will tell everyone about it but for now we are thankful for the prayers and constant support. Thank you friends and family.

Also, I got a new toy and am super anxious to share my results with you! But, I am working out all the kinks and getting to know my new camera better.

Like many, I am not going to set any "New Year Resolutions" I have a set of goals that I am working on and one is not only to be a better writing but also a more recognized Blogger and I am working on networking and oh yes, the writing. I know, I have really let my writing go. I used to be so witty and sarcastic ::hahaha:: and these days I hesitate but I know it will come as the year goes on. Like most Momma's, I want to grow as a Momma, learn and move on and past my Momma flaws!

I have been home with my kids for almost 3 months now...and being a Stay-@-Home-Momma has really made me realize that my career goals needed to change as well. I want to be not only an assistant-provider in my home but also a successful Hispanic career woman example for my kids, not sure yet if that means moving and pushing my Blog more or seeking a job outside the home so for now one of my on-going goals is to find a job and push my Blog forward! I have so many wonderful Momma inspirations to follow most of whom I met at my very first Blogger Conference last year in October! So, MOVING FORWARD!

SO, much excitement! Tomorrow, I will share one of my most recent Blog/Facebook fan page goals which was to partner up with Local Shops and promote their business and help them reach their goals! My first shop partnership was awesome and I helped Liz get to 250 fans! Now I am on the move to help Stacey get to 500 fans, ambitious much? Hey, it's 2013 ya'll!!! No other way to be....

Here is my FACEBOOK page! Hope you check it out all my current promotions are posted here!!! 

{On Following your dreams.....}

4 Weeks ago I quit my job, the same day I was notified that I would be sponsored to attend the LATISM conference, in the same week I was offered a pretty good full-time job which I declined. Crazy busy week?

Yes, kind of.

But, after attending the conference and meeting Lisa, Ruby, Ariana and many others, I learned that following your dreams NO matter what they may be is important. I am 31 years old. My kids are 3 years old and 18 months. If not now, when? When would I get another opportunity to purse and conquer... or what ever that saying is. Ha.

Probably never.

Now is the time. Do what you like. Take action. And, move forward! It's all I know.

Never give up and move on.

I believe and I have faith that a new future with brightness and happiness is out there for me... how long will take for me to achieve it? I don't know just yet. But, I do know I will not give up....

I will move on. For myself and for my children. They deserve a happy and available Momma. And, after meeting so many GREAT Momma's at the LATISM Conference I know that dreams come true and that dream jobs do exist! I want to get hired to my DREAM job. And, I will NOT give up!

No me dare por vencida.... nunca!

Find your motivation, find your inspiration, maintain relationships with people who push you forward and don't try to hold you back. Be motivated and inspired. Never lose sight of the happier picture and know that what you want and dream of....is out there! Search for it. Find it. It will come....

Proverbs 4:23

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

#LATISM Conference {Parte Dos~Picture Explosion}

 "Una imagen vale por mil palabras..."

Enjoy! 

From I-Phone:

From my camera:

#LATISM Conference {Parte Uno; Words no Pictures}

It's Monday Ya'll! Y no tengo ni idea de como empezar a relatar todo lo que hice este fin de semana!

It had only been a couple of hours of the 2012 LATISM Conference and already my brain was on fire.... {story of my life}....Thoughts, inspiration and new friendship developed almost instantly.

::REMINDER~This Momma is a total cheese ball. Ha.:: It was such an amazing experience to be con gente como yo! To feel welcomed and accepted. Being a part of something bigger and knowing that it was all done by Latinos...it's very important to me. Very. It just continuously gives me a sense of purpose and belonging. It's awesome. The warmth, the embraces, y el Español! 

What I learned on DAY UNO of the LATISM'12 Conference:

1. {Don't be shy}; the word doesn't exist in this environment. There was no place I could sit without speaking to someone. The opportunity was too good and the conversations were very educational.

2. {Remember Names, Faces and Blogs}; I saw so many people within minutes of showing up and I felt horrible...I couldn't remember their names, that went with the faces that went with the Blogs! I was BLOG-STAR-STRUCK! My brain was mush and soon enough it all came back to me!

3. {Bring your charger}; If you plan on functioning... BRING YOUR CHARGER. As soon as you lose the battery...it all seems to stop and you lose your momentum! Ha. Or Ahhhhhh! ::runsaroundlikechickenwithherheadcutoff::

4. {En Español}; I loved being able to communicate en Español about EVERYTHING! It made things so much easier...oh yes and the awesome accents...I am thinking I had the Mexican-Texan accent going for myself, Ha. But, I loved listening to everyone else speak...especially... Lisa from AutismWonderland, Ruby from Growing up Blackxican and Ariana from the 3twentySix... their accents made me feel happy and warm inside...and so many more! 

