::Let’s Go See:: Visionworks #AD

::Momma Disclosure:: This is a compensated post. All statements are my true and honest opinion.   

I still remember the day I got my first pair of glasses I was in the 5th grade. Knowing how imperative it would be to my overall function, I wasn't ashamed or scared but thankful that I could now see better. I know the importance of good eyesight the older I become the more I stress wearing my glasses and getting my eyes checked regularly. Now that I have children I am constantly checking for signs of good or bad vision.  As they continue on their journey through school and life I will always be on the look out for signs of needing glasses, I know how beneficial they are. 

Which is why when I heard of the Visionworks and Davis Vision's goal of giving away 10,000 comprehensive eye exams and complete pairs of glasses to children in need; I was happy to share the information with all my readers! 

All children should obtain annual eye exams. Every child. Every year. My children go to daycare and they are a great resource and reminder of our annual exams, my kids also get their vision tested by their pediatrician. I know that a much more in-depth analysis will be needed as they grow, which is why I would trust the experts like Visionworks. 

::A message from Visionworks::

You can take the action needed to help get your child a yearly exam. "Take the pledge to get your kids an eye exam every school year, starting this year! It's as important to their health as annual physicals and dental exams." Parents can take the pledge at http://www.letsgosee.net/pledge/

Help a child in need: 

Visionworks is giving out 10,000 vouchers good for a free eye exam and glasses. If a child doesn’t have vision insurance or Medicaid, aren’t signed up for ACA and can’t afford an eye exam and glasses, or if you know of a school or organization that has children who could benefit, nominate them for a free voucher at http://www.letsgosee.net/help/ 

Nominations can be made in English or Spanish.   

An eye exam may be the simplest test kids ever take. It’s certainly the most important for helping shape their future outlook.

  

Let’s Go See is a national movement to raise awareness of the importance of annual eye exams for children as part of their yearly health routine.

As a parent, how can you be sure your kids' vision isn't keeping them from doing their best in school, enjoying life fully, and being successful? The answer is an annual eye exam. An easy way to remember is to add "Annual Eye Exam" to your child's Back-to-School checklist and they'll start every school year with optimum visual performance to achieve both inside and outside of the classroom.

Some of the signs that your child might have trouble seeing:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Squinting
• Holding books close to their face or too far away
• Sitting close to the TV, computer or tablet
• Twisting or tilting their head to favor one eye
• Frequent blinking or rubbing their eyes
• Inability to judge distance properly (bumping into things)
• Decreased performance in school and athletics

Add an annual eye exam to your child’s annual appointments, and find your closest Visionworks at http://www.visionworks.com/locations/results.php

Find out more about Visionworks and follow (and tag) them on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Visionworks
Instagram: @visionworks_eyewear
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/vwks/

#Visionworks
#LetsGoSee

::Potty Training with Pampers Easy Ups:: Ad

::Momma Disclosure:: This is a compensated post in collaboration with Pampers and Big Honcho Media. All statements are my true and honest opinion.

Last week I had a small get-together, in collaboration with Pampers, with an amazing group of Mommas. We were a good blend of soon-to-be Momma, toddler Momma, & pre-teen Momma! We were able to help the new Momma's with advice for their journey into potty-training and be reminded of how much support we all deserve as Mommas. It's true when we say that it takes a village to raise a child. A good local Momma support group will become that village and resource that you need when raising your child. At the end of the day, you will use the advice that you feel comfortable with, that works for you and your child and that you know you truly believe in.

Pampers helped set up the perfect platforms for us all to share in a safe space. 

Some of the great tips we discussed were as follows:

We spent a couple of hours talking about parenting styles, birthing stories, and milestones. We had a great conversation overall and enjoyed each others company. We definitely made some good new connections which are important for us as Mommas, no matter how old our children are, I loved that. We ate and exchanged contact information, building that support group is vital for continuing to reach and overcome important milestones in our children's lives.

Pampers Easy Ups have some great features such as:

• Pampers Easy Ups have fun Thomas & Friends® designs for boys and Dora the Explorer® designs for girls. 
• A more underwear-like design for growing toddlers. 
• Graphics that fade when wet to help little ones learn. 
• Super-stretchy sides to make them easy to pull up and down when using the potty.
• Pampers Easy Ups work during the day AND night, providing up to 12 hours of protection.

