::FLASH:: Friday #canon

I started practicing my photography skills. Mostly because I am obsessed with pretty pictures. I love seeing photographers' work and often wonder, could I ever have that kind of unique vision? 

So, I started seeking it. 

Usually when I set my mind on something, I get it done. There is not much that can stop me from an end product that I love and want to share. I try really hard. I might not be the best but I do love everything I do. 

Here is what I have come up with. 

::March Momma of Dos Photography::

{PLEASE NOTE ALL PHOTOGRAPHY IS PROPERTY OF MOMMA OF DOS, PLEASE DO NOT USE OR REPLICATE UNLESS YOU HAVE ASKED FOR PERMISSION. 

THANK YOU.}

::OVERWHELMED::

Last year I attended a Women's conference, the name "Overwhelmed" the message, well yes...Overwhelming. In a good way. 

Ever since then I carry a blue pen in my purse and the word on it speaks out to me every time I use it.

Overwhelmed.

I used the pen this past weekend at yet another faith-filled mini-seminar, this time for couples. It was a message of Intimacy, yes in a physical way but more importantly in a Spiritual and Emotional manner.

And, it's something that I have taken with me all week. 

Why do I become overwhelmed? Well, because I am now a Momma and doing is well what I do! Then there are passions that I have like Volunteering and this here Blog. And, 8 hours of crazy work days, plus a house to maintain and children's birthday parties and family parties and all kind of other meet-ups and fun life activities to do!

How do I recognize that I can become overwhelmed? I remind myself that while it would be fun to meet Sid the Science kid at 9 am on a Saturday morning at the Children's museum, my 4 year old and almost 3 year old wouldn't mind sleeping in and eating pancakes instead. They have no matter what we do. I remind myself that while I can get free tickets to the Children's festival by blogging about it, I can also go to the park that same day and enjoy my family in a less crowded space.

How do I make peace with not being overwhelmed? I allow my heart and soul to take over my life rather than the world.

Yes, all of these activities are great and I do participate in a lot of things during the week; Rodeo work, work Work, Bible Study, mentoring and preparing for new Blogging experiences..but my children and my Husband are not me.

They enjoy down time and relaxing and I should respect them. Stressing them out with daily and weekend schedules is well overwhelming. Allowing our family to just be, gives us more peace and more rest to enjoy not only each others company but also the smaller things in life that we tend to ignore when we try to fill our calendars with so much of everything else.

While my calendar quickly fills-up with my responsibilities and passions...my families calendar sits still and remains in peace, and that works for us.... 

What about you? How do you remain in control and not allow yourself to become overwhelmed? 

{Children} #stoptheviolence #prayer

Speaking life, truth and positivity into my children's lives is so important to me.

In the midst of the horrible tragedy on Friday morning in CT, all I could think about is my kids. My home. This is where the teaching begins. Right now my kids are little, they are overactive and they are, well, kids filled with tantrums and outburst. My Husband and I are fairly new at this but we have attempted to take on a different approach with every tantrum. Out of frustration in the past I have had different reactions, these days I realize that if I keep cool, calm and collected {my Husband usually is} then my children will listen to me better. In return I pray that they too are learning that reacting in a cool, calm and collected way is the way to approach most situations in life. To keep a level head and to stay positive with your words and your actions.

The teaching, I know, begins at home. It's what my mind kept telling me on Friday morning and throughout the day. Respect. Respect those around you, especially your elders as long as they never harm you physically. In which case it is OK, to tell them to stop and leave you alone and to tell Momma and Daddy about it. {We are teaching my kids who is allowed in their personal space, it's a must!}

My Husband and I have vowed to stay on the same terms with every situation. If he says no, I say no. If he says it's ok then I say it's ok, all within reason. With every situation we attempt to understand and explain to my son and daughter and be reasonable with them, because even at a young age, they are more than absorbing everything we say, do and how we react. We've learned that the hard way... i.e. curse words.

Sometimes though, I do feel that even though the parents of some of these people who commit horrific acts are as cool, calm and collected and attempt to vocalize their concerns with their children, there comes a point when actions and words become something faint and these troubled men and women, will do what they want regardless. I know the importance of speaking up, speaking to my children about every aspect of their lives because my Momma did that with us and she still does. No matter how uncomfortable the conversation got my Momma never let me leave the room feeling confused or with doubts. And, I always knew how much she loved me and that every action she took was for my benefit and because she loved me! Even to this day. 

We will attempt to capture their minds and dig deep into their hearts to open up about life, outcomes and staying healthy not only physically but mentally as well, but what happens when these kids do what they want anyway. Have we failed? Where have we failed?

