::Back to School | In Style:: Yvonne - Guest Houston Latina Blogger

**This is a guest post provided by a fellow Houston Latina Blogger**

School kicked off yesterday and all over you can hear the cries of chaos as parents rush to get everything ready for the new school year.  Everywhere you go you see “Back to School” sales with the promise of saving you money in the most fashionable way. I’m all about the money saving but truth be told when it comes to fashion we become a little limited because Hailey Bear’s school requires her to wear a uniform or we are limited by the “dress code”. Trust me I get the love behind having to follow a dress code – you get to buy a bunch of polo style shirts and dresses, a few khaki/Navy blue pants and you just throw it into a rotating cycle and watch the school days go by!! 

Where is the fun in that? Yes, yes I know mornings are busy and crazy and whether you are a SAHM or a working mom like me, you might feel like you don’t have time for fun and fashion. Unless you make it easy – so hear me out and maybe after a few tricks and tips you can make uniform a little more fashionable.

Hailey hates the standard khaki pants and she also hates stiff jeans (don’t we all?) so I am always on the lookout for jeggings in different colors like these or these from Crazy 8. I also found this color at Crazy 8 and little bear loved them plus they are tons comfortable and really soft.

I do end up buying polo style dresses for Hailey but I also look for an alternative, the catch is that her dresses have to have a collar and sleeves so I was super happy when I came across this little dress at H&M, we also bought it in a black and white plaid like this. Super cute dress and she loved everything about it. 

So, in the end I find just a few pieces that I can put into the rotation of her uniform and make it a little more fun and not so super boring without breaking the rules. I really love buying her plaid button downs when it gets cold out and tights with different patterns for the winter. 

Another quick-tip to making the morning rush just a little bit easier takes a little work beforehand but it helps out a great deal during the weekday rush! I simply split little bear’s closet into two sections on one side I hang all her regular clothes and on the other I hang all her school clothes. This makes it quick and easy to see what I’m working with during the week and it cuts down on hunting down the “school clothes”.

Also as a plus my husband always knows what’s what and where he can find it!

About Yvonne:

Faith ● Coffee● Love

I’m just a girl that turned into a wife, momma, and blogger! I live every day knowing that thanks to my Faith I have made it this far and when times get tough it’s easy to lean into Faith but harder still is to know that everyday my Faith carries me forward. Of course with a daily dose of coffee to wake me up and always surrounded by the ones I love, my husband of 7 years, my 19 year old giant and my 6 year old little bear. I also survive by finding peace in my garage with power tools building and creating whatever DIY project comes along the way! My life can get a little crazy but everyday my little family and I make while we run our lives in Faith, with a little bit of coffee and a whole lotta love!

::Honey Bunches of Oats Sweet Treat:: No fuss Cheesecake Recipe #ad

 ::Momma Disclosure:: { This is a compensated post. All statements are my own and my true and honest opinion.}

Our usual afternoon school routine begins with food! As soon as I or my Husband arrive with the kids they rush to the refrigerator for a snack, any snack will do usually. Some days they really crave something sweet. Our usual go to is cereal. Seems pretty basic I know but the kids love it and it's quick and easy, and inexpensive. Today, thanks to my partnership with Honey Bunches of Oats, I am sharing with you a fun, quick and easy snack that you can prepare the night before for that next day after school munchies hour! 

One of my all time favorite desserts is cheesecake! Of course, who doesn't love it. But, I am not a baker or master chef, nor do I feel like I have time to whip it up from scratch but thanks to this no fuss cheesecake recipe I definitely feel very gourmet. For this recipe, my Husband, who is rather and far more resourceful in the kitchen than I, helped me. We pulled together and did some team work, as Team Gomez usually does, even the kids joined in right before bed time. Not without some chaos and tears but all was good at the end of the night and the next morning when our cheesecake was done! 

You will need to prep this sweet treat the night before. It's very simple and far less complicated than it may sound. 

What you need: 

2- 8 oz packages of cream cheese

1/2 cup of Sugar

1/2 tablespoon of vanilla extract

2 large eggs

Pie dish 9-inch

1 box of Honey Bunches of Oats (will only use about 2 cups)

If you have a food processor grind about 1 1/2 cups of Honey Bunches of Oats into semi-fine grains, you can leave it semi-crunchy for texture. You can also use a blender and just use the pulse setting. 

Once you grind the cereal place it in a medium to large bowl so that you can mix with butter. Add about 1/2 a stick of melted butter to it and mix it together, the mixture will be soft but not too soggy. Then, in a 9-inch pie pan press the mixture into the bottom, to create a crust for your cheesecake.  

Set this aside while you work on your filling. 

In another bowl mix, 2 packages of 8 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup of sugar, 2- large eggs and 1/2 tablespoon of vanilla extract. {You can add sugar and vanilla depending on how sweet you like it.} You can use a high-speed mixer or in my case, I used my food processor to wipe the ingredients together. Once my filling was soft and semi-liquid, I added it to the pie crust already prepared and placed in the oven at 325 degrees for about 40-45 minutes. 

