::Supporting Local Moms:: #InspiredSeries

It shouldn’t be a surprise that I often find myself connecting, networking, stalking (in a very non-creepy way) local mom groups or women’s groups in general. I love forming relationships with these women because well, that’s kind of what I do. A few months ago, I connected with Amanda of the West University Moms Network and a few weeks ago I discovered a similar group closer to where I live, the Katy Moms Network so naturally I asked Amanda to introduce me to them and well now here we are. I was featured on their page and since they are pretty badass women I decided that to feature them here would be perfect!  Meet Audrey & Natalie as they share with us how they met and are building a community for local momma’s. 

Hey y’all! 

We are Audrey & Natalie from Katy Moms Network! We were brought together by motherhood two years ago when we moved across the street from each other and quickly became best friends. We’ve got four amazing kiddos between the two of us, and our sweet, supportive husbands. And they’re all best friends, too! Our oldest, both daughters, are four months apart, and our youngest, both boys, are four months apart! Natalie not-so-secretly fantasizes about getting pregnant with Audrey again at the same time and hopes their husbands aren’t reading this! 

Audrey is a Katy native and after moving around Texas for a few years, made her way back to this amazing community to raise her family. Natalie’s an Oklahoma girl who lived in the Northeast for five years before coming home to the great state of Texas in 2015!

We launched Katy Moms Network, an online platform for moms, in early June and have been blown away by the early support! We’ve also started getting out in the community to connect with moms outside phone and computer screens, and that’s been super rewarding. We hosted a Toddler Time event at a local Chick-fil-A recently and were approached by two separate moms who said they hadn’t had the best luck with getting to know other moms in the community, but thanked us for being open, inviting, welcoming and warm. We looked at each other and said if we do nothing else...if all we do is THAT...then we’re happy. We have big dreams for this community and it’s been so fun getting to connect with so many already.

The wheels started turning for Katy Moms Network in the early Spring of 2018, after recognizing a need in the community. What if we could create an online community where local moms could go for resources and information, while also being a source of inspiration, community and togetherness, and support. 

We’re also deeply passionate about motherhood. The journey of motherhood is something that overtook us in a way that we never knew possible. It’s this life-changing, earth-shattering moment when you become a mom, and a deep, indescribable love you never knew you could feel. But motherhood also comes with really hard, hard stuff. It’s a role we hoped we’d always play, but didn’t know just how much it would transform our hearts. Motherhood: something we were designed and made to do and something literally billions of women do across the globe, but also something so intricate that every woman has their own unique, beautiful experience and journey with. 

Most of us all follow some larger scale mom community online. The ‘I Mom So Hard’ and ‘Cat & Nat’s of the World, along with awesome blogs like Motherly and Scary Mommy. Tons of amazing platforms that bring togetherness, acceptance, and support back to motherhood. But there’s nothing like that on a hyper-local scale that we’ve ever been able to connect with on a meaningful level. We wanted to create a space where we can go to feel supported, inspired, accepted, normal, and all feel a true sense of community. A place where you feel understood by the moms who literally live next door, who are doing this all right along with you. A place where you can get all the information you need- best doctors, best places for dinner with kids, and what the heck to do in this town with those tiny humans! All this in one place, curated for you. So we created it! And Katy Moms Network was born.

What you’ll find on our site and our social media channels is a resource-rich website with local activities and events, as well as original, unique content. Our content will aim to inform, support, inspire, uplift, educate, and hopefully even make you laugh. Or maybe we can make a day where you felt guilty for yelling at your dang kids all day feel okay and normal because hey, we probably did it too. Because behind this website are just two Katy moms, just like you. We’ll aim to continually evolve this space, so it becomes your go-to resource in Katy, TX. We’ve also had so much fun adding the Monday Meet A Mom Feature, as well as Small Business Saturday, as a way to highlight mamas kicking ass and businesses that inspire us. Katy’s a pretty special place and we feel lucky we get to raise a family here. The moms we’ve met over the last few years in Katy have been instrumental in our lives and we’ve built friendships that will last a lifetime- not only for us moms but for our kiddos.

We like to think the best way to do this whole mom thing is with each other- a community of strong, kind, supportive mamas. They say it takes a village and we couldn’t agree more. Our best advice for any mother is to find your people. And if you don’t have your people yet, let us be your people. We would love to be in your village!

