::Keeping your Child's Skin Healthy:: H-E-B #BabyDoveArrival #sponsored

:: Momma Disclosure:: This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Mirum Shopper, but all opinions are true and my own. 

H-E-B has a great new product that will be both pleasing to you as a parent and to your baby's skin, Baby Dove! My children are no longer babies but I love taking care of them just like I did on day one. Their skin is sometimes overly sensitive and exposed to the sun more than it should be. Some soaps can be harsh and don't moisturize as much as Dove does. I love the soft, hydrated skin that results from using Dove products. Now that they are available at my local H-E-B, they are very accessible. Good skin is very important to me and for our well being. 

I want my kids to always feel comfortable and healthy. I love that my daughter was able to use the products without worrying about it getting in her eyes and stinging. She loved being able to use the Tip to Toe wash for her hair and body. She's slowly learning to be very independent at bath-time and knowing that she can be with the Baby Dove products is reassuring to me as a Momma. Baby Dove smells great and leaves your skin so soft and moisturized. I've used Dove products due to my very sensitive skin and am glad that there are now products available for my little ones. 

The products I was able to purchase at my local H-E-B in the baby section were: 

• Baby Dove Rich Moisture Tip to Toe (20oz)
• Baby Dove Rich Moisture Lotion (20oz)
• Baby Dove Rich Moisture Bar

The easy to use pump makes it great for when your little ones are learning to shower on their own and they cannot spill it nor does the bottle leak which prevents it from being wasted. And, I like knowing that there are options to use when your child has sensitive skin. In addition to the bathing with the Tip to Toe wash, I used the Baby Dove lotion to help add extra moisture to Camila's skin. She has very dry knees and elbows but the Baby Dove lotion helps replenish the moisture she needs! 

Top 5 Items Bloggers need for Networking/Social Media Events #HLBNetwork

Top 5 Items Bloggers need for Networking/Social Media Events:

Attending your first Blogger networking event can be rather intimidating. Learning the essentials that every Blogger should bring to any social media or networking event is important. I quickly learned what those were and to this day I pack my bag with the same items. If you have seen me at conferences you will know that I always end up with more bags than I come in with but that's part of the Blogger swag that's inevitable.

I have, over the last 4 years, acquired all my equipment and perfected my methods of networking but my bag is always filled with the following 5 items:

1) Camera- Now, I didn't start off with a fancy anything, as a matter of fact my first year or so my phone was my camera. Or, I would ask my Blogger friends to take pictures and then I would post their pictures and give them credit. If you network correctly you end up with the best Blogging buddies, who never mind sharing pictures with you. Of course as the months went by I knew I needed a good camera. Honestly some small point and shoot cameras these days, take really good pictures. A really good smart phone also does the trick now-a-days.  

2) Cell Phone- It's a no-brainer, if you are like me, your phone is your everything. I have easy access to all my social media apps. Quick access to recording both video and audio as well as taking quick pictures to post on several social media outlets at once. I also take a ton of notes on my phone. Plus you know people call and text me, by people I mean my Husband and kids. They wonder where I am, all the time. Go figure.

3) iPad/Tablet (or laptop)- I have never been a huge fan of laptops they are not my favorite computer, at all. I prefer a good old desktop or even my phone and iPad serve the same purpose. My iPad sometimes has better features and a bigger view than my cellphone. Or, if I need to multitask and be on both devices at the same time it's super handy. And, since my iPad has a keyboard it's sometimes easier to take notes on it. It also takes great pictures and video. The extra device is always good for backup. Depending on the type of event I might not even use it but I like to take it with me. Just in case.

4) Promotional Items and Business cards- These items are so useful to promote your blog. A simple business card can lead to great conversations with brands. This year I invested in pens, best idea ever. I feel like even if you are a small blog and just starting, creating promotional items is very helpful. I wouldn't invest too much money in the beginning. I purchased my pens in bulk for no more than $75.00.

5) Notebook- Yes, I bring at least 2 notebooks everywhere I go. Not only because I am obsessed with them but because I love to write. Sometimes, I just love my pen touching the paper. I am a bit nerdy. I used to have the best handwriting, these days technology has affected this. So, when I can, I try to write with pen and paper and not rely so much on my phone or computer. Truly sometimes it's faster and easier to simply open a notebook and start writing; as opposed to having to turn on a device and wait for it to load or open.

