Crafty Chica in Houston! #craftychicatour #latinapower

{::Momma of Dos:: This is not a compensated post. I RSVP'd to meet Kathy Cano-Murillo at the private Houston meet and greet for her Crafty Chica Tour hosted by Juan of Words. All opinions and statements below are my true and honest experiences.}

A couple of weeks ago I was able to meet and chat with well known Latina Artist, Entrepreneur, Blogger, & Author Kathy Cano-Murillo.  As she was in Houston promoting her Craft Chica product line in Michael's stores. Sitting with her that night really set my brain on fire in a very motivating way. Her wit and sense of humor are so contagious. It was like sitting with an old friend who I just hadn't seen in years. 

What she doesn't know is that I have been staulking  following her for years now, years. So, as I contained my Blogger-Star-Struck-ness ::real word:: I took in all of her advice and positive spirits. She really sets off a vibe of empowerment and true sense of community. All of which I look for in those women whom I consider great Latina role models. She inspired me right out of bed at 1:27 a.m. last night as these words just came to me!

One of the biggest things I am recently struggling with is focus and organization. As a writer it's hard to lose these things and continue to be successful. Thankfully, our conversation that night with Kathy lead to an awesome mentor session. The 3 most important tips that I took away  from that night about maintaining focus and being organized were as follows:

1.:: Make Lists :: Kathy said that she is a list maker. She creates lists with her ideas and projects she wants to accomplish. She loves notebooks and pens. {A woman after my own heart.} But,the real organization comes in when she categorizes those lists from easy to difficult. You then work your way from those goals/ideas/projects that are easy to accomplish to those that may take a little more time or you might have to brainstorm a little longer about. Makes sense. 

2. ::Prioritize::  She then said that she takes her lists and selects 2 things from that list and gives them a deadline. She then turns on her "laser beam" focus and completes those 2 tasks close to or by her deadline and then...continues down through her lists. Kathy stated; "turn on your laser beam focus and that {idea/project} will light on fire!" That's the type of focus I want in  my life and for my projects the kind that will ignite the flame and set it all off! Loved it. 

3. ::Be Prepared:: Finally, she stated "Always be prepared for an opportunity, never wait for it." Sounds easy and simple enough. And, true. Why wait for the opportunity to come up for you to start working on your projects or ideas? Simply be ready for it when it does comes. Prepare, stock-up and create so that you are not be caught off guard.    

Kathy is a business savvy, genuinely creative and fearless Latina who is so down-to-earth and real! Most importantly she is not afraid to laugh at herself, which is just amazing! That night we laughed so much, she inspired me and in her presence I had that sense of Latina Empowerment that I want to be a part of. She used the word Latina Power and it just made me reflect on what that really means. 

To me Latina Power is about supporting one another when you are truly trying to build up a strong Latina community and there is no room for egos or jealousy, simply genuine engagement to create a strong and lasting presence.  

Focus on your dreams and anything is possible.~Momma of Dos 

::Wordless Wednesday:: Kinda Sorta...

This week has already been exhausting. But, these Dos make my days go by real fast.... The weekend can't come fast enough... 

::My 5 year Old Son:: Santi's Birthday Letter

On September 16th...5 years ago after about 24 hours of awesomely painful labor my life created a full circle. Our Son was born. This is his yearly birthday letter. {for more on Santi's Birth-story click ::HERE::}

My Beautiful Baby Santiago,

On this day, I love you, I cherish you and I am so thankful for you. I cannot believe that you are 5 years old, it was only yesterday that you were a tiny chubby baby cuddled into my arms in a hospital bed. Your tiny heart beating with mine, your tiny hands and feet so soft and precious. You were a baby.

Today, you are a handsome little, eye rolling, back talking 5 year old with so much attitude. Talk about a personality. None of this is meant out of ill feelings; you are only 5 and still learning your ways, and yes you are a little stubborn. A little spoiled. And, know very well what you want.

But you know what? We love that about you.