All, I know is that I vow to not only pray boldly for my children on a daily basis but to show up in a bold manner in their lives and in ever single aspect of their lives. My children are my world and I don't want them to harm or be harmed.

Prayer. Counseling. Respect.

::Dear God, Teach me to be the parent my children need in their lives and to allow them to grow with each experience as I guide them through life and you guide our families and community. I pray that you protect my children, keep them safe and shield them from harm. I know that life is filled with failures, doubt and disappointments but PLEASE dear Lord, teach my children that there is hope, a shinning light and Your Love NO MATTER WHAT or how many times they fall, and that You and us as their parents will be there to help them get back up and on track! Allow my children to see the good in people but to be cautious of evil that surrounds us on a daily basis, never to be blinded by ignorance, never to be so naive that they don't sense danger or people who want to take advantage of them, and to always be aware that Jesus is the way and the path to take when in doubt. I pray, in Jesus name. Amen. Thank You, Lord!::

{Momma of Dos} ♥ ♥

I know I have said this before, but I didn't picture my life here. As a Momma and Wife. I knew maybe, one day God would Bless me with children, but I didn't know He would BLESS me with children. Becoming a Momma has been one of the most amazing, most rewarding, most beautiful Blessings that God has given me in this life. I don't think I have ever felt this way about any other "accomplishment" in my life.

I was an ambitious one. It runs through my veins I guess. I knew I wanted success and I was set out to get there. Until I started gaining "real world" success and I thought, this is nothing. There has to be more. Something better has to come. OH.BOY. Did it ever! The "MORE" was an almost 9 month "ordeal"{really ALMOST 9 months, but technically 8 months and 2 weeks.}. I mean I was creating life, it had to be grand right? I didn't feel grand, I was huge, in pain, swollen, I was on a diet for my Gestational Diabetes, I was, yep, PREGNANT!

I thought;"this will be good."

Then, September 16th came in 2009 and I was ready. Ready to meet this new little person, that by the grace of God I had grown in my belly. This new little man in my life. What would he look like? Who would he look like? What would he be like? ::and the tears build as I type:: The feelings build up as I think about it. What would he become? How big of a Blessing would he be?

Then he arrived.

His entrance. A memorable one. His first glance. Heart piercing. His first embrace. Like nothing I had ever, EVER felt before. Life. It was complete. It was an awe inspiring one. I didn't know what to do with myself. I knew I wanted to spend every waking moment with him. I knew I didn't want to sleep so I could watch him sleep. I knew. That the "MORE", was being a Momma.

God gave me many failed opportunities at being of this world. At becoming a "supervisor" in my worldly jobs. Every time, I was so disappointed. I was so devastated. I was a failure.

Then, I become a Momma and NOTHING. ELSE. MATTERED. EVER. AGAIN. My success, my accomplishment was living.

Then came 2011. The success was magnified even more. Not only would God have allowed me (had trusted me, had specifically chosen me) to live through one amazing moment, but DOS. Her pregnancy was so much easier. I knew what to except and planned for it. It wasn't so bad. I gained less weight, was not so sick and was used to the meal plan. Her birth. Just like her, dramatic but sweet. {Oh you haven't met Cami? That girl is some drama! Ha. But she is also my sweet little feisty one.}

These days I share giggles and prayers with them. And that Supervisor job..I have it... times TEN. I don't mind it. God knows I can handle it. Is it perfect? Never. Is it awesome? Absolutely. Am I accomplished? I am Blessed beyond my wildest dreams.

Being this Momma of Dos is molding me into the Momma that my Dos will need as they grow through this world and attempt at their own failed accomplishments until they too find their way.....

Just because I am happy doesn't mean I am perfect. God didn't create this life to be easy but to be lived. With peace. Happy and in Love. With Faith and hope. Above all with Jesus as the center of our families. I pray that God is in our home and that He will guide this Momma into the Blessing that my children need as they mature into the people that God has them planned to be.

I didn't plan this path but I chose to follow it with all my heart no matter what or where it leads me for Him and for them....

And, life has NEVER been the same.... or better than where I am now... ever....

{This post is part of my Identity Series with the previous posts ::HERE::. Inspired by one beautiful Momma named Vanessa over at DE SU MAMA. By the way; Huge CONGRATS to her and her beautiful family!!! She just had a handsome little gentleman named, Sebastian Richard!!!!}

{Marriage} ♥

I figure June was about Me {and turning the B-I-G 30!}. August will be about my Husband. {Not only is our 5 year Anniversary this month, but so is his 32nd Birthday! {Yes, I know he is OLD! HA. I joke.}

I know that no relationship is perfect....

