::Writing the Next Chapter in Life::

Sunset, Destin, Florida 2017 

Not every story begins with a once upon a time or ends with a happily ever after... at least not in the way one might think. We all create the lives we want, based on the choices we make, our societal perceptions and truly the deck that life throws at you. I can't be upset about what someone else has that might be better than my situation, or circumstance. We all work hard to get to where we are, and if we don't put the work in and strive for better then, we remain. And, sometimes people are okay with this. 

Growing up I knew that going to college, getting married, having a career and kids was the "right" way of doing things. Even though no one else in my family had really followed this path, I did it all in this exact order. Along the way, life has thrown SO many obstacles at us, as life would, but we worked hard and created the life we wanted and deserved. But, then again, we don't always control certain circumstances or life's events and things can change suddenly and drastically. 

For years I've sought to figure out who I am. What I want and where I am going with this whole passion for writing and inspiring working moms deal. I've had my share of nay-sayers, people who didn't believe in me or what I was trying to achieve. For what, for who and why? In part because they didn't understand it, and honestly for a long time, I didn't either. 

I've never given up though. 

I've continued to build and grow my community of women, my tribe of Momma bosses, not truly knowing where I wanted to go with it. Do I know now? Probably not as clear as I would like. What I do know is that now my journey has created a new path. One where even though I might be judged and looked at like I've made the biggest mistake of my life, I can tell you that I've made the best choice for me. It's been a period of true transition for us here at Momma of Dos for a little over 9 months now. By us, I mean my children, myself and their dad. We now live in separate households and have created different routines and are continuously trying to establish a new normal for us all. A lot harder than one might imagine. All of this is new to us; the transition, the two homes, the arrangements and details of it all.  Lots of sadness, confusion, pain and hurt. 

But, I am not giving up now..... 

This blog has chronicled MANY, many years of our lives together. Now, our lives are being lived on two separate paths. It's not been easy and there is so much more I will share as I can. I appreciate the love, support, and respect of those on my social media outlets, in our immediate circle, in our families and our friends.  For obvious reasons, I have not been able to share, nor did I feel I had to, what was going on as openly as most would have liked but I feel we are getting to a place where I can be a little more open about it all. 

Things are still a little difficult and details are still falling into place but we are all moving forward and trying to make sense of a hard situation. 

Please note, I do not share this as a victim. I share this from a place where I have made decisions for myself that I felt were best for me moving forward.  I could sit and share all the negative and bad of the last few months, but that's not my plan at all for this space.  

:: Freaky Friday at the Alley Theater:: June 2 - July 2, 2017 #sponsored

::Momma Disclosure::  My family and I were invited to attend Freaky Friday in exchange for this review, but all opinions and statements are true and my own.

::Reasons why I take my children to the theater::

When we thought it was the right time we took the kids to see live theater because my Husband and I believe in age appropriate activities. The first year I was worried, but then we went again last year and I realized how much they loved it. When we were invited to see Freaky Friday live on stage, this year, I accepted for the following reasons. And, I was very happy with our choice to go! 

1) Ignites Creativity- My kids LOVE the arts, they are young but love movies, acting, dancing, exploring what they can create. Yes, we are the kind of parents who tell their kids they can do anything. Because well, honestly I feel you can. They may not have all the resources currently but we support them and if they are truly passionate about something we will stand behind them. And, live theater, truly inspires you and awakens the creativity within!

2) Finding your passion- As stated my kids are at that age where they are truly seeking, and exploring the world and all it's possibilities. We want to expose our children to an atmosphere that will allow them to seek and find their true passion. Until now Camila and Santiago have done dance, baseball, soccer and they are constantly writing and drawing. I want their tiny brains to absorb as much as they can and develop in any area possible. Next, I think we need to find some quiet instruments for them to try. Is that possible? 

3) Self-expression- We constantly encourage full expression, verbal, written, dance, acting, or anything the kids need to do to help them express themselves. I know we sound super carefree and free-flowing, we are and we aren't. I'm super strict because of how I grew up and my Husband is the opposite.  So we tend to provide a good balance for my kids, you know the neurotic mom who yells every 2 seconds versus the laid-back dad who lets the kids reach their ultimate limits. But, we both agree that allowing the kids to express themselves and have a voice in our house and family is important. The arts tend to bring out that unique very deep down type of self-expression. 