FOLLOW THEM HERE: 

https://www.instagram.com/katymomsnetwork/

https://katymomsnetwork.com/

https://www.facebook.com/katymomsnetwork

::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

::Marigold Couture:: Spring Dress for All Occasions

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

Spring is here and sometimes as a Momma to one very girly girl it's overwhelming to enter department stores to find something both Camila and I love. When it comes to dressing Camila I am often torn between keeping her in "in-style" and allowing her to be herself. But, when it comes to fun, appropriate and comfortable clothes, I trust Camila and her own personal style. She is above all very girly and while I might have to stop her sometimes from walking outside in some kind of Disney Princess dress or her pajamas, she is always very modest and appropriate. 

I want Camila to always be herself, that's foremost. I want Camila to be fun and happy. I love that she is so comfortable and confident in her own skin. 

I think that the styles brought forth by Marigold Couture help capture all the fun and innocence that a 6-year-old can portray. I love the beautiful hand-crafted dresses. I love the unique prints and very age appropriate styles. The dresses they make are great for all occasions; formal, casual and every day. This past weekend we celebrated Easter and Camila's new dress was so great for church but it's also one I can see her wearing to school or to a friends birthday party.  

I loved the details like the neckline ruffle and the waistline ribbon, the colors, and print on this butterfly dress was so perfect for our Spring season celebrations. Camila loves her new dress but was also very free to be herself.  That's what I loved about it. 

A little about Marigold Couture; 

"We are three Mompreneurs based in the large and diverse city of Houston, TX. We also have children and launched Marigold Couture in 2016 to bring to you a children's line that is 'traditionally trendy'. We love playing with fabrics and patterns and mixing them to give you unique, beautiful handmade pieces that are also child appropriate. 

All of our designs are crafted and manufactured with LOVE here in the USA."

Visit and Follow Marigold Cotoure on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marigoldcouture/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marigoldcoutureusa/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/marigoldcouture/

Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/marigoldchildrenapparel

Being sensitive when it comes to blindness and other disabilities #BlindnessAwarenessMonth

First of all, let me just describe how a stranger may see Jassy from the outside looking in. They would see a beautiful and tall 11-year-old girl who doesn't exhibit the behaviors of what an "average" girl her age would be doing. Jassy does not make eye contact. She drools because she is a mouth breather, and has yet to master the concept of swallowing her spit. She loves to sing and make loud high pitched noises when she is happy. Jassy will also make angry noises when she is upset. This also includes fits of biting and pinching herself and others in reach. Of course those events happen randomly depending on where we are, and the noise level.

The initial thing everybody does is stare. They stare at the uncommon behaviors and try to figure out what is going on. You'd be surprised at some of the looks that we get. Keep in mind that body language is 90% of how we communicate with people. Some people will give us "angry" looks. Almost like why did we bring her out. As her parents, my husband and I have learned throughout the years how to brush those things off. Initially, however, it was very difficult to even bring ourselves to go out at all.

The best thing to do in a situation where you see a child that is blind or has other special needs is be kind. Try to be as empathetic as possible. (I can assure you that the parents have enough stress as it is.) That starts with your body language. You can look, but don't stare.

I understand a person's need to figure out the unknown. One of my favorite ways for people to approach us is when they say something like, "What a beautiful girl! How old is she?" Instead of sparking up a conversation based on what is different about her, I appreciate the regular questions that everyone else asks about any other kid. Anything along the lines of age, name, grade level, etc. That not only breaks the ice, but gives me a way to introduce Jasmine. Then, in my own way I can explain her differences.

Sensitivity for Jassy in particular, because she is blind, starts with people acknowledging her whenever they are around her. She can hear you, but most people tend to just ignore her. Loud noises bother her so it's awesome when there's music playing and someone goes and turns it down. That helps her to not get overstimulated. Descriptions of what is going on around her also help her to understand different situations. The more we can expose her to, the more she will learn.

I hope that I have in some way helped shed some light on the topic of sensitivity towards people with special needs. The situation for these families is already a difficult one. A road less traveled so to speak. My goal is to spread awareness and lift the stigma of the special needs community. The more we know, the better equipped we will be to handle different situations.

