Showing posts with label November. Show all posts
Showing posts with label November. Show all posts

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving! ::2015:: #ThankfulMomma




The one thing I am most thankful for is being surrounded by my family, and those who truly love us. I am thankful for being loved by so many. I am thankful for all the love that my children and Husband give me unconditionally. I am thankful for everything I have lived and for all that I still have to experiences. Life is great and we have so much to be thankful for everyday.

Thanksgiving is not about a week, or a few days, it's a lifetime of events and thoughts. I am thankful for all those who I can continue to share with. 

Thank you for being here and for following Momma of DOS! I am SO thankful for all those who read our blog and follow our social media sites. Thank you always!! You have made 2015 possible and a huge success. 

#ThankfulMomma

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Today I am Thankful for....




Having the ability to give to others and share the little that we have is something I am very thankful for. When we have been blessed with support many times in our family. We have needed and in times when others have needed help, we try to give. Even if we don't have much or we know that we may not be able to fully give, we try to. We help as many people as possible and give back to all those who have been there for us. For myself I volunteer my time and donate money to many local organizations and charities. This is something I want to teach my children, giving back to our local community or to organizations that truly make a difference is so important to me.  If I am able, I always help! 

For this I am thankful. 

#ThankfulMomma 

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

::Blessed:: A home to call my own


Having a roof over our heads is something that we might take for granted, having a true home is also important. Creating a place of peace and safety is important to me as a Momma. I am so thankful that my Husband and I have been able to afford a home for our family and that we can maintain it. I am thankful that we have a place we can call our own. I am thankful that we are sheltered from the cold and rain, from the heat and streets. I am thankful for my casa. No matter how crazy, it's ours. No matter how old and untidy, it's where we can come and relax. No matter how loud and chaotic most days get, we are thankful for our home and all the memories being created with it. 

For this I am thankful. 

#ThankfulMomma 

Monday, November 23, 2015

::Give Thanks:: Health and Inner Strength


Health and inner strength I feel go hand in hand. Today, I am thankful for having both, for learning to maintain them. For being able to physically workout and follow an exercise plan. I may ache and be in pain. I may struggle and wobble. But, I can do it. I try to move daily and remain active, many are not able to do this. I am thankful that I have found true balance and am in a good place of peace. My thoughts finally align with where I am. I am thankful for all the strength I have gained over the years both physically and mentally. It's not easy to have these two attributes and I have struggled in the past but today I feel good. 

For this I am thankful. 

#thankfulmomma 

Sunday, November 22, 2015

::Remain Thankful:: Having a job


In times when so many have lost their jobs or where people don't have a job. I am thankful for my job. No matter good or bad, I have always had good fortune. I have a job that allows me so many benefits, resources and flexibility that others may not have. I am thankful for being employed.  I am thankful for being able to constantly provide for my family. I am thankful for the paycheck that is delivered to my bank account every two weeks. I know that some may not be in the same situation. 

For my job, I am very thankful. 

#thankfulmomma 

Saturday, November 21, 2015

::Thankful:: Friends


Meeting new people in the last 34 years hasn't been hard. I have had several jobs, volunteer opportunities and with blogging my networking scope has widened so much. Along the way a lot of those connections and acquaintances have become true friends. Friends who follow me, encourage me, push me, support me and just genuinely care about me. I am thankful for them and all that they bring to my life.  I am thankful for their honest opinions and happy thoughts. I am thankful for their friendships and for always putting up with me. 

For them I am thankful! 

#thankfulmomma 

Friday, November 20, 2015

::Be Thankful:: Family




It's easy to remind ourselves of the people we should be thankful for I am thankful for my family. My parents, who have sacrificed so much, worked so hard and always loved us. They have always thought about our well-being and wanted the best for us. We all have our shortcomings, we all have our faults. But, that has not stopped them from moving us forward, pushing us on and reminding us what family really is. Thankful for my brothers and my sister, without them I don't think I would know what responsibility is. Without them I wouldn't have had long time companionship, someone to fight with, someone to nag at. Without my family, I would have nothing. 

For them, I am thankful. 

Please follow us for the next 7 days as I tell you what I am most thankful for during this holiday season. 

#thankfulmomma 

Thursday, November 27, 2014

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/

                 

         

::Thankful:: #30daysofaffirmation

If you follow us on Instagram then you know that I started a 30 days of affirmation challenge more so for myself but then I started receiving such positive feedback and I hope it will help others as well. 




There are so many times in my life when I have lost sight of the who and the why. 

