::Momma Podcast:: #InspiredSeries

It's 2018 Y'all!!! 

Did you miss me? Well, I am back. Sharing some fun ladies this week. Here we go. 

One of my favorite things to do is listen to Podcasts. I might have mentioned in the past that one of my favorites is THE MFCEO. Well, think of that but with MOMMAS! 

I started following and listening to Elle and Liz a few months ago when we met in a Facebook and Instagram group. Their conversations are SO fun, so real and so heart-warming. They have truly inspired me and moved me to tears with their shows. So, I decided to kick off the year by featuring them and their Mami podcast. (Links at the end of this post.) 

Hoping to one day follow in their podcaster footsteps... hello universe in 2018, te hablo a ti. 

:: About Oye Mami Hosts :: 

Hi! Our names are Elle Gutierrez & Liz Quirion, We are 36 & 32 yrs old and we are from New York City. Upper West Side and Brooklyn to be exact. Liz's parents were both born in the Dominican Republic and Elle's parents were born in the Dominican Republic and Ecuador. Liz is married and has three children, a 3-year-old son and (surprise) twin 2-year-old girls. Elle is married to her college sweetheart and has three children, two girls ages 10 and 9 and one 5-year-old son. 

:: Interview :: 

Tell me what is it that you are after when it comes to your podcast? What was your original goal? 

We wanted to give women like us a voice. The American Latina is a forgotten genre. Our audience loves Univision as much as ABC, the Latin Grammys as much as the VMAs, Biggie Smalls as much as Marc Anthony. This country is filled with women just like us who struggle with being the bridge between their Latino and American cultures. Our goal is to give these women a home.

Tell me what motivated you to start on this journey?

What motivated us was that during our weekly bochinche calls we would always have a story about someone pointing out how we weren't Latino or American enough. That's how this all started two outsiders rallying up other outsiders and becoming a movement.

Was was your plan of action?

Our first plan of action was to start our podcast off with a good foundation. We studied and learned for a year. We split responsibilities. One of us did all the tech and marketing research while the other listened to podcasts all day so that we could know what we did and didn't want to do. We also worked with our podcast spirit guide, Jackie MacDougall who is a TV & Digital Producer, Podcaster, Writer, and Media coach to help us kick off our podcast in seamless manner. 

How did you first get started and what was the most difficult part?

The most difficult part was going live and sharing our idea with whoever wanted to listen. We stalled so many times. Nothing was ever "right". The fear of vulnerability was our biggest obstacle. 

Did anyone help push you or inspired you to get here?

Elle: My husband. I am so grateful for his support and how he believes in my crazy ideas even more than I do. Also, Liz. When I called her with this idea she could have easily said, "Bish, you crazy" but instead she said, "Let's do this bish". 

 Liz: Elle inspired and pushed me to get here. My husband and family have also been so supportive in believing in our mission and pitching in to help with my three toddlers whenever I need it.

What has your progress been?

We set short term goals and surpassed them. Not to sound super cliche, but we are truly blessed that putting our hearts on our sleeves is being well received. It shows that this was needed. 

How are you keeping motivated to continue down this path?

What keeps us most motivated are our listeners. We had no idea what an impact our show would make in people's lives or how many women would connect with what we were going through. Men too! Whenever a listener slides up into our DM and says that we make them feel normal or that we get them or that we helped them get through a tough day gives us so much motivation to keep pushing. If you have listened to our episodes from the very beginning until now you will see how we held back more in the beginning and are now at a point where we say, "F-it, don't leave that on the cutting room floor because someone will connect". 

What advice do you have for others in your place?

Our advice would be to lead with your gut and work with your brain. Get ready to lose sleep, make mistakes, and get good sunglasses because the shade is real.

We all struggle daily with so many "self-issues"; what has been your favorite quote, book, movie, item, or website that has helped you keep strong and move forward?

Elle: For me and don't laugh it's DJ Khaled. His positivity is contagious. Whenever I feel overwhelmed I tune in to his snapchat story and feel like, if Asahd is a king, I'm a freaking king too. Liz even sent me a DJ Khaled book when I was in one of the lowest points in my life. She loves me. I also keep a mini notebook in my purse where I write my own personal quotes that pop into my head and reading those over inspire me. Now I sound like a low-key narcissist but seriously, re-reading those one liners that I came up with make me re-connect with those times. Some positive, some negative and they inspire me to keep moving forward and creating even more one liners. 

