::Inner Healing and Supporting Women:: Renaissance Women Summit

::Momma Disclosure:: Post was created in collaboration with Amanda Russell of Fit Strong Sexy , Interesting Houston, Danelia of  Project Z and local group the Houston Latina Bloggers.  All pictures are property of Momma of Dos, if you wish to use them please contact me: mommaofdos@gmail.com 

There is much to be said when other women invite you to their table with open arms. Much to be said about women outside your circle who trust you instantly to be brought into their space. And, far more to be said about women who are truly supporting other women. In a clear and genuine way. 

I attended the Renaissance Women summit this past weekend, the vibe and the energy were incredible and it was all due to the coming together of several local women and one amazing visionary, Amanda Russell.  

I heard two messages loud and clear and I feel we would all, as women and simply humans, benefit from them.

::Inner Healing::

The thought that hurt people, hurt people is true. One of the speakers; Jen Groover, spoke very honestly and openly of this topic. Her testimony hits very close to home for me. Her mother was an abused wife and as a child, she witnessed so much that now she wants to empower her own daughters to be strong and stand up for what they believe in. More importantly to be more emotionally aware than most children their age, which was very impressive as a fellow Momma. Her biggest power is the idea of self-healing and not allowing those bad moments to create bitterness and sadness but instead learn from them and grow away from those toxic environments. 

We all have the power to heal. Some of us might need lots of help and support but that's OK, at the end of the day healing is your goal. Some may not have the tools that they need to heal but could find those tools in others through empathy and compassion.

Jen has such an amazing story of survival and triumph, she is such a true warrior! Again her story made a great impact on me and how I have healed over the years. And, honestly this healing is on-going. We are always going through experiences and situations that don't always go our way. We must continually learn and grow from our traumas and bad experiences. It's the only way to move forward, evolve and be successful! 

One statement that really resonated with me was:

"Successful people work on themselves first." 

::Supporting Other Women:: 

I knew the summit was directed towards women and that in itself was amazing. I met women from many walks of life and professions. I was fulfilled with that alone. But, then there was a constant message with the speakers; Tamilee Web-Hall better know for being the face of Buns of Steel, Jen Groover a Ted Talks speaker and serial entrepreneur/business woman, Anika Jackson and Staci Henderson of Interesting Houston and Amanda Russell. They all spoke to how they couldn't have done it without each other. They spoke about how if one person succeeds it never hinders your own success. There is, and always will be enough room at the table for everyone. The limiting thought that I must protect my success and not share or be able to promote other women within my industry, niche, or even within my own ethnicity, is ridiculous. I want all women to succeed, and be happy. This will set the norm for all successful relationships. 

#communityovercompetition should be something that is practiced across the board and that we should as women, embrace. We will only be able to succeed when we understand that everyone's grass can be green no matter what. The mentality of "every man for himself", while it can be productive in some instances, should not be what drives us to move forward. We should truly and genuinely build one another up and decide that in order to break the glass ceiling, we must unite. Dr. Noreen Khan Mayberry, one of the events panelist, spoke to this as well, empowering women and having one another's backs. It's what our community should be about, no matter what your industry is! 

Overall, there was an amazing sense of relate-ability among us all. We all have a story to tell and somehow our stories resonated with similarities. Some how, no matter what our background, ethnicity, age, or upbringing, some how our similarities, prevailed.  

This type of event fills me with true joy, first off as a Latina who passionately peruses empowering the women in her community, and secondly because I want to better myself as a woman, Momma, employee, wife, career-driven person. The Renaissance Woman Conference encompasses all of those important factors that push me forward towards a better me. I love representing the Houston Latina Bloggers and try to do my best with every opportunity I gain. ~Connie Gomez (Houston Latina Bloggers) 

{Inspired} Momma with a Mission

Have you ever had to write about yourself?

As easy as it sounds, it’s not very easy.  I know once I get started, I won’t be able to stop but it’s always the getting started part that gets me stuck! Bare with me as I spill my heart out and let you in on what I’m all about. So… Hi there! I’m Darlene. I was born on Groundhog’s Day back in 1986, which makes me 27-and a half years old. Born and raised in Southern California and still here… (writers block occurring, uh-oh…)

Okay, so… What else? Well… I’m a lot of things so I’ll start with my most important and go from there. As corny as this sounds, I was able to marry my best friend from high school. It’s definitely been a blessing because I always thought I’d be the type to never get married or have kids. I envisioned myself as being this extremely successful, independent woman that didn’t have to worry about anyone else but herself. And then, just like that… BOOM! 