5. {Give out your calling card!}; Don't forget to pass out your card...I met so many people it's impossible to keep up with everyone...so your calling/business card is your instant connection!

6. {"Wepa!",Relax}; Once your head stops spinning and you can take it all in... relax, everyone is there to have fun, to learn and to connect...so all you have to do is relax and join in!

7. {Dress Comfortably}; I learned day one... to be myself. Dress comfortably and bring flats...first impressions mean a lot but the only way to make a good one is to be yourself and look comfortable in  your own skin!

8. {Find a Buddy}; I was so BLESSED to have found Ariana from the 3twentysix...our  connection was instant...not to mention we were both a little shy at first and somehow we still managed to find each other... fellow Houstonians! It was so meant to be! Ha.

9. {Free drinks=Strong Drinks}; Keep in mind.....if you take a free drink from the super cute waitress you have a good chance of getting extra tipsy really quick! Probably not a good idea. Ha. The bought drinks were not as strong... and just as good... Ha.

10. {Make friends with the girl whose purse can charge your phone.} Just sayin'! Her purse was awesome and she was super sweet...got some awesome advice too... "Hello My Name is Connie and I am a Parenting Blogger!" Love it!!!!! 

I am so Thankful to have been invited to be a part of this great opportunity I thank the Latism'12 Houston Chapter organizers for sponsoring me! It has meant a lot to me and I hope that this will only be the beginning of what is wonderfully to come!

Tomorrow... LATISM'12 PICTURE EXPLOSION. {I hope! Ha. If I can figure it all out...}

Buen Dia a todos!!!!

{Hold Me Still} #motivation #inspiration #latism #foreverjones

Why am I so invested in this whole blog thing?

Some days I don't even know what to write about! Most days I don't have super great pictures to go along with my words... other days... the words are just there... I never really know my reach or my impact... ahiii Connie so horribly "blah",  I know! Ha. Trust me I know EVERYTHING takes time and I am a very impatient person... but I think this whole Blogger Conference has me thinking. This whole Stay-@-Home-Momma thing, has me thinking.

Some days are good and others not.so.much. I need to not over think and relax. Some days it's hard... not to Over.think and to just relax.

I am working on my inspiration and motivation of words, space and life... 

What should I write? How should I write? Where is this all going to lead me to? Who knows. 

In the mean time...I keep busy and try not to seem so lost...if this is what I prayed for..why is it becoming so difficult.

I know I am Blessed...but I am still seeking and these feelings of "what-if" and doubt are stirring in my heart!

It's difficult.

But, I move forward!

Then I pray. I hear and I listen.

Dear Lord Hold Me Still...

And, He says to me;

Fill every, EVERY corner of your heart with Faith and Hope. Faith that I am here RIGHT NOW. Hope that I KNOW where I am leading you. I know it's hard to see right now. I know it's hard to envision it. And, I KNOW it's hard to stand right now but TRUST me, you and I have made the right choice. I know where I want you to go I know where I want you to be. I am holding you still... have peace. Be patient. Have faith...that I am holding you still... 

"DON'T WORRY ABOUT YOUR FUTURE DAUGHTER.....so I won't magnify the small things... I WILL ONLY GLORIFY THE FATHER...."

The perfect moment....

Be still... 

God is here. 



Also, tomorrow... is the beginning of the LATISM BLOGGER CONFERENCE here in Houston! I am praying that my business cards come in and that God can give me grace to do everything that is asked of me, to meet expectations and to learn everything that is afforded to me! I am very excited! And I can't wait to see what is in store for this Momma....

{Plans & Schedules) #latism

Funny story.

I have these super awesome plans and great schedules dreamed up in my mind and I am sure that after only a week of following them I could, may or should fail but guess what.....I don't plan on giving up!

I want to be that Momma! ::insert sky opening heavens shinning thru and God smiling down at me:: or not. 

Only He knows the truth... my plans and schedules....if they are not surrounded by God's will, they just will not happen, at least not how I would want them to. Therefore...I am not only planning what life "should" be like in my home but also what I want it to grow into in my heart and soul.....and I will pray that if it is God's will today, tomorrow or next week then it will be done.

For now; we {Cami and I} are cleaning, cooking, napping, grocery shopping and paying bills. Camila doesn't mind that my schedules are not working out....and she is doing just fine as long as her breakfast, lunch and dinner come in that order!

I  can't get hung up on what is or will come.... I can only do my best and move forward....

