::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..... 

::Camila's Outfit of the Day:: Western Wear

::Momma Disclosure:: 

Momma of Dos, has partnered with Tender Nest Portraits as a brand ambassador, this post is a result of that partnership.  All photographs belong to Tender Nest Portraits.  
Also, in collaboration with this post outfit by Rose and Rhodes clothing. 

Houston Rodeo kicks off this week and along with some of the most exciting weeks in Houston, comes some pretty big boots to fill. The entire city lights up with cowboy gleam and makes sure their attire is up to par. No excuse for even the tiniest of cowboys and in our case cowgirls! 

My siblings and I grew up dressing western for this special occasion here in Houston every year. My parents had such pride in us being vaqueras; my Sister even won best dressed in Elementary school. It's one of those deep down local traditions that if  you ain't from Texas, well you better get here soon, cause you wouldn't understand. But, we can teach you the basics. 

Today we are showing off Camila's cowgirl look with this colorful, jean and flower print dress from Rose and Rhodes Clothing, Momma of Dos, has a special $5 off coupon {USE CODE: MD5} for you to use towards your next purchase! Thanks to the amazing photography skills of Annelle of Tender Nest Portraits here in Houston, we can showcase Cami's western outfit like never before. 

:: More about Tender Nest Portraits::

Annelle is a local photographer who owns and runs Tender Nest Portraits. 

She owns a studio and does natural light photography 

in Houston, Katy and the Sugarland area.  

Her work can be seen on her social media sites and website below. 

Website: http://www.tendernestportraits.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendernestportraits/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TenderNest

Photo Credit: All photos taken by Tender Nest Portraits. 

Some quick Cowgirl attire facts {taken from Google/Wikipedia}:

• Most cowboy attire, sometimes termed Western wear, grew out of practical need and the environment in which the cowboy worked. 
• Most items were adapted from the Mexican vaqueros, though sources from other cultures, including Native Americans and Mountain Men contributed.
• Many of these items show marked regional variations. Parameters such as hat brim width, or chap length and material were adjusted to accommodate the various environmental conditions encountered by working cowboys.
•  In the modern world, remnants of two major and distinct cowboy traditions remain, known today as the "Texas" tradition and the "Spanish", "Vaquero", or "California" tradition. 
• Rodeo competition for women changed in the 1920s due to several factors. Also, the public had difficulties with seeing women seriously injured or killed, and in particular, the death of Bonnie McCarroll at the 1929Pendleton Round-Up led to the elimination of women's bronc riding from rodeo competition.
• The history of women in the west, and women who worked on cattle ranches in particular, is not as well documented as that of men. 
• It wasn't until the advent of Wild West Shows that "cowgirls" came into their own. These adult women were skilled performers, demonstrating riding, expert marksmanship, and trick roping that entertained audiences around the world.

And, usually, the attire is simple: a bandana, cowboy boots, cowboy hat, chaps, gloves and jeans. 

Obtain the outfit above with purse at Rose and Rhodes Clothing, don't forget to use your $5 discount code {MD5} today!!! 

Are you ready for the rodeo??

::Tweety Girl Handmade Boutique:: Shop Review #ad

Having a girly girl, is not easy. She loves dresses and all things pink. Don't get me wrong, I do too, but not as much as her. Plus her sense of style is so unique, I can't seem to ever keep up. When I want to live in jeans and yoga pants she shows me how to brighten up my wardrobe and look girly again. I simply embrace it. Camila is such a spunky little lady, I often find myself arguing with her about what she can and cannot wear. 

When we received this beautiful handmade dress by TweetyGirl Handmade Boutique, we both loved it. Camila wanted to wear it the very next day to school. Thankfully it came with a hair bow and we had shoes and you know earrings to match it. 

The sparkles on the front of the dress are her favorite part and guess what she has sparkly silver shoes to match. I loved the detail like the matching satin ribbon trim and the cute hair bow. I think it made Camila look like the perfect little girl that she is. So appropriate for all occasion and especially school. 

Please visit Tweety Girl Handmade Boutique for their latest collection. And, enjoy our Sunday afternoon photoshoot with one of my most favorite models. 

::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

::3 Year Old Letter to Camila Isabel::

A week ::and 2 days:: ago, yes I am late, my tiny princess turned 3!