But, what makes a relationship work?

Not only are relationships not perfect but neither are people ::insert horribly fake surprised face here:: {HA.}

I know this...trust me..I know. 

What I have learned in my  FIVE years of Marriage {and 12 years on this journey with my Husband}is this:

Communication is Key, but Silence is truly is Golden {How do they say...know when to pick your fights...oh.boy. is this true.}

You must be sincere. No room for being selfish. Life is no longer about you. {It's about TWO!}

It's about TWO {becoming ONE}. IT'S ABOUT TWO. {In Marriage NO MATTER what; you leave everyone EVERYONE else behind and become TWO. NO ifs, ands or buts about it. No joke.}

Truth. It ALWAYS comes out. If you lie. You are only, ONLY lying to yourself. There should be NO hiding. 

When it comes time to face a problem. You face it. There is no where to run...{other than to God}

You have to be consistent. In what you DO {actions speak louder than words}, in what you say, and in what you expect.

You can't change HIM. He can't change YOU. You are who are. You are with one another. You've accepted that. 

You must be persistent. In your Love and in your FAITH.

With Truth comes Transparency. You have to humble yourself and be trustworthy....

Respectful. Above all. In this day and age Social Networks consume our everyday.... You show respect to yourself and to your spouse at ALL times, no matter what.... or it could come back to haunt you.

Use kind words. Once more. Respectful towards one another. Especially in front of others...

You work TOGETHER towards a common GOAL. We can't each have a separate agenda. {And, our agenda was set forth 12 YEARS AGO. From the beginning we knew that this point that we are at now is where we wanted to be...TOGETHER.}

Together-ness. In ALL that we do! We don't have different schedules. We don't have TWO different families. We have each others backs and we MOVE FORWARD TOGETHER. {Now with children we realize we have to stay strong as a unit, so that our children have a consistent and persistent upbringing. We realize that we will accomplish more UNITED rather than divided!}

Above all we are friends. We talk. We laugh. We live. We share. We dream. We plan. We worship. We praise. We pray. We sing. We fall in love. We have fun. We love on another. We support one another. We are here for one another. There is NO one, no girlfriend, no Mom, no Sister, no Dad, no friend, no co-worker, no Brother, no classmate, no acquaintance that we ever place before God or before each other. He is all I have, and I am he has...that's how we have made it work! 

We have found that GOD has really brought us here. We Love Him and follow HIM, no matter what path he leads us down...because in the end we KNOW that we are NOT ALONE. Never. Ever.

We have FAITH. We have HOPE. Above all we have LOVE.

{Trust me we are NOT perfect....ever.....}

We work at our marriage EVERYDAY. Every hour, every minute, every second.... We WORK TOGETHER at it!!! Just like anything else in life...it's a true WORK IN PROGRESS!!!!

Our want{Love}, need {FAMILY} and ability {GOD} to work at our relationship is what has kept us together for 12 years....

[ I am sure there are many OTHER lessons I have learned....it's been 12 years...there have been many...these are the ones that I can remember right, right now.... ]

The Adjustment Bureau {Movie Review} Double Post Monday

{I don't think I have done this lately, or really more than a couple of times....BTW, I don't get ANY type of compensation for doing this...It's just for fun!}

SO!

Matt Damon.

NUFF'SAID!

Ha. But no, really!

And with his wife...

I mean...seriously...AH-MAY-ZING!

Ok, done now. 

What movie?

Oh yes, yes. {Ha. Ha.}

This movie was more than amazing. And, not just cause of the above mentioned.

This movie. This movie.

Wow.

Purpose, Fate, Free will.

God, Angels..and did I mention Matt Damon?

My Husband and I sat down after a LONG week...a LONG week...A crazy couple of days and exhausted as an understatement and said....we may just fall asleep. Less than half way through the movie we were hooked and by the end of the movie. We wanted more!

I am not even kidding. Ricardo wanted to know what others thought. If I thought the Catholic church would approve.

This movie just affirmed our FAITH in Christ and HIS PLAN and PURPOSE for us to the HUNDREDTH power!

Without spoiling the movie...

We thought it was a Government/Mystery/Thriller... but OH.BOY. Were we wrong. It's a GOD/Divine Purpose/Faith-seeking/THRILLER! {It does have some politics involved but it just affirms the movie as a whole!}

The movie discusses Angels and God's plan for our lives...and the role that fate and free will plays in it all.

I loved it.

My Husband loved it.

