Tejas y Nopales #JamesAvery

::Momma Disclosure:: This is a sponsored post in collaboration with James Avery, all opinions expressed are my own. 

As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, I am getting the opportunity to write a little about my background and heritage. Thanks to the beautiful sterling silver charms at James Avery I am able to fully express who I am and where I am from.

I'm a little bit Texan and a little nopaluda. In between Tejano music and Banda. I know English but think in Spanish (super true). I love carne asada and I can eat Whataburger and pizza every day. I love Novelas and watch This is Us. It's like the scene from Selena (Yes, I went there.) "Being a Mexican-American is exhausting." You have to live in two very different worlds and somehow merge them very gracefully. 

My parents were born and raised in Mexico. In the 80's they came to Texas, Brenham/Navasota area to be exact. I was born and then we moved to Houston, when I was in the 7th grade we moved down to South Texas, or what is known as the Rio Grande Valley. My identity since I was born has been both Texan and Mexican. Mexican-American. I was taught to speak, think and feel in Spanish before I even learned English. Being Bilingual is also a big part of my identity.

My love for both sides of the border has always existed. Over the years it's grown. I will admit being a young Mexican-American in the US, was not easy in the sense that I was always so embarrassed to bring my non-Mexican friends around. My parents (and whole entire family) were "super Mexican" whatever that means, right? Now in my 30's and with kids of my own, I find myself missing my parents home and all of our food, family, traditions, and way of life. I do everything possible to not only continuously embrace my heritage and culture but also further learn about it and teach it to my children.

Growing up I had the opportunity to visit and travel to Mexico quite often with my parents and sometimes spent months there over the Summer. As an adult, I have also traveled to certain regions of Mexico. The absolute richness of its culture, its food, the heart and passion that Mexico has to survive is something that I hope to one day share with my children. Right now Mexico is a distant place for them but they know exactly where their GrandParents were born and how great being Mexican can be. I have always strived to teach them about both our Texas/American culture and way of life as well as that of being Mexican. I think they understand it well. Of course, they see and know the Texas side a lot more but when they get older I hope to take them to Mexico where they can experience it all first hand.

In the meantime, I love being able to continuously express who I am through the beautiful and customizable accessories that James Avery creates. There are so many pieces that I know I need and am obsessed with. 

Visit their page for more: James Avery 

::Dia de Los Muertos:: Chevrolet Traverse Safety #SPONSORED

::Momma Disclosure:: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with General Motors. All opinions expressed are my own. 

What better way to celebrate our culture and teach children about our traditions than to create a Dia de los Muertos altar or ofrenda. This year I partnered with GM, and Chevrolet for a Trunk or Treat event to teach our children about keeping safe while having fun and enjoying Halloween night!  

We created a truck altar which embodied all of the traditional elements of our customs as well as let the kids get fun treats and enjoy their night safely. 

Some of my favorite elements of the ofrenda are the food, the pictures, the papel picado and of course the traditional calavera, or catrina. We loved putting the altar together and then sharing it with friends and family. 

We fully enjoyed the Chevy Traverse for 7 days, it's features and comfort were so amazing. We really did fall in love with this mid-size SUV. It's a great family car with great space. As you can see the trunk was just the right size! 

See below how we transformed the back of the Chevy Traverse into a Dia de Los Muertos Altar: 

:: Safety Tips for after dark activities this Fall ::

Did you know that on average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year?

Chevrolet Traverse Safety Expert, Suzanne L. Johansson, Chevy Traverse Safety Engineer, helped put together the following safety tips to ensure all families are safe during the festivities:

1.)          Drive Scary Slow – Kids are excited, full of sugar and potentially walking in shoes that could cause tripping. Slow down and be prepared to stop for the ghosts, goblins and crossing the street or chasing a piece of their costume in the wind.

2.)          Treat Yourself to Car Tech – Chevrolet recommends you never turn off safety alerts, but if you have, turn them back on. Features like rear-view or forward-facing cameras, collision alert sensors and 360 cameras give drivers a better view of what or who is surrounding their vehicles while backing up or just driving down the street.

3.)          Avoid Dreadful Distractions – If you are concerned about being tempted to use your phone while driving, take advantage of vehicle storages cubbies that you cannot access while driving to eliminate the temptation and distraction.