A letter I wrote to Cami on her 3rd Birthday.... 

Today you turn 3, when I look at you I see a tiny teenager filled with innocence and pure-heartedness. Your eyes are always seeking more and your laugh is so genuine and filled with life and joy. You can be a perfect princess and a tantrum throwing 3 year old all at once. I see attitude and sweetness. One day you might not want me to be around you but remember that I spent endless, sleepless nights cleaning your butt and puke off my shirt. You will owe me some quality time young lady! You are definitely worth it. 

I don’t know how many more years will pass before I can no longer carry you to bed or before you no longer want me to but for now I know that it's one of my most favorite times of the day. Not only because the whirlwind of constant action that you and your brother create, temporarily rests but also because of the moment.  I pick you up usually from the couch and you always wrap your skinny sweaty arms around my neck and place your  tiny clammy hands on my cheek. Those tiny hands are a beautiful reminder that nothing else matters. Nothing else matters. 

Your favorite movie right now is Despicable Me 2, the “funny one with Lucy”, you say. You love the purple Minions and your birthday party had to be minion filled you walked around the day before saying…”BLAH!” and sticking your tongue out just like the minions do.

You can talk forever and a day, much like myself. You love medicine and feel “sick” on a daily basis. Mostly for the drama. And, because you don’t like school/daycare much. Your Dad somehow believes you everyday. Everyday.

Your brother is your world, you want to be like him, you want to play with him and some days if you are lucky he lets you breath the same air as him.

You are sensitive. A lot. But, don’t let that fool you because I have seen you be tough. You can stand your ground when needed and can be a bit stubborn at times. You get your way sometimes. Keep on. You will need a little of all these traits to become a great leader. Which as Bossy-McBossy in our home you usually take the lead.  

You are super girly more than me, I have no make-up because you get a hold of it and make it your own. You love company and are such a social butterfly. You speak and we listen. You are beautiful in so many ways, remember that everyday. Never allow this world to tell you otherwise. 

You despise brushing your hair. You have a frantic look most days but it suits your cute little face and trust me it never phases you....ever. 

You are complex and so simple. You are always happy and your imagination is growing daily.

You make silly faces, the funnier the better, you like your brother are very animated and you are a happy girl.

You love to model and as soon as your Dad stats playing... "Applause" by Lady Gaga your hands meet your hips and you start walking, waving, spinning and blowing kisses. It's the best.

Your favorite song is Royals by Lorde. You love it. You sing it.

You complete our lives and shine light and happiness into our family. You are an amazing daughter who yes can be a bit stubborn and demanding but you are also filled with hugs and so much LOVE. You have learned to pray for all of us, everyday.

You are a Daddy's girl, your every word steals his heart, he calls you "piernitas" because since the day you were born you made a pact with him that you would never have long legs, but you do. Keeps him on his toes, for years to come I am sure....

You still drink from a "Titi" (bottle) you are obsessed, you carry 3 at a time. You are a bottle hoarder.

I love sitting and watching you talk. Your thoughts are always so insightful, you question those things that I as an adult, never think to question. I love that.

Happy Birthday Camila. You are our world. We LOVE you so much!
Love,
Momma, Daddy and Santi. 

{On Recovery}

Seems like these days RECOVERING is a big deal! No joke. When the Hubby and I were younger..in our 20's we could go out night after night, stay out late, wake up early and keep going! Seems like the last 3 years as the years go by, recovering from a long night, or a day's event, is so much more difficult!

It takes a lot of energy makers, like rest and a ton of GREEN TEA and Vitamin B-12, to finally days later get back on track! Haha. It's life, age is age, we stay active and being tired is well, inevitable. Every weekend we say, "this weekend we will rest!" Then some really cool opportunity or idea pops up and we just must GO!

Team Gomez on the GO!

What was the point?

Oh yes, two weekends ago was Good Friday, Cami's 2nd Birthday and then Easter! SO, recovery took a little bit longer than a Monday and Tuesday..it took me all week! Then, I had tickets to attend a great event this past weekend and well we just couldn't pass it up! So, here we are in recovery mode ONCE more, haha.

What our last few weekends have looked like {Enjoy!}:

{2 years of Cami} Letters to my Daughter...

