::Writing the Next Chapter in Life::

Sunset, Destin, Florida 2017 

Not every story begins with a once upon a time or ends with a happily ever after... at least not in the way one might think. We all create the lives we want, based on the choices we make, our societal perceptions and truly the deck that life throws at you. I can't be upset about what someone else has that might be better than my situation, or circumstance. We all work hard to get to where we are, and if we don't put the work in and strive for better then, we remain. And, sometimes people are okay with this. 

Growing up I knew that going to college, getting married, having a career and kids was the "right" way of doing things. Even though no one else in my family had really followed this path, I did it all in this exact order. Along the way, life has thrown SO many obstacles at us, as life would, but we worked hard and created the life we wanted and deserved. But, then again, we don't always control certain circumstances or life's events and things can change suddenly and drastically. 

For years I've sought to figure out who I am. What I want and where I am going with this whole passion for writing and inspiring working moms deal. I've had my share of nay-sayers, people who didn't believe in me or what I was trying to achieve. For what, for who and why? In part because they didn't understand it, and honestly for a long time, I didn't either. 

I've never given up though. 

I've continued to build and grow my community of women, my tribe of Momma bosses, not truly knowing where I wanted to go with it. Do I know now? Probably not as clear as I would like. What I do know is that now my journey has created a new path. One where even though I might be judged and looked at like I've made the biggest mistake of my life, I can tell you that I've made the best choice for me. It's been a period of true transition for us here at Momma of Dos for a little over 9 months now. By us, I mean my children, myself and their dad. We now live in separate households and have created different routines and are continuously trying to establish a new normal for us all. A lot harder than one might imagine. All of this is new to us; the transition, the two homes, the arrangements and details of it all.  Lots of sadness, confusion, pain and hurt. 

But, I am not giving up now..... 

This blog has chronicled MANY, many years of our lives together. Now, our lives are being lived on two separate paths. It's not been easy and there is so much more I will share as I can. I appreciate the love, support, and respect of those on my social media outlets, in our immediate circle, in our families and our friends.  For obvious reasons, I have not been able to share, nor did I feel I had to, what was going on as openly as most would have liked but I feel we are getting to a place where I can be a little more open about it all. 

Things are still a little difficult and details are still falling into place but we are all moving forward and trying to make sense of a hard situation. 

Please note, I do not share this as a victim. I share this from a place where I have made decisions for myself that I felt were best for me moving forward.  I could sit and share all the negative and bad of the last few months, but that's not my plan at all for this space.  

::Sunday Funday:: Enjoy life....

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about being free... today I wish you a happy Sunday and a reminder...

To enjoy life...

To Relax....

To embrace life....

To live an adventure...

To be FREE! 

::Life Lately:: Silence is Golden...

It's been quiet here lately. I have lots going on. Very little down time. New projects on the brain. My focus is to unfocus and some how it's brought me 360. My blog is very important to me.

But, sometimes.

Life takes over.

Life becomes difficult.

Some days I have to dig deep. Be reminded that love, support and blessings come from those nearest to my heart. My family. They are everything. They love us. They support us. They know how to be blessings.

I am human. I do allow life to overwhelm me. To take over me. To get me down. Then I seek. Deep in my heart, somewhere out in my soul and high towards the sky.

Suddenly. Love. Life. Smiles. Family. They overcome. They overwhelm my heart with goodness and I am once more reminded. I have nothing to fear. I should be inspired and motivated. I should rise above and DO everything I feel that I can do. Because it's possible. It's doable.

I am blessed.

Let me count the ways. 

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#ad #edu Early Education is Important to our Family #TheStoryOfEmma #CollectiveBias

::Momma Disclosure:: {This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #TheStoryOfEmma #CollectiveBias}

I want to share with you a cause that is near and dear to my heart. Thanks to #CollectiveBias for allowing me to share this campaign,#TheStoryOfEmma with the Momma of Dos Readers. With this I ask that you please watch and share the following short 3-minute video; it's the story of how a young girl reaches her goals and finds success through the sacrifices made by her parents and their decision to create a better future for their daughter. Mi Escuelita gave her the educational boost she needed to help her succeed. While the story is fictional, its inspiring message is representative of the children who are positively impacted by a Mi Escuelita education. Here is The Story of Emma:

 
The Story of Emma from Mi Escuelita on Vimeo.

My parents came to the U.S. in the early 80’s, 1981 to be exact. The year I was born. Immigration was a resource and an option. My parents knew that as a young couple they couldn't provide properly for their now forming family if they stayed in Mexico. My parents became U.S. residents with the amnesty in the 80’s.