4.)          Motorists and Masks Don’t Mix – While it may be fun to make fellow motorists laugh, it’s a bad idea to drive while wearing anything that could potentially impede vision like masks, goggles or silly glasses. Place them in the trunk or a convenient storage space to avoid sliding while driving until you reach your location.

5.)          Don’t Get Tricked, Always Buckle Up – whether you’re rolling slowly on the street while your kiddos rock the sidewalk or you’re moving a group of superheroes door to door, be a stickler for safety and buckle up every time you’re in motion.

We hope you had a great Halloween and Dia de los Muertos celebration with your loved ones.

::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.

::Santos Sabores:: #TeamCanelo ‪#‎SantosSabores‬

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

Growing up in a Mexican family I have always been about supporting our culture and traditions. My Husband is also a huge sports fan, one of those sports is boxing. I join in as much as I can and truly love to support the sport and of course Mexican fighters; like Canelo.  This year my Husband and I were able to attend the epic fight here in Houston. The young fighter is not only paving the way in boxing arenas, he also co-founded a small business in California. And, not only am I a fan of Mexican sportsmen but also of supporting Hispanic owned businesses.

As an entrepreneur Saul has of course included his roots and his upbringing as a "paletero" or Popsicle maker. Along with co-founder Nelda Sepulveda, they decided to bring an authentic flavor of Mexico to us who can't always make it to our country of origin. I applaud them both for the inception of such a traditional and fun concept!

Another reason why this company is going to be great, the CEO and co-founder, a Mexican-American female entrepreneur. What better way to be an example and empower other women. Thanks to her innovative idea to partner with a Superstar Boxer like Saul, she is now helping run and expand the business.

A little about Nelda:

[Nelda was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco to a Mexican father and an American mother. Since a very young age, Nelda and her two older sisters were raised to be independent women with entrepreneurial mindsets. Nelda instilled these family values into her life early on and has continuously worked hard to accomplish her goals.

As the fourth generation popsicle maker, Nelda decided to follow in her family’s footsteps and bring the popsicle business to the United States. As Nelda considered all aspects of her future business venture, she decided that there was one more necessary component.   

Partnering with “Canelo,” a super pop-star figure, seemed to be the perfect missing piece to her puzzle. Nelda knew that “Canelo” was no stranger to the popsicle business either, ensuring her that their combined expertise would make for a great product.

Nelda spent time developing eight wholesome flavors (pineapple, strawberry, hibiscus, coconut, mango, nut, lime, tamarind) while keeping her eye on healthy ingredients by using her training as a graduate of the San Diego Culinary Institute.  

Nelda’s mission is to trigger a sense of nostalgia through these authentic flavors, prompting consumers to remember their home through their palette. ]

You can read more about the product here: http://santossabores.com/es/index

You can enter to win Santos Sabores apparel here and see below for a special giveaway on their page! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

::Current Giveaway:: 

Hotel+flight+tickets to the event for you and a friend! Enter our sweepstakes to win! You will find more information in our website.

‪#‎SantosSabores‬ ‪#‎MeLlevaALaPelea‬ ‪#‎CaneloVsCotto‬

http://santossabores.com/es/sweepstakes

Who is your favorite Latino Sportsman? And, why?

::Quinceañera:: #txlatinoblog #hhm14

{This blog post was created in collaboration with Texas Latino Bloggers ‪#‎txlatinoblog‬ for Hispanic Heritage Month you can also follow our Photo a day Challenge on Instagram  http://instagram.com/txlatinoblog; ‪#‎photoadayhhm14‬http://www.texaslatinobloggers.com/}

Ever since I was a little girl I remember dreaming of my Quince. I was very blessed to have this traditional celebration that these days can be lost with new generations. It doesn't have to be an expensive or as extravagant of an event as it is now, something that simply honors the tradition works just fine. I personally love the traditional and cultural value that it holds. It's a tradition that I hope one day my daughter wants to celebrate. 

Ever since both my children were born I have attempted to instill in them our Mexican {American} culture and heritage as well as traditions and customs. Not just so that we know we are Mexican and that yes we are very different from most, but so that they can learn the meaning behind these traditions and why they are special to us. 

As a Quinceañera I remember wanting to be a respectful representation of my family and values. My dress was very modest and I opted for a very traditional celebration. My cousins were the chambelanes and I danced "el vals" tradicional. I also had the traditional "ultima muñeca" gift and dance, which signifies the going from childhood to young adulthood. My religious ceremony honored my faith, my family and my life to come. It was followed by a night of fun, friends, food and dancing! 