My Momma friends have told me their tips and their schedules and trust me they are some pretty busy gals... as for me... I am not sure what I will ultimately be but in the mean time... we shall see? Ha.

I have a week and a half left before I attend the Latism Conference. I am already learning a lot and trying to make new Bloggy friends so that I am not so lonely, either way I am so Blessed to have been given this opportunity and can't wait to take full advantage of it! Really excited. I made some temporary business cards and can't wait for my real ones to get approved, trying to design them myself and create a Momma of Dos logo! It's a lot of work... I am thinking of consulting a professional. We shall see... God is in control...

Happy Schedules!

Source: Pintrest <3 br="br">

{Frequently Asked Questions and Blog Advice!}

From me!!!?? OH MY!

I don't have this section on my home page yet, because I still considered myself a Baby-Blogger, Ha. But, I am so very humbled that new Momma Bloggers and my readers would even be interested in my Blog advice {and life!}!

Thank You so much!

Please know that I more than happy to read and respond to your emails and questions any time: mommaofdos@gmail.com


Here we go:

{These questions have all been sent in by readers and/or friends who want to start Blogging..I am in no way an expert nor do I consider myself a Professional Blogger but I don't mind sharing like with everything else in my life...how, what, where or when?}

The first question that I have been getting a lot, A LOT lately is this....

1. Momma, how in the world do you find time to Blog, Pin, FB, upload so many pictures, Twitter and email with Dos babies and a Hubby calling your name every minute?

Honestly, I have no idea. Ha. I make time. I am up late. A lot. No bueno, I know. I also have a Hubby who understands that I love to share and Blog and take pictures; most night he stands behind me at the computer saying.... "are you ready to go to bed yet?" Some nights I say, Nope. Others I run to my pillow. I also have a good set of kids who have at this point gotten used to Momma sitting at the computer a LOT. What I like to do is DART home, clean up, feed the kids and then while I wait for the Hubby, I compute and surf! Especially on nights when he goes to school..it's easier..less explaining and more time to think... Most night my kids will sleep through my writing. If I am realllyyyy hooked on something, I don't sleep and then do it all again in the morning. My house is a mess some nights and I still sit and think and type... On really good days when the Hubby says I am picking up dinner and  my Aunt who sometimes helps me clean happenes to drop by, I get LOTS and LOTS of free time. But, I figured that if I ever want to do this FT, I would want to wait until I can afford a Nanny and a Personal Assistant...Heyyy Dooce has is...why can't I!?

Second pregunta: Momma, how did you get started in Bloggy-Land?

Well, it just happened. Back in 2008 {Presidential, I work in Elections so I think in terms of types of Elections..any who} I started at my current place of business. I needed to practice my writing and also kills some down time. So, I started writing. I had NO idea what Blogging was all about but once I figured it out...I couldn't stop. I was addicted. Then, I got pregnant and had my son and had SO much more to share..and well then I got pregnant again and yeah... the rest is historia...

Next question please {Ha.}: Momma, I don't understand how Blogger works and what's the difference between this and Wordpress?

Honestly, to figure out Blogger {which by the way...goes on a trip some days but I love you Blogger!} it just takes  some time and just really messing with all the settings and buttons... I have tutorials on how to do certain things but then Blogger updates and changes so often, I am not sure if they are right or not..about the difference between Wordpress and Blogger for me it was a matter of design, Wordpress was simple and business like and Blogger just seemed more user friendly and fun! It's a matter of taste, I know a lot of Blogger's who use Wordpress and love it. I personally prefer Blogger. {Except when it's being whack! Ha.}

Fourth question: Momma, what kind of camera do you use? I don't have a super fancy anything I use my little Nikon P-80, it has grown on me but this Momma needs an upgrade! Maybe 2012 is the year for upgrades! Ha. I hope.

Question # 5: Momma, what program do you use to edit your pictures? I downloaded this program called Photoscape from Google and loved it. I am not a Photoshop expert but I do have it on my computer..horrible I know.... I will learn...one day soon!

Question # 6: Momma, what are your kid's names and how did you come up with them? Well, my son is Santiago Isaias; My Hubby and I just fell in love with the name Santiago, my Hubby is a huge Salsa fan..and he thinks the name Santiago Gomez makes for a very popular Salsa singer... {now we have to wait a few years and see if Santiago is even interested in Salsa or singing!} But, we gave him the name just in case... both his names are in the Bible and that was awesome too! My daughter...the amazing Camila Isabel, was derived also from Music! Go figure....Camila is our favorite Mexican Pop group! So, ever since we discovered their music, we have loved the name...as for Isabel. My Hubby is a HUGE movie buff! Yes, movies..music... he loves it all. His favorite movie is Legends of the Fall, if you've seen the movie then you know... if you haven't, the beautiful Native American girl in this movie is Isabel Two...the rest well is historia...