Liz: "It's never too late to be what you might have been" that's my favorite quote by George Eliot. I remember the first time I read that quote. I almost came to tears because I was at a point in my life where I was scared and then this quote popped up and I was like, THIS! THIS! THIS! It keeps me in check every time I think it's too late to accomplish my dreams. 

 

You can contact Elle and Liz (Oye Mami) via 

Website: https://oyemamishow.com/

Twitter: @OyeMamiShow 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/OyeMamiShow or

slide up in our DMs on Instagram: @OyeMamiShow

::Empowering Youth:: Inspired Latinos

In my time in social media, I have met and engage with various new people from around the world. Sometimes it helps me realize how small the world really is. A little background about myself; my Momma is from a small town in Mexico called Temixco. Outside of my family circle here in Houston, I never EVER think many know about her town and her traditions. So when I found Omar online and his entire project based on Chinelos, which are pretty specific to the region my Momma is from, I was intrigued. I am glad I reached out and am featuring him today! His story is an amazing one and he is wishing to inspire us all! I can't wait to see his project evolve... I am so proud as a Mexican-American to find wonderful people like Omar doing great things! 

Enjoy!
----------------

::GUEST BLOGGER::

The name of my project is "el Chinelo loco 777". This name really reflects my personality and origins. I will explain why.

The "chinelo" dance is a traditional Mexican dance created in Tlayacapan, a city of the Morelos state, in approx. 1807. It was created by a group of indigenous young people who were not allowed to participate in the carnival celebrations. Their response was to dress up with old clothes and to start shouting and whistling by walking the streets of the town. A form of rebellion.

As the dance evolved, the white mask was introduced to mock bearded Spanish and the clothes changed for specific costumes made out of velvet. The word "chinelo" is believed to come from the Nahuatl language and means "he/she who moves well his/her feet and hip" or "hip wiggle".

"el Chinelo loco 777" describes me well as I was born in Cuernavaca, area code 777, the capital city of the Morelos state. The "chinelo" is a reflection of my passion and love for Breakin' or Breakdance, as I used to be -and will always be- a B-boy. The "loco" part is just my personality, who I really am. An intricate engineer yet very simple person full of energy and crazy ideas that I am always willing to implement.

I started this project because I detected a need. As a current Finance Director for a multinational company, I have developed the ability to identify "needs". I realized the Mexican and Latin American people do not have a lot of "role models", and if they do, maybe these are not reflecting what the "pueblo" actually is and what is capable of doing.

I have experienced a lot of things in my job and getting to where I am has not been easy as I have sacrificed a lot -you probably have heard this over and over again-, but I have also lived a lot of incredible experiences! -Maybe you have not heard this that much- What are these experiences about? I have traveled the world -and still do-, I have eaten in the most fancy and expensive restaurants, I have met crazier people than me and learned from them, I have managed very important projects for the company I work for, I am able to communicate and interact vis-à-vis with Top Executive Directors/Vice presidents, I have helped people out to get a job, etc. So why not sharing all this? Precisely the objective of "el Chinelo loco 777".

As a young executive, I believe I got a social responsibility to transmit to "la banda", people of my generation and the one that follows, positive examples that will inspire people that surround me to fight for their dreams, to succeed in what they want and why not, to become a better version of themselves. 

Growing up in a middle-class family, never did I lack food or a home for that matter, but I sure know and have seen what it is not to have these two. This is where my motivation comes from. If I can do it, then you can surely do it too, right? 

I did not study in the top Mexican schools, but I did get my engineering degree in a very respected private university, Universidad La Salle Cuernavaca -where I was able to get a scholarship thanks to my grades from high school and kept it during my whole time there.

People can find me here:

Email: elchineloloco777@gmail.com

Instagram: @elchineloloco777

Facebook: @elchineloloco777

Twitter: @chineloloco777

YouTube: "el chinelo loco 777" 

**People can contact me through any of my social networks. Whatever they prefer! I normally reply very fast to everyone, but if I take some time do not take it wrong as I am always on the move. 