We migrated for years where the work took my Dad. Our family grew as well. 4 kids. In the mid-1990’s my parents decided that the traveling was no longer good for us. Our family needed stability, they opted for  living in a small border town called Mission, Texas. Thanks to programs similar to Mi Escuelita in the rural town my Momma had all the resources she needed to help us get ahead. They wouldn't realize what they would do for us as far as receiving a good education early on until our later years when college was an attained dream.  

Because nothing in this life comes easy, my parents instilled in us, education and of course hard work. An education that their parents couldn't afford for them. My Momma the oldest child in her family worked at an early age to help provide for her family. My Dad was in the middle somewhere of his family and really didn't get to go to school either. Both my parents had good trades to survive in Mexico but when it came to following the American Dream they were not sure how they would do it, eventually they dared to and attained success for their children.

With their hard-work and sacrifices made, they provided their family with a home, food and dreams. My Sister and I graduated from the University of Houston. I graduated in 2005 and my Sister followed in 2007. One of my brothers graduated from the Culinary Institute here in Houston and now lives and works as a chef in Arkansas. My younger brother is still working on what he wants to be.

Fast forward to the education my children are currently obtaining. As parents who know the importance of an education. We knew we wanted our children in an early education program even before they started public or private school. My children currently attend an early education Christian academy and it's always a proud moment and achievement to have your son recite entire prayers from memory or lines from his plays at the age of 3 1/2 or now at 5. He also counts to 30 in both Spanish and English. I believe in the power of having a great education and taking full advantage of those resources. 

Personally I knew college was my dream and a goal I wanted to reach. We now tell our children that through hard work and an education they to can be anyone they want to be...even the future President of the United States. 

What is Mi Escuelita "My {Little} School" and how can you help?

“Mi Escuelita Preschool Inc. teaches English to children from all cultures and prepares them for academic success. A 501(c) (3) non-profit organization with five locations in Dallas, Texas, Mi Escuelita provides a unique service to low-income families with children considered to be “at- risk.” While remaining strongly dedicated to the preservation of each child’s cultural heritage, Mi Escuelita’s primary focus is to provide a safe, secure and nurturing environment where non- English speaking children of preschool age are taught the English language, pre-reading, literacy, and social skills necessary to have a successful experience in both school and life. Visit http://miescuelita.org/” 

I believe in this cause and I hope that you too can find value in what an early education is doing for the children in the program. It not only provides an educational service for the young children who attend but also a wonderful fountain of resources for the parents. Parents that like myself want their children to have an early education in order to create a better future for them! Mi Escuelita is giving these children and their families the opportunity to reach the American Dream, success. 

http://bit.ly/storyofemma

Join us for #TheStoryOfEmma #LATISM Twitter Party on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at 9:00pm. @LATISM and @ColectivaLatina will be joining forces to support of the Mi Escuelita campaign and create awareness about #TheStoryOfEmma. 5 prizes of $50 gift card + $50 donation to Mi Escuelita in winner’s name will be awarded during the twitter party. PLEASE RSVP HERE: http://cbi.as/qe2ds

Also Tweet the following to help support the campaign: RT to donate $1! I am investing in #Latino children: lets make success stories like #TheStoryOfEmma a reality http://t.co/Pksh0tGGOz

Hola Septiembre! #mommaofdos

People say I am a dreamer... oh yeah and a little crazy and ambitious too.

I am.

 

And, like August, September has so much meaning. In 2004 it was a difficult eye opening month for our family. It was never ending and hopeless we almost lost my father to addiction a situation my family doesn't take lightly. Our story was written, our lives were changed....then 5 years later a complete 360. Hope, faith, life, rebirth. My son was born {Sept. 16th}, he was the light, the tie, the sign of good that we all needed. And, my father, like everyone else...fighting to live life once again, taking charge of his life and regaining his family.

Not only is September my Son's birth month, it's also the month that was honored with my Momma's birth {Sept.26th}. That same woman that experienced life in the most painful way and today is the only reason why I never, ever, EVER give-up. Her and my son are part of my motivation. My inspiration. My reason. My faith. My life.

It's also Hispanic Heritage month, AJUAH!!!!  {September 15th-October 15}

And, {September 16th} Mexico's Independence Day!!! AJUAH!!!!

Every month since May I have told myself, I am going to take a break but I only take on more projects and more collaborations. And, I am tired but you know what I wouldn't have it any other way! I don't know where this road is leading me to but I am running it and I can't give up now.... or ever...