We needed it.

It just reminded us that we ARE here because of HIM. That the choices we make will affect the outcome of our lives BUT that when we make GOOD choices those that God tugs at our hearts with constantly, then we can change the course of our plan but ultimately HIS plan is working and moving right along!

It's a romantic LOVE story.

Definitely not for children, as it has strong language and some sexual content...

But, for mature, Faith-seeking adults..I think a TOTAL MUST!!!!

I totally. {We totally} Give it an:

A++ For just being truly amazing!

Cause I'm Human.

I find myself asking; why? A lot lately.

Seeking answers about life in general, about my Faith, about success, about goals?

I love to Blog and would do it fill~time if I could! I love sharing and expressing.

I love when I eventually get feedback...good..or bad... which then leads me to another question; why not?

Is what I say {type/believe in} important?
Does it impact {in a positive family/marriage/Faith oriented manner}?
Does my sharing inspire or make you think?
Is it informative and joyful, and joy filled.....

At what point do I let it go and just write for self-fulfilment, for growth, for sake of keeping track of memories.....

My goal as a full-time outside the home {Christian/Catholic} Working Mommy/Wife "Blogger" is to identify. To create an identity that can be relate-able to MANY, not just to "OTHCWMWB's" {Ha. Came up with that one on my own ::insert cheesy smile here::; it's kinda long I know}

Then I think..am I Bloggy High Maintenance? {Ha.}

What do I need? What do we all need?

After a late night email, some nights ago, with one of my SuperBFF/Momma's of Faith....who mentioned a support group... I came across a book, which another Family Mommy Friend/Aunt gave me when I first took Santi to daycare last year...it's the Houston Mama's Handbook....and then,  it hit me... I am NOT high maintenance and what I Blog about may be of support to just about ANY other Momma out there!

There for...I am calling this my Momma Blog Followers Support forum! {Ha. Man I gotta come up with shorter names!}

If you have ANY resources that we can share PLEASE comment or email me....

WHAT EVER THE RESOURCE MAY BE...

Here are some that I have found over time; We all need a helping hand:

Houston Area Women Center

Women's Resource Center

Crisis Intervention of Houston

Community of Faith

Catholic Charities

WorkForce Solutions

Casa Juan Diego


Please feel free to add....

{Mi Gente, Es Mi Pasion}

Please check out this Blog Post by fellow Houston Blogger {MUCH more successful than I am!} Juan Alanis over at Juan of Words!

It's a very emotional and motivating story about Child Migrant Workers of South Texas...it definitley hit home for me.

 LA COSECHA

{30 things I like to do}

I had to do easy lists since I am behind a couple of days...


Here we go:

{30 things I like {love} to do}

1. Well DUH. I love to BLOG.
2. I love to share.
3. I love to talk!
4. I LOVE spending time with my Family {Hubs, Cami and Santi-most the time}
5. I love creating. 
6. I love crafting {Or "Hobby-Lobbying" as my Husband loves to call it. He gets a kick out of it!}
7. I love shopping for my craft projects.
8. I love to EAT!
9. I love to write.
10. I love reading and will pick up a new book soon! It's a must!!
11. I love thinking of new ideas...
12. I love watching my favorite shows on TV {Come on Idol, Big Bang and Biggest Loser!}
13. I love searching for new Blogs! {I've made a couple of consistent Bloggy finds!}
14. I love to Daydream! {I'm a Dreamer...::sigh::}
15. I love taking pictures of my children and sharing them.
16.  I love taking my kids to the park!
17. I love quiet alone time.
18. I love to sleep in...although I have not done that much lately! {Not that I can't but my body just wakes up everyday at 5:30 no matter what is going on! }
19. I love dressing my little Cami up and taking her out with me!
20. I love running around in my backyard with my son!!
21. I love talking to my Husband about what we will do in the future {God willing that is....}
22. I love planning PARTIES!!!!
23. I love talking on the phone with my sister and my mom....
24. I love browsing websites for new blog design ideas.
25. I love walking in our neighborhood and meeting new neighbors.
26. I love to dance...although we haven't gone in a long time.
27. I love to help others and volunteer...haven't had much time the last almost 3 years.
28. I love organizing events {I have a good one in the works}
29. I love going to Church with my family.
30. I love being me and bringing smiles to peoples faces!

Whew! Next one... 

{30 in 30} ♥

Yes.

In 30 days..I will be 30!


A lot of things are going on right now....as it tends to happen in life...well...life is happening....


Not sure what the next 30 days will bring...but as an added challenge for myself...I want to Blog at least once a day about "30-something" lists.