These days many girls opt for the more modern Sweet 16th, I believe either is a great way to continue the traditions and customs of our roots and growing heritage.  I want my daughter {and my son} to embrace the good of both of our cultures and be able to understand as well as appreciate them both. 

Being a Mexican {American} comes with many lessons to learn and different worlds that should be combined in order to grow as individuals and love where we come from. As my children grow I will continue to teach them about Mexican traditions, their roots and hope that they can be proud to be who they are! I also hope that they will want to continue in these traditions of not only our families but our language and Mexican rooted lives. 

Being Mexican and being able to have grown up with such great and memory making traditions have made me who I am today, and I love it! 

Funny enough; my children are now at that age where they are understanding and questioning their surroundings. We recently went to a family Quince and my daughter was taking it all in and LOVED it. Both my kids wanted a picture with the "Queen". This kind of celebration has also turned into a great opportunity to see family and friends we wouldn't otherwise see. Which allows us to slow down, embrace life and create new memories and traditions. 

An InLinkz Link-up

   

::Seeking::

A while back I set out to find my "Dream Job", because despite what my situation is right now, I have faith that, that place is still out there for me. I have since found a job. A good job but not what I would consider ideal. I know, "Connie you are so picky and such a non-conformist!" Trust me, I often question my own credibility. I wonder if maybe it's true, it's not the environment but rather me, who has a problem. I am never happy, so my Hubby says.

Is that such a bad thing? 

I mean really. I have been to so many places and  I have come so far. I went to college. Should be, 'nuff said. But, then there is this long history of paid work and un-paid work or volunteering. I mean. Not to toot my own horn, but I have been told that my background is pretty darn impressive and I am proud of that. As a Woman, as a Mexican-American and now as a Momma; I am very proud of my education and work history. Even my un-successful time as a Stay-at-Home-Momma which I failed at miserably, but that's a whole other post in itself. Trust me when I say..having kids and staying home is NOT for everyone! Yes, it has it's rewards and pro's but still not for everyone.

So, in further seeking I continue on this path of applications and interviews. And, I am once again haunted by that question; where do you see yourself in 5 years? Which to me translates into what is the perfect job for you and what do you want from this current situation? As one person put it; "I want to sit on a beach and drink margarita's all day and get paid for it." Really, come on, who the heck wouldn't but since that may or may not be an option for me I am not only determined but involved in seeking that perfect job, that perfect place. Just the other day I had an interview; when the manager spoke to me, she had LIFE.  When someone has true passion and purpose, you can see it in their face through their determination. You can hear it in their voice through their story and their words. And, they inspire you to do more and motivate you to live beyond what you think is normal.

That is where I see myself in 5 years. I challenge myself to live beyond what I think is normal and fitting not only for my well-being, financial stability and mental growth but what I deem a position that my children can look up to and be proud of. Yes, they should and can be proud of my accomplishments until now but I am not a conformist remember. I don't like to settle. I never have. If I did, I wouldn't have left a small town in 1999, to become a city girl. If I did I would have allowed the stereotypes and what-if's to consume me.  If I settled I wouldn't be a home-owner and drive an SUV. {Not bragging, just sayin'... Si se puede!} And, because I have SO much more to prove not to anyone but myself, I seek.

That passion. That job. And, that determination.

What about you? Are you a constant seeker? I know I am.

Raising Bi-Cultural Children {Toddlers Mexicanos}

I think that when most people think of Bi-Cultural children you look for them to have parents with two different races or nationalities. It's not the case in our home. Both my Husband and I are born and raised Texans. I was born in Brenham and he was born here in Houston. 

The difference is that both of us have parents that were born in Mexico and came to the U.S. many years ago to work. 

From September 15th thru October 15th Hispanics all over the U.S. celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. http://hispanicheritagemonth.gov/ Being of Mexican descendant,  I not only celebrate U.S. holidays but I also celebrate many Mexican holidays. Such as, Mexico's Independence day which is September 16th, not to be confused with 5 de Mayo which is when Mexico won the Battle of Puebla. 