And, my husband and I love seeing what our kids come up with, I'm sure every parent is the same. Amused by the speck on the paper and we call it a Picasso and enroll our kids in the top art programs in your city. NO? Just me? 

:: Reasons why I loved Freaky Friday::

I have never seen the Disney movie, but I loved the play. The story is about a teenager still grieving her father's death and maybe not knowing exactly how to grieve or cope with her feelings So, she's, of course, rebellious and sad. Her Momma is a "composed well put-together person", or so she seems, who is also seeking to move on and in the process has forgotten how hard life was as a teen. It's such a great play with GREAT points of conversation for every family; loss of a parent, losing yourself as a parent, wanting to be part of the in-crowd as a teen, trying to find your path or place within your family as a child. My kids really took a lot away from it. 

Camila said that she learned  that you should never break things that will change your life. 

Santiago said he learned that you don't have to be like anyone else. Just be yourself. And, that the Momma and daughter duo had exchanged or switched souls. 

The three main points that I felt came from the play were:

• Self-love- at one point both the momma and daughter realize how much they should embrace who they are and where they in life. It touches on body-image for the younger crowd and even as a parent. Self-love is so important. Not being SO wrapped up in the day to day and looking at the small things in life that make you who you are and happy. 
• Parenting- This is so complicated. Kids don't come with a how-to book, and it's hard. You will mess up and that's OK. But, when you least expect it, you realize you are doing your best and that's all that matters! No one has it down perfect and we don't have to be. 
• Mother/Child relationship- It's important to remember that you were once a child and that life can be hard for kids nowadays. Filled with daily school pressures and stresses. We weren't born knowing everything. And, we should be patient with our kids, easier said than done for sure, when adulthood can be so hard itself! 

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::3 Things I've Learned Since Becoming a Mom to Three:: Guest Blogger

Today on the blog we have one of my favorite Guest Bloggers, Bailey of Everyday with Bay! Enjoy.
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So 3's a crowd huh? Or at least 3 kids is to most people! I just don't get it. Nor do I want to! The way most people have a negative outlook on families with 3 kids is something that has frustrated me for awhile now! I can't tell you how many people told us to stop when we had "the perfect family" with one boy & one girl!  I get it, that may be perfect for some but that wasn't perfect for us and that's okay! My 3 kids are my world and I think it's so crucial to do what you feel is best for you & your family! I've always wanted 4 babies and some part of me still does, but my hubs does not so we have 3 and whatever happens I was made to be the mama of these 3 babes!

::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.

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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.... 

::Be Free::

Don’t you wish you were a kid again? 

Just the other day my sweet friend Kristy from @sevengraces posted a picture of her daughter, having fun on a hot Houston weekday afternoon. I told her; "Don’t you wish you were a kid again?"  I mean they have SO much fun. I often question; did I have this much fun when I was a kid? I need to ask my Momma about this.

But, my Husband says it after almost every weekend about our kids- “Connie, these kids had a BLAST this weekend!" Truth is my kids have a blast every weekend. No matter what. No matter where. No matter how little or much we do. They always have a blast! Some weekends will end and my son will say, "Mom, I had so much fun."

And, it makes me happy.

Isn’t that the point of being a kid? To have fun and enjoy life. As a parent I feel responsible for nourishing this sense of excitement and adventure. Making them happy and knowing that they are being kids. Knowing that you can help preserve their childhood, their innocence, create amazing memories and be the reason why they can simply be happy little beings.

::Here are 3 simple ways you can allow your children to be kids and simply have fun::

::Allow their imagination to Run Wild:: 

Some days our kids have the craziest ideas. We try never to shoot them down or make fun. We listen. We might giggle or laugh; but we encourage them to keep telling us about their play-time, thoughts, ideas and crazy plans. They consistently come to us with their thoughts because they trust us, and let me tell you some are VERY serious thoughts.

In all we love to help them grow their imagination and allow them to be themselves.

::Let them be themselves::

When you see me post about my kids or pictures of them, know that these are RARELY posed and never something that I make up. If you know my children you will know that all that is portrayed in pictures, tantrums and all, are very REAL. We allow them to be themselves. We embrace them good or bad and we know that in the future it will all be good for them and their adaptation to the world around them.

Their personalities and character shine bright.  They are who they are. Take it or leave it. 