No special events are planned in the sort term, but in the mid-term I am planning to invite "random" people to share their story with the audience on my YouTube channel. As for now, I will keep on uploading videos, I will finish the series "Vivir en el extranjero" (living abroad) and will move forward on to another series. More content will come to my Facebook page as well. However, on Twitter I do share very practical tips for everyone so you should go and follow me! 

One time, a group of friends and I participated in a Hip Hop dance competition. It was our first time competing in this type of event and we trained very hard for three full months. We did our thing, we danced and believed that we nailed it and that we deserved to take home one of the three first places.

The time to announce the winners came and my friends and I were backstage holding hands waiting to hear the name of our group "Soydev" -which you can actually find in YouTube if you write it and add "hip hop". The third place was announced, but it was not us, then we believed we had won second place. The second place was announced and again, it wasn't us. At this point we thought we had won the first place and we got super excited about i! When the host announced the first place we did not hesitate to go to the main stage screaming, yelling and celebrating that we had won!

Our faces dropped immediately after we arrived to the main stage just to see that we did not win the first place, but because we were so confident of ourselves we thought we had won but neither my friends nor I actually heard our team's name. You can imagine how embarrassed we were afterwards. My friends and I still laugh a lot every time we talk about this.

By the way, we ended up taking home the 8th place out of 42 crews that participated. Not bad after all. 

There are two main things I want to establish through my persona. These are very simple actually.
First, I want "el Chinelo loco 777" to be a role model for the community so that people that follow me can become role models as well for the people close to them. Second, I want it to be a platform for sharing experiences and stories about how people like you and me were able to succeed in what they wanted. I believe everyone has succeed in some way, we just need to take the time to listen to them.

"Brains and talent are nothing without discipline. Discipline is the key to achieve everything." The way I see things is that everything is reachable if you really want it and work hard for it.

::Top 10 Motivational/Inspirational Songs:: Momma Edition

When I am looking for daily motivation or inspiration, I often listen to either podcasts (one of my favorites is MFCEO), Ted Talks (Love them!) or a variety of music.

On my sad days or days when things don't seem to go right I listen to radio stations like KSBJ here in Houston. Their overall message is very motivational. For years, I have listened to KSBJ. And, the other day I realized that since I started listening back in 2001, the morning show has been very important. Not only because of my long commutes and the need to listen to good-positive radio, but also because of the dynamics of the morning show hosts. The hosts are usually male and female, parents and non-parents, but their dynamic over the years has been similar. They work wonderfully together to uplift, to encourage, or provoke deep thought as well as to make you laugh. I have fallen in love with every pair of hosts and truly appreciate a good morning radio show.

Mornings are so important because they set the mood for the rest of the day. When you don't feel great and no on else has told you that everything will be okay or that your day can turn around, motivating messages like those on the radio can help change your mood.

Here are my current top 5 KSBJ motivating/inspiring songs, there are so many others but these I love. You might recognize some of the faces from American Idol.










Then, of course, the girl power has got to flow! My top 5 female empowerment songs.

Guest Post {October Awareness} #BlindnessAwarenessMonth

A few months ago I featured Cindy a local Momma of 3, her story inspired many. This month I invited her back. October is Blindness Awareness month and I felt that she could help us better understand how to help and bring awareness to this topic.

  

My name is Cynthia Rendon-Sanchez, but I'm known as Cindy to those closest to me. (My preferred name.) I am a 30-year-old stay-at-home mother of three beautiful children that crafts on her off time to make extra income. I'm married to my elementary school sweetheart, Jonathan, whom I met in the first grade. We've been together on and off since the fifth grade, and finally got married in 2006. We've been married almost 9 years this year. Our children are everything to us.

Jasmine, our eldest daughter, is an 11-year-old visually impaired beauty. She has congenital blindness which means that she has been blind since birth. Jassy has retinopathy of prematurity, where her retinas were malformed.