Here in Houston there are several places that you can go to help your children learn more about and celebrate the Hispanic culture. Places like the Houston Library have family friendly events that are free and open to the public, http://www.houstonlibrary.org/hhm-events . And, the Miller Outdoor Theater which has presentations such as Traditional Folkloric dance presentation called Mexicanisimo; http://milleroutdoortheatre.com/events/464/

There are also places that have events year round such as Talento Biligue de Houston http://www.talentobilingue.org/ and MECCA http://meca-houston.org/. Both places on the top of my list to visit in the next few months as the Day of Dead {El Dia de Los Muertos} approaches. 

I believe in embracing my roots and teaching my children to do the same; we celebrate a variety of holidays in our home which will help them learn not only about our America culture but also about our Mexican background.  

{Instructions Not Included} Movie Review

{::Momma Disclosure:: This is not a compensated or sponsored post. This review was not required but we did receive free admission from Cinemark. All opinions and thoughts expressed below are original and my own.}

::No se Aceptan Devoluciones::

::photo credit:: Instructions Not Included Facebook Fan Page::

Siempre e sido fan de Eugenio Derbez, es un cómico único y su modo de interpretar a diferentes personajes siempre me ha encantado. 

When I heard about this movie, I honestly had no idea that it had Eugenio written all over it. Then it came out. People I knew started filling their social media sites with pictures of long lines and others waiting to watch the film. Then, Eugenio Derbez appeared on Jimmy Fallon. I realized, I really need to see this movie. Not because Eugenio Derbez was on Jimmy Fallon but because EUGENIO DERBEZ was on Jimmy Fallon. 

For a long time "Mexicans" have been "portrayed" in American films and for the first time; a Mexican was staring in his own film being released in the U.S.. A long awaited moment for Mexicans in the U.S.. I know this film and this actor may not represent all Hispanics/Latinos in the U.S. but he represents many. And, sure some of those other movies may or may not have us figured out but for the first time, it's real. I can identify on a whole new level. 

The movie is a beautiful reminder that life, is so fragile, no matter where you were born or what race you are. That we should all live life to the fullest. And, guess what.... that LIFE is not that serious. I say it everyday but today I believe it a little more. 

Instructions Not Included was also hilarious, I mean what did you expect...it's Eugenio. The jokes though,  I will admit, if you follow the English Subtitles get a little lost in translation, como las cosas de doble sentido. 

To me one of the most visible reasons why this film is doing so amazing is that; the U.S. is filled with not only avid movie goers but Mexican movie goers. Movie goers who know exactly who Eugenio Derbez is and his history in Mexican comedic television.

The theater we attended was packed with Spanish speaking Hispanic families. The entire theater laughed at every joke and clapped once it was over. It's a none stop journey through life as not only a Single Parent but through Parenthood, which I could definitely relate with. Eugenio's take on becoming a Single Father and embracing it shows courage and the fact that sometimes..it happens to Dad's too. 

My favorite parts were all the scenes that showoff Mexico's beautiful landscape, the fact that his Daughter doesn't look like a "typical Mexican" and that she was fully Bilingual. I also loved that it brought together so many well known Mexican actors like "Lola la Trailera" and Eugenio's own wife, Alessandra, with a group of up and coming actors like the beautiful and young Loreto Peralta.  

It's a heartfelt story that will change your heart, about a Daughter/Father relationship and their attempt to take over the world, one day at a time. I challenge you to watch the film and not feel inspired as a parent, as an individual and as a Mexican seeking your purpose and your place in this country. Definitely one I will purchase once it comes out on DVD.

A classic film in the making.... 

{El Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe} #tradiciones

As the years begin to pass and celebrations come about I am thinking that November/December will be one of our favorite seasons! There is so much to do, so many traditions to hold near and just so much love and hope in the air.

One thing that I know for sure is that as the time passes and the kids get older I have come to realize that what I want most for this holiday season is to make it a memorable one for OUR little family of 4! As selfish as that may sound, I want my kids to know that when times were tough and situations came about what mattered most was US; my Hubby, my Cami, my Santi and myself.

Because when the kids think back and look at our memories together I don't ever want them to say; my parents threw huge fancy Christmas parties with all their friends and family....I want them to say... that we had a humble, happy, loving, gathering with Jesus in our home; even if it was just us and our faith and love for another. It's what my little heart is yearning. For my children to know that the reason for the Holiday's is because Jesus was born and our lives were saved. Because, we are Mexican we have HUGE celebrations when it comes to Birthday's and other life events, but when I grew up, the Holiday's were about prayer, coming closer to the One who was born to be our Saviour. We did this through celebrations like; las fiestas y misa del Dia de La Virgen de Guadalupe, las Posadas, la Noche Buena, y Navidad. I don't remember HUGE fancy parties. I remember prayer, family and awesome food...las bolsitas, los tamales, las piñatas! These are my favorite memories growing up. Playing with my cousins on cold winter nights after almost 2 hours of prayer...my Grandmother was intense! Ha. And, a lot of love and faith being planted in our hearts.