My Momma always says.... "Si vas a hacer algo, hazlo bien!" Which is probably why I never give-up on my dream for this little here blog, which is why I believe in being consistent and finding time for my priorities!

::8 Years and Counting:: A Marriage Reflection

For many of you who know us, you should know that Ricardo and I have grown-up together. We were teens when we met. 15 years later and after 8 years of marriage, 2 toddlers, and a lots of good and bad we are still here. Together. In love. In our own way. My Hubby is not your typical romantic who remembers the small things the way I do. For a long time, I really disliked him for it. But, then I slowly began to realize who he is...

He is above all a thoughtful and determined provider for his family, organized and mindful of what we can and cannot afford.

He is a happy father who LOVES his children unconditionally.

He loves me and cares for me.

He tries every day to be better person.

He brings me flowers when I am mad. It counts. A lot.

He accepts me and my crazy ideas but he doesn't always agree with me.

He is my Husband, a Father, a Brother, a Son, a Brother-in-Law and a Son-in-Law as well as a friend to many.

He is an intelligent man with his own plan, trying to focus on his goals.

His laugh is contagious.

He is the love of my life. My one and only. My always and forever. NO matter how much we argue and say things...we are still together. Making it through the struggles of everyday.

Marriage is not easy. Living with another person for years and years is not easy. It's work. Everyday a new day. Everyday a new challenge. We work at our marriage, some days are good, some are bad and others are great. On the worse days we give each other space, we hear each other out but we never run away.

Marriage has been a blessing, a life changing experience and a life time commitment. I don't plan on giving up and I am sure and blessed that he will not give up either.

People will see us and judge us, as individuals for what we are not or what we don't do, or what we lack or what they think we are. But, in the end Him and I know each other, what we have been through and where we are going. Nothing else matters. Ever.

The goal is to make it and make it good. Our vision are two children. They will see us, they will follow us, they will know what and who we are, they are watching us and for them, we will do our best to be great. For them, for us and for each other as individuals.

I say it all the time. Our lives are not perfect, nor do we claim it or pretend to be that way. Our lives are together and together we make it work. Some days we are happy, others we are sad and some days we are very, very mad but always together.

We try every day to make the best of what we have. We don’t have it all. We might not have the best but we have love…every day.

Ricardo, I love you. I don’t tell you enough how much I appreciate you and admire you, for your strength, your courage and your determination. I love you…..until death do us part. Happy 8th year wedding anniversary, and happy 15 year anniversary of being together.

Brilliant Earth’s Create a Little Love Campaign! #brilliantearth

{ Momma Disclosure: This is not a compensated post. The statements below are both my true and honest opinion.}

LOVE

Love is...

Life
Friends

Family
Marriage
&

Children

Love is....
All around us. 

It comes in all shapes and sizes and when you least except it. When I think about Love these days, I think about not only my Hubby but also these 2 {Dos} little people who rules our lives..in the most amazing way!

To Love someone the way you can love your children is beyond comprehension. You just don’t know how much love you are capable of  until you have children. Your entire purpose and meaning of life are forever changed.

When I think about love, I think about my children and their childish way…so perfect, so unique, so love-stricken!  

Tiny hands and tiny feet with pure hearts and lots of toys!

I say Love with all my heart and soul….

How Do You Say Love?

{Information below provided by Brilliant Earth}

::Post Inspired by Brilliant Earth and their Create a Little Love Campaign::

::BRILLIANT EARTH::

   OUR MISSION

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::PROVIDE QUALITY::

Brilliant Earth provides the highest quality jewelry originating from

pure sources and harvested using socially responsible practices.

::FOSTER CHANGE::

Brilliant Earth provides education about the social and

environmental issues affecting the jewelry industry and identifies

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Brilliant Earth supports underdeveloped communities ravaged by

the jewelry industry by donating a share of our profits.

{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.

{Pozole} Happy "Cinco de Mayo" Ya'll!

Oh the old Cinco de Mayo Controversy. You see it's not "really" a Mexican "holiday" per say it's more of a State holiday for Puebla because May 5th was when la Batalla de Puebla took place. In all reality it should be called El Dia de la Batalla de Puebla but I think that for all marketing purposes here in the U.S. it's called Cinco de Mayo and it originated in California. 

Now that, that is out of the way. 

My all time favorite Mexican dish is Pozole. Not just Pozole but Pozole estilo Morelense. My Momma grew up in a small town called Temixco. It's in the state of Morelos. Most of my life I grew up in Mexico. And, if I have not stated it before, let me state it now. In order to understand me like most other people you must understand my background. Where I came from. Where my parents come from and where I grew up. 