You will find that some travel lighter than others but at the end of the day being well prepared is better than not being prepared at all. Knowing the type of event and what the agenda is, is always good to find out before hand. I might take these items and only ever use my camera. Other times, I have regretted forgetting my camera or not bringing a notebook. Which is why I fill my bag with everything I need and keep them close by. You will learn what occasion call for a full bag versus a simple purse and cellphone. 

Happy Networking and good luck!

::15 Things I do Daily to be Productive::

Because, well it's true. 

Sure; I don't have a live-in nanny, personal chef, trainer or daily hair and makeup stylist, but I manage. 

While I might not look like Beyonce everyday, cause occasionally...well you already know! HAHA. Flawless. I do though have the same amount of hours as her, as we all do. Those hours count to me and I fulfill them not only with work in Corporate America, but also following my dream, caring for children, nourishing my marriage and watching my Novela. Come on! Don't act like you don't watch, cause I know you do. Oh, and please don't call me on September 23rd at 9 p.m. 

Here are 15 things I do, daily. Yes, DAILY. To be fully productive and allow myself time for just about everything. 

1. Laundry-Not full on loads of laundry. I do most my laundry Friday night, that's right while most are out partying it up, I do laundry. It's very helpful. Daily; I collect clothes, sort and throw in a load to wash and a load to dry. The empty baskets don't last but loads literally get lighter. 

2. Lists- I make lists of things I want to do, things I have to do and things that need to get done. It helps me remember and keep things in order. I still end up forgetting most days but they are helpful to sort my thoughts and things I have to do. My Husband is the same way. 

3. Prepare for Tomorrow- I try to do as much as possible the night before; get my lunch ready, write a blog post, lay out our clothes for the next morning. I iron in the morning but I at least know what the kids will wear and what I will wear. I make sure my Hubby has the clothes he needs... shirts, socks, pants, etc. He selects his outfits in the morning. One less person to plan for. 

4. Meal Plan- For a while now we have been planning our meals out on Sunday night when we do groceries. Some Sunday's we can prepare for Monday but it's hard. We don't like to eat the same meal more than a couple of days, so meal planning is thought of at the beginning of the week but we prep and cook almost every night. Or every couple of nights at least. 

5. Tidy- I usually clean on Sunday mornings, but everyday I like to pick up toys and put shoes away. It helps keep things in order and trust me some days are easier than others. Most days, I don't really care. The mess is a mess but we are ok with that now. Having {2} small kids calls for constant toys and stuff all over the house. {I have learned to live past the judgment, especially from child-less people.}

6. Relax- People are always asking me; when do you sleep or if I sleep at all?  I do. And, I also have a ton of lazy relax time. I really do! Trust me most days I am relaxing. Plus I have said this several times, I am a home-body. My son is just like me. Give us a good reason to lay on the couch all day, or no reason at all, and we are there. Rest is essential in getting things done. 

7. Write- Even if I don't post it, I write almost daily. If I don't, I will forget it. It's part of getting old. Haha. If I don't write I record voice notes on my phone. Or a short video to help me remember what I want to write about. Writing is what my therapist recommended. She really did. It has helped with so many sleepless, restless nights of constant thought. Just write it down, get it off your spinning wheels. 

8. Take pictures- If you follow me on Instagram or FB then you know, we love pictures in our house. I take them daily and post throughout the week. It makes for easy sharing and I don't overload the social media stratosphere all at once. So, rarely do I post things the moment or day of. 

9. Wake up Early- Yes, I start my day around 5:45-6 a.m. depending on what my goals are for the morning and day. It's hard but I pull myself out of bed and get going early in the morning. I get myself and Camila ready everyday for work and school. My Husband gets Santi and himself ready. 

10. Go to bed last- To make sure that I have some quiet time and get it all done. I do go to bed last around midnight or 1 a.m. But, no I am not always tired. I do the following {2 points} to maintain my 34 year old self healthy and strong. Plus it's true the older you get the less sleep you need. I used to hate getting up so early and on the weekend I do like to sleep in. 

