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/

                 

         

::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.

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...... 

{Awesome Wickless Candles & More} Shop Giveaway Jan. 2013

Let's show some Momma Love to Stacey!!! 

Our January Giveaway Partner!!
{Don't let the month fool you, head on over to her page and hit "LIKE"!!}

Meet Stacey:

Hi, my name is Stacey Imboden and I am a married mother of 3 daughters who live in Pasadena. 

I am 31 years old and I am a Scentsy Consultant. I love Scentsy because of all the wonderful smells and a huge variety of items that can be purchased. I started my shop so I can spread the word of me selling Scentsy and to offer my friends, family and customers with good deals and discounts. I also periodically give away FREE items on my page to those who want to participate. 

My customers motivate me to sell more and to keep getting the word out so I can reach the next level in Scentsy. All of my daughters love animals and so selling Scentsy makes it even better because I offer a lot of different stuffed buddies for the kids. I love listening to music or hearing my daughters sing to me while I work. My oldest daughter is a wonderful singer and just loves to sing all day long and write songs. My middle daughter loves Justin Bieber and wishes one day to meet him. My youngest who will soon have a birthday loves to draw, color, and make crafty stuff for everyone she knows. I myself love Coca Cola and I am a HUGE collector! 

My hubby is a stay at home dad and makes sure that the kids and I are all taken care of by the time I get off of work. I enjoy meeting new people and helping others when I can. I only speak English but I do understand Spanish a lot. My favorite saying is "rubber ducky your my friend"....lol I know its kind of childish but hey who said we ever have to completely grow up? Some of my favorite hobbies are making crafty things with my kiddos and collecting Coca Cola stuff. 

Connect with Stacey:

Awesome Wickless Candles & More

Personal Website: www.staceyimboden.scentsy.us

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/awesomewicklesscandles {PLEASE LIKE} 

When Stacey gets to 500 likes on her Facebook Page she will give away a FREE Plug-In Warmer!

Current Specials:

Buy $250 or more and get FREE SHIPPING + I will give you a FREE LAYERS LOTION 
(choice of what I have in stock)

Buy $150 or more and get FREE SHIPPING!

Buy $75 in items and get a FREE Scent Pack (choice of what I have in stock)

For anyone who places an order on her website their name will be put in a drawing for a FREE Full-Size Warmer of their choice!

Offer ends: March 31, 2013 and drawing will be held on April 1, 2013. Must have at least 10 people with orders before drawing will be done!

How to enter the Momma of Dos January Giveaway:

Readers must be a fan and “like” Stacey’s page at ::Awesome Wickless Candles & More:: to be entered into the drawing. 

{Participants should also "like" Momma of Dos; then go to Stacey’s page and tell her the Momma sent you!}

Simple. 

Tell your Amigas and family to participate as well once Stacey reaches 500 readers your name will then be entered in the drawing!!! 

We will select a winner and announce it here!!!

Makes for a GREAT gift for any occasion!!!

Disclosure:This is not a compensated post. However, Awesome Wickless Candles is providing an item to giveaway and Momma of Dos is Hosting the giveaway. Momma of Dos will only advertise or promote items that fit in with the beliefs and character of this blog.  If you are found to not be a good fit, your shop will not be posted.

{TU-TU Giveaway!} ♥ with Erica R.

Yes, I know.  

Nice and dandy for you to show your face MOMMA!

I've been away. TRUST me I miss ya'll!

I am here to announce a giveaway!!!!!

YAY!!!!! Go Momma, it's ya'Birthday!! 

It will be in a few weeks... my 31st to be exact...

and in honor of my day of birth and my BEAUTIFUL Daughter... 

I want to host a GIVEAWAY...AND I CAN!

Cause it's my Birfday...well on the 29th! 

SO, I will announce the winner that day!

What do you get? 

Well since I am a total fan and love all things GIRLY!

I have a newcomer to introduce to you...

Her name is the ever so Lovely Erica R. 

Who creates over at Lila's Creations! 

I hope you check out her FB and order! 

She is just SO creative and fancy! 

She wants to giveaway a frilly patriotic colored {RED, WHITE & BLUE}TU-TU Dress...

.....tell me if our lil'model Lil'Miss. Jayleen is not ever so adorable in her TU-TU Dress! 

Copyright: Picture Taken at JcPenny Photo Studios {Picture provided by Stanessa R.; Jayleen's Momma}

Copyright: Picture Taken at JcPenny Photo Studios {Picture provided by Stanessa R.; Jayleen's Momma}

How do I enter,you may ask?

You MUST "LIKE" Erica's FB page and then leave a comment and tell her the Momma sent you!!

Then on my Birthday, 

I will enter your name into a hat, yes I said a HAT the good ol'fashion way,  

and randomly select it from the group! 

Ta-da! 

We will have a winner whom I will announce on my page on JUNE 29th!!!!

Ready? SET. GO!

GOOD LUCK!!!

{365}

      #3 Your faces  fill my heart with joy....EVERY.SINGLE.DAY without fail. {I love you!}

{365} Notes {& Reminders} to my Children

I started a new daily project for this year.... click HERE for the first installment... and here is today's....

#2 Life will take you down many roads; remember to always look to each other for support{Your Dad and I will be here for back up..}

{365} ♥

{So, I am copying an idea from a fellow Momma Blogger to write notes to my children for 365 days. I will do my absolute best to post one everyday.... As my little 365 day project evolves I will post more about it. In the mean time.}

{365} Notes {& Reminders} to my Children

#1 There was a time in your lives when you thought of each other as aw~thom{awesome} remember that when you get older..{I will always think you are both more than AWESOME!}

Finding Friday {&Suggestion Saturday}

YAY!

One more NEW Feature to cross off my Momma Goals for this Blog!!


Here are some of my "cool finds" for the week:

I held on to a lot of my lil'daddy's{for newcomers that's what we call my son} clothes and just items from when he was baby just in case I have another boy and for sentimental value. Well the clothes and shoes I think look super cute on my lil'momma {for newcomers that's what we call my daughter}and well here is a picture of an old find that I think looks super cute on her!!!

They are chanclas from Cuernavaca, Mexico that my Grandmother brought back for my son when I was still pregnant.

Also in this picture is my new find for the week. This little thingamajig is quite handy when leaving the house. It's a powdered milk dispenser. I found it at my FAV store TARGET for about 4 bucks. It's worth it!

Also, while I was out at the local CVS, I found a really good deal on a round brush. I have the worse curly hair ever and I NEED a round brush in my everyday life. The one I had was OLD and the other day I had to save it from the mercy of my almost 2 year old, as he chunked it into the toilet. Don't worry I am so cool I caught it in the air! ::HUGE SIGH OF RELIEF::  Oh yeah and the brush was only $1.24! It was on sale for $4.24 and I got $3 back in a coupon! Pretty cool, huh?!

Did you find something cool this, week??

.....if so FEEL FREE TO SHARE!

{BTW, I don't get ANY type of compensation for doing reviews or promoting stores and sales...It's just for fun!}