{Houston Area Women's Center} #stoptheviolence

Many may not know this about me but I have witnessed violence in the home first hand. {I don't plan on giving out details, when it happened I told many people in hopes that it would ease the pain, I went to church, I spoke to my Boyfriend-He is now my Husband, I wrote about it, I cried about it, I thought about dying at my own hands over it. It was not the best time in my life but I also don't want to harm those whom I love with details or remembering what was. I lived through it. I survived and so did she.}

I was going to post about this regardless but with what happened on Friday I decided to make it a mini-series on my Blog. #stoptheviolence

Domestic Violence of any form is a difficult and tramautizing experience. Trust me. I have been there. In the dark with the thought of, what if I just stop breathing, it will stop the pain. After years of it and fed up, I was grown and after feeling powerless at one point in my life, I had suddenly gained strenght, wisdom, age and courage. Courgae that was built after years of horrifiying stories, first hand accounts, and one call to the HAWC. I stood in a room, with the adrelanie rush and telling my story of intervention, prevention and attempting to save a life. I then found myself in a waiting room on Montrose. Could this be real? ME. I was living this. With a loved one. So much pain. So many terrify events. The emotional. The physical. The abuse on so many levels. The pain on a level I never knew I could reach.

After days, weeks and months of healing...now years... the pain, empowerment. The memories, my strength and my courage. I will never, NEVER allow this to happen to a loved one EVER. Again.

Which is why I am here now. Telling you that if you are suffering ANY kind of abuse you too can overcome, survive and heal.

3 weeks ago I was invited to attend the taping of Great Day Houston. I sat in the audience and a first hand account of what live TV is like. It was exciting and an awesome opportunity. But, I wasn't sure if anyone else was there for the same reason that I was. I had survived violence in the home. I was there to assist in representing the Houston Area Women's Center, we wore red. The color of pain and hope when you live through and survive what I have see, heard and lived. I felt honored. Humbled. And, an amazingly overwhelming feeling to have been able to put YEARS of violence behind me. Years of silence in the open. It's a freeing sitiuation.










I am here today to ask you to donate and help in any way possible for an extremenly good cause. One that saved my life and that of my loved ones. One that has restored my faith in life, love and marriage.

I thank the Houston Area Women's Center for one day holding our hand and giving us hope.

I thank Frida for the opportunity and allowing me to be a part of something so great and simple as to sit and represent a cause and for a place that one day harvested safety and new hope for those of us who have lost it.

Go to the following links to help the HAWC::HERE:: and ::HERE::
Go to the following link to learn more about Frida ::HERE::

If you need help getting out of a violent situation and are scared to move forward know that the person hurting you will never hurt you if you stop giving them the power to do so. ::CLICK HERE FOR HELP::

Prayers for those in pain.

Momma Disclosure: This is not a compensated OR sponsored post. This is however a subject that is very near and dear to my heart which is why I chose to share it.  The above statements are both true and actual experiences.

{Developing Language & an Imagination} #hasbro #latism12 #LATISM

Last week the kids and I patiently waited a couple of days while we received our very first package with contents to be reviewed..literally. Ha.

The package arrived before Thanksgiving but with all the hustle and bustle I was unable to open it. But, as we ate breakfast and played with the kids Sunday morning, I decided that we would open the box and see the kids reaction.

So, we opened the box.

This is what came from it:

We received the Baby Alive Baby All Gone doll and the Poppin'Park Learn n'Pop Lion from Hasbro.

Source: Provided by Marketing Representative

{BABY ALIVE BABY ALL GONE Doll

(HASBRO/Ages 3 & up/Approx. Retail Price $24.99/Available: Fall 12)

It’s snack time for your BABY ALIVE BABY ALL GONE doll and she’s hungry for strawberry yogurt! Put the yogurt in the spoon and “feed” it to your adorable little baby to watch her “eat” it all up. If baby is still hungry after her snack, she’ll call for her mommy to feed her more with sayings like “Strawberries are yummy!” and “Where did it go?” When it is time for a drink, the BABY ALIVE BABY ALL GONE doll can be fed from her bottle, and her milk will magically      disappear. Since there’s no mess to clean up, you can cuddle and play with your little one right away! Requires 2 “AAA” batteries, included.  Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.}

 

Source: Provided by Marketing Representative

{LEARN ‘n pop lion

(PLAYSKOOL/Ages 9 months & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: Fall ‘12)

This adorable lion is a playful grow-with-me toy that helps little ones develop fine motor skills and learn to count to ten in four different languages – English, Spanish, French and Mandarin Chinese. Babies can drop balls into the lion’s belly from the side and push down on the tail to activate music and lights as the colorful balls bounce out of the lion’s belly to encourage chasing. As babies grow, they can feed the balls into the lion’s mouth and hear him count up to ten in four different languages.  Toddler is rewarded with lights and sounds as she counts along! Includes three POPPIN’ PARK balls and an easy-carry handle for on the go fun! Requires two AA batteries, included. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.}

Both Baby All Gone and Learn N'Pop Lion are Bilingual and the kids had so much fun listening to {& learning} everything they said in BOTH Spanish and English. My son was so thrilled for the rest of the afternoon he went around saying... "ENGLISH:ESPAÑOL! HOLA!" when he would switch between the two languages. The Lion counts in Spanish, English and French! Santi is learning his numbers so this is helping to reinforce what he has already learned! Plus he is also learning the numbers in Spanish so again the Lion is a big help in that area!