Number 7: Momma, is your Hubby an artist or musician?? UHM no. He thinks he is..but he is a Construction Management nerd by day and an ultra I think I am super hip guy from the 70's Hubby and Daddy by night! Ha! {Ok, I made this question up! Ha. It's fun.}

Pregunta Ocho: Momma, what is your ethnic background? I am a very proud Mexican-American. My parents were both born and raised in Mexico and came to the U.S. when they got married they later had me and my siblings. For the most part, I identify more with my Mexican side than with my American side. I speak mucho Español, me encantan los frijoles negros con epazote and tortillas de harina. But, I can also have a good plate of Tex-Mex enchiladas and feel good. I am really a mix of Border Town {Mission/Reynosa} Norteña  and  deep south Mexican roots {Temixco, Morelos!}. I love Pozole and I would kill for some taquitos de orjea o de tripas con cebolla y cilantro, and of course I love spicy salsa! I can dance cumbias all night but once those Chinelos come on....I just can't sit down! {That's me, Mexi-Mexi!}

Question # 9: Momma, where does your daily inspiration come from? Everywhere and everyone. First and foremost; Jesus. My faith and my beliefs. I love His word and reading my Bible. Then of course my everyday life with my Hubby and children. They are so amazing and special, a true gift from God, I love them more than life! Then just in general, everyday occurrences with life, my job, my friends, people who I meet, people who I walk by, my daily observations. Inspiration is around us and in us. I can't get enough..Oh yes and Pintrest of course! Ha.

Finally numero 10! Momma, why are you so awesome? Ha. Joke. Not a real question... Momma, who designed your Blog Page? I used to do all my own designs and even messed with making my own headers and what not...but more recently I have not had time and I asked an awesome fellow Houston Momma Blogger to help me out and she so awesomely transformed by page a while back... I think I will have to contact her soon to create something for 2012 for me! Her name is Jamie K. and here is her Blog link: http://www.designsbyjamiek.blogspot.com/

My Best Blog advice is just do it! Jump into it and even if you are not a super writer {which I am not} you will at least have a journal to go back to one day for yourself, for your kids and for your family! Even if you start and then fall off the bandwagon...keep pushing forward and when you can, get back to it. Life is crazy and hectic not everyone has time to write but trust me it's worth it if you can find the time. I have chronicled my life the last almost 4 years and I can't wait to print it out and look back..on my growth, on my faith, on my life...

Be the best you...for you and trust me everything else will fall into place!

If you have any other questions don't hesitate in emailing me.... even if I take long to reply...I do read and I will reply...promise! mommaofdos@gmail.com

What's to come? {30 Recap and Goals}

I have plans!

Lots of them!!!

I have been busy with work and well life but hopefully you haven't missed too much.

Here is a recap:

-I reached 75 FB readers, working on my 100! Thennnnnn....you guessed it....GIVEAWAY time!
[ FIND ME ON TWITTER: http://twitter.com/#!/MommaofDosTX AND FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Momma-of-Dos/167499493284586?ref=ts]
-My Hubby got a new Summer Internship~ With Vaugh Construction~
-I was on Maternity Leave for 2 months.
-I have been crafting {making and selling-But really it's a Hobby}
-I had my second Baby {CamBam}-Officially making me the Momma of Dos! {Yaay!} ~Hence the Maternity Leave~
-I finally had my first ever GIVEAWAYS! {Congrats again to the Winners!}MANY MORE TO COME I HOPE!
-I am currently seeking a new job in a Faith based community with Hispanic and Community involvement as a plus!
-I am planning my Son's second Birthday in September and my daughters FIRST in March!
-I am still and more so than ever in LOVE with my LIFE, MY FAMILY and GOD!

How? Where and Who?

My Blog originated as a "ME" blog on Wordpress; a hard-working, church-going, quirky Faith-filled Wife! It didn't really have structure.....

Then it became a Mommy Blog {still and more so Faithfilled but with some structure}....