::Let them be FREE:: 

I am a parent who needs to know where my child is, what they are doing, who they are with. Trust me, daycare was a daily struggle. Going out in public is scary for me. But, at the same time I want to give my children the freedom to explore and learn. To be free in their environment and know that they can do anything. I don’t’ want them to be scared of the world around us. I want them to be safe but be aware. And, while I allow them to explore freely, I also maintain a close watch on their every move. This won’t always be possible and I have to trust a little and let go.

But, for now they are free to move about….

What are some of your favorite childhood memories and how do you let your children be free? 

::Queridos Hijos:: #LessonsLearned

::Dear Children:: 

If you’re a Momma or are around children then you know that moment in the movie “The Croods” were Grug decides to throw his family over the cliff into the light knowing that he would disappear into the darkness. It’s an intense moment; as a parent making life changing and difficult decisions that may or may not ultimately benefit your family as a whole, is a challenge.

It’s what we do though and sometimes we have to make these difficult decisions even if our family members don’t understand why. In the end we know they are necessary for us to move forward to evolve and grow! As a Momma I make these decisions daily maybe right now, not as difficult as those made by Grug but I make decisions none-the-less. The decisions are sometimes filled with fears and doubt of what the outcome may be but they are always made with the best intentions at heart.  

I know that one day as my children you will probably “hate me” for not allowing you to go out and do some random activity with your friends  but trust me “es por tu bien”. And, I pray that when you achieve and accomplish you will be able to see the light and understand why as parents we make the choices that we make.

I love you so intensely everyday more and more!

Love, 

Momma

Picture Credit; Obtained from http://www.fanpop.com/

{Instructions Not Included} Movie Review

{::Momma Disclosure:: This is not a compensated or sponsored post. This review was not required but we did receive free admission from Cinemark. All opinions and thoughts expressed below are original and my own.}

::No se Aceptan Devoluciones::

::photo credit:: Instructions Not Included Facebook Fan Page::

Siempre e sido fan de Eugenio Derbez, es un cómico único y su modo de interpretar a diferentes personajes siempre me ha encantado. 

When I heard about this movie, I honestly had no idea that it had Eugenio written all over it. Then it came out. People I knew started filling their social media sites with pictures of long lines and others waiting to watch the film. Then, Eugenio Derbez appeared on Jimmy Fallon. I realized, I really need to see this movie. Not because Eugenio Derbez was on Jimmy Fallon but because EUGENIO DERBEZ was on Jimmy Fallon. 

For a long time "Mexicans" have been "portrayed" in American films and for the first time; a Mexican was staring in his own film being released in the U.S.. A long awaited moment for Mexicans in the U.S.. I know this film and this actor may not represent all Hispanics/Latinos in the U.S. but he represents many. And, sure some of those other movies may or may not have us figured out but for the first time, it's real. I can identify on a whole new level. 

The movie is a beautiful reminder that life, is so fragile, no matter where you were born or what race you are. That we should all live life to the fullest. And, guess what.... that LIFE is not that serious. I say it everyday but today I believe it a little more. 

Instructions Not Included was also hilarious, I mean what did you expect...it's Eugenio. The jokes though,  I will admit, if you follow the English Subtitles get a little lost in translation, como las cosas de doble sentido. 

To me one of the most visible reasons why this film is doing so amazing is that; the U.S. is filled with not only avid movie goers but Mexican movie goers. Movie goers who know exactly who Eugenio Derbez is and his history in Mexican comedic television.

The theater we attended was packed with Spanish speaking Hispanic families. The entire theater laughed at every joke and clapped once it was over. It's a none stop journey through life as not only a Single Parent but through Parenthood, which I could definitely relate with. Eugenio's take on becoming a Single Father and embracing it shows courage and the fact that sometimes..it happens to Dad's too. 

My favorite parts were all the scenes that showoff Mexico's beautiful landscape, the fact that his Daughter doesn't look like a "typical Mexican" and that she was fully Bilingual. I also loved that it brought together so many well known Mexican actors like "Lola la Trailera" and Eugenio's own wife, Alessandra, with a group of up and coming actors like the beautiful and young Loreto Peralta.  

It's a heartfelt story that will change your heart, about a Daughter/Father relationship and their attempt to take over the world, one day at a time. I challenge you to watch the film and not feel inspired as a parent, as an individual and as a Mexican seeking your purpose and your place in this country. Definitely one I will purchase once it comes out on DVD.

A classic film in the making....