You can follow Pampers on-
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pampers
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pampers

::Be Free::

Don’t you wish you were a kid again? 

Just the other day my sweet friend Kristy from @sevengraces posted a picture of her daughter, having fun on a hot Houston weekday afternoon. I told her; "Don’t you wish you were a kid again?"  I mean they have SO much fun. I often question; did I have this much fun when I was a kid? I need to ask my Momma about this.

But, my Husband says it after almost every weekend about our kids- “Connie, these kids had a BLAST this weekend!" Truth is my kids have a blast every weekend. No matter what. No matter where. No matter how little or much we do. They always have a blast! Some weekends will end and my son will say, "Mom, I had so much fun."

And, it makes me happy.

Isn’t that the point of being a kid? To have fun and enjoy life. As a parent I feel responsible for nourishing this sense of excitement and adventure. Making them happy and knowing that they are being kids. Knowing that you can help preserve their childhood, their innocence, create amazing memories and be the reason why they can simply be happy little beings.

::Here are 3 simple ways you can allow your children to be kids and simply have fun::

::Allow their imagination to Run Wild:: 

Some days our kids have the craziest ideas. We try never to shoot them down or make fun. We listen. We might giggle or laugh; but we encourage them to keep telling us about their play-time, thoughts, ideas and crazy plans. They consistently come to us with their thoughts because they trust us, and let me tell you some are VERY serious thoughts.

In all we love to help them grow their imagination and allow them to be themselves.

::Let them be themselves::

When you see me post about my kids or pictures of them, know that these are RARELY posed and never something that I make up. If you know my children you will know that all that is portrayed in pictures, tantrums and all, are very REAL. We allow them to be themselves. We embrace them good or bad and we know that in the future it will all be good for them and their adaptation to the world around them.

Their personalities and character shine bright.  They are who they are. Take it or leave it. 

::Let them be FREE:: 

I am a parent who needs to know where my child is, what they are doing, who they are with. Trust me, daycare was a daily struggle. Going out in public is scary for me. But, at the same time I want to give my children the freedom to explore and learn. To be free in their environment and know that they can do anything. I don’t’ want them to be scared of the world around us. I want them to be safe but be aware. And, while I allow them to explore freely, I also maintain a close watch on their every move. This won’t always be possible and I have to trust a little and let go.

But, for now they are free to move about….

What are some of your favorite childhood memories and how do you let your children be free? 

Team Izzy #teamizzy #cancersucks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JOIN TEAM IZZY TODAY!!!!!!!!!

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

Help this Houston family raise funds and Childhood Cancer awareness;

http://www.gofundme.com/awr9tc

 #TeamIzzy



::2015 Update::

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

http://www.gofundme.com/awr9tc

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

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

Tales of a Daycare Momma ::Momma Guilt::

This morning I witnessed a Momma standing by her child's classroom as the little girl balled her eyes out inside. The Momma felt bad. I know the feeling all too well.

That moment, when you don't know if you should allow your children to learn to develop their sense of self and be independent in the "real world" or just run back in the room and hold them a little longer. 

These days we pray on the way to school, I pray in silence for my peace and for their constant protection. I then take my kids to breakfast in the daycare eating area, and finally usher them into their classrooms reminding them that; I love them and will be back soon. I hesitate and wait for their reactions. Sometimes those reactions, especially my 2 almost 3 year old Camila's, are mixed. 

Some days they walk off confident and happy to be in a place filled with friendly familiar faces; where they know they will play and learn all day. Development and social skills are essential at this point in their lives and I value and understand that.  

Some days, they cling to my leg or arms as if they have never been there before. Those days, my heart aches a little more than usual. Some days, my own tears are inevitable as I drive to work. For my Santi, I think it's easier, he is older he knows, I will be back. Camila, she is a girl, doubt lingers in mind just bit, everyday. 

On bad days, the Momma guilt settles in as I walk out of the daycare door thinking, I am a horrible person, why did I leave them? Then I am reminded. I stayed home and it didn't work for me. 

Providing for my family outside the home has resulted in my own accomplishments and sense of self and development. Don't want to sound selfish but I enjoy my time away from home; no matter how stressful it can be. Gives me a sense of contributing to society as not only a Mexican-American female with a degree but as a Mexican-American female with DOS children who can be reminded that there is nothing wrong with wanting a career while being a Wife and Momma. 