Our Jassy is not only blind, but she also has other disabilities. She has a speech disability, an intellectual disability, and needs helps with basic everyday tasks. Along with a sighted guide, which is person that helps her walk wherever she goes. Despite everything, Jasmine is one of our biggest blessings in life. She is one of my best friends. ️

October is known as blindness awareness month. On a daily basis, I try to spread awareness by means of social media mainly through my smartphone. Facebook is a great way to discuss and share information on the topic. On Facebook, I am a part of a special needs parent support group in the Cypress, Texas area. All special needs are discussed there along with tips and suggestions on any and all topics one may have. I also like to share on my own personal page which shows up on my friends' feeds as well.

As far as spreading awareness verbally, children tend to ask the most questions so I try to explain Jasmine's blindness and other disabilities in a way that they can comprehend. For example: "Jasmine can't see like you and I can. She needs help everyday just to get around. She is a sweet and smart girl but has a hard time expressing herself to people because she is still learning how to speak."

Adults are just as curious but try to avoid the topic all together since it is still very taboo to most. I actually prefer the questions versus the silence. It makes me feel like you're curious enough to at least want to know and understand what is going on.

Unless you have a child, a relative, or a friend with a visual impairment or any other disability, trying to understand the situation can be overwhelming. Most people fear what they don't know or understand. That's where I, as a proud parent, feel that it is my job to talk about the topic whenever possible. I am proud to be Jassy's mom. We all love her very much. She is our precious gift.

                                                           
                                                                              ️ Cindy ️

::5 Reasons I attend Conferences:: #TexasConferenceforWomen

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

This past week I went to Austin, first time going alone. For a conference for work. It was a great experience, I didn't get to see or eat everything I wanted to, Ha. But, I know that next month when I go again, I will try to see more places and experience true Austin cuisine.  When I go again it will be for another type of conference though. One that I have great expectations about. The Texas Conference for Women. One of my Blogging-Sisters will be speaking, which is very exciting! Melanie of Que Means What ; will be part of the Social Media Round-table.  {You can read more about the speakers here} 

I love going to Conference, here are the top 5 reason why: 

::Personal Growth::

Every conference has brought on a different experience and level of personal growth. I have either learned something about myself or something that will help me gain valuable insight into my future goals. Either way conferences hold many modes of inspiration and motivation which have all led to moments of great growth for me. In many areas. I honestly have tried to cut back on them because you can become so overwhelmed and want to attend them all but if you select a few very specific ones the growth is more abundant. 

::Networking::

You just never know who you will meet, what type of life-lasting connection you will make. Conferences bring together people for all walks of life and with their own unique experiences. Meeting these people, speaking to them and learning from them add so much value to you as an individual. I have met some very interesting people at conferences most of whom I keep in touch with now. We become business partners, friends and a good source of information for one another. It's truly a great way to meet new people you wouldn't otherwise be able to connect with. 

:: Me-Time ::

Let's face it, as a working wife with {Dos} 2 toddlers, I don't get much down time. Attending conferences, even when local and for a day, to me is the best type of me-time! I get to be around good company, enjoy what I am learning and do something that I love. What else can I ask for out of me time. It may still be considered "work" to some and it's not exactly a day at the spa but to me, when people and situations can ignite my brain and set my soul on fire, well that to me is a great day! The motivation and inspiration attained is like no other. For someone like me, I couldn't ask for anything more. 

:: Travel/Exploring ::

Attending conferences, even when locally, gives me a chance to travel and explore on my own. The furthest I have gone so far is Detroit, MI. Which was amazing. I traveled alone for the first in years and now I know what I can handle. I have also visited other cities in Texas like San Antonio and Austin on my own and both have been good experiences as well. When the conferences are here in Houston, I love to take the time to learn more about what this city has to offer for not only myself but for my family. I love it all. Travel is good for clearing your mind and expanding your knowledge. 

:: Sister-hood ::

Again, I have met so many amazing women from all over the world at this point. Some of whom I become very close friends with. We are able to bond over the 1 or 2 day conferences and learn about each other and our goals and passions for what we do. The bond becomes one that helps us carry-out good working partnerships and even a select type of sister-hood. One where we can support one another, where we can learn from one another, where we can be mentors to each-other. We share about our experiences as Wives, as Momma's and as Career driven individuals with like-minded goals. The Sister-hood should grow and develop over time and the respect and collaboration should be mutual. 