So...here is the first one.... an easy one... I hope...

[30 Places I have been in the last 30 Years]

1. Houston, Texas {Where my heart is, LOVE}
2. Reynosa, Tamaulipas {FAMILY}
3. Mission, Texas {Hometown}
4. San Juan, Texas {FAITH}
5. New Orleans, Louisiana {Fun times}
6. Destin, Florida {Vacation}
7. Pascagoula, Mississippi {Ricardo's Summer 2010 Internship}
8. Lake Charles, Louisiana {Where my Dad lives}
9. Cuernava, Morelos {Family}
10. Detroit, Michigan {Family/Lived here}
11. Chicago, Illinois
12. Jaral del Progreso, Guanajuato
13. San Miguel de Allende , Guanajuato {IF WE COULD..WE WOULD MOVE HERE}
14. Temixco, Morelos
15. Saltillo, Coahuila
16. San Juan, Puerto Rico {Honeymoon}
17. Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas {Family/Lived here}
18. SLP
19. Michoacan {La Monarca}
20. Austin, Texas {Camping!}
21. San Antonio, Texas {If you live in Texas..it's a must!}
22. Concan, Texas {Camping!}
23. Monterrey, Nuevo Leon
24. Galveston, Texas
25. Veracruz {Too long ago to remember...lol}
26. Mexico City, Mexico
27. Mazapil, Zacatecas {Parroquia de San Gregorio Magno}
28. Hidalgo, Tamaulipas {La Virgen del Chorrito}
29. San Marcos, Texas
30. Tlaquiltenango, Morelos {Las Huertas Balneario}

Most if not all of these places I visited with my Husband.

Most with my parents and a few with my son...

I can't wait to see where else our little family of 4 travels in years to come...

{By the way...this was not as easy as I thought it would be!}

HubChub ♥ God Sent....

In the same day I received TWO devotionals dedicate to Husbands, I spoke to a friend about what she is seeking in a spouse, and I decided to write about my Hubby! {Ha.}

I don't think I've done it in a while... or maybe I have, who knows....

All I know is that my Husband is the best, most amazing man, that has ever been in my life... and who is PERFECT...for ME. Others who know him know that at times his sense of humor is very sarcastic {it runs in his family}, but those who know him, get him..he is who is he {and I am not making excuses..he is the nicest person ever}...not perfect BUT, who is!? I'm NOT. I am though... BLESSED. To have him in my life; 12 years and counting....

In talking to my friend about relationships and what she wants in her spouse, I thought about Ricardo...

Who is he?

He is a man that came into my life like a true angel always providing me with support and Love. No matter what was going on in my life 12 years ago...which was pretty bad.... at the time...he was there...learning and living... just as I was.

We pretty much "grew up" together. He was 20 and I was 18 when we met. I joke and tell the story of how there wasn't an "instant" connection yet deep down inside, I knew I had found the man I would marry.

I really met him 15 years ago; I was 15 he was 17. He was my older cousin's best friend. I was not allowed to talk to boys and my parents were very strict... plus, I lived in South Texas and he lived in Houston. Years went by, I graduated High School and came to Houston to attend the University of Houston.

In my first Summer here; I decided that I was going to focus on school, become a strong independent woman and become a doctor. I swore off fun and boys! It wasn't who I was taught to be. My parents were very strict and I came from a family of "strict" Catholics. And then...I met Ricardo. {Ha.} He was a free spirited yet law abiding, fun-loving, friendly guy. He was {is} smart, focused, and committed. He was {is} loyal, loving, dedicated, and organized. He was {is} stable and responsible. He was {is} strong, affectionate, and gentle. He wasn't sure where he was going but he {instantly} knew {even though he jokes this isn't so} he wanted me to be there with him for the ride.

{Our first date was a "blind date" it wasn't until later that we realized that we had alredy met and on our first date... his dad's car was massivley broken into and my purse was stolen...I wanted to go back to my comfy and SAFE town of Mission in South Texas...but God had other plans...}

I quickly showed him that my life was about working, education and more importantly about Jesus {Faith and Beliefs}. He accepted and joined me. Not knowing his true potential and being very humble he soon realized that our lives and path were not very different after all; he too had goals he wanted to meet and a purpose he knew he wanted to have....

He wanted to own a new car, buy a  house, go out, travel and make friends, he wanted to earn an education and gain a career he wanted to be young and live his life but more importantly he wanted to get married before God and have a family...