And, that doesn't mean I don't miss my children when I go to work. Because, I do.  

The question then becomes; how do I cope on a daily basis? 

Like every adult who makes decisions and settles with the consequences. I deal with it. One day at a time. It's difficult at times but rewarding when your children come home with tons of stories to tell about their teachers and friends, piles of art work, exciting new skills and oh yes, songs! FUN, fun songs!! 

Not a recent picture.  

They quickly forget that I left them and are simply happy to see me. 

That's when I know that the outcome is worth it. 

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.  

{Guest Blogger} Sybil

{Sleeping in Goggles: The Beauty of a Child's Imagination}

Like many nights before, the kids, hubby and I were all getting ready for bed. We were brushing our teeth, putting on our pajamas, preparing the pillows and blankets for our nightly rest. While checking in to make sure the kids were almost ready to go to sleep, I saw my oldest sitting in bed, trying to put on some water goggles my mother had bought her the day before.

"Ixchel, what are you doing with those?" I asked.

"I want to wear them," she answered.

At this point it was getting late and I brushed this nonsense aside, took the goggles from her and hung them on the headboard.

"Ixchel, you can't wear those to bed. Goggles are for the water. Anyways, they are going to bother you at night. I'm going to hang them right here so you don't lose them!"

"Okay, Mami," she replied.

I went on with the nightly routine and, after I was finally ready to kiss my babies goodnight, a smile came across my face when I saw my beautiful Leah Ixchel laying in bed, sleeping with her goggles on.

At first I chuckled at the sight of my little girl wearing those things in bed. But then I paused and I really took in the sight before me. It was magical! It brought thoughts of fantasy, adventure, exploration and imagination to my mind! I wondered whether my little girl was off on a scuba diving expedition or maybe she was in an airplane flying high in the sky.

When I saw her laying there, wearing those goggles, I was glad she hadn't listened to me. I didn't want to squash her sense of wonder, her sense of imagination. I want to nurture that and be the one who supports her in all her endeavors (be they imaginary or not). As a matter of fact, I wish I could bring back that childhood innocence I once had in me.

Many times we get caught up in everyday life: going to work, running errands, paying bills... just being practical, being adults! We might as well be on auto pilot, seeing that sometimes we can't distinguish one day from another because the days are all too similar. And just like we can fall victim to routine, our kids can be subject to it too: do your homework, do your chores, do this, do that!

So here's what I want to do. I want to build forts out of blankets and chairs and camp out in the living room, I want to fashion pirate swords out of cardboard and go searching for treasure, or maybe use a makeshift spaceship to travel across space and discover new planets.

Seeing how the adult world can keep me busy and I'll probably forget how inspired I was, I need to make sure to tell the kiddos my plan because I'm sure they'll make sure that I don't forget!

{About Sybil}

Sybil is an aspiring Houston Latina blogger. When not hesitating to write for herself, you will find her writing and producing for a local Spanish television station’s Community Affairs Department, where she has been since August 2003. Sybil graduated in May 2003 from the University of St. Thomas with a Bachelor’s in Communications and Spanish, minor in Theology.  Sybil is the mother of three beautiful children and wife of Francisco Sánchez.

You can read more from her at www.sybilblog.wordpress.com and follow her on Twitter @sybil_sanchez, Instagram: @sybil_sanchez and LinkedIn: Sybil Moncivais Sanchez.

{Writing on the Walls}

It was a quiet Saturday morning and Santiago says, "Mami, Ca'm here." 

I follow his tiny giant steps to a place in the low-lit hallway outside his room. 

He says, "You see this?" as he traces the writing on the wall. His little chubby fingers traced a green marking on the wall which he had put there some time ago. 

I said, "Yes, I see it, who put it there?" and then as he stares at me with a smile and his bright morning eyes he said...

 "me, I did." No shame. Just pure pride and happiness for his artwork on the wall.

The truth is those markings and that writing on the walls are pretty much all over our home. At a height that only toddlers can reach. It doesn't bother me. I don't try to Clorox wipe the walls free of the marker, pen, and long lasting memories. I treat then as a part of our home. A part of this stage in our lives as parents to a 3 1/2-year-old and a 2-year-old. A part of their life at this stage; as active, creative and developing tiny human beings. 