{Dear, Camila Isabel}

You go by many nicknames but you are simply my precious gift. I love you. As you turn 2 my heart skips a beat just like the day we met. Your heart melted into mine and our lives forever linked. No matter how old you and I grow, life is our canvass and your smile paints it of sunshine and pure love.

You are my ever growing skinny long leg beauty. So, sweet and wild. So, beautiful and so smart! You are indeed a silly Daddy's girl and a super girly Momma's baby. You have an spunky little attitude and won't take "no" for an answer. You have a million and ONE questions daily and you talk to everyone about anything. You can literally talk up a storm and the silence is your playground.

You are very interested in; who everyone is, what everyone is doing and what everything is, oh yes, and "how it work?". You are our little P.I., always seeking and always smiling. You love to hug your Brother 'Tavo, who some days doesn't give you the time of day.. you are patient, he is a boy. You also stand your ground with him and fight back now... only later to give up and follow his direction. He loves you. You are his Sis'der.

We hug you and kiss you, and you say.. "Dat'nasty?" but still you are loved and cared for. We give you what you want and when we lay down the law you get overly dramatic, lots. 

You love make up and play with dolls but you are also a little tomboy and can run and play with your Brother all day long. You love to go outside. Your favorite food is bananas. Your favorite snacks are anything with "pica on it". You love spicy food and you can eat just about anything no matter how spicy. You are tough but a soft and gentle baby. We love you.

Two years ago today you came into our lives as a Beautiful Blessing. Today, you run our home and stole our hearts. You and I share a love for your "Ta-ddy" and your brother "Tavo". You are girlier than me; you know how to put make-up on better than me and I am sure you own more shoes than me! You are heartfelt and passionate about singing with your Daddy, you sing all his favorites and you are not shy! You love us as much as we love you...You are my Princess!! 

Life would not be the same without you and we love you more than words can describe. Yesterday, today and always! 

Happy Birthday My LOVE!!!! 

Love Always, 

Your Momma 

{Blah-ness & a Girls Lunch} ♥

I don't ever want my Blog to be overwhelming or forced...it's never been my intention to just write....whether my purpose was to learn to write or share my everyday life it was never intended to be fake or meaningless and without purpose....with that said. 

This week I went through a bit of a BLAH moment. I am sure you have had those weeks. Where you just don't want to do, be, or write. I have them and I take advantage of them to think, to recollect, to regroup, and to just be. The weather in Houston has been "icky" for lack of a better word. This week we had kind of a gloomy start with clouds, rain and a blueish silver tone to the sky. No? Maybe it was just me. When the weather is "blue", I get BLAH. It's not fun. "Blame it on the rain...."{no pun intended. Haha.}

I am sure I have written about my down moments in the past and really I don't think it's a bad thing. I think a little break and a melodramatic meltdown are in order to write heartfelt and genuine posts!

I think....

Needless to say. This week was really exciting and definitely a productive one! {But, Now I have some Blogging to catch up...don't be surprised if I double up on post this weekend!}

Not only did I finish putting my Christmas tree up but I finished washing laundry...does anyone want to come over and fold it and put it away for me? Hahaha. {BTW. I am adding some Ha's as opposed to my regular. Ha. Because apparently my Hubby has been reading my Blog and he doesn't like the way my ONE Ha. READS. Critics, I tell ya'....Ha. Ha.}





By Thursday I had done so much that I took on a little extra "task" which I will write about in another post..just because the topic is very near and dear to my heart. And, this morning I thought a girls lunch would be a nice treat! So, I headed out to Northside Houston, to meet up with some good friends that I used to work with... I have only been gone from work for about 2 months and it feels like forever!!! We went to one of our favorite places....Teotihuacan. We had an awesome time and the food was YUMMA!!

My friend Pam, gave my Cami and my friend Christina's daughter Celeste some SOAP. It's not just any soap and as soon as I have the information I will totally give it to you. Because not only are they super cute soaps, they smell good and are made from the best products. I can't wait to get more information. Pam's Son and Daughter-in-Law make them...I thought it was a very thoughtful and creative gift! The girls loved it.  I have some pretty amazing friends!!!

And, now since I figured Flickr out...some pictures! Yay!

En grandes platicas....




Camila's awesome gift! So, creative and crafty!!! Love it!!!! {The website for the soaps is: http://soapier.com/} Enjoy!!!!

http://soapier.com/