11. Exercise- I exercise, if not daily at least every other day. 30 minute walks, 1 hour walk/run or 1 hour Zumba. Or, just about any workout I can get in. Even if it's 15 minutes, I do it. It's  must. It's also my alone/relax time. And, the older you get the harder it also is to lose weight. I don't necessarily exercise to lose weight but I do like to maintain myself. It's a daily battle. 

12. Take my Vitamins- I take a ton of vitamins- Vitamin B, Iron and Omega 3 with Fish Oil are the most important. 

13. Talk to friends- I have a few friends I talk to daily. Just to say Hi, or to vent or to bounce ideas off of. It helps ease the stress and tension. I like to share with them because I always get positive and honest feedback. Most of them are Momma's as well, as most of them have full-time 8-5 jobs, so they are very relate-able. But, I do have friends who are single or don't have children. 

14. Read positive notes/Bible- Right now I am doing a 30 days of affirmation challenge on Instagram. So, I try to not only read positive happy notes but also write them for other women and Momma's like myself. It helps. I try to make time and actually sit and read my Bible. I need to do it more often. But, I have several with great devotionals that come to my email and I read those daily. My faith has pulled me through the toughest of spots. It's only fair I dedicate some time to praise and pray for all the good in my life.  

15. Listen to music- I listen to all kinds of music throughout the day. Keeps me motivated and in a good mood. Helps fill the quiet space and even gets my creativity going. I love music. 

I know. It seems like a lot and I do have 2 {dos} kids. We do have dinner around the dinner table every night. I cook almost every night. We also have a semi-strict bed time routine that we follow. My Husband and I usually talk about important things right after work, we vent, let it all out and then enjoy our family time.

So, you see. If Queen Bey can do it, SO CAN YOU!!

::Blogalicious:: Conference Recap

{::Momma Disclosure:: This is not a compensated post. I was invited to Blogalicious by Texas Latino Bloggers. All opinions expressed are my own personal opinions.}

Friday morning, I boarded the Mega-Bus in Katy, Texas near Houston and headed out to San Antonio! My second trip by myself , since my children were born and maybe since I have been married. It's always exciting at first and soon after I start to miss the chaos I leave behind. I was so excited about the Mega-bus that I never took a picture. It was a good experience, I booked my trip for $15.00. The bus was clean and comfy, the trip took about 2 1/2 hours. {For more pictures find me on Instagram @mommaofdos !}

I arrived in San Antonio and was greeted by my friends Alba & Michelle at the bus stop. We walked a couple of blocks to the Westin on the Riverwalk where I hit the ground running! I started with lunch and went on to attend afternoon sessions and to meet all of the amazing sponsors.

Later that night I had the opportunity to attend a dinner sponsored by Tylenol and their #smilingitforward #ad campaign, please visit their website for details. The campaign will donate $1.00 for every smiling photo of our children that we upload on their site. The funds are donated to the Children's Health Fund. During the dinner we discussed our own concerns or questions about our families and children's health. It was so informative and a great way to learn more about what other Momma's think about different health issues in the Latino community. This was also a wonderful opportunity to meet and chat will all of the Latina bloggers at the event. We then broke away into a smaller group and set out on a mini-girls night out! It didn't last long we were exhausted but it was so much fun!

Saturday morning; I took the challenge of waking up early {at 6:30 a.m.} and joined some of the other amazing bloggers  from Blogalicious for a Photo-walk on the Riverwalk! It was very informative our Photography guru was Candace her pictures and perspective are very unique. She gave some great tips which allowed us to capture our early morning site-seeing. If you want to see some of the images captured follow us on Instagram {@mommaofdos} under the hashtag #begreatb6pics.

That afternoon I was able to attend sessions given by some of my personal favorites including a very inspirational lunch about embracing your failures and learning from them given by Kathy Cano-Murillo of Crafty Chica. {I wish I had a glitter font, she deserves to have a sparkly name!} She spoke about eliminating self-doubt and "throwing away the inner sergeant whistle". When I attend this kind of session I feel re-energized, inspired and motivated. It's a wonderful feel-good session filled with so many emotions. Kathy never disappoints, when she speaks she is sure to motivate you to do more! Who can say no to her positive energy and always smiling face!  