One day my kids will no longer be interested in writing on the wall and I will have forgotten what it was like to yell at them for coloring the walls, doors, tables, and baseboards. They will have forgotten what it was like to be a child, to be carefree and to be young. 

They will be immersed in this life and it's everyday struggles. They will no longer be toddlers and probably wish they were, as they too discover that life can be amazing but definitely a challenge.  

I think about myself as a 32-year-old and wonder, did my parents ever imagine that I would one day have a child of my own {or Dos for that matter}? Did they care that I wrote on the wall? And, do they miss it as much as I already do? They say it happens in the blink of an eye from 3-year-old child to a 30-something-year-old parent. 

For now, I don't want to forget. I want to embrace. The little things, like the writing on the walls...because one day... they will be gone and I will miss them. 

{The Daycare Post}

One of the everyday issues as a Working Momma, I think, is la guarderia {daycare} it sounds so negative in Spanish. Ha. I imagine a guard and my kids just there, being guarded. Kept from the outside world? Dramatic much? Just a bit.

It has always been one of my concerns. My son has been in daycare on and off but my daughter spent one week in daycare last year and uhm, lets just say, it didn't work out. Almost 3 weeks ago though both my children headed back to daycare as I started my new job. It was a different experience this time. I was ready for them to go back and they were ready to be there. Especially Santiago. Camila, we were worried about.

Surprisingly enough she was doing really good until about day 4, the realization that I was actually leaving her the whole day, set it. How could I have ever left and abandon her there? So much so, that when we "reunite" in the afternoon it's emotional. Her face cringes and tears start to fill her eyes as she sees me walk in the door. She runs to me with hugs and excitement.  I feel bad. And, the other morning leaving her was emotional more so for me than for her.

Thankfully our daycare is so good they immediately sent me a text, a picture of Camila eating breakfast calmly and sitting with her class and teacher around her. It put me at ease. I realized though that if I leave her within her group in the morning it's easier. I usually drop them off in the breakfast room and then they are escorted to their class but Camila doesn't like that part of the morning, thankfully there are options.

It helps me realize how different my kids are.

I also realized that my own anxiety and worries are what put me in an emotional place with Camila, and I am sure she can sense the fear. Thankfully, this week I kept calm and so did Camila. I found the secret to leaving Camila at daycare without either of us crying or having a bad morning.......

Good-bye bad mornings, Hello happy Cami and Momma.

As a working Momma I have always had mixed emotions about leaving my kids behind. The fear and the what-ifs are easy to overcome if you trust your child's caregiver. That feeling that your kids are safe and happy throughout the day is a peaceful feeling.

At times, I think it's more difficult for us as Momma's to deal with the separation anxiety than it is for our children.... but we say a little prayer and move on in our day.

With a little faith and confidence everything will be ok at the guarderia.... 

{A day in the life of a Super Hero's Momma}

I have a 45 lb almost 4 foot little man Super Hero in my life. As you can guess everyday is a new Adventure.

He is "Sgrong!"

Honest.

Loving.

Caring.

Daring.

And, when he is not out fighting evil and squashing the bad guy he is at home reeking havoc on his 2 year old Sister {or destroying toys and making a mess}! Ha. Trust me when no one is looking he is sweet, he takes care of us and he helps out and prays for everything possible and in sight. Deep down inside my Super Hero is a softy, aren't they all?

His Super Powers are awesome hugs and killer dimples! No one gets past him without saying "Hi" or complimenting his beautiful heart which shines through his smile and bright eyes! The ladies will one day be in trouble, and at that time, so will I.



No matter what, his little Sister Loves him so much. She is his faithful sidekick. And, even though she may not see it now he is teaching her to be strong and to stand up for herself.  She looks up to him and wants to be just like him. And, oh boy, is everyday a new adventure with him, something new awaiting us around every corner. ::insert super awesome Super Hero theme song here::

On this day....we were looking for the bad guy and reviving all the animals. This Super Hero loves animals and learning about them. He has a genuine interest for animals and this planet, I think he will one day become a Scientist or Geologist!





My Super Hero may be a little stubborn but he means well and he always has a secret move in mind to make it through the situation. In this house we always listen to our Super Hero, he knows what's best for man kind!



Until next time....

