:: Faith and Motherhood:: with James Avery #MyJamesAvery

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

In September 2009, I had my Son, Santiago and 10 1/2 months later in July of 2010, I found out I was pregnant again this time with a Daughter, Camila. By March of 2011, I unexpectedly became a Momma of Dos. Being a mother isn't always an easy title to take on. I have had some very trying moments in the last almost 9 years but there is one thing I always find comfort in, my faith. Having faith that my direction as a mother is right, not always perfect or at all what I expected, but just right for me.  Along the way, I have learned many lessons of self-love as a Momma, patience and unconditional love towards my children. Not everyone walks the same journey into motherhood, it's easier for some more than others. Regardless of all the struggles, I wouldn't change the experience for the world. 

While motherhood isn't always an easy journey, it's a rewarding one. When I was asked to select two charms from James Avery Mother's Day collection, the first two that stood out to me were that of the Virgen de Guadalupe who has always been one of the biggest signs of faith in my life. I grew up Catholic and visiting many shrines in Mexico. La Virgen was always one of the saints that I prayed to the most, and still do. Her story of love and compassion towards a poor Mexican Campesino is one that always touches my heart so much. And the second charm was the Motherhood charm, which reminds me of the path I have been placed. One of great responsibility and love toward two tiny human beings. It reminds me of how much I should protect my children daily and remind them of how much I will always love them. 

I love James Avery current promotional offer where you can purchase two charms and receive a free bracelet, (or necklace up to a $70.00 value) This offer ends on May 29th so you can select to buy that special Mom in your life a new set of charms and necklace or maybe your favorite graduate a bracelet with some commemorative charms of their achievements since May is also graduation season!  

I love their jewelry because it's so versatile and I can wear it with any of my outfits which even for special occasions are usually very casual. Seen below is my new bracelet with my charms, which I was able to just clasp on and can change out whenever I want since my bracelet has an open clasp to hook the charms onto! 

Visit your nearest James Avery location and find out more about the offer details::HERE::  

::Lauren:: {Being a Momma} #mommaseries2014

{Laren} is a new friend that through the awesomeness of social media became an instant connection here in Houston she is going to be a first time Momma and here is her response to our Momma's Day prompt:

Hello! My name is Lauren, my husband and I will have our first child a boy due at the end of August of this year. We will be naming him Jonathan Alexander (daddy's middle name).

What do you feel makes you the mother you are today? 

This past Saturday we felt him move for the first time together, and it's an amazing feeling to know soon we will become parents to our very own child. We suffered a miscarriage three years ago, and didn't know if I was able to have a child and behold we start the new year with this amazing gift after celebrating five years of marriage.

I am beyond happy to become a mother and being taught by my grandma and mom, I'm ready to take this on and of course learn as I go and have our child teach me and my husband!

What were those defining moments that made you realize Motherhood had just gotten REAL!? 

When I first heard his heartbeat didn't really believe after the home test, but once I heard the heartbeat it got real and now really real after I feel his movement in my stomach.

Finally; what is it that you hope/pray/wish that your children will learn from you that will shape their adulthood?

I hope I can be the best mother to our child, and hope that my husband and I can teach him things that has made us stronger and who we are today! We are very proud and can't wait to welcome him into this world in August, and have him teach us and we will teach him!

Thank you,

Lauren

::Melo:: {Being a Momma} #mommaseries2014

{Melo} is a sweet friend that I met as an employee at Workforce Solutions. We have stayed friends and I feel that Motherhood has been one of our biggest connections...as it is with most of my fellow Momma's. 

Here is her funny and ever so sincere response to our prompt:

Greetings Connie!

Thank you so much for asking us, as Mom's to be a part of this special series.  

Being a Mom is something that I have wanted and treasured.  I am a Mother of 3; Zach age 16, Lilly age 7 and Cody age 5. 

When Zach was less than a year old, I went through an awful divorce.  My Husband is such a Blessing and we were thrilled when we found out that we were going to have a baby together.  Unfortunately, something was not right and we suffered a miscarriage.  Thankfully, we did not give up and two beautiful Blessings followed.

Before Lilly & Cody were born, I took Zach to his first Texans Football game, he was around 7 or 8 years old.  We opted to use the family restroom, rather then to be separated.  He went first and washed his hands while I was squatting.  He finished and just opened the door and held it open.  Well, right outside was the main hallway and so many people were walking by and I just wanted to die.  When I screamed his name, it drew so much attention!  We just laughed and laughed, that is something that I will never forget!

Happy Mothers Day 2014!

::Being a Momma:: #mommaofdos

Thank you for joining me on this Momma's Day Series!

I did one a couple of years ago and had not had a chance to do another, so I am really excited to share these Momma's thoughts on Motherhood....

Many of us have children; many women have children daily but what was that one defining moment that you feel made you the Mother/Person you are today?

We are going to kick off the series with yours truly! 

Hello My name is Connie of Momma of Dos! I have DOS  children they are Santiago who is a little man at 4 years old and Camila my rebellious 3 year old Diva! They are my world. 

What do you feel makes you the momma you are today? I believe that my Momma and how she raised me has made me the Momma I am today! She was understanding and open about our relationship. She always gave me great advice and was there for me in so many ways. She was respected and determined to make young respectful and respected ladies out of my sister and myself. 

What were those defining moments that made you realize Momma-hood had just gotten REAL!? From the moment that I brought Santiago home I realized that my selfish ways had come to an end and my life was no longer about me. Now I had this tiny human being depending on me, needing me, and wanting to be with me 24/7. The reality that we were not 2 anymore set in and the mentality of 3 or more began to grow and nurture life! It has been amazing ever since, everyday is a new day, new tantrums, new milestones reached. 

Finally; what is it that you hope/pray/wish that your children will learn from you that will shape their adulthood? 

I would hope that they could learn that nothing in this life will ever be handed to you, that they will have to be committed and work hard to achieve their true dreams. And, I pray that they never,ever give up and always strive for their best to be respectful and true people of integrity.