::This is 6:: Camila's Birthday Letter and Photoshoot

Dear Camila, 

Over the past 6 years, the amount of physical, emotional and learning growth that you have experienced is visible every single day. You are a strong willed, gorgeous little lady who practices self-love daily. You know that you can do anything you want, a little too much some days. You and I have fighting words almost daily, but I love you like no one else. You are not your typical Daddy's girl because some days you don't want to even be around him. But, he spoils you rotten regardless and loves you more than words can express. 

You are not really your typical girl in any sense, which we absolutely love about you. 

You are VERY humorous, but you are also a little jealous when your brother tries to show you up. We're working on this with you. You love to make people laugh. You dance salsa, merengue and Cha-Cha-Cha. Pretty much anything hip-hop too, you love to be free flowing and we love seeing you come up with new dance moves. About your brother, you love him more than life and even though you guys fight every minute of every day, he loves you just as much. You are usually best friends and loving when you aren't punching each-other and shouting about something.

You know how to make us laugh, you encourage us when we are down. Literally, you have told me "Mom, you can do this." And, you encourage yourself. You are tough at times filled with self-doubt and a little too stubborn. We are working on this too. At times, I want to rid you of your flaws and tantrums, but then I think about how those little things make you who you are and I know that some of those traits will have to remain with you. 

You love creating and filming videos for your non-existent YouTube Channel, you've made so many short videos and we laugh so much with them. You don't like to be laughed at. But, your personality is just so great, sometimes, we have to laugh. You've mastered "snapchap" (snapchat). You love makeup and are the girliest of girls. Not sure where you get that from, it's not me. At all. Again, some days I'm highly annoyed because I have no clue where to start with you, but then we learn together and all is good.

You are not only funny and beautiful, you are VERY hard working and smart. We knew you'd be that girl, you want to learn and are very competitive. Which is great. You try hard to reach the same levels as your brother in school, and at times seem to exceed them. You have learned to speak Spanish, all with your own effort. You love doing school projects and making friends. You are too friendly at times and have learned that if kids don't want to be your friend, you can move on without them. 

You have always been so super sweet and loving and caring, this has only grown with time. You are amazing Camila, don't ever allow anyone to tell you otherwise, but you already know this. You are faith-filled and at times far more understanding than me. You are very impatient, like me. You want things done now and no other way. You are a busy body and I can shift you from project to project. You don't mind doing, as long as it's something you want to do. You don't like cleaning up, you are a messy artist. You are a creative and thoughtful person. 

You are strong, in so many ways. But, most importantly, you are loved. I can't wait to see you (and your brother) grow even more in days, months, and years to come. You are our Morenaza!

I pray for you to be beyond blessed all the wonderful days of your life...

Love yo'Momma, Daddy and Buh-buh!

:: Nancy's Cake Review :: The thing about life & Birthday's

::Momma Disclosure:: Post is partially sponsored, but all opinions and thoughts expressed are mine and true. 

It's been a while. 

I know. 

Here is the thing about life and well in this post about birthday's. You really can't predict the outcome. A couple months ago I thought about a great theme for Cam's 6th Birthday. I wanted her to have a fun Spa day with her friends and then a dinner at our house with family. Well. Then life happened. Right around the same time in February when I was planning all this, I had a car accident. Semi-bad and somewhat costly. I have been in therapy for about 7 weeks now. Our truck was in the shop for about a week and the same day we picked it up, it broke down. Two-weeks later we still didn't have  a car and more money was spent. Side note: Don't know how families of 4 or more survive with one car, we managed but it was hard. Kudos to you!

Then about three-weeks ago, I let go of the idea I had for Cam's birthday and decided we would wing it and just have something "small". Of course with a (big-fat) Mexican family you don't really get a "small" option but maybe a more contained group than usual. 