Mini-Vacation {Lake Charles, Louisiana}

This past weekend we had our first ever family mini-vacation road trip! For some reason or another in the last 2 years since my daughter was born we have not really left Houston as a family. 

My Hubby had to go to Utah last year for work and I made one long distance trip to see my Aunt who was very ill in Detroit in 2011 without my Hubby as well as two other trips; one to Arkansas for my Brother's wedding and one to Lake Charles to see my Dad with my Mom and kids.

This past weekend we made that same trip to visit my Dad only this time with my Hubby! It's only a 2 1/2 hour drive and my Dad has been coming to Houston so much that we decided to give him a little break. 

The kids always LOVE seeing their Granpa! We enjoy the trip as well, it's a nice get away without really going too far! 

Here is a re-cap of what we did. Enjoy! 

We had Crawfish at the church where my Dad attends!
{The kids were doing well until it got spicy then we had to make a mad dash for some McDonald's!}




We enjoyed Granpa's backyard and explored a little ....




We watched the only brave one run through the Spalsh Pad at the Veteran's Memorial Park.








We relaxed and enjoyed the peace.... In awe of God's Love for us.









We saw my Dad, which brings us great joy.... great Blessings.



Lake Charles was fun...can't wait for next time...

Follow me on Instagram for more picture from our road-trip {@mommaofdos }

Top 5 favorite activities to keep a Toddler busy!

{Indoors} 

I haven't been a Stay@HomeMomma for long! But, I will be the first to admit, it's been a difficult transition to make but I am finally getting the hang of it all. 

One thing that I struggled with was keeping my Dos {Two} Toddlers busy! Busy so that they can use up their brain and physical energy and not drive me bonkers! 

The last few months have been cold which has been my other challenge! 

Here are my TOP 5 Favorite Indoor Activities:

{Finger Painting} 

Yes, it will get messy and yes, you will need to plan to do a lot of cleaning afterward, but it's fun their creations are awesome and a great insight into their little magical growing brains! The best part is asking them afterward, what is that? The answers are the best! 

Here are some of Santi's creations! {one thing you should know about Santiago is he has a very active and wild imagination.. his pretend play sometimes goes above and beyond anything we can think of and he is quick to improvise...he has made his Lil'Sister catch on to this and she too runs wild..it's so much fun to see.}

{Puzzles & Coloring Books}

Another fun and easy indoor activities includes puzzles and colors! You can't go wrong with word building or alphabet puzzles you are slowly teaching your kids some pretty basic vocabulary and/or numbers. You can't go wrong with these.... And, who doesn't like to color, if my kids are eating the crayons they are coloring and it keeps them pretty busy! Be prepared for coloring on the walls, floors and tables though... we have proof of our kids creative mind in the hallway, in the bathroom and on our kitchen table. No worries, crayon washes out... the memories they are building will last a life time.... 

{Pretend Play}

The kids have their rooms and living room as their toy/play area. Nothing is really off limits and  there are no real restrictions when it comes to how they play or where they play. YES we stay away from dangerous objects and chemicals, but they are pretty much allowed to play all over the house... yes it's tiring, yes it's never ending..but my kids will only be this old for so long... and when I go back to work they will have to be limited to the pretend play at school and I really don't mind the mess, until company comes over then I run to clean it all up! 

My kids are also very gender neutral, Santi plays with Cami's toys and Cami plays with Santi's toys. Distinctions are only made to assure that Camila gets her fair share of toys! Ha. They are allowed to explore and ask endless questions... I try to answer them all the best way possible... It's fun to see their reactions and to hear their questions.

{Reading}

Our home library is not very extensive but we enjoy those few books that we have and we are yet to try story time at a Public Library or Book Store, I know my children very well, their attention span and ability to get wild in public. For now we will stick to our at home reading time and I know that they are capturing lots of words and a lot of their imagination from them. I think we are doing pretty good and in the mean time I will try to expand our selection...

{Movie Time}

This is probably my favorite activity throughout the day... MOVIE TIME! I get to sit for at least half an hour until one of the kids gets bored... and if I am lucky, one of the two, or BOTH of the kids will fall asleep and I get to really rest, only for a little while. Otherwise it's fun to share a spot on the couch with the kids and just sit quietly after a long day. Santiago is better these days at watching movies, or Netflix shows. Cami is still working on her attention span. She'd rather be chatting away about anything really.





{Soon....Outdoor Activities}