::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.

::No Light at End of the Tunnel::

This post came to me the other night as I did chores and tried to summon the strength to get them all done. Hope it helps in whatever stage of childhood you are in.

------

In those moments right before you are about to lose your shit. You think. This too shall pass, right!?

As I wipe pee off my toilet seat and floor for what seems like the millionth time today and I pick playdoh pieces off my bare feet. The exhaustion kicks in but the determination lingers. Determined to tame these wild children of mine; their giggles and Christian music play {yes this potty-mouth family listens to Christian music} in the background. My nerves ease and my frustration gone. I am living in these moments  of  chaos and messiness. You know those moments all too well? The "half" moments; of things making it halfway to the toy bin, halfway to their room, halfway to the trash and of course halfway in the toilet. Hence, the pee wiping.  

And, still no matter what they are happy, those two little ones that put up with my extra loud voice and sometimes witness the tears. Their love is endless y'all. And, in that moment, I see a light at the end of the tunnel that wasn't there before. And, I have peace. I have love and joy. Always. Deep in my heart no matter what the sorrows are or what obstacles we meet, they bring me true joy and peace. No matter how many times I have to wipe the pee off the toilet seat or how much playdoh sticks to the floor. I am living in these moments that will never come back. And, the frustration is gone. 

Then hope kicks in, hope that your kids will grow up to be appreciative, hard working and loving. The hope that they will be a better person than you and achieve far more than you. The hope that they will not fear or suffer the things you did. Faith. Faith that they will have happy fulfilled lives with the best blessings that they surely deserve. That in 20 years they will remember all the moments you lived together. Moments of joy, sacrifice, and peace.

As Momma's we all live in these moments, whether we publicize it or not, we are all in that same boat of days when you don't see a light at the end of the tunnel and could decide that you can't anymore. But, somehow with short rests and time, strength is renewed, and we do it all over again the next day. 

Momma, you are strong, you CAN do this. Wipe that pee off the floor and move forward... because I promise you, this too shall pass. You can either sit and cry over the moments of frustration, which sometimes are needed, or you can learn to embrace it all and love every moment you are living in. It's not always easy and it is VERY much easier said than done, but if this unorganized working Momma of Dos can do it, you can too!  

Just a little piece of my heart on this Tuesday morning.... 

::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.

::A Book about Rules & a Motivational Mug:: #KickAss

Last week seemed to get better by the days, it was almost like our PR reps knew we were gonna be home all week! Our second product was another book, this one was one about rules. Ian is a rule follower and his Sister Jenny, not so much. We loved it, the book teaches the importance of yes, following rules but knowing when to bend the rules. Even if it means telling lies to save your Sister from a giant tub with teeth, an angry furnace, and a bear rug! Ha. Bizzare. Not if you follow the rules. It came with the cutest toothbrush holder and a white erase board to write our own house rules down. 

The kids did a great job at listing our usual rules. Camila tried to help me write it all down. Rules of the House comes out May 3rd, you will want to buy it for your collection. Because we all know...rules are meant to be.... followed! 

By the end of the week, I had received this beautiful motivational mug I purchased from Bliss on Main, a great local shop. It will definitely be my morning go to mug when I need that extra pick me up!  We all need that little reminder to Kick Ass every now and again. 

And finally, this past weekend we received the deliciously fresh Tekeen, a "premium line of cocktails made with agave nectar, orange wine and natural flavors for an exotic and fresh taste." My favorite part about this drink is that it's made in Texas. If you know me you should know that I love supporting local or Texas created products. Who else knows Tejanos better than a native Tejana. Full review next week. All I can say now is that it smells so sweet and light, I can't wait to make some fruity drinks with this liquor and share my creations with you! 

::Motivational Monday::

I posted earlier on my facebook page, that I know that sometimes no matter what I say, I might not make a difference or change certain situations. While I don't want to focus on the Oscar's and all the controversy that surrounds it. I do want to focus on purpose. Not everyone is created to carry out a message. It takes courage and knowing what your purpose is to follow through with those things that will create or change your future. This morning on the radio a couple of hosts were talking about Chris Rock and his delivery of a message that was difficult but inevitably part of his mission and purpose.  He stood his ground, took the opportunity that he was given and presented or represented a message. Regardless of how many agreed with him. He was there with a purpose. 