I lose sight of truth and instead have in the past focused on the wrong people or others' dreams when I should be focused on my family of 4 ::Team Gomez:: and OUR dreams. 

Today, I am thankful. 

For my family. My Hubby, my Dos amazing children who have brought the true meaning of my life to be and have created my passion and dreams. 

Today, I am thankful for my purpose and my focus on who and why I have made it this far. 

Thankful for my family. My Momma, my Dad, my Sister , Nephew and my Brothers. They have all been here for me in huge ways and no matter how bad it has all shaped me to be the person I am today. Driven and ambitious but definitely grounded and realistic. I have not reached all my goals but slowly I will make my dreams come true. 

And, for that I am thankful. 

I am also thankful for my extended family {especially the 3 best Tia's ever; Ale, Erica & 'Nanielle} and of course my friends, not only those people I have met along the way in person but also all of the beautiful online family who support and love me as much as I support and love them. 

For that I am thankful. 

I am thankful for my life, my vision, my home, my job and my future. 

Everyday I am thankful for so many people and so many instances of grace and life..... not just today... 

What about you, what are you thankful for?



{Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

Monday, November 24, 2014

Luminaries Craft for the Holiday's #childrenscrafts

Are you looking for a fun and easy way to keep your children busy during the Holiday season, one way is by creating these easy Luminaries. Inspired by a quick Google search one afternoon. I am visual person so I like to Google images of crafts or ideas that I can create with my children. My kids are also very hands on especially my Cami. They love cutting shapes or paper in general and using their handy-dandy glue-sticks, skills they are learning in pre-school. I decided to help them create these easy kid-friendly centerpieces.



If you too want to help your children create these fun and very easy luminaries to shine some light on your upcoming Holiday dinners here is what you will need: 




  1. Simple White Paper Bags
  2. Tissue Paper
  3. Stickers for added decorations
  4. Scissors-not pictured
  5. Glue Sticks-not pictured
  6. Candles-not pictured - I used small/medium size candles in glass holders 
{Please remember that the candles can become very hot, they are only for temporary lighting and should be in sight at all times as well as turned off over night.} 




  • First; we cut shapes in our paper bags: I opened the bags, folded them in half and cut simple shapes. 
  • Then we cut our Tissue Paper shapes; such as snowflakes, Christmas trees and a flower. {I traced the shapes for my kids and helped them cut them out.}
  • We then glued them to our bags and placed our candles inside.
It was so easy, my children loved the fun Holiday activity.  Are you doing any fun Holiday crafting? Please share some of your favorites with us! 

Thursday, November 20, 2014

::Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinners:: #thankfulthursday

This time next week our little family will be eating a semi-traditional Thanksgiving dinner. My parents are truly Mexican. Not just throwing that out there but it is a fact.  They want salsa and tortillas with their Turkey every year, no matter how non-traditional that may be. Growing up I never had a problem with it, I was used to it. It was later in my years of life that I felt like my parents were just being difficult.  Then I had children. Seems your perspective is clouded before you have kids.

I changed my views, feelings and thoughts on situations like this. I now embrace my parents’ ways. I embrace our roots and accept new traditions. That’s what Thanksgiving was about right? Not just adopting America as our new country but also accepting the coming together of cultures and embracing our life in the American’s and theses differences.

Which is why now, our thanksgiving table is never lacking in tortillas and salsa. Oh yea and our leftovers are always interesting. Either, taquitos dorados or enchiladas, this year I am thinking Turkey Enchilada soup!  I mean come on, is there any other way!?

These days we accept all new foods to our Thanksgiving dinner table, not just because it’s delicious but because I want my children to be open to new ways and foods.  What better time then Thanksgiving to create a melting pot of traditions. I am extremely thankful of my family and our difference, it makes us who we are and stronger as a unit! 

I know we all have very different non-traditional ways of celebrating during the Holiday season and I always love listening and learning from those around me. 

I learned about the awesomeness that happens at my friend Alba’s house of Independent Mami and trust me, I want to be there!!!  She is Salvadorean and her Momma makes an amazing, from what I hear, Pan con Chumpe! She has pictures on her Pinterest board and let me tell you. I almost ate my phone!! Ha.


What are your most favorite non-traditional dishes or family rituals for Thanksgiving? 

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch ::Picture Overload:: #wordlesswednesday

A couple of weekends ago we visited San Antonio and one of our must stop places to visit was the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch  we didn't know how REAL and how CLOSE the animals would be.

Here is what we experienced in pictures!