I am truly excited to be returning to Austin and attend the Texas Conference for Women for so many reasons and I can't wait to see what new inspiration comes of it... 

You can read more about the conference here. The day will be filled with innovative speakers and incredible breakout sessions. I can't wait to experience it all and bring back the highlights to you via social media. Make sure to follow us on Instagram & Twitter for more updates! And, follow the conferences social media sites for more information! 

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/texasconferenceforwomen/timeline/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/TexasWomen

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/txconfwomen/

WEBSITE: http://www.txconferenceforwomen.org/

:: My Weight Loss Journey- Q&A:: #InspiredSeries

I love meeting new people and listening to their stories, or following it on social media. That has been the case with today's Guest Blogger her name is Susana and she is from Houston. I started following her through a family member on Instagram, soon we became friends on Facebook and her goals and story just motivate me more and more everyday! 

I did a short Q & A with her so that you too can learn from her weight loss journey and follow her! 

Tell me; what is it that you were after when it came to your weight loss/what were your original goals?

I wanted to be HEALTHY and not have any medical issues... My original goal was to lose 100 lbs and to be able to do a 5k run.... 

What motivated you to start on this journey? 

Honestly MY EX BREAKING UP WITH ME....  I felt like I was not gonna be good for no one at me weight witch was close to 400 lbs...  

What was your plan of action?    Eat healthy and workout..... 

How did you first get started and what was the most difficult part? 

Getting up and taking my self to the gym when I first started! I could only last up to 30 minutes at the gym before I wanted to call it quits.

Did anyone help push you or inspired you to get here? 

Yes..... My family and friends but my BIGGEST INSPIRATION was my personal trainer Josh Norris.... 

What has your progress been? I have lost over 150 lbs!

How are you keeping motivated to continue down this path? 

I don't want to gain any of this weight back.... I am my biggest MOTIVATION!! 

What advice do you have for others in your place? 

It's not an easy road, don't give up, &  keep pushing YOURSELF! Always remember why you started. 

We all struggle daily with so many self issues; what has been your favorite quote, book, movie, item, or website that has helped you keep strong and move forward? 

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.~Buddha

Did you run the 5k? If so, when and which one? 

Yes, I ran and walked it took me over 2 hrs to do my first one but I got it done and I did the color me Run. 

What is your favorite workout? 

LEG DAY........ you can't go wrong with working out that booty... I am really getting into cycling and swimming at the moment. 

What is your least favorite? 

I will have to say upper body chest and arms ohhh no I cant stand it at all... I would say I don't like CARDIO... haha!  

How do you feel about your progress? 

I feel great I have a lot more to go but I love how I feel and how I look..... I love my CALVES.....

::Contact Susana::

Facebook: Susana Martinez 

IG: susemtz82

Snapchat: Susemtz82

::Friday Letters::

Dear Life, things are well. Thank you. Even when they weren't going so well, I am happy with how far I have come. My children are strong and healthy. My Hubby and I are getting ready to celebrate 9 years of marriage.Trust me, no matter how much I complain.... You have been awesome to me. 

Dear Self, Keep going. You can do this. Trust that this is what you are made for. I know you are tired and some days you REALLY need to push yourself. Think of those who can't push any longer, who don't have everything you have and for them; do more, be more and rise above. You have made it through worse and now at your best, you should be able to breeze your way through.  

Dear Texas, Yo'its HOT for real THO! No really. It's hot. Not complaining. Just sayin'. It's a little HOT. 

Dear Houston, In case you didn't get the memo, ESTA CALIENTE. For real tho. I think Texas hates us. It's only cause we are awesome. Haters gon'hate.  

Dear YouTube, I will conquer you. I will. In the mean time, watch me be a total dork and share as much as I can. Practice makes perfect. 