It makes me think about myself. My own message and how at times, I don't feel qualified to speak it or even qualified to write it. But, I do. My "message" is not always heard and when it is, many might disagree. It's up to us to just put ourselves out there. To rise above and speak. Be heard, no matter what your message is. It will not always be easy. But, we should do it anyway. 

I have been fortunate for years now to be given the appropriate platforms to speak. To write. To have a purpose. To create my own purpose. As the days go by and the events come to be, I feel more and more empowered by the amazing women who support me. This past weekend was a crazy one. Somehow I made it through. Got the weekend done and feel amazing about all the small accomplishments I have had until now. 

As Monday begins a new week and Tuesday a new month; I think it's time to move forward and take those leaps into that message that has been waiting to explode. Even if you are not sure yet what that might be. No matter what, be present, in your actions and your words. Live the message that you know is filling your heart and brain with ideas and thoughts. Share your message with your friends, your neighbor, your dog, your children, your Husband. Or anyone willing to listen. I always say, even if you only have an audience of ONE and that audience is being impacted then you have achieved your goal.  

You don't feel qualified? Then make yourself an expert in your message. I am sure you have the skills to share it, otherwise, you wouldn't feel that urge or the need to share it. Maybe your message is about faith, working hard or even about getting your kids ready for school and out the door in the morning. It is your message and you will know when and how to express it.  

You will never know the impact you can create if you don't share that message. If you are in constant fear of the what if's, then your message will remain unknown. Your purpose will not be fulfilled. 

Seek your message, master it and share it. 

::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
        

{Perspective} #BEConference

3 weeks ago now, I went to Blog Elevated, met some pretty amazing and driven Latinas as well as reconnected with some very familiar faces! {Shout out to my Houston Mom's Blog Contributors; didn't get pictures with you ladies!!}

On the morning of September 20th I stepped into a conference room and opened my ears and heart to what was to come. Our Keynote speaker that morning stated, that most of us would NOT do what was necessary to propel forward. I don't know John Saddington and he doesn't know me other than the brief "you are awesome john" and his "thank you" on Twitter, but if he knew me he would know that you really can't tell me that I won't do what is necessary to propel forward.

You see my whole life has been created on actions. I am kind of a busy body. When I wasn't trying to work or go to school, I was out looking for places to volunteer, when I was all booked I went out to seek my faith and my purpose. Early on in life I decided number one I wouldn't be a statistic, because my 5th grade teacher told me I would be {more on that later} and number DOS, I wouldn't be stuck doing what everyone else is/was doing.

With my drive to move forward; I graduated college seeking a career, I have definitely been there and done that in corporate America.

Then I went on to bigger and better ventures and guess what I became a Momma and since I am a kind of an ambitious person I had two children within 18 month of each-other and now I am here. With a Blog that started as a family sharing and let me tell you about our crazy little lives which I think has evolved into a Blog about parenting and our culture along with some of my faith and daily seeking to be a better person.

I don't have as big of a  following as John has for his blogs and fan pages,yet, but I know that those that do follow me have been supportive and awesome!

Perspective. 

This word has been  burned into my brain since Blog Elevated and I don't think it will escape until I change the way others look not only at the word but at my Blog as a whole and ME, in this space. 

The question is, how? How am I going to change? How am I going to propel forward? 

Be different. And, rise above the crowd. I don't know, yet but you better trust that little Mexican girl is working on it.

John Saddington stated that morning "Maximize your God given uniqueness." Such a simple but powerful statement to me. His tips and pointers that morning definitely called out to me and I am on the MOVE and my goal is to DO more!

For More Blog Elevated Pictures look for me on Instagram @mommaofdos !! 

{Inspired} Momma with a Mission~Part Dos

{Bella & Darlene's Story continued.....}

Even though Bella was delivered via emergency c-section, we thought the worst part was over. Relief overflowed as I sat waiting in the recovery room waiting to come off of the anesthesia. I remember feeling doozy but at the same time so alive and high, just really genuinely high on life! 

The highest high I had ever felt in my life. 

As I laid there by myself waiting for my husband or baby to join my side, I laid there and tried to let everything sink in and all that was happening around me.  

And then, my husband came into the recovery room to join me and told me something I could never forget and took more than just my breath away. 