He wasn't big on going to church but he followed me there every Sunday... he didn't know the rosary or all his prayers... but we learned together.... he didn't have his First Communion or Confirmation but I helped him get them...he didn't care for a big fancy wedding or lots of gifts....but we set a date and booked the church....

On August 19, 2006 {after 7 YEARS of dating..truly dating...we moved in together about 8 months before the wedding only because he was super responsible about getting us a home before thinking about a big wedding} we met at the altar before God and our family and friends, we put aside 7 years of selfish "singlehood" to unite and become one! We left our parents {no matter WHAT and as selfish as THAT may sound} to form our own family. To prove our LOVE to NO ONE aside from God. To committ to one another in loyaltity and Faith.  To walk beside eachother with Him in Faith. To build eachother up in Christ. Pray over one another with Love. And to cover ourselves with prayer of protection and well being.

And this year after 5 years of marriage..we have not ONE but DOS reasons to Praise Him and Thank Him. For giving us the gift of Love; Love which HE planted and inspired, and we have watered and seen grow.

When I think about my Husband....every time I think about my husband....I think about what you just read...and then some.... I love him, I am Thankful for him and I appreciate him.

{Our lives {and we} are not perfect but our love is and that..is all that matters....}

Reflections and in days to come....

I think back to when I started my Blogging journey. {2008, Wordpress, during Presidential Election, while starting a new job}

My life was "simple". 

I wrote with "passion", for lack of a better word. 

I was sarcastic and funny, honest and real...so I was told. 

I had a great teacher.{Heather Armstrong}

I wrote about life in general and everyday happenings...with a passion.

Then I wrote about my Faith and my journey and purpose through life....with a passion. 

Soon after Motherhood entered my life and I took that on and wrote about my son and being a first time Momma...with  a passion. 

And now.... all of the sudden. 

I'm lost. 

Lost, confused. 

Awe stricken and in shock! 

Ha.

Dramatic a bit?

I mean. Surely, I have plenty of topics to discuss, many "great" thoughts to jot down, "creative" ideas and "fascinating" stories to share. 

Surely! {Ha.}

I mean. 

I just spent 8 weeks at home..."finding myself", recouping and adjusting to life as a Momma of Dos. Voy a creer que no tengo nada de que habldar? No puede ser. {Whoa. What just happened?}

Se me salio lo Mexicana. No entiendo. {Ha.}

I am searching for "me". 

As cliche and played out as that may sound....but I am. I think we have many great opportunities to seek, ourselves, to dig deep inside and figure out who we are...as many times as needed, to recreate who we are and what we want to become, many great opportunities to change and connect.  

I know who I am, I know what and who I love....I just need to start creating it, writing it, Blogging about it all, and making sense of it. 

Life goes on. 

Life is life. 

I am a "normal", "average" and an everyday Momma, Wife and Employee. I know though that God has created me to be EXTRAORDINARY and Purpose filled...and that is what I am after. Now as a Momma of Dos...I feel more encouraged, motivated and inclined to seek that Super Mom within me and allow her to grow and shine!

I know I can connect with some or most or a lot of Mom's out there.... even to single Mom's at times {with my Hubby being a student and employed full-time/part-time}.  And, that is what I am after. I was to inspire and aspire! We are more than just Mommas, Wives, Students and Employees.... we are Great Women created in an Image of God. With Faith, Love, Hope and Strength.

In the days to come; I will go back to work, create a new routine, find better ways to be more organized, find new strength to get it ALL done, renew my Faith, seek Him, and work on Me.

On my Momma con Fe Blog I wrote about seasons...and this is a new one for me... a good one, I hope. 

Welcome to my world as a Momma of Dos..the journey will get a little bumpy {with ups and downs, good and bad times, obstacles and difficulties} so fasten your seat belt..and know that it should be an enjoyable loving and faith-filled journey none the less....and that even though I may fail..because I am human....I will never loose hope... hope in God, myself, my family, or my friends...

Life goes on...and in the end...IT'S NOT THAT SERIOUS PEOPLE! 






 

Momma of Dos.

My life has not been the same the last 29 months. 

I've had DOS {2} children. 

Been pregnant for 16 of the 29 months.

I have a 20 month old and a 7 week old. 

Emotions sometimes run high and other times run low.

My FAITH has grown.

Patience has been built, as I imagine it is only the beginning. Because in case you haven't done the math I will have a 13 and 14 year old on my hands, although I hear the tween-age years are not much easier.

We will also have a 19 year old and an 18 year old, meaning...they will hopefully, be attending college one after the other....

Scary. Sure. Worried. Not really. I know God has brought us this far and if my children { I pray that with our example of being college graduates that they will follow BUT I hear THAT is not always the case} decide to go to school, then at the time God will have allowed us to prepare and build up some nice college funds.

