::Houston Museum of Natural Science:: La Virgen de Guadalupe #ad

::momma disclosure:: this is a compensated post. all opinions expressed are my own.

"La Virgen de Guadalupe ha sido un símbolo de esperanza, protección y consuelo para sus seguidores por casi 500 años, pero ¿por qué? ¿Qué tiene la virgen que ha inspirado a millones de personas en el continente americano? La virgen morena apareció ante Juan Diego en 1531 en un evento que no sólo le cambió su vida sino la de toda una nación. Hoy en día, su imagen representa un milagro y la identidad de una cultura. Revive su historia desde sus orígenes hasta el día de hoy en nuestra exposición."~HMNS 

Growing up my life revolved around traditions and most were created because of our religion. As my children continue to grow and learn about us as Mexican-Americans; who we are, where we come from and what we believe in, I want to expose them to cultural connections as much as possible. Which is why I am always seeking and thankful for exhibits, like the one currently being present at the Houston Museum of Natural Science about La Virgen de Guadalupe. 

A while back when my kids were little a man around my age, early 30's asked, why? Why I dressed my kids as Juan Diego and a Gudalupana? My answer was because of my culture and my roots and what I want my children to know about how I was raised. While I know that they will ultimately select their own path and religion, I don't want to lose the opportunity to teach them as much as I can about our culture, faith and identity as Mexicans in America.

While we might not always be active as Catholics, we still have our faith and beliefs. But, I feel that more than that, certain Mexican traditions are such an amazing part of history you just have to teach others about it. My kids might not always end up praying the rosary every night, but we honor our ancestors and respect where they come from and what they believe in.

If you have a chance to visit this amazing exhibit Momma of Dos has a special treat for you! Discount tickets, click on the link here and enter the following code- atom (just as shown, no caps) 

::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? 

::Wordless Wednesday Kinda:: Houston Zoo Edition

We had our first 2015 visit to the Houston Zoo. It was a bit crazy and not as well thought out as we would have wanted but guess what, we bought a membership! Hopefully our next visit will be more organized. In all we had a lot of fun, the kids enjoyed it so much and we will be obviously doing it all over again in a month  or so...only because a new exhibit opens then. 

Here are a few things to consider:

1. Arrive early, most of the feedings happen by 10 a.m. Plus I hear the animals are more active. 
2. Pack and bring your own food. While there are many options we found it so much easier to snack and move forward since we packed our lunches and snacks. 
3. Plan your visit. If you have not been before, it can be a lot to tackle in one day. Our kids were super eager so we were a bit all over the place. 
4. Bring a wagon or stroller. Very handy. 
5. Bring bathing suits and towels. There is a splash pad. We didn't get to do it this visit. 
6. Explore parking options. We parked in one of the medical buildings. I think we could have done better. 
7. Eat breakfast; I think if we would have eaten breakfast before we arrived at the zoo it would have been better. We ate while we were there and the kids were so eager to move on. It was a bit rushed. 
8. Pace yourself & take breaks. It will take you most of the day to get around, take pictures and explore. So take your time, rest and then enjoy... 
9. Carry plenty of water. It's just so important. 
10. Consider a membership, we usually travel with my parents, Sister and nephew, so it was a great option. much cheaper, and with great benefits. 

Now... ENJOY our mini-picture recap! 

::The BoxTrolls:: September 26th #losboxtrolls #ad

{::Momma of Dos:: This is not a compensated post. Informational Only.}

The days here in Houston have been rainy so today we have a post that will help you deal with rainy day blues!

It will also get your kids ready to watch the new sure to be hit movie, The BoxTrolls! My son is so excited for this movie, he watches the clips every time he can on YouTube!!!

This month is his birthday month so we promised to take him next week when it comes out, he is looking forward to it!! So, when I printed these fun activity sheets out he was eager to work on them. You too can download fun new posters, activity sheets and watch clips of the upcoming movie by visiting: http://www.theboxtrolls.com/

::Information provided by http://www.terryhines.com/ ::

THE BOXTROLLS, the family event movie from the creators of “Coraline” and “ParaNorman”, has debuted a behind the scenes look at the magic behind the creation of THE BOXTROLLS! THE BOXTROLLS, in theaters on September 26th,  tells the story of a community of quirky, mischievous creatures who have lovingly raised an orphaned human boy, Eggs. THE BOXTROLLS features the voices of Elle Fanning, Ben Kingsley, Isaac Hempstead-Wright and Tracy Morgan.

“Nature of Creation” Featurette — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYFNsXlbVto&feature=youtu.be

THE BOXTROLLS releases in theaters on September 26!

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3eHd87dx6M

Visit: http://www.theboxtrolls.com/

Like: https://www.facebook.com/theboxtrolls

Follow: https://twitter.com/TheBoxtrolls

Follow: http://instagram.com/theboxtrolls# 

A family event movie from the creators of “Coraline” and “ParaNorman” that introduces audiences to a new breed of family – The Boxtrolls, a community of quirky, mischievous creatures who have lovingly raised an orphaned human boy named Eggs (voiced by Isaac Hempstead-Wright) in the amazing cavernous home they’ve built beneath the streets of Cheesebridge. When the town’s villain, Archibald Snatcher (Academy Award winner Ben Kingsley), comes up with a plot to get rid of the Boxtrolls, Eggs decides to venture above ground, “into the light,” where he meets and teams up with fabulously feisty Winnie (Elle Fanning). Together, they devise a daring plan to save Eggs’ family.

Un evento cinematográfico para toda la familia de los creadores de “Coraline” y “ParaNorman”, que le presenta a las audiencias a un nuevo tipo de familia: los Boxtrolls, una comunidad de criaturas estrafalarias y traviesas que han criado con amor a un niño humano huérfano llamado Eggs (con la voz de Isaac Hempstead-Wright) en la asombrosa casa cavernosa que han construido debajo de las calles de Cheesebridge. Cuando el villano del pueblo, Archibald Snatcher (el ganador del Premio de la Academia Ben Kingsley), propone un plan para eliminar a losBoxtrolls, Eggs decide aventurarse a la superficie, “para encontrar la luz”, y allí conoce y se hace amigo de la fabulosamente enérgica Winnie (Elle Fanning). Juntos, conciben un osado plan para salvar a la familia de Eggs.