The adventure was one of kind. We had so much fun and were even "attacked" by the animals. NOT in a bad way. It was all in good fun! These animals are aware of all the interested visitors and I feel they kind of put on a show to make it all more REAL!





But, just in case...we kept the windows rolled UP when we went past the show-offs! HA.



 My Husband tried to talk the Zebra into walking over to the truck... 
 He quickly rolled the window back up..haha. 
 I rolled the window up too!! 


{We did not harm the animals and they did not harm us! }

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Inner Peace I want that....




We all have difficult times in our lives when all we want is peace. These days, I truly don't have many difficulties in my life and most are just a matter of my own perspective. NO my life is not perfect, I just don't allow too much to get to me anymore. 

The year is quickly coming to an end and it's that time again to revisit, "New Years Resolutions" which from now on I will be calling... "Life Goals"! Don't really care what year it is anymore... I just want to do more, be me and live my life to the fullest

I wrote about them here last year and I chose my focus word to be PEACE. And, while I have gained peace in so many areas of my life... worries, weight and with my family... I started to lack it and my motivation in my 8 to 5:00 p.m. job. Which I never really write about for personal reason. But, yes. I had recently lost motivation and purpose in my position, But, through speaking to an old co-worker now Momma/Faith friend and to a new connection from Blogalicious, who happens to be a magnificent life/career Coach, Boni. I was able to find some clarity. Some light and thoughts into my situation. All very very very helpful!

Inner peace. I want that. It's all I have been thinking about since speaking with these two ladies!

I know it will not be an easy process but I will take it one day at a time. One peaceful affirmation at a time and just continue to grow and learn from my experience. I will take small steps everyday to reach my goals and be better from the inside out. I deserve it and so does my family.

If you are Instagram follow me, I also started a 30 days of affirmations challenge!






Monday, November 17, 2014

:: 5 Lessons I want my kids to learn from Traveling::



::Life is too Short::
Life is too short, we work so hard everyday, it is only fair to as they say....play hard as well! I want my children to enjoy their childhood, so many children don't get to experience this. It's a difficult world and there are some things that I want to make easy for my kids. Having fun and laughing together is so important. There is also the balance of not spoiling them or giving them everything they want. It will be a challenge I am sure. I want them to appreciate us as parents, the world as a whole and the fact that not everything comes easy. 

::Wisdom/Acceptance:: 
Learning cultures, languages and life in other places of the world is something that I am very happy to have learned about growing up. You will be surprised the ignorance in our world and how much people don't know about other cultures, ways of life or parts of the world. I want my children to rise above that and know that the world is filled with differences that should be learned about, acknowledged and at times simply accepted. I don't want my children to be blinded or sheltered from reality. The world is what it is.


::To Explore/Discover::
The best way for my children to gain real life experience and to grow as tiny individuals is by allowing them to explore and discover! What better way then for them to discover, than to travel and introduce them to new places, new life, new culture. Their little brains are developing and taking it all in, such an amazing time to teach and fill not only their minds but hearts, spirits and souls as well.



::Try new things::
My Hubby and I will always willing to try something at least once; new food, new activity, new adventures... we want our children to be the same; adventurous, easy going and to live life to the fullest. For me the only way to do this is to step outside of your comfort zone and do just one thing that you wouldn't do daily. Life becomes so routine it's easy to get stuck in doing the same thing day in and day out, instead I want us to do new things that will bring our family closer and help us learn more about one another and our surroundings. 

::Family Travel {& Time} is Important::
My Husband traveled as a children with his parents, mostly to Mexico but all he knows is it was the best memories he has of his family and his childhood. For me, I like to say that my parents were nomads, we traveled to live in almost every major city in Texas. Dallas, Houston and "the Valley" or South Texas. We also lived in Detroit, Michigan and traveled many years to and from Detroit to Texas. We also visited family in several areas of Mexico. Again, those are some of the best memories I have from my childhood. My parents and siblings together as a unit. And, it's what I want for my children.



What about you, how do you help your children learn more about the world around us?

Thursday, November 13, 2014

::Blogalicious:: Conference Recap

{::Momma Disclosure:: This is not a compensated post. I was invited to Blogalicious by Texas Latino Bloggers. All opinions expressed are my own personal opinions.}




Friday morning, I boarded the Mega-Bus in Katy, Texas near Houston and headed out to San Antonio! My second trip by myself , since my children were born and maybe since I have been married. It's always exciting at first and soon after I start to miss the chaos I leave behind. I was so excited about the Mega-bus that I never took a picture. It was a good experience, I booked my trip for $15.00. The bus was clean and comfy, the trip took about 2 1/2 hours. {For more pictures find me on Instagram @mommaofdos !}

I arrived in San Antonio and was greeted by my friends Alba Michelle at the bus stop. We walked a couple of blocks to the Westin on the Riverwalk where I hit the ground running! I started with lunch and went on to attend afternoon sessions and to meet all of the amazing sponsors.