My Husband and I started looking into our options and went for a family only dinner at our house, which would still be between 30-40 people or maybe 60. OK, so we had a small get-together for 60 family members, cause you only turn 6 once. HA. Prior to this I was asked by a PR representative for Nancy's Cake Designs, if I would like to partner with the bakery for one of my kids' birthdays. Since Cam's was first, I did just that. During the first few days of March, I worked with Nancy and her team to design the cake and figure out logistics. The bakery is on the SouthEast side of town, thankfully my Momma lives nearby  in North/East side of Houston and was able to pick the cake up for me. But, trust me it was well worth it. Being an optimist, I told Nancy I would only have about 30-35 guests, but we had near 60. Still the cake was SO big, everyone ate cake and we even had leftovers!

I had envisioned something colorful and that fit our theme with Cam's birthday being, "Birthday Diva". Because, in case you didn't know, she's half child and half Diva, true story. If you follow me on "snapchap" (snapchat) then you know, she spoke one day on the subject and how her friends just call her Hollywood Diva for short. And, if you know Cam then you know, she is wild. Like no other. I don't think I could make up her personality. And, again if you follow me on social media then you know my children lack personality and imagination ::KIDDING::.

Anyway, the CAKE. It was perfect. My vision and what I sent over was embodied perfectly!

Nancy's Cakes was very professional, they messaged me, called and made sure I was very happy with how my cake details were coming along. I spoke to Nancy herself on several occasions, she is fully bilingual which helps on so many levels! And, the cake was not only perfect on the outside but the inside was equally delicious! We tried a nut flavored cake with strawberry cream filing, you guys, best choice ever. Visit her page for all the fun designs and cake options. The one cake that sold me, and if you know me you know why, was her UH cake! It's my alma mater and I love it!

FOLLOW NANCY'S CAKE DESIGNS ON:

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/NancysCakeDesigns/

WEBSITE: http://www.nancyscakedesigns.com/ 

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/NancysCakeDsgns

IG: https://www.instagram.com/nancyscakedesigns/

And, as for life and birthdays, no matter how far off track things can get, or how lost you might think a cause maybe. It's truly not that serious and there is always a better and fair alternative or solution. Cam's birthday wasn't what I envisioned it to be this year, but we have many more with this little Diva so we'll get it right one day!

Either way, everyone loved spending the afternoon with Miss. Birthday Diva and she absolutely LOVED being Diva for the day!!!  ::done using the word DIVA::

HUGE Thank you to Nancy's Cake Designs for making our day extra special and to our family who came and joined-in celebrating my little miracle baby!

P.S. Yearly Birthday Letter/Photo-shoot to follow..... 

::Cami:: 4 years of Blessings...

{Birthday Letters are kind of a big deal for us, you can read the yearly series ::HERE::}

When God blesses you, it's always to the fullest. Santiago was only 10 1/2 months when I found out I would be a Momma again. I cried, in fear. Another baby. I couldn't possibly do it. My plate was "so full" already. Months later we found out we were having a Girl. Oh boy. The tears were new. Happy. Blessed. Joyous. My heart was full now. Our family complete. Our lives made new. Never would I have thought that I would have the amazing little Princess Diva that runs our house today.

A letter to my daughter on what the last 4 years with her have been about and who she is today:

::Dear Camila::

Today you turn 4. You act like you are 13 year olds and talk for days. You love to dance. You make the silliest of faces. Your favorite things are dancing to Bruno Mars-Uptown Funk You Up and Maroon 5-Sugar; as well as making your brothers life impossible. It's good, keeps him on his toes. He is rough and you guys fight a lot but he loves you so much. And, you admire him. I pray this continues. 

When you throw fits {and oh my do you throw fits} he is the one that helps calm you. It works sometimes. He does his best. You love wearing makeup, dressing up and nail polish {lots and tons of nail polish, in every shade of pink}. You asked just this week if you can dye your hair pink. Don't know where you get all of this from but it makes for interesting days, and it keeps me on my toes. You are very girly. Very. 

You love dresses. But you also love dirt. You are super sweet, caring and sensitive. But, you can also be feisty and tough. You speak "Spanish" when you want {it's usually a cuss word or something you shouldn't be saying. Totally our fault.} and claim that your Brother is SO Mexican. Not sure what that makes you. 