“The doctor says Bella has Down Syndrome,” is what Alex said. 

At that very moment, we went from feeling the utmost high to the lowest of all lows. We both just cried… and cried some more… We didn't know how to deal with having a special needs child. We were both 21-years old and naive as can be. We thought everything was going to be perfect. We already had huge plans for our daughter. The moment we became parents our top priority changed. There was a new person who meant more to us now than ourselves. The only other kind of person who conquered our heart, the #1 spot and that was our child, Bella Mia… 

We were aware that she would entail a little extra special attention, a little extra love, nevertheless, the important thing is that she has a little extra instilled in herself. A little extra enthusiasm to life, a little extra innocence, a little extra charm and of course a little extra chromosome of the 21^st pair that inspires so much fear in parents-to-be. 

Fast forward five years later… 

Raising a child with Down syndrome has brought significant changes to our life as well as immense perspective. Bella has helped us see there’s an infinitely more to life than intelligence, beauty and what we perceive perfection to be. I don’t know anyone else who holds as much love as Bella does. She is truly a gift from God. She has inspired me to not be fearful and chase after what I believe in. I now know that Bella was a huge part of God’s plan. Even though she cannot speak I hear it, I feel it and I see it. I hear her tell me she loves me through the noises she makes, I feel it with the hugs she gives me and I even see it in the twinkle of her eyes. 

Bella is a Kindergartener who enjoys going to school on the bus every morning and participating in circle time. Although she is non-verbal and has a really hard time communicating, she still shows the most love. She has always been a humongous cuddle bug. And, she will surprise you when she steals your iPhone, swipes it on, finds YouTube and will even get Elmo playing. Hahahaha. 

I started blogging to document some important milestones. And, it honestly took off from there. Since I got into reading other mom blogs, I noticed I never came across special needs moms or special needs parenting. So, I took it from there. I saw a need and told myself I would passionately seek it because I can’t be the only person out there looking for this type of connection, relation and therapy. 

As touchy as it may be, it truly is therapeutic for me to write about this stuff. What started off as a support group on Facebook that I titled, “A Little Xtra” evolved into a website with a blog sharing my experience as a mom raising a special needs child. And then a powerful podcast emerged all about the special needs community, which has now become a movement. I make no money doing this. I actually lose money. But it’s not about the money.

It’s about filling the void and spreading awareness because one flicker of a light switch in someone else’s thoughts can trigger a dark mind to be bright. You never know when that “light-bulb” moment of inspiration can happen in someone. I hope to be able to bring various topics to the table so that my audience doesn't feel alone. And so that others who may not know much about living with special needs can gain some valuable perspective and motivate them to do more with their abilities, not disabilities. 

And so friends, whether you’re religious, spiritual or scientific, it doesn't matter because we still can relate on many other levels. I tend to live by several principles, the main one being The Golden Rule,

“Do unto others as you would want others to do unto you.” 

It means so much to me because I believe what goes around, comes around.  And, I don’t know, I just like people. I challenge myself to be as open-minded as I can be, so that I may be prone to understanding new ways of life that I may benefit from or better yet; help someone else benefit from. And as negative as this motto sounds, I always remind myself that things could always be worse and to find the hope in everything because hope keeps you going. No matter how severe of a situation you are dealing with, I feel it’s important to remind yourself why you do what you do. 

As I mentioned before, I know Bella was given to me for a reason. Everybody has a calling in life, we all are made for something. Your real job in life is to figure out what that is and get to it! We are what we think and what we do. I will always be grateful for the cards that have been dealt to me. But I’m especially grateful that I allowed myself the chance to recognize it with a tolerant mind. There is no greater love for my children and I will forever in my heart do what I can for my babies. 

{About Darlene}

Please contact me if you’d like to share your story. You may reach me anytime @Darlasworld86 on every social media site out there.

To follow our journey with “A Little Xtra” please follow us @alittlextra21 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, You Tube, Google +, Vine, Soundcloud, etc.

(Ay! This is turning into a paragraph on it’s own! Lol)

www.alittlextra.org

{Inspired} Momma with a Mission

Have you ever had to write about yourself?