The last 29 months have been a culmination to the last 12 years and ONLY the beginning to the next 12 years and MORE.

In the last 12 years I have graduated college, bought a home, got married, and had children..my husband will have finished school and life will ONLY now begin. {Contrary to what I thought 12 years ago at 18 when I graduated High School....I thought that at 18 my life had only just begun....HA! HUGE HA!!! It was the same at 25...maybe in 5 years I will be saying that at 35 my life has just begun....} Why? Well we have reached some of  our most important goals and accomplishments {FAITH, FAMILY, EDUCATION, AND STABILITY; all I think are constantly being built and maintained} and we also now have 2 lives to guide, to Love, to help fill with goals and accomplishments of their own, to be responsible for, to care for and protect.

I feel like this is God's way of telling us...remember that this life has never been about YOU. That was your selfish stage...you are now in the REAL and TRUE stage of your life... NEW LIFE through your children. 

Last night we went out for a friends birthday. We were the only young couple of the 4 couples there that has children. They were surprised at the age difference. 18 months. There were questions about how "planned" it all was...it wasn't. I don't worry about it. There were thoughts of a THIRD child...yes...already...but I pray not now. Can I handle the DOS children that I have. Yes. Pretty well actually. Better than I thought I could. And, I heard it gets easier with time. I am sure it does. Can I handle Numero Tres, hmmm. Definitely not right now.

Questions of who watches my children came up. Can we afford daycare? Who can? It's ridiculous. But, when you think about it...they are watching your children. And you do get what you pay for. So, I don't think it matters as long as my children are well taken care of and safe. 

In all how does it feel to be a Momma of Dos and where will I go from here?

My children are the biggest Blessing in our lives {my Hubby and I}. My biggest accomplishment. The one goal that I have reached that I will EVER care about! And it's amazing to be Loved, Kissed and Held {not only by God} but by my Dos little angels! They are my everything. NOTHING ELSE MATTERS!!!!!!

And it's true...YOU THINK YOU KNOW..BUT YOU HAVE NO IDEA {UNTIL YOU HAVE CHILDREN OF YOUR OWN}

En Español Anyone?

La semana pasada me sucedió algo muy triste....

Me falto el Español!

A mí ?

Yo crecí en una casa en donde el inglés no existía.

Mi primer idioma fue español hasta que empecé el kínder aquí en Houston fue cuando aprendí inglés. Aparte de eso cada año pasábamos todas las vacaciones largas en Reynosa con nuestra familia.

Cuando crecí y me gradué de la preparatoria tenía un orgullo muy grande de no solo se México-Americana si no de saber español mejor que muchos de mis compañeros. Empecé la universidad y uno de las ventajas más grandes que tuve para encontrar trabajo fue, el saber hablar, leer y escribir ESPAÑOL!

Por muchos años no solo obtuve trabajos por mi facilidad del idioma si no por ser Hispana. Y me enfoque mucho en trabajar con mi comunidad. Trabaje sola como Notario Público y le ayude a muchos a completar sus formas para ser residentes y ciudadanos Americanos, y también les proveí traducción de documentos. Después trabaje en Texas Children’s en donde era una de 3 quien sabia español, los pacientes me buscaban por lo mismo. Y luego con trabadora de casos de guardería en el Worksource, mis clientes más fieles eran los hispanos. En sí, siempre eh trabajado con mi gente. En mi trabajo actual también pero como para asistir en elecciones uno tiene que saber inglés, hablo un poco más ingles que español con mis trabadores electorales.

Por eso es que la semana pasada cuando llego una familia a pedir información me sentí muy apenada que no podía pensar y producir la información prudente y rápidamente que los señores me pedían.

Esto me hizo pensar en mi pasión, en mi propósito? Propósito en mi carrera y en mi vida.

Soy parte de una iglesia en donde según yo hay muchos Hispanos me encanta ir a misa y ver a “mi gente” pero me da mucha pena y tristeza el saber que según la administración de esa iglesia “no hay muchos Hispanos”. Lo que yo sé es que si lo hay, lo que sucede es que uno no participa igual que los feligreses Americanos.

Esto también me ha hecho pensar en mi pasión, y en mi propósito.  

Por eso.

Voy a empezar a escribir más en español y mantenerlos informados de mis planes para seguir mi pasión y vivir el propósito que Dios me ha sembrado en el corazón. Siento que todo esto es parte de un plan muy grande para mi en este año!