It's pretty interesting to watch him speak both languages. He has been a late bloomer as far as language goes; plus having to learn two languages has made this milestone a little difficult to reach. His vocabulary is very ample now and with toys that allow for bilingual learning like the ones provided to us from Hasbro, I think he will love learning in both ENGLISH and ESPAÑOL! Ha.

Cami on the other had was quickly transformed. There is something about little girls and baby dolls that just instantly turns them into the most caring little Momma's. Cami spent the rest of the afternoon reading, feeding and changing "her baby". She loves her Baby All Gone doll! And, she too spent the afternoon saying..."pa-tanos", "rico-sh"! Ha. It's been fun! 

Both toys are very much age appropriate and effective learning tools. I think. I would definitely place these items on my children's Christmas wish list. They would also make great gifts for toddlers who are learning to speak and more importantly who are learning both Spanish and English. If you have toddlers who are learning both languages I highly recommend  these toys they are very effective and child safe. I loved them and the kids loved them too.    

Before I had children I never even thought about this type of toy but now that I do, I am in love. Do you know of any good toys that will help your children both learn a second language and develop a good sense of imagination? If so share! I would love to know!

Momma Disclosure: This is not a compensated post. However complimentary Hasbro products were provided through a representative for the purpose of producing this review. The above statements are both my true and honest opinion.

#LATISM Conference {Parte Dos~Picture Explosion}

 "Una imagen vale por mil palabras..."

Enjoy! 

From I-Phone:

From my camera:

#LATISM Conference {Parte Uno; Words no Pictures}

It's Monday Ya'll! Y no tengo ni idea de como empezar a relatar todo lo que hice este fin de semana!

It had only been a couple of hours of the 2012 LATISM Conference and already my brain was on fire.... {story of my life}....Thoughts, inspiration and new friendship developed almost instantly.

::REMINDER~This Momma is a total cheese ball. Ha.:: It was such an amazing experience to be con gente como yo! To feel welcomed and accepted. Being a part of something bigger and knowing that it was all done by Latinos...it's very important to me. Very. It just continuously gives me a sense of purpose and belonging. It's awesome. The warmth, the embraces, y el Español! 

What I learned on DAY UNO of the LATISM'12 Conference:

1. {Don't be shy}; the word doesn't exist in this environment. There was no place I could sit without speaking to someone. The opportunity was too good and the conversations were very educational.

2. {Remember Names, Faces and Blogs}; I saw so many people within minutes of showing up and I felt horrible...I couldn't remember their names, that went with the faces that went with the Blogs! I was BLOG-STAR-STRUCK! My brain was mush and soon enough it all came back to me!

3. {Bring your charger}; If you plan on functioning... BRING YOUR CHARGER. As soon as you lose the battery...it all seems to stop and you lose your momentum! Ha. Or Ahhhhhh! ::runsaroundlikechickenwithherheadcutoff::

4. {En Español}; I loved being able to communicate en Español about EVERYTHING! It made things so much easier...oh yes and the awesome accents...I am thinking I had the Mexican-Texan accent going for myself, Ha. But, I loved listening to everyone else speak...especially... Lisa from AutismWonderland, Ruby from Growing up Blackxican and Ariana from the 3twentySix... their accents made me feel happy and warm inside...and so many more! 

5. {Give out your calling card!}; Don't forget to pass out your card...I met so many people it's impossible to keep up with everyone...so your calling/business card is your instant connection!

6. {"Wepa!",Relax}; Once your head stops spinning and you can take it all in... relax, everyone is there to have fun, to learn and to connect...so all you have to do is relax and join in!

7. {Dress Comfortably}; I learned day one... to be myself. Dress comfortably and bring flats...first impressions mean a lot but the only way to make a good one is to be yourself and look comfortable in  your own skin!

8. {Find a Buddy}; I was so BLESSED to have found Ariana from the 3twentysix...our  connection was instant...not to mention we were both a little shy at first and somehow we still managed to find each other... fellow Houstonians! It was so meant to be! Ha.

9. {Free drinks=Strong Drinks}; Keep in mind.....if you take a free drink from the super cute waitress you have a good chance of getting extra tipsy really quick! Probably not a good idea. Ha. The bought drinks were not as strong... and just as good... Ha.

10. {Make friends with the girl whose purse can charge your phone.} Just sayin'! Her purse was awesome and she was super sweet...got some awesome advice too... "Hello My Name is Connie and I am a Parenting Blogger!" Love it!!!!! 

I am so Thankful to have been invited to be a part of this great opportunity I thank the Latism'12 Houston Chapter organizers for sponsoring me! It has meant a lot to me and I hope that this will only be the beginning of what is wonderfully to come!