Once the center is firm and set you can take it out. 

Once cooked I set it out to cool for about 20-30 minutes, then placed it in the refrigerator for 4 hours (or overnight) to set. I then added some fruity toppings. I had strawberries available but you can add peaches, blueberries or any other of your choice. I also used some leftover pie crumbs for my topping to add some extra crunch. 

::Last Day of School:: First year complete..many more to come...

::First day of school post here::

The last day of school finally came and guess what just like the first we survived. We missed the bus and were a little late but we made it. Made it through a whole year of school. As my Husband would say... "I didn't think we were gonna make it, but we made it." Truth is, our first year of Kinder with Santiago was not easy. I am not going to blame it on anyone but his teacher was a little difficult. Regardless of all the continued work and efforts on my part, it just was never enough for her. She had some kind of complaint about Santiago every other day. Toward the end of the year, it got old. I would tell Santiago every day until the last day, be good son. The complaints were harmless, trust me.

Truth is, he is a great kid. He is 6, active and very social. Some may see that as bad and will scrutinize his behavior, which is that of an active healthy 6-year-old boy, who loves to joke and play around. But, we worked on it and at the end of the day he wasn't a robot. He did though excel in all his academics especially math and science according to all his testing and "grades", cause we never actually saw grades just pass or needs improvement. Mostly pass. Santiago was also bullied this year, to the extent that I had to call upon  a friend who is a police officer, the bullying ended once I threatened to press charges. I am sure the issue will arise again, but we will know how to handle it. None-the-less, we made it! We survived. 

Now on to a kick ass Summer with lots of fun and some studying. I want Santiago to do even better in 1st grade and I know that a lot of that will come from our own efforts and hard work. We plan on doing all that's needed to make 1st grade better than Kinder. 

As for Camila, I am not sure Kinder is ready for her. Her sass grows with every new thought in that little crazy brain of hers. She doesn't miss a beat and is currently the reigning Queen of her daycare. We have warned her time and time again that nap time will be no more and that Kinder at a new school will be a whole new ball game...to which she replied this week... "I'm not gonna stress about it." Y'all be ready for the stories...Kinder watch OUT, Cam is on her way and she is gonna bring you down. Just saying.... Of course, she had a wonderful year in pre-K, as I said, she rules and runs her school. She is smart and SO strong willed, I have no doubt Kinder will be a breeze for her. I think I will send her teachers' thank you notes in advance, maybe even apology letters. She is getting all the new school particulars from her brother, who has warned her..."Camila this school is hard."

Her reply... 

"Santiago where do you go when you get in trouble and how do you get in trouble?" 

Y'all help me! HAHAHA. 

:: First Day of School:: #Non-Traditional

The first day of school happened.

I was a complete and total mess. I never know how emotions will catch me, and this first day of school was brutal. 

But, guess what? We survived. And, my kids are now in full school mode. You know driving a new set of teacher semi-crazy, I really wish I could say my kids were perfect angels, but I don't lie. I am sure they are good kids but perfect, nah.

Santiago and Camila are social kids, I am sure that can't be good for any teacher to hear but I know they both have great and VERY patient teachers. My Husband and I are working hard to keep on track with everything they need and support the teaching staff as much as possible.

They are quickly gaining new friendships and creating new memories. I knew that this school year would not be easy. I would hope that my kids could just work hard and stay focused, but we did know where the struggles would be and come. The year is young, and hopefully we can remain and regain focus. 

We have joined the PTO, school committees and parent nights. Yes, we are those parents. We truly vow to stay connected and be as active as possible in our children's education. Not just for our own peace of mind but I am sure it will be helpful in big ways to our kids. To their, well-being and their growth and education. Plus, we will be better connected to what they do, OR don't do! Santiago is catching on that his teacher sends me notes in his backpack everyday. I have an eye on him at all times.

To a successful school year to all the young, and not so young entering a new school year. May it be filled with good and positive life experiences as well as mental and educational value. I hope everyone is safe and healthy. May you maintain perfect attendance and stay far away from trouble.

Case of the Mondays ::Back to School Edition::

Today was the first day of school for many! 

While my children are not in public school, which for this Momma is santiy on this very unexpectly emotional Monday morning, they still had exciting changes today. My little man started Pre-School in daycare, he is officially in the "big kids class". My little Mama started in the 3/4 year olds class she was in the 2/3 year old class until now. 

I didn't think I would be emotional but here is the thing, for the last year and half Camila and Santiago have been in the same group of toddlers and their days were pretty much on the same schedule. With Santi moving to the Pre-K class he will no longer have lunch or recess with my baby! They will both have to depend on their own strengths and courage to go through the day without one another. Santi is a very big brother who loves and protects his Sister when he isn't trying to get her out of his face. 