You don't allow anyone to push you around or tell you what to do but you are also respectful and kind when needed. If you do feel pushed around you are quick to let us know that we are being "mean" or your new word, being "bullies". 

You are smart and imaginative. Creative and a story teller. You love to dress up in anything "Mexican" like your GranPa Chuy's black sombrero and anything "Super-Pee-Row" related.

You know your Bible stories and can tell them to us in one breath and as if they all happened at once. You pray for us all every morning, especially for GranPa Chuy and his missing teeth. {sorry but they are still missing}. Your prayers are usually so thought-filled and genuine, always far more than I except. 

When you want to be, you are the absolute best older Brother, protecting and caring for your "Sis-der". She loves you so much. To her you are the best in the world, no matter what.

You are my warrior, my strength, my courage. You live life on the edge, as much as  a 5 year old can. You live life to the fullest. It's contagious. We admire that about you. You never have a bad day and even when you do, you manage to turn it around or simply fall asleep.

You are full of energy and light. Your heart is pure and growing healthy and strong. You have no real fears, except for cockroaches. Those you hate.

You are playing soccer {or "staulker" as you call it} this year and even though on most days you claim to be "scared" of it only because you want to rush home to your I-Pad {which is really mine} to watch YouTube videos! But, no matter what you end up giving it your all and loving it every time we go to practice. You are like this about most things...all or nothing. 

Some days you are all about the "feelings" and everything we say causes you to cry, other days you have the attitude of a teenager. As your parents we are learning with you. How to care for you, how to love you and how to be there for you. You are at times more patient than us. 

You love pizza like the Ninja Turtles. Right now you want to go see the Boxtrolls even though no other kid your age or adult knows what that is! You love watching cartoons and playing with ALL your toys at once. Yes, fun times, our house looks like a toy store blew up, every.single.day.

You have a great imagination and can create a whole war in a matter of minutes on the living room floor or play a businessman who has very important work to do and just cannot be bothered.

You have a pretty awesome life, and so many people love you. I hope that you never forget that. I pray that you can appreciate those people who are in your life and who have been there for us from day one. 

One of your favorite people in this world is your cousin, Olin. You love to dance and your "body just moves on it's own", especially when the telenovela theme songs come on. Your dance moves, well they are pretty awesome and I think.....you get it from yo'momma! 

You are amazing. You are beautiful and you are and will forever be our baby. Until you get too old and have to move out of the house..just sayin'... 

Happy Birthday!!!! 

We love you more than words.

Momma, Daddy, & Cami

::Family Night:: #porsiemprenaranja

::Momma Disclosure:: { This is not a compensated post. I received complimentary tickets for the special Houston Dynamo VIP event and a family 4-pack for a giveaway in collaboration with Lopez Negrete Communications  and Houston Dynamo. All opinions and statements expressed below are my own and true and honest. }

My son was finally accepted in the local toddler soccer league  this season. As a 4 almost 5 year old boy his focus is really not all there. Let's just say he doesn't exactly play soccer just yet. When I was invited to attend the Houston Dynamo special event and home game I thought; "What a better way to teach my son soccer then showing him soccer, other than on T.V.!" Como quien dice, en Vivo y a todo Color! My Hubby is also a huge, did I say huge? I meant ginormous soccer fan. Especially, yes his Mexico team. So, this would be an ideal family night for this Momma and her boys. {My Daughter went to a birthday party with her GranMa Chelo}

So last Saturday we headed out to downtown Houston to the BBVA Compass Stadium to enjoy an afternoon of soccer! We also had the opportunity to be on the field during the teams warm-up, and see some  of the newest Dynamo players. The Houston Dynamo faced the Montreal Impact it was great for our little man to have this experience especially this month, it's his Birthday month so I am glad we got to share this with him.

The night was also filled with great company from fellow bloggers; such as Alba of Independent Mami. The experience began with a walk into the Dynamo Media room. Where Coach Tim Hanley gave us a sneak peak of what was to come that night and answered some of the fan questions, something that is done regularly with Season ticket holders. We then walked out onto the field  for an up close look at the teams warm-up! 