You love everything Princess and you act like one too. You love your GranPa Chuy. You love your teacher and you even wear your sweater around your waist like her. It's hard to see you in pain or when you are sick, because you are so tiny. The last 4 years have flown by. You are no longer my chubby little baby, you are now my skinny long leg baby. 

You finally, yes barely {no judgement please}, moved on from your "titi" and are now a "big gurl" and drink from a Sippy. It took me a long time to allow you to let go. I had to. You look crazy with a bottle. 

You have the funnest dance moves, you care very little about what others may think of you and you are most definitely yourself. I don't ever want you to think that you can't be yourself. I want you to know that you should above all love who you were created to be. I want your confidence to grow, I want your little wings to give you the energy needed to be who ever you want to be. I want you to follow your dreams. Never allow others to tell you otherwise. Be yourself. 

You are stubborn. A lot. You want things done your way. You are competitive. And, you are outspoken and not shy. I don't want that to change. But, I do want you to use your personality for the better, for your own well-being and to become a strong, confident grown-up. 

The last 4 years have been a heart-filled life lesson and one of the biggest blessings God could give us . The light and colors that you bring into our lives shine brighter everyday. I pray that you continue to shine. That your smile grows and remains, that your heart is soft but your eyes wide open. Don't be naive to the world around you. You are smarter than that. Don't go with the flow just because, have a purpose and reason.  

Your laugh is contagious. You are our little baby no matter what. And, always will be. We love you. So much. Much more than you can ever imagine. I know that right now, you don't like that I have so many rules, that I am constantly watching what you do. Or, that I might push you to try even though you want to give up. You will thank me later in life. I hope. 

You are everything we could have ever wanted in a perfect little Princess baby. And so much more. 

God has filled our home with amazing love.  {You and your Brother are the life of this place..without you we would be nobody.}

Love you ALWAYS so much more, 

Your Momma

It's November. & it's HOT!

Oh yes, for a minute there I forgot.  

I LIVE IN HOUSTON,TEXAS. 

DUH. 

It's the 8th day in November, 17 days from Thanksgiving {whoop-whoop!!}, 42 days from Christmas {someone check my math....not good at that game..haha.} and it's about a 100 {OK, 70} degrees outside...but still 70... the wind isn't blowing much and if you stand in the Sun...it's hot. ::end of that rant:: Ha.

Today Cami and I sat outside and played and I can't help but think how Thankful I am. I am happy to be a Stay@HomeMomma. I am happy to have the opportunity to spend MORE time with my Cami. My Santi is at school everyday..it's better for him. He gets to socialize, learn and burn off all the excess energy that this 31 year old Momma just can't handle some days!

I am just happy. Blessed. And, moving forward.... Moving on.

{Pimpon} #latism

Tu sabes! Si lo sabes, es porque creciste con el!

Pimpon! El muñeco guapo y de carton! Ha.

We found this really cheesy video of Pimpon but Camila loves it..as you can tell in the video of her dancing to it. Ha. 

My kids are learning not just Spanish but also songs that my Husband and I grew up with. Ever since they were little we sang songs like Pimpon to them. I found el Raton Vaquero, y El Chorrito which were songs that I heard as a child....Cri-Cri, el grillito cantor was created by Francisco Gabilondo Soler in 1934 and was a household name in Mexico but trust me we grew up in Texas and Michigan and Cri-Cri came with us every where we went! All I know is that my Grandmother is very proud of the fact that my kids speak Spanish and can sing along to songs that she taught us growing up!


Now that I am home with Camila, I am going to use the magical place of Youtube to show her more songs. This is the kind of music I grew up with and although it's totally outdated it was what brought about our transcending culture and consistent traditions that I hope to pass along to my children. 

Later in life came my absolute Love for these two men... el Bueno, MUY BUENO! Y el Malo, MUY MALO! Ha.



Pedro Infante and Jorge Negrete were one of a kind and I used to watch them along with Elvis, day in and day out...yes also not part of my era but very well known and loved in our home. And, one more only because I LOVE this song!!!