Dear Amiga's, You know who you are. Thank you for all of your constant love and support. For always listening to me when I need to vent, for always being there with words of encouragement and true friendship. For being the type of Women that inspire and uplift. Who are genuinely and sincerely happy for me when good things happen. Who know that being this way is far better than those who are always trying to bring each other down. Thank you for being happy for me and my successes. PLEASE know that I am here to cheer you on and bring you up as well. 

Dear Hubby & Kids, I love you. You know that, no words can describe how I feel, no matter how loud I yell them. Maybe sometimes you can listen to me the first time, just sayin'. Thanks. 

Dear New Job, be kind to me. I have so much depending on this and I really want to LOVE you. I really do. I am old. My career needs to be now. I like you so far. It's only been a week. Be gentle. 

Dear Sun, back up off me dude! For real tho. 

Submit your Friday letter to Momma of Dos and be featured!!! mommaofdos@gmail.com 

And, follow us on YouTube:

Cindy {Special Needs Momma} #InspiredSeries

Being a Momma is a lot of work. As you could imagine having to juggle a home, children and life itself is stressful. Some Momma's have an extra role, as care giver to a child with special needs. Today I introduce to you Cindy a 29-years-old Momma, who is married with 3 children; Jasmine (Jassy)-11, Jonathan Jr. (Johnny)-7 and Emma-5. Her family has a special kind of love, for a very beautiful and special little girl...one who is as her Momma would say "differently-able"! 

::Cindy and Jassy:: A Special Kind of Love.... 

My husband, Jonathan, and I have been married for 8 years going on 9, but have known each other since 1st grade! Another fun fact is that we started dating in the 5th grade. We had our first baby, Jassy, when we were both 18 and seniors in high school. :-)

Jasmine has ROP, retinopathy of prematurity. It is a condition where blood vessels grow abnormally behind the retina. The scientific name is retrolental fibroplasia. It happens to premature infants. I had Jassy at 36 weeks.

We learned about her being blind one week after her birth. We were told to see a specialist because they couldn't find the "red reflex" in her eyes that doctors look for when they check babies after birth. The specialist confirmed that our baby was born blind.

My initial reaction was shock and trauma to be honest. No one can prepare you for something like that. It was not something that they could have told us in an ultrasound so it was very unexpected. I say trauma because it is very life changing, and hard to understand while it's happening at first.

My life since having Jassy has been a learning process. The hardest time was definitely the first year. Jassy would cry all night and sleep during the day because her times would get switched so to speak. Because she can't see, she doesn't have the sun letting her body know that it's time to go to sleep. This still happens to her occasionally like when she gets sick. We've since figured out how to regulate it as best as we can. Anything else that comes our way we tend to just go with the flow. I have gained so much patience, and I owe it all to my girl. 

I handle each challenge differently because no two days are ever the same. Jassy also has a speech impairment, and a mental impairment. So communication is a huge issue. She tends to resort to self injurious behaviors that we call "fits". She will bite and pinch herself, and others when she's upset. That can happen randomly. Sometimes we know what sets her off, and sometimes we don't. I mean imagine not being able to communicate your wants and needs. I would be upset too! The fits and communication issues are the biggest challenges that we face daily. 

The biggest blessing of having a child with a disability is the child itself! She is my everything! I consider Jassy my best friend because we are almost always together when she's not at school. I love her so much, and the love that she gives is incomparable. I wouldn't be the mother and person I am today if it wasn't for her. 

Our younger two kids are lucky to have her as a sister too. They learn daily that everyone is different and beautiful in their own way. They love their sister very much, and Jassy loves them too! :-)

Routine is super important for Jassy. She gets up really early, and loves to eat a big breakfast. We can't skip any meals with her because then we'll see an increase in fits. (We try to avoid any triggers to the fits as much as possible.) She has to eat 4 times a day! lol Then, she goes to school. Her school routine is super important too. She has amazing teachers by the way! I trust them completely with her. After school she'll play with us, and then in her room. Finally, dinner then bedtime.

The biggest helps in my life are my husband and my parents. I don't know what I would do without either one of them. Jassy loves them all to pieces too! She has a special bond with each of them. We are truly blessed.

My motivation to keep going are my babies; All 3 of them. Knowing that they all need me helps me to keep on pushing when the times get tough, and believe me they do!