I also attended Pintrest/Facebook Engagement sessions both equally important for gaining traffic to my little ol'blog. In all, the sessions were great and I walked away rich in information.    

Personally I have learned something new at every conference that I attend and they have all helped build my blog in positive new ways!

What I gain at each conference:

::Connections:: Real life and in-person. It's just so different once you meet all of the amazing writers, photographers and inspiration speakers in person and can actually talk to them! 

::Perspective:: I usually come away with a new perspective in so many different areas of life and blogging. Everything just seems to shift into a positive and hopeful direction. 

::New Tips Acquired:: I am not a newbie blogger but I learn something new everyday! 

::A Mini-Girls Getaway:: The past few conference have just felt like fun little girlfriend getaways and it's so relaxing and a great way to relieve some daily stress for this Momma of Dos. 

::Inspiration/Motivation:: Every writer and person at the conference adds a little to my spirit and motivation. I am always so inspired when I listen to other's story, their struggles and how they have overcome all obstacles to be where they are. 

{TOMORROW :: HUGE PICTURE POST!}

::El Pollo Loco:: Houston Grand Opening

::Momma of Dos:: {This is a compensated post. We were invited to attend the Sugarland Grand Opening of El Pollo Loco. All statements are my own and honest opinion.}

When I think about family dinners, or gatherings; I think about great company, fun nights and of course delicious food! 

A couple of weeks ago we had the opportunity to attend the Grand Opening of the new El Pollo Loco, or as my Hubby calls it... el "Chi-ken Cra-zi". We traveled to what for us was the other side of the world to the beautiful City of Sugarland but it was worth it. 

We experienced wonderful company, good music and yes, delicious and fresh comida!! We also learned a little about how the restaurant is operated and how they manage to create such fresh food everyday. Let me tell you, it's some hard work but the awesome staff of El Pollo Loco in Sugarland led by Tara Beam do a great job and were so friendly. 

After experiencing the great food we hung out and enjoyed the fun night!

And, I am not sure if I was the only one that noticed but the staff has the best shirts with great sayings,  We're "Guaca-holics!" I want one!

For more on El Pollo Loco and some of the other new locations coming to Houston please visit: http://elpolloloco.com/Houston/

::Cantinflas, La Pelicula:: #Cantinflas

::Momma of Dos:: { This is not a compensated post. I received a free ticket to the press screening of Cantinflas and an invitation to interview Oscar Jaenada in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect. The opinions expressed are my own. }

Cuando era niña me acuerdo que lo que nos mantenía apegados a mi Abuelita era su amor por el cine Mexicano. Ella se sabe todas las películas del cine Mexicano y Americano de los años 30 y 40. Su conocimiento del cine Mexicano es algo que siempre ha compartido con nosotros. Por eso cuando me invitaron a ver la primicia de la película de Cantinflas, no espere y me apunte!

Al igual que muchas familias mexicanas,  Cantinflas era y es un nombre reconocido y muy querido en nuestra casa. Su historia como comediante y actor en México al igual que sus películas son inigualables. La pelicula  nos da más detalles sobre la vida privada de la estrella querida de México. Tambien nos muestra cómo fue el  inicio de Mario Moreno al cine México y el talento que se encontraba en el estilo de entretenimiento de "las carpas" en los años 30 en la ciudad de México.

 

No cabe duda que el personaje de Cantinflas fue unico y alguien especial para Mario Moreno quien nacio muy humilde y crecio el Tepito.

Su trayectoria fue admirable, claro que en su vida personal tuvo tropiezos pero a pesar de todo era humano. Su sencillez y manera tan inconfundible de hacer reír y entretener con sus "Cantinfladas" es lo que más se recuerda ahora. El actor Oscar Jaenada ha capturado la esencia del fallecido actor y su personaje tan querido en la película nueva, Cantinflas the Movie. Su parecido físico a Mario Moreno es algo que hace que Cantinflas vuelva a la vida.