If you know. It's cause you grew up with them... the way I did.

{18 Month Breakdown} Or Meltdown. Ha.

So, My CamBamWham {or "My Nena" as her brother calls her} is 18 Months!

And, trust me she is everything and then some in our lives.

Spice.
Sweetness and oh so very sassy this little piece of heaven of mine!

Let me tell'ju! Esta Señorita...es toda una Señorita... like uhm 2 going on 18.

She needs her p'urse..with a pouty lip at the end to do everything. She is oh so very emotional and drama...she get it from her Momma! Ha.

She is just walking, talking perfection. She is tough trust me! Took an almost 3 foot tumble off a table this month...and while in the ER she took over her own check up! I am sure the Doctor's thought I was bluffing. None the less she is tough..I am Blessed and God has given me so much more than I deserve. Ever.

Everyday she looks more and more like a Mini-Me. I can't wait to see her grow and really look like me! Just sayin'the boy is all Daddy someone has got to look like me!

She walks the walk and talks the talk..she is learning to pray and wants to do everything that her Big Brother 'Pantiago  does! She is a Daddy's little girl and his heart melts at her little chirps of..."I wanna...."

She has attitude and will not hesitate at rolling those two gorgeously HUGE brown  eyes of hers. Those long legs...yep still growing! She loves HUGS. Even though her brother MUST...he does. She has stinky feet and straight straight hair..oyi. The hair. Ha.

She is a giggle box...a fake one at that. She dances to Moves like Jagger and eats everything in site. She doesn't mind to fart and be silly. It's in her nature. She is smart and happy. I love her to pieces and my life wouldn't be complete without her.

Camila,

You are without a doubt the missing puzzle that completes this family. We love you more than words will ever know. I pray that as you grow I can protect you and keep you safe. I pray that God will give you health and love everyday. You are silly when ever you get a chance, you love to explore and learn new things, you learn them quick and move fast. You follow your brother and Daddy most every where. You are a little monkey and hang off of Momma all day long.... You love that 'pon {Binkie}. You wear a size 4 diaper and your clothes are all size 2T for length... you are skinny and tall and you love to sing and dance. I pray that your joyful spirit never goes away and that it only grows to shine the light that God has given you. You have a soft heart and are easily hurt...I pray that you can be stronger stronger as you grow. I love you and we are so Blessed that you are in our lives. Your Daddy, 'Pantiago and I wish you so much more than you will ever know... and even though you and your brother fight..he loves you so much..you are his Nena and our little Angel!

Happy 18 months. We love you.

~Momma

{15 Months} CamBam! ♥

It's been 15 months of my amazing little Cami!!! 

She has several nicknames to her brother she is "Nena", to her Daddy she is "Migis", to me she is "Camila Isabel!".... to the rest of our family she is anything from Cami to CamBam, Cam Noodles, and Mila...

All I know is that what ever name sticks with her for the rest of her life it will never be enough to express the joy and sunshine that she is in our lives!

Her tiny spicy personality has begun to explode as she fights her brother in the infamous battles of the ever so terrible two's and the "mine" complex!

She is spunky and happy! 

She Loves food and doesn't mind sharing that beautiful God given smile!

 All her little Piranha teeth are perfectly crooked in every way. 

She is warm and loving a true little Momma. 

She is bright and fun.

All. the. time. 

Her soft little hands melt my heart and her tiny stinky feet melt my sense of smell. Ha. 

Camila has been an amazing little "Surprise" Blessing. 

In 2010 I had no thoughts of getting pregnant again so soon and when it happened...

I felt like it was just meant to be. 

This day. 

I know it was more than meant to be it was God given.

I finally have a mini-me, so full of life and pretty in pink. 

She dances and sings to any tune and is so easy going she rarely complains...

She carries a purse and has pink toes, God knew exactly who this family needed to give that perfect balance to this sweet sweet chaos. 