Then it went on to become an all around honest Family and Faith Blog! {Still with structure and bigger plans in mind!}

Now, a NEW Me, Family, FAITH, Crafty Blog has emerged and I still have even BIGger plans...as the months go by {as God's will is done} and another year finishes I plan to execute those plans and move forward!  {I have never lost sight of HIM, I have as an imperfect Human Being that I am wandered away, doubted who He has brought me to be, and thought that He may not have been who guided me here to execute this specific purpose! BUT now, NOW more than ever, I KNOW, that I was SO VERY WRONG. That HE is MY ONE AND ONLY PURPOSE. That HE is my one and ONLY guide. THAT HE IS THE REASON I am HERE. In this place. In this moment. I will embrace HIM! Move forward and never again doubt what I believe IN, Who I believe in!}

With this in {with His purpose in} mind I plan to add and  return some features to my Blog! They went missing, I was caught off guard and thrown off course! But order must be re-gained. And life will once more be GREAT!

What to look for in the coming MONTHS:

*Guest Bloggers [Monday] {EMAIL ME TO: faithandloveintexas@gmail.com}
*"New Addition to the Family" Feature {If you have special talents you want to share!!!{EMAIL ME TO: faithandloveintexas@gmail.com}
*En la Cocina con Ricardo {TOTALLY NEW!!!} The Head Chef will be my Hubby! YUP! He can cook too!
*La Sonrisa de un Niño {Also totally NEW! It will be weekly stories about my Children and how they make me smile!}
*Craft of the Month {A Tutorial Series-Monthly}
*I want to do "Praise & Worship Wednesday" again, I miss it!
*I want to start "Thankful Thursdays" with Family of Four Blogger {link-up}!
*I want to add "Finding Friday {& Suggestions Saturday}" - My cool "finds" of the week and what you think I should be looking at!
* El Domingo en Casa {Family Activities to do after Church~Local Feature~}
*As you may have guessed, I want to add more Spanish {With a Tex-Mex twist and Spanglish lingo} posts!!! Yes, Yo soy muyyyy Mexi-Mexi!
* I want to add more PICTURES to my everyday POST! For your viewing pleasure... Ha.
* I want to have a MONEY MATTERS post every Month {Where Finances and Organization and Spousal Communication about the issue is discussed!}
*I want to have a possibly weekly Health and Fitness Post {Where a Health Expert can tell us how and what to do to keep in shape but more importantly how to stay Healthy!}
*I also want a possible weekly Fashion and Makeup post {Where my Fashion and Makeup Guru's can discuss beauty and dressing cute! I have TWO people in mind already!}

Ambitious much!? HA. I think so. God will find a way!!! I know He will.

I hope you like it all!

Please stick around, FUN WILL BEGIN SHORTLY!



{30 things I like to do}

I had to do easy lists since I am behind a couple of days...


Here we go:

{30 things I like {love} to do}

1. Well DUH. I love to BLOG.
2. I love to share.
3. I love to talk!
4. I LOVE spending time with my Family {Hubs, Cami and Santi-most the time}
5. I love creating. 
6. I love crafting {Or "Hobby-Lobbying" as my Husband loves to call it. He gets a kick out of it!}
7. I love shopping for my craft projects.
8. I love to EAT!
9. I love to write.
10. I love reading and will pick up a new book soon! It's a must!!
11. I love thinking of new ideas...
12. I love watching my favorite shows on TV {Come on Idol, Big Bang and Biggest Loser!}
13. I love searching for new Blogs! {I've made a couple of consistent Bloggy finds!}
14. I love to Daydream! {I'm a Dreamer...::sigh::}
15. I love taking pictures of my children and sharing them.
16.  I love taking my kids to the park!
17. I love quiet alone time.
18. I love to sleep in...although I have not done that much lately! {Not that I can't but my body just wakes up everyday at 5:30 no matter what is going on! }
19. I love dressing my little Cami up and taking her out with me!
20. I love running around in my backyard with my son!!
21. I love talking to my Husband about what we will do in the future {God willing that is....}
22. I love planning PARTIES!!!!
23. I love talking on the phone with my sister and my mom....
24. I love browsing websites for new blog design ideas.
25. I love walking in our neighborhood and meeting new neighbors.
26. I love to dance...although we haven't gone in a long time.
27. I love to help others and volunteer...haven't had much time the last almost 3 years.
28. I love organizing events {I have a good one in the works}
29. I love going to Church with my family.
30. I love being me and bringing smiles to peoples faces!

Whew! Next one... 

Moving on up....

I am currently pleased with how my Blog is coming along.

I am not a super "techy" person at all and I don't know much about getting "things" onto and done to my Blog but I am pleased. And, I try....

I am getting more hits on my page, different areas of the world on my destination tracker and more followers on my Blog and Facebook page! 

I love it. 

And, I hope you love it too!!

Would love to hear your feedback? 

A few questions for my Blog-xperts {"Blog Experts"Ha. Not a real word!}:

How do I get different fonts on my posts?
How do I get a signature?
How do I get cool buttons and widgets on my page?

Thank You for your help!