I think this will serve as an experience of growth and appreciation for one another. I hope. My Hubby and I have given them both very firm and supportive talks about starting this new stage of their lives and I hope that they will not only make brave decisions but also stand up for themselves and be strong in their beliefs. A bit much for a 3 and almost 5 year old? Maybe but my Hubby and I are both the eldest in our families and we have learned from struggles and mishaps and know the direction in which we wish to shape our children's independence as well as their courage and bravery. 

This world, no matter what age can be cruel and while we are teaching them to see the good in everyone and everything we also don't want them to grow up close-minded or naive to the harms of the outside world. I know that may sound a bit intense but until now our children have developed very unique personalities and they are never afraid to be themselves. I want that to continue. 

Everyday a new lesson. Everyday growth.

Happy New School Year!!

What do you want your children to learn this school year?

Tales of a Daycare Momma ::Momma Guilt::

This morning I witnessed a Momma standing by her child's classroom as the little girl balled her eyes out inside. The Momma felt bad. I know the feeling all too well.

That moment, when you don't know if you should allow your children to learn to develop their sense of self and be independent in the "real world" or just run back in the room and hold them a little longer. 

These days we pray on the way to school, I pray in silence for my peace and for their constant protection. I then take my kids to breakfast in the daycare eating area, and finally usher them into their classrooms reminding them that; I love them and will be back soon. I hesitate and wait for their reactions. Sometimes those reactions, especially my 2 almost 3 year old Camila's, are mixed. 

Some days they walk off confident and happy to be in a place filled with friendly familiar faces; where they know they will play and learn all day. Development and social skills are essential at this point in their lives and I value and understand that.  

Some days, they cling to my leg or arms as if they have never been there before. Those days, my heart aches a little more than usual. Some days, my own tears are inevitable as I drive to work. For my Santi, I think it's easier, he is older he knows, I will be back. Camila, she is a girl, doubt lingers in mind just bit, everyday. 

On bad days, the Momma guilt settles in as I walk out of the daycare door thinking, I am a horrible person, why did I leave them? Then I am reminded. I stayed home and it didn't work for me. 

Providing for my family outside the home has resulted in my own accomplishments and sense of self and development. Don't want to sound selfish but I enjoy my time away from home; no matter how stressful it can be. Gives me a sense of contributing to society as not only a Mexican-American female with a degree but as a Mexican-American female with DOS children who can be reminded that there is nothing wrong with wanting a career while being a Wife and Momma. 

And, that doesn't mean I don't miss my children when I go to work. Because, I do.  

The question then becomes; how do I cope on a daily basis? 

Like every adult who makes decisions and settles with the consequences. I deal with it. One day at a time. It's difficult at times but rewarding when your children come home with tons of stories to tell about their teachers and friends, piles of art work, exciting new skills and oh yes, songs! FUN, fun songs!! 

Not a recent picture.  

They quickly forget that I left them and are simply happy to see me. 

That's when I know that the outcome is worth it. 

{Graduation Day 2012!!}

This is it! The BIG day....

My Husband will be graduating today at 2pm!!!!

We are excited...to say the least....

My journey as a {click link to read about it..} Student's Wife will end....and I will begin a new journey...

as a...

wait for it....

CONSTRUCTION WIFE!!! 

I think we should totally have our own reality show...

IF ANYONE COMES UP WITH IT....

Let it be known it was 

MY IDEA! 

HA!!

Blessed Day Everyone!!!!!!

{Es Viernes!!!} Joy is comin' in the morning!

{My Husband just advised me not to write in Spanish here..to create a whole new Blog?! A fellow Coog Blogger...YES I had to go there..Ha. I am sitting at UH in the computer lab tonight and YES I am a proud COOG HA, it's late, I'm delirious. Anyway a fellow Coog Blogger, also told me to think about it before I actually went through with it....I am stuck! Input please...but in the mean time....}

 
Finalmente! 

Es Viernes!!! 

Gracias A Dios!!!

Ha sido una semana larguísima! Me eh sentido muy mal y los días se me hacen eternos...así que, saber que mañana es Sábado y que no me tengo que despertar temprano me hace sentir feliz!!!

Mi esposo ha estado súper ocupado con la escuela, son las 9:21pm, y todavía estamos en la universidad tratando de terminar su "speech" acerca del DREAM Act para mañana. Le toco estar en contra. Se nos ha hecho un “poco” difícil pero creo que va estar preparado para su presentación. 

Mis hijos están en casa de su Abuela, y los extrañamos tanto que al escribir esto, se me hace un nudo en la garganta! Espero que cuando vayamos por ellos estén dormido...PERO...creo que los vamos a despertar… Solo para verlos un ratito!!! 

In all it's been a hectic week...time disappears and sorrows seem to fade. The pain is still there {we MISS my Aunt beyond belief} please keep my family from Detroit in your prayers. They are experiencing the grief that I can't begin to imagine. 

Buen fin. Hasta mañana!