No solo voy a tener mi segundo bebe, una niña, se llamara Camila. Si no que también voy a cumplir 30 años, y yo sé que de aquí en adelante algo tiene que cambiar en mi….para realizar lo que Dios quiere en mi vida!

Plain and Simple.

Lent

God, heavenly Father,
look upon me and hear my prayer
during this holy Season of Lent.
By the good works You inspire,
help me to discipline my body
and to be renewed in spirit.

Without You I can do nothing.
By Your Spirit help me to know what is right
and to be eager in doing Your will.
Teach me to find new life through penance.
Keep me from sin, and help me live
by Your commandment of love.
God of love, bring me back to You.
Send Your Spirit to make me strong
in faith and active in good works.
May my acts of penance bring me Your forgiveness,
open my heart to Your love,
and prepare me for the coming feast
of the Resurrection of Jesus.

Lord, during this Lenten Season,
nourish me with Your Word of life
and make me one
with You in love and prayer.

Fill my heart with Your love
and keep me faithful to the Gospel of Christ.
Give me the grace to rise above my human weakness.
Give me new life by Your Sacraments, especially the Mass.

Father, our source of life,
I reach out with joy to grasp Your hand;
let me walk more readily in Your ways.
Guide me in Your gentle mercy,
for left to myself I cannot do Your Will.

Father of love, source of all blessings,
help me to pass from my old life of sin
to the new life of grace.
Prepare me for the glory of Your Kingdom.
I ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever.

Amen.

Friday Tutorials!

Now don't get me wrong, I am by NO means an expert at anything! {Ha. That sounds horrible} What I mean is, I am learning! I have only been a Momma for a short 16 months! {Ha.}


BUT, I so LOVE projects! I may in fact be the "Queen of Unfinished Projects" but I love to have ideas, create and start anything NEW!


So, here are some of my most recent projects and the tutorials that I used. {I simply youtubed what I wanted to do and presto!}

Here we go:

My first project which I thought I would start when Santiago was in my belly was crocheting. I love it now and am glad I finally did it!

So,  I made my first hat just in time for winter.

Now I initially followed THIS VIDEO HERE.

But, then got some help from my Mother-in-Law and Ricardo's Grandmother and then finally combined both teachings and got it done!

Here is the hat I made:

My second project was BRACELETS! These have been so much fun! I loved learning how to do it and it was just so easy, I have not stopped!

To make these I simply USED THIS VIDEO HERE.

And this was my result:

And finally, a project that I loved but still need to tweek was TU-TUs. This one was a bit uhm difficult to master. I made it over my bed. {Explaining: My son was in the living room with my husband and the only way to keep them both from calling my name or asking what I was doing..I hid. Hehehehe} But, the next one will be better. I hope. Hehehehe.

For this one, I found not only the simplest way to do it but the cutest girl ever who gives the tutorial.

I used THIS VIDEO HERE.

And this is what I came up with:

NOW, My favorite store to buy all of my "project making supplies" is HOBBY LOBBY! And in each aisle they have instruction sheets that match the products they are selling. I picked up instruction sheets for crocheting and for jewelry making...they have been my inspiration! Plus Hobby Lobby has the best sales and coupons!  {This is totally my opinion, I am in no way affliated with Hobby Lobby nor have they asked me to give a review or my share this information with you. Again, this is all my own personal opinion.}

What projects have you been up to lately!?

Don't be shy!

Share!!!

A Friday Re-cap:

It's funny how some weeks, silence {from above} seems to reign. The last couple of weeks, not noise...but clarity speaking.

Trying to re-build, re-organize and move on in this new year...I love it really.

This week I received my usual daily blog post from one of my favorite Faith Bloggers.

She spoke about "parking her mind" in a "beautiful place".

I thought.


I too want to park my mind in a beautiful place, I think it's the best way to think of it. All day our minds run wild but to just be still and "park" it in one place. That ONE place that matters; God, Jesus, our Lord.

I love that thought.

The verse that she used to help her park her mind was:

“And now I will show you the most excellent way.  If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal,” (1 Corinthians 13:1).

She also mentioned that she "lives free from regret and with clarity of heart, mind and soul."

I too want to live free from regrets and have this type of clarity {and PEACE} that she speaks of. But, I have realized that if my days go unfocused and do not focus on HIM, then I loose all clarity and peace and fall back into the trap of noisiness.
I don't like that very much.

So, I will attempt to remain:

FOCUSED
IN CLARITY
PARKED
AT PEACE

And simply trusting Him!

My Favorite verse this week was:

“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

"Wow, perfect."

What helps you stayed focused?