Houston Associations for the Visually Impaired: 

http://www.houstonlighthouse.org/

http://www.acbt-houston.org/

http://www.dars.state.tx.us/dbs/

Yvette {Traveling Husband} #inspiredseries

Hello! My Name is Yvette, Wife to an amazing Hubby, of 6 years, and a Stay at Home Mom of 2 Little Ones.  My daughter(5) is a princess in every form.  She LOVES make up, dresses, heels and all things girly.  Lord Help Me!  :)   My son (2) is truly a boys boy.  He likes to play rough and usually ends up in trouble over it.  My kids are my world, but at times I would struggle with being at home and feeling like I wasn't contributing to the world.  I have a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration in Finance with experience in Accounting.  I was really good at it too, but that experience and degree didn't matter to my kids.  Its easy to get depressed and I always tried to look at the positive side of staying at home with my kids, but it was really hard.  My husband has a CRAZY schedule and we live 3 Hours away from our ENTIRE family, so I usually felt alone and became somewhat of a recluse.   

Starting a boutique was something that I wanted to do since I got pregnant with my daughter in 2009 but we travel for weeks, sometimes months, at a time so starting a brick and mortar boutique seemed really impractical.  After a lot of research, and getting denied by the city the year before, I got approved with a Home Occupancy Certificate.  I was finally able to open up an Online Children's Boutique.  It is the piece of the puzzle that I felt was missing.  Now I feel complete, I get to stay at home with my kids, teach them, play with them and raise them.  My husband never has to worry about taking my kids to any doctor's appointments and I don't have to worry about taking time off work when they are sick.  It is a win, win situation for everyone involved. 

http://roseandrhodesclothing.com/

     

When I was pregnant with my daughter we lived in New Mexico for 3 Months.  It wasn't so bad. 

Then, when I was pregnant with my son in 2012 we lived in Washington DC for 3 1/2 Months.  My daughter was 2 1/2 and we had no vehicle.  We had to walk EVERYWHERE and used the subway when we needed to.  The closest grocery store was about a mile away.  That was a long ways to waddle.  HAHA!  On the final day in DC, I had a scheduled Drs. appointment and ended up at the hospital.  I was 5 months pregnant and already contracting due to the walking and dehydration.  They gave me a shot to strengthen my sons lungs, put an IV for the dehydration and sent me on my way.  Then, when we arrived back home, we went straight to the hospital from the airport.  I spent the night and they gave me meds to prevent the contractions.  In the end, my son was born two days before his due date.  He is a VERY HEALTHY, VERY LOUD little boy.  I really think those shots to strengthen his lungs worked a little too well.  

We have done short stints of travel in California, Houston and the RGV.  Needless to say, we do A LOT of traveling, and with 2 toddlers its not always easy.  My kids are still small so they get impatient and sometimes don't understand that it takes a while to get to a destination.  We have done many things to try and get their minds off of a long trip.  If it is a road trip, we try to leave after lunch so the kids can take a nap on the road and it usually works out just fine.  We also bring movies with us on the road and if we are traveling by plane we make sure to bring snacks, toys and coloring books.  We do sometimes stay behind when my Hubby has a short trip.  Before he leaves, we have a conversation with our daughter so she can know her Daddy will be gone for a couple of days.  She usually says "ok" and "I'm gonna miss you, daddy".  I think it makes it easier on her to know what is going on.  Our son is still too small.  Every time he asks for his Daddy, I just tell him he's at work and he usually says "ok".  

The biggest challenge of having a traveling Hubby is probably having to stay at a hotel room.  My kids like to run and play, and they don't mean to be, but sometimes they are really loud.  The security at a hotel once came knocking because someone complained about the noise.  Obviously, at home they are used to being loud and no one getting after them over it.  I don't like to get after   them for playing but they do have to learn to be mindful of others.  Traveling is not always a horrible thing.  We LOVE that our little ones are able to see other cities, especially big cities.  My husband and I didn't have that privilege growing up so we try to do as much as we can, and see things that we wouldn't see in our small city.  