My Momma is from Morelos, my Dad is from Reynosa. Oh, so VERY different. Not just in culture and in "language" but in food as well. Therefore, I grew up speaking differently depending on what area of Mexico we traveled to that Summer and eating differently. Now that I think back on it and although I hated it as a child, I am thankful for my parents and their distinct and unique backgrounds. Mexico is so diverse in itself. It's so sad that these days politics and drug lords have taken over more than is necessary really but we won't get into that. 

The recipe Connie! 

Oh yes, so this recipe originated from my Momma's kitchen, I have always loved it, it's always on my request list when my Momma is cooking and my kids now love it so I am glad that I learned how to make it.  

Pozole estilo Morelense: 

Ingredients ~ Ojas de Laurel {Bay Leaves}, Oregano, Onion, Garlic, Knorr de Pollo, Pork Shoulder/Butt or Pork Picnic works best, a large can of Hominy {forgot the ounces!}, Lettuce, Radishes, Avocado, Chiles de Arbol, Cayenne Pepper, and Limes.

Start off with a Medium to Large pot {You can cut all this in half to make a smaller pot}

About a gallon, or so of water {enough to cover your piece of pork meat so that it can cook}

For this recipe I also added chicken just cause that's how we make it sometimes. 

In the pot I place my piece of meat with the gallon of water and about 4 to 5 Bay Leaves {Ojas de Laurel}, 2 table spoons of Oregano, half of an onion, because I am a huge garlic lover I use a whole bulb of garlic  

{you can use half}, and because it's easy to use as salt I use about 3 to 4 tablespoons of Knorr de Pollo  {you can taste it and add salt to taste or more Knorr de Pollo}. 

{Here in Houston you can find all of these ingredients in stores like Fiesta or Mexican Meat Markets, I found it all at Kroger or Wal-Mart too.} 

I place the pot on the stove at high heat until it boils, once it boils I remove the excess "foam" that travels to the top of the pot, I think it's fat, not sure. I then put it on low heat until my meat it cooked. I check it periodically for tenderness. Once the meat is soft and easy to pull apart {Usually about an hour or two} I then add the Hominy {you can rinse it and add a little extra water, about 3 cups} and let it cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until the Hominy is soft at touch. 

{Once the soup is done and meat is tender we like to pull the meat out of the pot because it gets mushy if you leave it in too long and it makes it easier to serve. I pull it apart in a large bowl with a fork and then every time I serve a bowl I add some meat to the top.} 

Now, preparation of your Pozole bowl... {the following ingredients are chopped while your Pozole is cooking} 

We add the following to the top of our Pozole: 

Shredded lettuce

Chopped Onions

Chopped Radishes

Avocado slices {not in picture}

Lime Juice

Cayenne Pepper 

And, I like to blend {or you can stick them in your food processor} some dry Chiles de Arbol and add then to the Pozole as well. { You can also use the Pepper flakes that they sell already made at the store, we just like to make our own}

As a side dish we like to make either taquitos de papa y de chorizo like flautas and then we top them with sour cream, queso fresco and homemade salsa. This time I made tostadas, YES with canned re-fried beans topped with sour cream, queso fresco and home made salsa {a whole other post on it's own!}. 

Then we eat it for days! Ha. It's just so good and comforting. It really does make me feel special and all warm and fuzzy inside! 

{Trust me it's not that difficult, and it's so good!}

Enjoy and Happy Cinco de Mayo!! 

{Friday Letters}

{Hola Friday!} This week has been a productive one, compared to last week this week was GREAT! Ha.

{Hello Exercise} It's been a while old friend.... we shall see how long we can stay connected... You and I we have a Love/Hate relationship. Being healthy is important to me, so don't mess it up this time. Just sayin'!

{Dear Weekend} WAIT FOR IT.... Ha. Ha. We will be busy!

{Dear Kids} I love you. We had a good week. I can't complain and I don't think you can either. I know that some days our activities are "lame" but trust me you have a blast no matter what! This week we went to he bookstore... it was good but I think it will get better... Next stop a Public Library! OH MY!

{Dear Hubby} Thank you for being so good to me. For putting up with my crazy ideas and going along with them. For always supporting me no matter how silly the situation, or expensive, even though you throw a fit first.  HA. But, you are there for me. I love you.

{Dear Houston Weather} Are you kidding me? Is it cold or hot? Spring or Summer? Can you make up your mind?!

Happy Weekend Ya'll!

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 }

{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!}: