:: First Day of School:: #Non-Traditional

The first day of school happened.

I was a complete and total mess. I never know how emotions will catch me, and this first day of school was brutal. 

But, guess what? We survived. And, my kids are now in full school mode. You know driving a new set of teacher semi-crazy, I really wish I could say my kids were perfect angels, but I don't lie. I am sure they are good kids but perfect, nah.

Santiago and Camila are social kids, I am sure that can't be good for any teacher to hear but I know they both have great and VERY patient teachers. My Husband and I are working hard to keep on track with everything they need and support the teaching staff as much as possible.

They are quickly gaining new friendships and creating new memories. I knew that this school year would not be easy. I would hope that my kids could just work hard and stay focused, but we did know where the struggles would be and come. The year is young, and hopefully we can remain and regain focus. 

We have joined the PTO, school committees and parent nights. Yes, we are those parents. We truly vow to stay connected and be as active as possible in our children's education. Not just for our own peace of mind but I am sure it will be helpful in big ways to our kids. To their, well-being and their growth and education. Plus, we will be better connected to what they do, OR don't do! Santiago is catching on that his teacher sends me notes in his backpack everyday. I have an eye on him at all times.

To a successful school year to all the young, and not so young entering a new school year. May it be filled with good and positive life experiences as well as mental and educational value. I hope everyone is safe and healthy. May you maintain perfect attendance and stay far away from trouble.

::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? 

Toyota ::Day Trip- Houston Zoo:: #TBT

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is not a compensated post. All opinions expressed are mine.}

One of our favorite things to do on a beautiful sunny Houston day is step out of the house and take mini-road trips. Day trips, short trips, in-town trips! 

The weekend before my Birthday I received this great surprise! Toyota sent me this beauty to test drive for a week. It made my week for sure, this Texas girl was giddy to jump in this truck. Trust me the agent had me at Tundra. But, not as happy as my children, they loved all the features and roomy interior. 

So, we headed out on an awesome adventure to the Houston Zoo. Our adventures always have a little chaos and whole lot of fun. On this day, we were so happy to be riding in style that nothing else mattered. 

How can you have a great weekend and enjoy your trips? 

A few quick and easy tips:

1. Be Comfortable- no matter what comfort is important. On this day we enjoy the spacious and        soft leather seats of the Toyota Tundra. 

2. Always have Fun!- no matter how crazy your short roads trips can be or how chaotic the back seat       is with your toddlers. Relax and enjoy! Life is too short not to. 

3. The more the merrier- being Latinos we always like big family outings, no matter how loud they     can become. Invite your friends and family and let everyone join in on your fun day. You will not       regret it. 

4. Don't forget to take some Selfies- These days you can not go without taking at least one selfie, it's     the best thing ever! They always make us smile and we even get photobombed. HA. 

5. Finally, wear a Smile- No matter how difficult or grueling our weeks might be. The weekend is a      great time to reconnect, disconnect and feel happy once more. After a wonderful weekend you            always feel re-energized and inspired to start over on Monday. 

What about you, what's your favorite Toyota??

::Flower to Flower:: #ShopReview

One of our biggest passions as girls in our home is fashion. Especially Camila. Trust me I have become girlier and more fashion conscious because of her. I know that other Momma's have the same passion because they have even began their own business centered around girl, or children's fashion. Today on the blog- Flower to Flower! 

{The dress that Camila is wearing in the picture below is from the Flower to Flower shop.}

::Meet Jazmin-Momma, Entrepreneur and Owner of Flower to Flower::

My name is Jazmin. I am currently a SAHM to a 5 year old Son that loves singing and baseball and a 1 year old Daughter that is fascinated with everything around her and loves smiling at everyone and anything. In my day to day you can find me in the kitchen experimenting with dishes from other countries and especially from my home country, Mexico. I wish I had friends from each country so they an teach more of their cuisines, I'm interested in anything and everything in Arts and Fine Arts. Reason why I got a degree in Filmmaking and I love helping in any DIY projects.

Are you bilingual and what is your favorite saying or motto? 

Si lo soy! Orgullosamente Mexicana!!! I find myself saying this saying the most "Para todos ahi sol" which mean "Their is a sun for everyone" also "God gives us the best opportunities dressed as challenges" which means "Dios nos da las mejores oportunidades disfrazadas de retos"  

What is your routine while creating items for your shop?

I love searching through our pieces while I listen to mellow music like Carla Morrison while my Daughter naps or is sitting in my leg taking out all my pens and highlighters from the cup holder.

What Motivates you?

Since the birth of my Daughter I've rediscovered my passion for fashion through my human doll aka My Daughter Rose. I found an opportunity to share a bit of the clothing that my daughter herself dresses with and share it with parents alike myself that want to dress their children fashionable without breaking the bank. We are trying to offered clothing you have picked in your dream closet for them and pinned in Pinterest.

Fun Details about Jazmin: 

I've found a love for thrift store shopping and up-cycling adult clothing to little people clothing. I can sit down in the couch with a cup of Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Tea) and sew my life away while I watch Netflix. Favorite series thus far is between Scandal and Mad Men. Also I started a small little garden in white pots I've been collecting. It's been fun seeing my 5 year old talk to be how the circle of life works with plants and the seeing both kids enjoying watering the plants.

You can easily contact me through a Direct Message(DM) on Instagram or Inbox me through Facebook or Email me at: flower2flowertx@yahoo.com

Follow Jazmin:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flowertoflowerlove?ref=hl

Instagram: https://instagram.com/flowertoflower/

Do you want to win a dress like the one Cami is wearing from Flower to Flower? 

Enter Below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

::Explore Houston:: Hiking Trails-Bane Park

I started this series a couple of months ago. Since then Houston has flooded and rain had been a non-stop daily happening. These days the heat is quickly rising but thankfully the rain is giving us a break. With that I decided to continue our trail posts.

We love local on days when we just want to be outdoors but don't want to break the bank. So, we pack up a picnic, some chairs and water and we head out to a park or trail. It's so much fun. It's very inexpensive and best of all it's local.

There are so many Houston parks and trails, it's amazing. And, at times overwhelming. I don't know how many parks I have looked up and decided that I want to visit them, create an entire mental plan and end up mentally exhausted. But, if you get organized and out the door these places can be a true treasure. 

If you have SUPER active children like mine who don't mind stepping outside and getting a good walk in, then you will definitely want to follow this series! If you want us to feature your favorite park, email me! I will visit the park {when I can} and write up our Momma review!! {email: mommaofdos@gmail.com} 

The park we visited this time was:

::BANE PARK::

It looks small but trust me the possibilities are endless. It has a short trail, fishing lake and even a splash pad and rock climbing spot! 

{Please note these pics are from back in February or cooler days... hahaha} 

We arrive and quickly find a good spot to start our visit and adventure... At this park the ducks walk right but to you. We try to remember to bring bread to feed them. While my Husband fishes we set out to explore. The kids love it all.

We come back to our spot to eat some snacks and as my Hubby would say... to hydrate. Especially on hot days.

Honestly. No matter where my kids go they always have fun. To me that's all that matters. Plus my nerves are not as bad when we are in public open places where my kids can run, be loud and my nerves are at ease. If you know me, I get nervous, easily. 

Creating memories and having fun it what it's all about. Visit Bane Park and tag @mommaofdos on social media {@mommaofdosTX on Twitter) so we can see your adventure!

Some information about the park:

http://www.hcp4.net/Community/Parks/Bane

Address
9600 W. Little York Road
Houston, Texas 77040
Phone: 281-353-4196

Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday
7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday 
8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

::Weekend Snapshots:: July Edition

My sweet friend Ari of 3TwentySix does an amazing job at keeping up with her weekend snapshots. I think I will make it a once a month thing. HA. Because I suck at it! HAHA. I take the pictures but then never put them into a post. It's why I love Instagram {follow us!!} I can tell a short story and share my pictures all at once. 

My last weekend snapshots is from like April you can see it here: 

http://mommaofdos.blogspot.com/2015/04/weekend-snapshots.html

This weekend was fun, not too eventful and VERY hot ya'll. We opted for staying in, a lot, at least during the day when the heat was unbearable. We came out only at night like the bats. When it was not so sunny! Ha. But, we had fun none-the-less. 

Our weekend kicked off with a quick visit to the doctors office, where Camila was diagnosed with Viral Croup. It's not fun. But, for some reason my kids have no fear of doctors or medicine. I guess it's a good thing. I think this will change for Camila once she gets her next set of shots. We shall see. In the mean time she is a happy camper and always good at waiting for the doctor. 

Saturday morning my Hubby, the foodie, wanted to take us to try something new for breakfast. Einstein Bros. Bagels. It was a good change from our usual cereal and scrambled eggs on Saturday or weekend mornings. Santiago had trouble sharing his Chocolate chip bagel with sweet cinnamon cream cheese.  My Hubby tried to explain he couldn't eat both and had to share with his Sister. We enjoyed a variety of bagels, you know to figure out what we liked! Ha. 

We had the following:

Chocolate Chip Bagel with Cinnamon Sugar Cream cheese

Plain bagel with Berry Goodness Topper

Asiago bagel with Smoked Salmon spread topped with capers and smoked salmon-this was my fav! 

Plain Bagel sandwich with turkey sausage and cheese 

And, it was pretty kids friendly. Except my kids are wild, so we couldn't just hang out and talk. We usually eat and go right.before.the.tantrums. 

Saturday afternoon the girls headed out to a baby shower for a sweet friend whom, I happened to do Maternity Pictures for! 

Saturday night we headed out on another food adventure- TORCHY'S TACOS. It was OK, in our book. We went to try it out but not sure it's a place for us. We felt we could make it all home, or have had better homemade. We did eat, service and food were good but yeah... They did have a kids menu which is always appreciated and it was semi-kid friendly. Definitely the night crowd was starting to stare at us but the kids did very well. Colored the coloring pages provided, asked infinite questions and ate their chicken quesadillas.  We had a good night out. 

Sunday morning we headed out early and registered the kids for Soccer, this will be Santiago's 3rd season and Cam's first. Let me tell you. She is beyond ecstatic! She has been wanting to play since last year but is just now old enough. She can't wait and I know she will kick butt. She is focused, fierce and excited- perfect attitude to get the goals in!

We also signed up to COACH! Posts on that for sure! HAHA. 

We ended our Sunday with my parents coming over, cooking for us, fixing my plants outside and helping me clean up! They are SUCH  a huge blessing for our children and family. My parents are amazing. We also watch Mexico play and you know everyone has to support and sport their Mexican pride!

That was our weekend, what did you do this past weekend?

::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!