This time around we are celebrating our Thanksgiving away from our house.  Usually, my parents come over to our house and I make the turkey and my mom helps with making the sides.  This year, it will just be the 4 of us, but that doesn't bother me.  We celebrate Christmas for 3 Days. It starts with Christmas at our house, just the 4 of us, on the 23rd.  On Christmas Eve we Celebrate with my Husbands Family and the 25th we Celebrate at my Grandmas House (my dad's mom), then at my parents’ house in the evening.  Yes, we are all over the place at Christmas.  The kids love it because they get presents everywhere.  On the 26th we pack up and head home.  

It might sound crazy, but we are used to the travel. Most of the year, we are at home, bored out of our minds. My daughter starts school next August so our travel will slow down some. Until then,               we will see where the road takes us.    

I hope you have enjoyed reading a little about how I got started with the boutique and about our traveling experiences with 2 small children.  

Thank You to Connie Gomez at Momma of Dos for this opportunity.  

To contact me, email me at roseandrhodesclothing@yahoo.com or message me on Facebook and Instagram at Rose and Rhodes Clothing 

http://roseandrhodesclothing.com/

                 

         

Inspired. {Traveling Hubby}

{::Momma Note:: This is a series that I created in hopes of inspiring other Momma's in Houston to share their stories and connect with Momma's just like them. I have known Karen for about 2 years now, her and her family NEVER cease to amaze me. Their faith and what God has done and continues to do for them, just reminds me how GREAT life is and how awesome it is to count our Blessings and be happy! Enjoy!!}

Hello! 

My Name is Karen. 

I am from Houston. I am Salvadorian American. I am married and have 3 beautiful kids Noah (5) Emma (3) Aaron (1) and One the way. Yes, I am a busy mom!

My husband and I have been married for 8 years. We married at 18 and three years later started having kids. You know once you start the fun doesn't stop. My husband was born with a retinal disease. It’s a degenerative retinal disease and according to doctors he will eventually lose his eye sight completely. We decided to make the most of our lives and have kids early so he could enjoy every moment before his vision worsened.

He started at the bottom working in a warehouse counting nuts and bolts. Little by little he moved his way up. Every new position, every promotion is such a victory to us because we know the odds we stand against. He got a promotion as an engineering draftsmen and I cannot explain how proud I was of him. How far he had come despite the circumstances. Then shortly after that he was offered an awesome position as a Sales/Engineering coordinator for Mexico operations. I’m his number one fan and was ecstatic about the new position. Then I realized that coordinating for Mexico operations probably meant traveling to Mexico!! I wasn't too sure about that aspect of the job but nothing was mentioned so I figured maybe I was wrong. 

He was only two weeks into the new position, when he tells me He has to go to Mexico for two weeks!! Not days but weeks!! I’m pregnant with the fourth and at that time I was in major morning sickness mode! More like all day sickness. I tried not to panic but it was hard not to when hubby and I are joined at the hip! Well, the day came and he was off for two weeks. That first day was the longest day of my life! I did not know what to do with myself. Nightfall was the worst, the kids were constantly asking for him and when was he going to come home. The two weeks did not fly by. Thank goodness for face time! I really think that helped the kids cope. They got to see him every night and tell him about their day. If not I think they would have felt it way more. It was the highlight of my day.  

As our routine goes I kept us busy and tried to not be home around the time he usually came home because it made evenings hard and long. We enjoyed doing the things we usually don’t get to do. We visited friends and family all over the city. We got to discover new parks. We learned that the library is a great place to spend many hours. The pool became our oasis. I was able to bond with my kids more than ever. It was hard by the end of the two weeks since it was just me with the kids 24 hrs. a day. No little breaks here and there, but I am thankful I had so many friends checking up on me. Cheering me on and welcoming us to their homes especially on the weekends when I felt the loneliest. Every day I received a text from many friends making sure I was ok. Especially the ones with traveling hubbys! 

The biggest challenge is the loneliness and distance. Knowing that at 5 o clock he won’t be coming through our front door ready to hear our stories. The biggest blessing is my husband being able to experience things that we never imagined were going to be possible. My children being able to see how amazing their dad is. How strong their mom is. And the souvenirs are pretty sweet too! As of now He will be traveling maybe one more time before the end of the year. For another two weeks. Rumor has it next year will be a busy year, lots of traveling. I know I can do it all over again. God provided me with so much strength the first time and I know he will continue to do so. I think it will get easier. 