Don't get me wrong...life is not all roses and peace...we have our ups and downs but knowing that God has Blessed us with such a beautiful little "Migis" just makes it all worth while! 

We cry, we laugh, we share, we fight, but through it all we have Sunshine...she is a little Sister and she is a Lil'Momma; My Cami is a beautiful Angel on earth given to me even without me deserving such a beautiful Blessing... 

 "She is the Dos in His equation of pure Love and Faith melted into one home."

She is another member of Team Gomez and a second prayer answered from up above....

She is 15 month old CamBam!!!

{Update Ya' Monday!}

Don't mind if I do!!!

I had a really rough weekend..my Hubby is in transition from his OLD job to a HOPEFUL and awesome new career!!! SO, he is working. Lots. I dealt the whole weekend without him, no bueno... I know, I can be a little spoiled.

I was already stressed thinking about our Monday and the kids starting DAYCARE!!!! Yes, I know that word sends chills up my spine....BUT we have to trust not only in God that the kids will be ok but in people that they will care for them as if they were their own!

Until now I have been ever so Blessed and my Mother-in-law watches my DOS for me while the Hubby and I head to work every day... but guess what...she needs a little break too, so she went on vacation and it was a PERFECT opportunity for us to explore the world beyond...that and Santi had a Speech evaluation where it was suggested that he should start a Pre-K 3 program , so everything kinda really just fell into perfect place..like always!

Plus, this daycare is Christian based! They have Bible study hour which was my MOST favorite part of it all!

After the morning meltdowns on all parts, yes..this Momma and the Daddy had issues with leaving the kids this morning... everyone had tears in their eyes...every.one. Ha. But, I think the day will get  better, I checked on them and aside from Santi fighting the teacher on his diaper change, I think we are a GO! Makes this Momma heart happy and excited! My Cambam was doing awesome...as we thought she would...Santi is a stubborn lil'man and not one to like change very much.. I know he will be ok, it will just take a few days...weeks..or months... ha.

Oh yes! MY BLOG BUTTON/AD IS BEING RUN ON THE MOMMY MADE BLOG FOR THE MONTH OF JULY!!!!!  Excited!!!!

This will be a GREAT week I can feel it!!!!!

{Favorite April Photo} Challenge with The Paper Mama ♥

Miss. Fabulous on Easter Sunday! 

THE PAPER MAMA PHOTO CHALLENGE!

Blessed Day Everyone!

{Year ONE, CamNoodles!} ♥

{Oh my. I don't know if I will get through this one with a dry eye. Just thinking of the words to type I start to get emotional. But, I guess that's a girl for you....

In 1999 I met Ricardo...had anyone told me that by 2012 we'd be married and with not one but DOS amazing little Blessings..I wouldn't believe you. As an 18 year old waiting to conquer the world, I didn't see myself as a House Wife or Momma, AT ALL. Ever. Go figure, huh? I wanted to be a doctor, God knew where my true accomplishments and talents would lay...

God, you ROCK!

Ha.}


Mi Morenaza {Mi Amor y la mitad de mi ser....} Camila Isabel,

You came into our lives as one of the biggest surprises that we never expected but one of the most amazing Blessings that we prayed for day and night for years and years. Your mysterious and exploring eyes. That amazing smile that will melt hearts for years to come, to much of your Father's dismay. With your pearly white piranha teeth, "dientona" is what Daddy calls you. Those long legs, that little potbelly and stick straight black hair. It's leaves me in awe every.single. time that I think of how such a  wonderful little human being came to be.

You are the light of our lives, the way of our days and the breath of sweet fresh air that Team Gomez needed. We are complete {or are we?}; God will know.

Yes, you were a surprise but trust me, you were MORE than welcomed. The day I figured out I may be pregnant was a day that we will never forget. Could it be that inside this Momma grew another little seed of love and faith.

My pregnancy with you was amazing! So sweet and such a glow of new light. I knew you'd be a little Momma... and the day I found out, Hot Pink and Purple flashed before my eyes! Butterflies grew in my heart as it awaited your arrival into this world.