After warm-up was done we headed back to our seats. The night was warm and we enjoyed drinks and hot-dogs like most other sporting event goers. But, without a doubt as soon as the first goal was scored my Son's excitement peaked! El Batallion had us dancing in our seats and singing some classics such as como te voy a olvidar from the Angeles Azules. Seeing my Son's face as he experienced "stocker" {as he calls it} first hand was awesome! No matter how much sweat came off my face I enjoyed it. 

The evening was fun and had so many great highlights including the Dynamo winning 3-1. The orange haze filled the night and the celebrations brought on fireworks, dancing and cheering!  It was a fun family friendly activity that I would not mind doing again.

We also had the opportunity to meet the Houston Dynamo players after the game but we had to leave early and didn't get to experience that part of the event. You though can find more information on their newest players and entire team online:

Website: www.houstondynamo.com  

To purchase tickets: www.houstondynamo.com/tickets

         Houston Dynamo History: www.houstondynamo.com/schedule/history

             Houston Dynamo Social Media:

Twitter: @HoustonDynamo

Instagram: Houstondynamo

                Hashtags for Houston Dynamo:

#ForeverOrange

#porsimprenaranja

 

Player Bios:

Boniek Garcia: www.houstondynamo.com/players/boniek-garcia

Luis Garrido: www.houstondynamo.com/players/luis-garrido

Alex Lopez: www.houstondynamo.com/players/alexander-lopez

ENTER TO WIN YOUR OWN FAMILY 4 PACK FOR TO WATCH THE DYNAMO IN ACTION!!!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Labor Day ::Weekend Snapshots::

My good friend Ari from 3Twentysix does a weekend snapshots on her blog every week. I kind of stole her idea this week; except my snapshots are not at fancy at hers...but I tried.

Here goes.

Most our weekends look pretty much the same if you follow us on Instagram you would know. We try to have fun, we eat well...very well and love our little crazy life. We try to make up for lost time during our busy week that is filled with work, school and more work. My kids LOVE being home but also never mind being out and about.

I personally love being home. It's rare but when we are home, we relax and have fun. My kids are free to play and explore and be themselves. I love it and so do they. We do though get out some days because too many days in a house with two toddlers and two parents makes for some clashing and fit throwing... mostly by the overwhelmed Momma. But, we try to keep it happy and sane for the most part!

This weekend...like many others...

We did a little of this:



A little of this:



AND, of course a lot of this!!

What about you? What did you do labor day weekend? We will look forward to hearing about your weekend and seeing your fun weekend pictures!!

Hola Septiembre! #mommaofdos

People say I am a dreamer... oh yeah and a little crazy and ambitious too.

I am.

 

And, like August, September has so much meaning. In 2004 it was a difficult eye opening month for our family. It was never ending and hopeless we almost lost my father to addiction a situation my family doesn't take lightly. Our story was written, our lives were changed....then 5 years later a complete 360. Hope, faith, life, rebirth. My son was born {Sept. 16th}, he was the light, the tie, the sign of good that we all needed. And, my father, like everyone else...fighting to live life once again, taking charge of his life and regaining his family.

Not only is September my Son's birth month, it's also the month that was honored with my Momma's birth {Sept.26th}. That same woman that experienced life in the most painful way and today is the only reason why I never, ever, EVER give-up. Her and my son are part of my motivation. My inspiration. My reason. My faith. My life.

It's also Hispanic Heritage month, AJUAH!!!!  {September 15th-October 15}

And, {September 16th} Mexico's Independence Day!!! AJUAH!!!!

Every month since May I have told myself, I am going to take a break but I only take on more projects and more collaborations. And, I am tired but you know what I wouldn't have it any other way! I don't know where this road is leading me to but I am running it and I can't give up now.... or ever...

My Momma always says.... "Si vas a hacer algo, hazlo bien!" Which is probably why I never give-up on my dream for this little here blog, which is why I believe in being consistent and finding time for my priorities!