Lo que me encanto también fue que la película tiene muchos actores populares y grandes del cine Mexicano como Rafa Amaya, Barbara Mori, Otto Sirgo, Joaquín Cosio y muchos más. Al igual que otros comediantes de México como Adal Ramones. Es un orgullo como mexicana que estos personajes sean introducidos al cine Americano. Porque al igual que en la vida real de Cantinflas; yo pienso que Hollywood subestima a los actores increíblemente talentosos que se desarrollan en la Cinematografía de México.

El actor Oscar Jaenda interpreto de maravilla a Mario Moreno. Y yo creo que con esta película se ha brindado un lindo homenaje al el gran actor, improvisaste y comediante que era Mario Moreno “Cantinflas”. La película muestra el lado humano del actor quien se sucumbió a las tentaciones del mundo de los artistas y quien sufrió en sus relaciones personales y matrimonió. Fue antes que nada humanosiempre puede haber tenido éxitos también hubo fracasos en su vida.

La película demuestra que hubo una falta de credibilidad y apoyo en Hollywood, quizás todavía la hay para artistas Mexicanos. Su poca fe en él como un actor "Mexicano" y querer menospreciarlo y darle papeles insignificantes cuando él muy bien podría tomar el papel principal en cualquier película. Y fue así en la película de Around the World in 80 Days, por la cual Cantinflas gano un Golden Globe.

Aparte de poder ver la película tuve la oportunidad de entrevistar a el Actor Oscar Jaenada aquí en Houston en la sala de conferencias del hermoso Hotel Granduca. Aqui estan algunas de las preguntas que le hice sobre la película y los obstáculos que tuvo para completar este proyecto de ser Cantinflas:

Yo: Cual fue el reto más grande que tuviste al aprender a ser "Cantinflas"?

Oscar Jaenada: Bueno lo más difícil para mí no fue mucho Cantinflas si no Mario Moreno. Ser Cantinflas fue ver películas, contrate a una instructora de baile, aprendí a imitar/colocar su voz.... era trabajo, disciplina....para mí el reto fue encontrar a Mario Moreno, porque sobre Mario Moreno "la persona" había muy poco. Fue buscar entrevistas y documentos y hablar con personas quien podían darme información sobre el... eso fue mi reto.

Lily: Que te dejo Mario Moreno y Cantinflas en lo personal?

Oscar Jaenada: En varias entrevistas que encontré de Mario Moreno le preguntaban quién es Cantinflas?... y él decía….."México". Yo creo que eso es lo que me dejo esta experiencia yo me llevo a México! Yo vaya me siento Mexicano por haber podido interpretar a Cantinflas.

Yo: Con quien te identificas más con Mario Moreno o con Cantinflas?

Oscar Jaenada: Solo una vez e tendió que interpretar a un actor antes de ahora, y es una cosa maravillosa porque estás hablando de tu misa profesión, de tu mismo estilo de vida, de tu misma dirección! En el caso de Mario Moreno me pasa lo mismo, conocer al artista, tenía mucha atracción aprender sobre el actor y sobre su personaje que mantuvo durante tanto tiempo… y fue impresionante su calidad que tenía como actor!

Lily: En algún momento tuviste miedo de no poder personificar a Cantinflas a nivel de quién era el?

Osacar Jaenada: La seguridad absoluta no la tienes pero la confianza en sí mismo sí. Tenía experiencia y confianza pero fue un poco más difícil porque fueron dos personajes fue un reto, nunca dude que lo podía hacer y que iba a poner todo de mi parte, y cuando uno pone todo de su parte raramente te puede salir mal.

B + J ::On the Run::

Where to begin. I won tickets to go see Beyonce and Jay-Z, yes I know still totally in shock!!! I signed up by participating in the Woman to Woman Conference Luncheon, you can join us at the conference  ::click here:: for more information! 

First off, I don’t listen to a whole lot of new music only what my Pandora stations at work feed me and what I can catch on the radio on my short commute to and from daycare and work everyday. With that said. I knew 1, yes 1 Jay-Z song, here is where all the true fans will probably start to hate me, sorry. And, I know Beyonce and a lot of her old stuff but since she had her baby I don’t think I had real listened to any of her music. I was stuck on Single Ladies and Halo! Yes, I am lame I know. But, going to see her was the refresher I needed.