The day you arrived. I knew you'd be my littlest princess. You are that and so much more.  La Nena.

God knew what He was doing when He sent this little bright eye, busy body into our lives...to bring us new and happiness and joy, to help us explore parenthood to a different extent! You are such a peaceful and calm baby. You go about discovering new things on your own always cautious that Momma, Dad or Big Brother Santi are right behind you to help if you get stuck. Trust me. We are always there. You are such a little babbler, "talking" and wide eyed since you were 3 months old! You started holding your bottle and sitting up at around 4 months. And, you are definitely your Momma's child. You have ants in your pants and do NOT sit still EVER! You are feisty little Mexican Momma. morena and strong! You put up a BIG fight and your brother will soon get away with nothing, if you have anything to say about it! You LOVE, love, LOVE to dance...you get it from yo'Momma. You hear music and you look for your Daddy {your more than willing dance partner} and if you can't find him, you shake your booty right where you are! Trust me, your Dad will be sleeping with one eye open when the time comes!

You are definitely your Daddy's little girl, I think you will be inseparable soon. You learn everything your brother teaches you, and quickly! And, even though Santi seems very jealous of you, he never EVER forgets you and is very protective of you. I dress you up in pink and frill but I think soon you will be sporting sneakers and dirt, like your brother and cousin {Olin}. I pray you are a good mix of tomboy and girly, cause we have enough testosterone in this house. You are very lovable and cautious. Perfect combination for a Woman's heart.

Don't be scared. The world is not a nice place but with God by your side NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE. He will be the light and guidance you need as your years grow. He will be the LOVE and strength that you should seek when those years get weary. I will be here for you every step of the way but if I am not, then God will be your ONLY way.

Men are complicated, when the time comes, I will be giving you the full lesson. Your Daddy is an amazing hardworking, loyal and God seeking man; find one like him and you will be okay. {Your Daddy will tell you otherwise..but life is about learning and growing... } GET AN EDUCATION FIRST...Love will always be there...TRUST ME. Trust in yourself. You will be stronger and more knowing than you will probably think you are. It's in your blood. Faith and Family come first, friends if they are true...will always be there... Don't try to grow up too fast... that doesn't lead anywhere good and when you are 30 you will wish you were 1 again... Life is difficult, but well worth living. It will NOT be easy. Be safe and learn quickly. {I will be here for you... maybe not always your favorite person but always the most truthful.}

You are very tall for your age. You wear a size 18 to 24 months and are only 12 months. You have chunky hobbit feet. Your hair is so dark and so straight. You only have 8 teeth and you have been sick once really bad, with a fever and all. You get into just about anything and everything. You have been crawling for about 3 months now and sitting up for about 4 months. You are trying to walk as you prop yourself up on just about everything. You love to laugh and have fun. You eat  just about anything and LOVE your binkie.

You have always been little Miss. Independent and slept in your own room in your own crib, until recently when you have been waking up at 4 am and you don't stop until we bring you into our bed....you know exactly what you are doing! Daddy calls you MommaLongLegs and you are your brothers Nena.

You and your brother are our life! Don't ever forget that, everything we do...we do it for you!!!!

Love Always,

Momma, Daddy and Big Brother Santi

Camila's First Birthday Party {Pictures by Erica R.}

As you all know, last weekend was Cami's first birthday party. Her actual birthday is this Sunday! The Big ONE. My beautiful little LadyBug is just a TRUE Blessing to our little family!

As you all know, Cami's party was a  FIESTA! themed party!!! AND. OMG. We had SO much fun planning it and getting everything together. Yes, there was stress but when it was all said and done, it was AWESOME. I have no regrets. My debit card growls at me when I try to use it but oh well!

Ha.

Let's start here:

This is Ricardo's younger cousin the oh so Bee-u-ti-FUL Erica. Ms. Erica is an amazing Aunt and was ever so sweet to let us use these pictures.

Enjoy.

As you can see.

WE HAD TOO MUCH FUN!!

Oh yes!

Thank You Cards go out next week!!!