Which is why, when it comes to traditions and celebrations I try to make them count and make them memorable. Every year more and more!

Beliefs and Curanderas..... #maldeojo

{Disclaimer: Yes, I am Catholic. While I am Catholic I don't have a limited or closed minded view about religion, faith and seeking God in your own manner and beliefs. I would NEVER attempt to make others think, believe or pray the way I do. So, please be kind with your thoughts and words. I believe in Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit as well as the, the Virgin Mary & the Virgen de Guadalupe and all the Saints.}

I am not usually a "disclaimer" type of person. I am who I am, my faith is my own and I really don't believe in making others convert or thinking like me ever. We are all entitled to our own feelings, thoughts and beliefs.





With that said.

The other day I caught myself trying to "sweep" my son with an egg, you know how the Curanderas do or in my case my Momma does. My Son was not in the mood for anything and he had maybe the worse freak out moment while I was attempting to bathe him. I asked him if he was OK, I checked him to see if he was hurt and moments after the episode and without knowing what to think I started to pray with fervor over my son.

I usually pray with or over my children before bed or in the morning but this day, it was a different kind of prayer and I had no idea how or what but I felt like I needed to take action. Trust me it wasn't anything medical because I know my son and he was fine. Had I felt that he had to go to the Hospital I would have taken him. I am a fairly new Momma but I know my children well and I tend to trust my instincts pretty well.

I then thought of finding him an amuleto, in particular the ojo de venado bracelet to protect him from el mal de ojo and  evil spirits. Was I going over board or just being a Momma and thinking of everything I can do for my child? I don't know but he has not had an episode since and I have been lighting my candles and praying over my home every night. It brings me peace. As prayer usually does.

My Momma usually likes to bathe them and then pray over them with the egg...it gives her peace of mind... I don't mind it and as long as what we do is pray...I never see anything wrong with it. Am I weird? Maybe. Am I Mexican? For sure.

How about you? Your Momma or Abuelita ever try to do any special ritual for you or your kids?   

{Mexican & Politics} #latism

Source: Google

I have never been one to play the race card or speak of politics... won't do either now.

I don't feel like I allow either to determine who I am or where I will go.

But, I will say this. I am Mexican. My parents came here 31 years ago. Yes, Illegally. Because of the 1986, Amnesty Act they remained in the U.S. working everyday of their lives as hard as they possibly could. One day after the other, like every other non-Mexican and Mexican in the U.S. alike. If I identify with Mexicans and Mexico it's because I have extremely close ties to it.

This day. My parents still work very hard and earn middle-class wages to one day build on that little dream they had when they arrived to the U.S., 31 yeas ago. I am sure it's not easy to accept but for a small portion of our lives we were on temporary "government" assistance. It was embarrassing but not a way of life. It was just that....temporary assistance. These days 3 of their 4 children {the 4th a Senior in H.S. taking Debate and winning them all.} are College graduates; GO COOGS! We stand our ground and have the same and maybe a bit better middle-class working jobs but a little better off. Home owners and paying taxes like everyone else.

In the future I pray that I can teach my children that the ONLY way to go is to educate yourself. To earn a college degree so that your intelligence is not determined by race or politics but by your work ethic, morals and family values. Because we were instilled hard working traditional family values and have obtained most of what we want in this life and in this country we want that and more of the American Dream.

I will remind my children that their grandparents, both maternal and paternal came to this country struggling immigrants granted an opportunity to make a living based on how hard they worked and not what color they are or who they vote for.

Be involved. Become educated. And, Vote! Not for a race or a party but because of your history and where you want your people to go. I can't stress enough that enough as well as become informed with local government and process.

Early Voting Begins today and I plan on voting sometime this week! I will be sure to keep you informed!

{I wasn't sure if I should post this but this{click here} Bloggy-Momma encouraged me to!}

Oh yes! 4 DAYS UNTIL THE LATISM CONFERENCE!!!! I can't wait!!!