Later that night I had the opportunity to attend a dinner sponsored by Tylenol and their #smilingitforward #ad campaign, please visit their website for details. The campaign will donate $1.00 for every smiling photo of our children that we upload on their site. The funds are donated to the Children's Health Fund. During the dinner we discussed our own concerns or questions about our families and children's health. It was so informative and a great way to learn more about what other Momma's think about different health issues in the Latino community. This was also a wonderful opportunity to meet and chat will all of the Latina bloggers at the event. We then broke away into a smaller group and set out on a mini-girls night out! It didn't last long we were exhausted but it was so much fun!



Saturday morning; I took the challenge of waking up early {at 6:30 a.m.} and joined some of the other amazing bloggers  from Blogalicious for a Photo-walk on the Riverwalk! It was very informative our Photography guru was Candace her pictures and perspective are very unique. She gave some great tips which allowed us to capture our early morning site-seeing. If you want to see some of the images captured follow us on Instagram {@mommaofdos} under the hashtag #begreatb6pics.

That afternoon I was able to attend sessions given by some of my personal favorites including a very inspirational lunch about embracing your failures and learning from them given by Kathy Cano-Murillo of Crafty Chica. {I wish I had a glitter font, she deserves to have a sparkly name!} She spoke about eliminating self-doubt and "throwing away the inner sergeant whistle". When I attend this kind of session I feel re-energized, inspired and motivated. It's a wonderful feel-good session filled with so many emotions. Kathy never disappoints, when she speaks she is sure to motivate you to do more! Who can say no to her positive energy and always smiling face!  

I also attended Pintrest/Facebook Engagement sessions both equally important for gaining traffic to my little ol'blog. In all, the sessions were great and I walked away rich in information.    

Personally I have learned something new at every conference that I attend and they have all helped build my blog in positive new ways!


What I gain at each conference:

::Connections:: Real life and in-person. It's just so different once you meet all of the amazing writers, photographers and inspiration speakers in person and can actually talk to them! 

::Perspective:: I usually come away with a new perspective in so many different areas of life and blogging. Everything just seems to shift into a positive and hopeful direction. 

::New Tips Acquired:: I am not a newbie blogger but I learn something new everyday! 

::A Mini-Girls Getaway:: The past few conference have just felt like fun little girlfriend getaways and it's so relaxing and a great way to relieve some daily stress for this Momma of Dos. 

::Inspiration/Motivation:: Every writer and person at the conference adds a little to my spirit and motivation. I am always so inspired when I listen to other's story, their struggles and how they have overcome all obstacles to be where they are. 

{TOMORROW :: HUGE PICTURE POST!}

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

{Blogging?} Que es Eso?

It's what I feel like the last couple of months if it weren't for my deadlines over at  Houston Mom's Blog and Houston Latina Bloggers ,I probably wouldn't be writing at all.

It's been busy and now it's cold so I have excuses. Ha.

{It's funny but when tough times come not many are around, it helps you appreciate the silence and those who are willing to not only listen but help when help is needed. The last few weeks have been difficult because you know Life is that way sometimes. I don't like to complain {but I do, I am human right? Definitely try to change this...daily.}, I don't like to "over-share" my troubles {as funny as that may sound, considering I have a blog and am all over all the social media sites.} and I don't tend to dwell {at least not anymore} on people, situations or thoughts.}

These days, what happened today. Well it pretty much stays there. My children and my Hubby need me on a day to day basis. They hear me out and I move on.



With that said. Life is busy and complicated some days. I can't promise much but I will say this...feel free to look around, check out my Facebook page I am there daily! We have a neat daily post going on right now; our November Thankful countdown to Thanksgiving where we share what we are thankful for on a daily basis.

I also have the following sites where you can follow me and keep up to date on what is going on with us:

Pintrest:http://pinterest.com/mommaofdos/
Twitter:https://twitter.com/MommaofDosTX
Instagram:@mommaofdos


{ I don't believe life was meant to be easy, if not what fun would that be...every day can be a challenge but overcoming those challenges are not only adventures but definitely worth it. A learning experience in every moment good or bad.}

~Just sayin'