As easy as it sounds, it’s not very easy.  I know once I get started, I won’t be able to stop but it’s always the getting started part that gets me stuck! Bare with me as I spill my heart out and let you in on what I’m all about. So… Hi there! I’m Darlene. I was born on Groundhog’s Day back in 1986, which makes me 27-and a half years old. Born and raised in Southern California and still here… (writers block occurring, uh-oh…)

Okay, so… What else? Well… I’m a lot of things so I’ll start with my most important and go from there. As corny as this sounds, I was able to marry my best friend from high school. It’s definitely been a blessing because I always thought I’d be the type to never get married or have kids. I envisioned myself as being this extremely successful, independent woman that didn’t have to worry about anyone else but herself. And then, just like that… BOOM! 

I fell in love! Hahaha. 

Totally turned my life around. 

I always tell Alex, he was the only exception. He was the only guy I would instantly dismiss my selfish dreams for without a thought. And, I’m very glad I did because there’s no one out there that could fill his spot. No one. We had been friends all through out high school and I would tell him about my boyfriends, he’d tell me about his girlfriends, we’d talk about our problems, complain about homework, talk all night long about serious stuff and just all the other things you talk about with your best friend. But, what really drew us closer was all that we shared in common, which was our taste in music and humor. I knew I was crazy about him a year before we ever stepped beyond friendship, but he had his own thing going on at the moment and I wasn't going to dare tell him I liked him until it was the right time. Low and behold, our Senior year was approaching it's end, we were talking on the phone while we played our latest downloaded playlist, which happened to be a mix of R&B Slow jams, mainly lovey-dovey music (all obvious! lol). 

Suddenly, the entire mood totally changed and I could sense the conversation was steering somewhere new for us. We finally mustered up the courage to tell each other how we felt over AIM (AOL Instant Messenger). I remember sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for him to respond. Hahaha. From that moment on, we were crazy about each other, inseparable, head over heels in love… Everything moved fast, we told each other we loved one another the night we shared our first kiss, we got to experience our Senor Prom together and enjoyed life after high school, going out, exploring our independence, living together, going to college, turning life into adventures… and then the biggest adventure approached us~ Parenthood! BOOM! (There goes that boom again.) 

This time it was an extremely exciting boom! The day I found out I was pregnant, it was like a light switch turned on in my heart that I had never turned on before. It was a very exciting day filled with nervous jitters and happiness.

We were way into it. Each week we’d read up on our daughter’s developmental stage and what was forming than. Month-by-month, we’d take pictures and get more excited as the bump grew, started prepping our home for our baby girl that was soon to arrive. Life was going perfect for us... 

Or so we thought, with our naive sense, we never even thought about complications being a possibility, so you know what was coming next… BOOM! BOOM!! BOOM!!! 

Emergency C-Section, overly tensed nerves and 100% pure fright, and then life at that particular moment really threw us a curve-ball. More like, a curve-ball that went too curvy and ended up hitting us. And now this time, the BOOM hit us where it would leave us, in pain and forever sore. 

Our lives would forever change.

{Come back tomorrow to read the rest of Darlene's Story.....}

"Sun in the Closet"

It's the best expression I have heard in a while....

I heard it this weekend as a good friend assessed my current job and abilities.

"Really Connie? It's like putting the Sun in the closet."

I couldn't help but smile and think....

It's true. You know those moments of shade or maybe even darkness in your life...when the Sun is stuck in the closet?

There come moments in life when we don't have all the answers, when we don't know what direction is best, and when we just don't shine the way we used to...

I think Dr. Seuss said it best in "Oh, the places you'll Go!" when he stated....

"And when you're in a Slump,
you're not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself
is not easily done."

{Yes, I totally just opened the book and looked for this line....}

Not sure what kind of a place I am in but what ever it is, it's not my usual place.

Maybe I am in that place right before the door is ready to open and the Sun is peeking through waiting for the perfect moment to shine bright again and say... "HERE I AM!"

Maybe it's a moment of change and transformation, that I am not quite aware of...or that isn't very clear.

What ever it is, it's a weird place and I am ready for the Sun to shine once more outside the closet....just don't know how to get it going again.

If motivation, and inspiration surround me, then what is stopping me?

No idea.

But, I am ready to let the Sun out of the closet and let it SHINE! Shine. SHINE! Shine.

{::meme credit:: created by: memegenerator.net}

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......