Tomorrow... LATISM'12 PICTURE EXPLOSION. {I hope! Ha. If I can figure it all out...}

Buen Dia a todos!!!!

{Pimpon} #latism

Tu sabes! Si lo sabes, es porque creciste con el!

Pimpon! El muñeco guapo y de carton! Ha.

We found this really cheesy video of Pimpon but Camila loves it..as you can tell in the video of her dancing to it. Ha. 

My kids are learning not just Spanish but also songs that my Husband and I grew up with. Ever since they were little we sang songs like Pimpon to them. I found el Raton Vaquero, y El Chorrito which were songs that I heard as a child....Cri-Cri, el grillito cantor was created by Francisco Gabilondo Soler in 1934 and was a household name in Mexico but trust me we grew up in Texas and Michigan and Cri-Cri came with us every where we went! All I know is that my Grandmother is very proud of the fact that my kids speak Spanish and can sing along to songs that she taught us growing up!


Now that I am home with Camila, I am going to use the magical place of Youtube to show her more songs. This is the kind of music I grew up with and although it's totally outdated it was what brought about our transcending culture and consistent traditions that I hope to pass along to my children. 

Later in life came my absolute Love for these two men... el Bueno, MUY BUENO! Y el Malo, MUY MALO! Ha.



Pedro Infante and Jorge Negrete were one of a kind and I used to watch them along with Elvis, day in and day out...yes also not part of my era but very well known and loved in our home. And, one more only because I LOVE this song!!!



If you know. It's cause you grew up with them... the way I did.

{Plans & Schedules) #latism

Funny story.

I have these super awesome plans and great schedules dreamed up in my mind and I am sure that after only a week of following them I could, may or should fail but guess what.....I don't plan on giving up!

I want to be that Momma! ::insert sky opening heavens shinning thru and God smiling down at me:: or not. 

Only He knows the truth... my plans and schedules....if they are not surrounded by God's will, they just will not happen, at least not how I would want them to. Therefore...I am not only planning what life "should" be like in my home but also what I want it to grow into in my heart and soul.....and I will pray that if it is God's will today, tomorrow or next week then it will be done.

For now; we {Cami and I} are cleaning, cooking, napping, grocery shopping and paying bills. Camila doesn't mind that my schedules are not working out....and she is doing just fine as long as her breakfast, lunch and dinner come in that order!

I  can't get hung up on what is or will come.... I can only do my best and move forward....

My Momma friends have told me their tips and their schedules and trust me they are some pretty busy gals... as for me... I am not sure what I will ultimately be but in the mean time... we shall see? Ha.

I have a week and a half left before I attend the Latism Conference. I am already learning a lot and trying to make new Bloggy friends so that I am not so lonely, either way I am so Blessed to have been given this opportunity and can't wait to take full advantage of it! Really excited. I made some temporary business cards and can't wait for my real ones to get approved, trying to design them myself and create a Momma of Dos logo! It's a lot of work... I am thinking of consulting a professional. We shall see... God is in control...

Happy Schedules!

Source: Pintrest <3 br="br">

{LATISM'12} #latism#LATISM'12

I couldn't wait to post this and finally give you some more awesome news coming to this Blog.... this Momma is going to her FIRST ever, BLOGGER CONFERENCE! 

Yes. It will be here in Houston and the opportunity is more than amazing.

As a Mexican-American female I believe in empowerment and growth. When I became a Blogger in 2008, I didn't realize the kind of community that it was. I was simply doing it to practice my writing and alleviate some boredom at work. Once I had children and realized how important media, social networks and the use of written {typed} words to encourage, build and learn were to Stay@HomeMommas; I knew that I wanted to do more than just be a Bloggy-Momma. I wanted to one day make a real difference in my community and among my Momma peers. 

I know that I have stated this before. I graduated from the University of Houston in 2005 {GO COOGS!} and expected MORE. The truth, que los dichos son ciertos...uno nunca acaba de aprender. After a formal education comes the education of life and with that comes effort. An effort to be, to change and to MOVE. I know that in order for my words written {or typed} to become actions I have to make an effort to learn more than school and life has already taught me and to continue to grow as a Latina. I am very proud of who I am, where I came from and the accomplishments made as a Momma and Wife. But, I also know that in order to make a true difference outside of my home and not just with my immediate peers I must make the effort to MOVE and get out there and learn what this world as a whole has to offer. Because at the end of the day....actions really do speak louder than words....

{::STEPS OFF SOAP BOX::}Ha.

Which is why I am so happy and over-joyed to be attending the LATISM'12 Conference!

I hope to learn not just how to reach out to a bigger audience in a more effective and efficient manner but also what I can do to help educate my little family about what we need to do to ensure a prosperous future. 

I am so Blessed to be in this place right now and to be able to attend this conference. I can't wait and I hope to see some of my fellow Bloggers there! This will be such a great experience!

"With effort and hard work comes great rewards!"-Unknown