Finding time for myself is extremely important as well. I've always been very active in my life with sports and exercise. Just last year I became an active runner. The funny thing is that I never really liked to run growing up! Lol I try to run everyday if, and when I can. Running not only keeps me healthy and in shape, but it gives me the "me" time that I crave. It's almost like meditation or getting lost in your own thoughts while doing something positive. I recommend it to everyone! 

The advice I have for others going through something similar or just starting on this kind of journey is just be patient. It may all seem very daunting at first, but the blessings always outweigh any negatives that go on. Secondly, be strong even when you feel that you don't have the strength. You are your child's best advocate. You know your child the best. So whether that means speaking up to different doctors or voicing your opinion at their school, make your voice heard! Lastly, enjoy your baby. They truly are miracles! All though my daughter is seen as "different" in society, I see her for who she truly is, perfection. My job in life is not only to take care of her and give her the best life possible, but to also bring awareness to the special needs community. Most people fear the unknown because they don't understand. I try to help them understand as best as I can. 

One of my favorite things to do is get on my Facebook, and go to the special needs parents' community page for Cypress. All of it's members are wonderful parents that share their stories, and experiences about their beautiful kids. That includes the ups and downs. It is also a place to share different events around town that are special needs friendly. I love that page so much and I'm sure there are different ones depending on what area you live in. I definitely wish I would have found this page sooner!

Helpful organizations/resources in Houston are The Lighthouse for the Blind (Houston), DARS, SSI, and Medicaid to name a few. Nationally, I follow the National Federation of the Blind, and the American Foundation for the Blind all of which have websites. There are tons more though! Research is very important. 

I hope I was able to help anyone even if it was just a little! If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email me at CinD427@yahoo.com . 

And always remember, God is good and you were chosen for a reason!!

We love our Jassy girl!!! 

::Blogging Q & A::Parte Uno #mommatips

I was selected by Texas Women Bloggers to be a Blogger Mentor last week and the Blogger I was paired with is so awesome! She is Becca a blogger from Austin, if you have a chance check out her Blog and "Like" her on Social Media!! http://www.twoplacesatonceblog.com/

Her goals along with questions from other aspiring Bloggers about writing and blogging got me thinking about what the basics of Blogging are as well as how I got started and what keeps me going! 

Here are some of the questions that I have come across in the last year and those answers I feel are relevant:

How long have you been Blogging?

Really I have always blogged, I have always been a journal writing kind of gal. Then MySpace provided a platform for Blogging. And, I used it. A lot. Then in 2008, I found Heather Armstrong and WordPress. I started my blog as a space for practicing my writing and when I became pregnant it became a little more. Then in 2009 I switched to Blogger, fell in love and in 2011 I became Momma of Dos! 

Will you change the name of your Blog if you have another baby?

Most likely, not too different I have a creative change in mind though! Not really take away who I am but more like add to it. Ha. If that makes sense... But, that's a BIG HUGE maybe right now. It's also the main reason I have not switched over to an actual domain site. Waiting.

Where do you get your ideas?

Honestly, if my post is not a paid or sponsored post where the company has assigned a topic, then most my topics come from real life. Things my kids do, things my Mexican family does, food we cook and things we do or feel as a family and individuals. And, a little behind the scene work comes from my Hubby! My Hubby will not admit it but if we are out and about or doing something with the kids he will say... "You should blog about this!" or "Here is a Blog topic for you...." He really is a huge contributor and inspiration on this here blog! 

I also am a part of several Blogger groups and follow a ton of other fellow Amazing, Motivating and Inspiring Bloggers and have created some post based on others feedback and questions like these!

How do I change the design of my Blog?

Way back when I had time, I created my own headers and coded my own designs but these days I have to pay someone to help me out; my most recent help has come from Olivia Smith a local Blog designer she exhibits her work over at http://livysmithdesigns.com/ .   That is one thing I am passionate about is using local resources! But, there are several others that I love! I have to compile a list. My good friend Ruby from GUBLife and her Hubby have very unique blog designs, you can visit her design site here:  http://www.rubysdesignstudio.com/

How do I increase my Social Media following?
I started by using those FB pages that said, follow so many and we will follow you back. But, you quickly realize that, that's not your real audience. They just follow you because they want to gain followers. I gained a lot of followers that way but stopped. What has worked best for me is sharing everywhere! On my personal FB, on Twitter, on Instagram! I ask people to join me on my journey and many do and those that do, well they read and follow my post in the most amazing and loyal way! 