For someone just starting this journey as a wife of a traveling hubby I would say, you can do it! Keep busy and enjoy it! Discover new things around you. Time will pass. It’s OK to get lonely and cry. I did all the time, but most importantly is to have a great support system. Our Motto in our home is “we walk by faith, not by sight” I think this verse has really narrated our lives from the beginning. 

Faith will take you to promised lands. We are loving every minute of our new adventure.

{If you wish to contact Karen and learn more about her family please email her at kdcarrasco3@gmail.com}

Inspired. {Local Blogger}

When I started Blogging I had no idea what being a Blogger was, and I definitely didn't know about the Latinos that were so immersed in such an amazing community. I had been Blogging since 2008 but it wasn't until last year that I started to see Blogging in a different light. I used to Blog to share my everyday happenings as a Wife and Employee, then as a Pregnant Wife and Employee, then as a first time Momma, and finally as a Momma of Dos. 

Last year I had the opportunity to attend my first ever Blogger Conference here in Houston and the doors that it has opened as well as the AH-MA-ZING people that I have met has changed my views not only about my own Blog and personal journey but about the Latino Blogging Community as a whole! 

I am HUGE on locals. I love to know that everyday women and men who live here in Houston are Blogging not just to make a personal difference but to make a difference in our community. 

I seek daily inspiration and I have created this mini-series "Inspired." in hopes of inspiring others. 

Today's feature is a Local Blogger {Independent Mami} Q & A: 

 

Hi! My Name is Alba from Independentmami.net, I am 34 yrs old (turning the dreaded 35 this yr) and I am from El Salvador. I am married. I have 2 kids: MJ 14 and Lil Bit 16 months.

How long have you been Blogging? I have been blogging since 2008 but never full time like other bloggers out there.  For me it is just an outlet, I have fun, but when the fun stops I can turn it off.

How did you first get started and what was the most difficult part?  Blogging seemed perfect for me back then.  I was looking for an outlet, a place to have a voice, never thought I would really have much response or influence at all.  The most difficult part was opening up and letting go.  Anything on the internet is no longer yours and that was scary, and it still is.

Tell me what is it that you are after/what were your original goals for your Blog?  I wish I could turn this into a business where I did not have to go to my 8-5 Corporate America job.  

Have you met those goals or gone beyond your expectations?  I have yet to meet that goal but blogging has taken me beyond my initial expectations and who knows where it is taking me.

Tell me what motivates you to continue Blogging?  The opportunity and possibilities are what keep looking for more.

What is your usual plan of action for Blogging?  There is no set plan.  I do not follow a calendar or plan too much ahead.

Did anyone help push you or inspire you to get here?  At first the Walmart 11 moms were the ones who inspired me, then meeting a great group of Latina bloggers really inspired me to believe that I wasn't alone out there.  In our Latin culture anything out of the norm it taboo, you just don't do it.  You are crazy.  Call me crazy then because after meeting these ladies the more I got inspired.  Ana Flores, Rory from MamaContemporanea, and Sylvia from Mama Latina tips are great women who have helped me in one way or another.  They continue to inspired me and others.  

What advice do you have for others in your place? Or for someone who wants to start Blogging?  Advice hmmm...Do what works for you!  You will not become a millionaire entrepreneur from blogging from one day to another.  Some are successful and some aren't.  You get what you give.  This is a full time job and it is a real world you have to deal with out there.  Sometimes people are nice or not, willing to help or not, or embracing you to the community or not liking that you are coming into their territory.   

We all struggle daily with so many personal and daily stress; what has been your favorite quote, book, movie, item, or website that has helped you keep strong and move forward?  My motto is Live Life don't let life live you.  I love my family and that is my priority.  God, family and then work....it just works for me.

Please feel free to contact Alba via Email, FB or Twitter:

madeguevara@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/independentmami.albagarza

@independentmami 

And don't forget to visit her Blog: www.independentmami.net

{Momma Note} If you would like to nominate someone for the "Inspired" series, please contact me for details!!! ::mommaofdos@gmail.com:: Also, Momma of Dos will be featured on another Local Blogger's Blog on the 23rd, Wait for it......