::What I thought::

I totally get what she is doing her show is edgy, current and very sexy and sensual. She is a grown married woman, free to express herself in ways that many may not be able to! As a Momma the feeling of not only real world relevance and knowing that we can still be sexy, is important to me. I struggle with it every day! 

Should I be the everyday Suburban Soccer Momma that people expect me to be with 2 toddlers or can I show people that I too can be a hottie and that my Husband loves me just the same?! I related on so many levels with a lot of her “new” songs. Trying to be Mrs. Perfect but being reminded that we are human we have flaws, we make mistakes. The show was at times retro catching the heart and soul of who Beyonce is and very burlesque catching the essence of her style and who she wants to be! I loved it, as a Woman, a Momma and from a marketing perspective; being yourself and true to who you are sells. 

Beyonce= Be yourself!

With that said I think that while her marriage is a perfect Hollywood, super star marriage and that maybe they are making millions off of being the power couple that they are and they may or may not be happy and “real”. To me they seemed genuine and in love, despite the mistakes, flaws and fights in elevators…Just sayin!

They inspire me to want to create that power couple image and make it work not just because it sells but because it can happen and it can be real! The impact I am sure is huge on those around you and the inspiration and motivation to do and be more is infinite! Sure it can just be really good marketing for their business but at the same time, there has to be some love for one another and a true desire to be with eachtoher, if not I feel it would shine through in their performances. You can only hide so long. 

::The Message::

Feminist. Feminism. Equality. Teaching our children to be versatile and ever changing.  

As a young girl I had the same dream that most girls had, finding my Prince Charming and getting married, have children and live happily ever after. Kind of. Not really. I knew it could maybe be real but I never expected it to happen to me.  

What I knew was that I had to go to school, get a good job and help my family financially. Getting married and having kids was on the back burner. I had always been independent and had never relied on others to do for me or help me, not because I was disrespectful but because I am me. I like to take care of myself.

Then I met my Husband. It didn’t stop me from getting an education, being independent and working hard for everything that I want and really everything that was needed to survive. These days I am married, and my Prince Charming is a real man that eats, works, sleeps and yes, even burps and farts! Let's be real. #realtalk

He is my Hubby and he is an amazing provider for our family and a great support and hard worker! Together we make it work. Are we perfect? Nope. But, we work hard together. He allows me to be me. Not because he “owns” me but because he really wants me to be my own person and even though it’s frustrating he likes that I argue about it all, that I have my own voice and speak up and that I don’t take any bull--- from him or anyone else! 

I am sure that he loves the fact that I want to get up every day and help him provide for our family and that although he could do it on his own, I try not to place all the burden on him. In the same way he tries to help me around the house, he cooks more than I do and has changed diapers and help feed the kids when they were babies, he bathes them and starts story time without me asking him to. Yes a lot of the household duties fall on me but he gets the bills paid on time something that I suck at and we’d probably have no light or water if I took care of it. In all we do have traditional roles but sometimes they flip! It’s all about mutual support and really wanting the other person to succeed not just for the better of your family but for that person as an individual!

::The Hiccups::

The Parking; parking was $50++, thankfully my Momma lives 5 minutes away, she dropped us off and picked us up! People still paid, would I have paid, not more than $20, maybe..... Would it have been worth it, absolutely for someone like me who doesn’t do this kind of event often it’s ok every once in a while.

The Entrance; not sure what the wait was about but my Hubby doesn’t wait for anyone…..he found a fast moving VIP line got us in it and in the venue within 20 minutes or so of having arrived. We searched, we asked, we got in and we conquered! 

The Audio; I don’t know about sound but I am sure that at the beginning of the show the audio was off. The music was too loud, I couldn’t hear what Beyonce was saying and it just didn’t sound good,  not sure if it was fixed or I just got used to it but it got better!  I still sang and fell further in love with Beyonce!

::My Favorite Moment::

Their show was like watching a short movie and it followed a script and every scene went on without a  glitch. But, when they switched over to real life…they started a home video reel and their reality is a baby…a family and a love that right now, no one can touch. Family comes first and for Beyonce and Jay-Z that amazingly beautiful little girl is all that matters and the reason why they work so hard. Can I relate? Abso-freaking-lutley!

Did you go see Beyonce? What did you think of it?

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