I also share in various like-minded Blogger groups that I belong to and they follow. There is a feature on your FB fanpage where you can ask people to "like" your page, I do that a lot. Along with creating FB groups of my own! And, yes sharing!! I am sure I become annoying to some, but I love blogging and the goal is to share some will join you, others will not and that's okay too!  

How do you find your niche?
Honestly this is an on-going journey for me; while I started as a "MommaBlogger" with personal post and online journaling just to keep track of my family. My Blog has slowly evolved to a Lifestyle & Parenting Blog with a mix of culture, food and now fitness! I love writing so I don't think I will ever stop trying to create new topics! My goal is be a relate-able Momma for all audiences. I am not perfect. Life is not perfect and I don't just want to be a Momma who writes, I want to be a Momma who inspires and motivates action! 

Jon Acuff is another Author who truly inspires me and motivates me to push forward! He said it best this morning! 

Picture snagged from Jon Acuff's FB page :) 

Early {New} Year Re-solutions

So, you thought 2013 would be a year full of purpose and direction and it's now October and you can't seem to see your vision. But, why? No worries, re-direct and get it together!

I had many goals for this year. Sure most of them were accomplished and maybe slightly re-directed but honestly sometimes life is life and it just doesn't happen how you envisioned. Well, now is the time to start re-thinking those goals for the rest of this year. And yes, why not for 2014? Trust me, it will be here before we know it. It’s never too early to start thinking about what we want for ourselves.

 

A few ways that I plan on getting back on track are:

Re-Organizing~ I started my year as a Stay@HomeMomma and then converted back to being a WorkingOutsidetheHomeMomma so my every day has been flipped up-side down! It's been almost 5 months and I think I am finally finding a new balance. Schedules are falling into place. Energy and motivation are finally back. My best advice; don't take on too much and when you feel overwhelmed take a break! 

Re-Thinking~ I am going to go over my goals and re-think, re-evaluate and re-prioritize what I feel needs to get done to accomplish some of my personal, home and blogging goals! I think everything in life can be re-written no need to get flustered or upset...just re-think it! 

Take Action~ After I am done re-organizing myself and re-thinking what and how things will be done the rest of the year and in 2014; then I will definitely be set to TAKE ACTION! I want to not only be a person of words but also of actions! 

What about you? Have you thought about way to start over and start planning for next year?!

How to put your Words in Motion & Emotion?

How do I put my words in motion? And, emotion?

I pray and I think and I do what I think is enough for my actions to create reactions, change and results. Still not much happens. I linger in this place where just going through the motions is inevitable and I sit in the same vicious cycle of everyday life and routine. I am ready for more. But, how? What?

My friend Melissa from Painting Mariposas in the Sky; stated that she has all of these drafts sitting on her blog none that have seen yet the light of her screen or met the eyes of her readers. And, the question remains, why?

Then I read an article from one of my favorite writers Lysa  Terkeurst where she connects, with ME.  And, I sit and wonder and finally think; that's what it is! We {Melissa and I as well as many other Bloggers}, are connectors and we long for our words to jump off the screen and provoke that same action that we want to see in ourselves as writers. We put constant effort into our post and a lot of thought into our words. We are life storytellers. The question then becomes, how? How do make those connections? All I know now is that I am determined to do things and make changes that will allow my drafts to be not just blog post but new connections to the outside world and who I want to be.

I have already started making real connections in order to become a better Blogger, then next step is to see the results of my online, in-person, and story telling connections.

What about you? Are you making those connections?

If you want to share your story with me; message me on FB, connect on Twitter or comment below!

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Momma-of-Dos/167499493284586
Pintrest:http://pinterest.com/mommaofdos/
Twitter:https://twitter.com/MommaofDosTX
Instagram:@mommaofdos
Email: mommaofdos@gmail.com