I fell in love! Hahaha. 

Totally turned my life around. 

I always tell Alex, he was the only exception. He was the only guy I would instantly dismiss my selfish dreams for without a thought. And, I’m very glad I did because there’s no one out there that could fill his spot. No one. We had been friends all through out high school and I would tell him about my boyfriends, he’d tell me about his girlfriends, we’d talk about our problems, complain about homework, talk all night long about serious stuff and just all the other things you talk about with your best friend. But, what really drew us closer was all that we shared in common, which was our taste in music and humor. I knew I was crazy about him a year before we ever stepped beyond friendship, but he had his own thing going on at the moment and I wasn't going to dare tell him I liked him until it was the right time. Low and behold, our Senior year was approaching it's end, we were talking on the phone while we played our latest downloaded playlist, which happened to be a mix of R&B Slow jams, mainly lovey-dovey music (all obvious! lol). 

Suddenly, the entire mood totally changed and I could sense the conversation was steering somewhere new for us. We finally mustered up the courage to tell each other how we felt over AIM (AOL Instant Messenger). I remember sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for him to respond. Hahaha. From that moment on, we were crazy about each other, inseparable, head over heels in love… Everything moved fast, we told each other we loved one another the night we shared our first kiss, we got to experience our Senor Prom together and enjoyed life after high school, going out, exploring our independence, living together, going to college, turning life into adventures… and then the biggest adventure approached us~ Parenthood! BOOM! (There goes that boom again.) 

This time it was an extremely exciting boom! The day I found out I was pregnant, it was like a light switch turned on in my heart that I had never turned on before. It was a very exciting day filled with nervous jitters and happiness.

We were way into it. Each week we’d read up on our daughter’s developmental stage and what was forming than. Month-by-month, we’d take pictures and get more excited as the bump grew, started prepping our home for our baby girl that was soon to arrive. Life was going perfect for us... 

Or so we thought, with our naive sense, we never even thought about complications being a possibility, so you know what was coming next… BOOM! BOOM!! BOOM!!! 

Emergency C-Section, overly tensed nerves and 100% pure fright, and then life at that particular moment really threw us a curve-ball. More like, a curve-ball that went too curvy and ended up hitting us. And now this time, the BOOM hit us where it would leave us, in pain and forever sore. 

Our lives would forever change.

{Come back tomorrow to read the rest of Darlene's Story.....}

{A day in the life of a Super Hero's Momma}

I have a 45 lb almost 4 foot little man Super Hero in my life. As you can guess everyday is a new Adventure.

He is "Sgrong!"

Honest.

Loving.

Caring.

Daring.

And, when he is not out fighting evil and squashing the bad guy he is at home reeking havoc on his 2 year old Sister {or destroying toys and making a mess}! Ha. Trust me when no one is looking he is sweet, he takes care of us and he helps out and prays for everything possible and in sight. Deep down inside my Super Hero is a softy, aren't they all?

His Super Powers are awesome hugs and killer dimples! No one gets past him without saying "Hi" or complimenting his beautiful heart which shines through his smile and bright eyes! The ladies will one day be in trouble, and at that time, so will I.



No matter what, his little Sister Loves him so much. She is his faithful sidekick. And, even though she may not see it now he is teaching her to be strong and to stand up for herself.  She looks up to him and wants to be just like him. And, oh boy, is everyday a new adventure with him, something new awaiting us around every corner. ::insert super awesome Super Hero theme song here::

On this day....we were looking for the bad guy and reviving all the animals. This Super Hero loves animals and learning about them. He has a genuine interest for animals and this planet, I think he will one day become a Scientist or Geologist!





My Super Hero may be a little stubborn but he means well and he always has a secret move in mind to make it through the situation. In this house we always listen to our Super Hero, he knows what's best for man kind!



Until next time....

{Kim} ♥

{Momma Love Series}

Today's Momma Guest Blogger is one of those friends, who left my life long ago, 

but through the world wide web, social networks, 

 and by the Grace of God,
she is once more in my life. 

Dios sabe lo que hace. 

We all have to live out our life's purpose 

and know that God is in control. 

This Blog has given me so much insight into her life. 

I was in her life when she had her 4 children but
I would have NEVER guessed that this was her story. 

I hope that she will not only inspire you, motive you and move you 

but that you can Love her much more for being so honest and willing to share her story with us. 

Kim. 

You are a true Woman of strength, courage and Faith. 

I admire you and your efforts to create a fulfilling environment 

not only for you but your children as well.

{Guest Blogger}

Hi. My name is Kimberly Ragan I am 31 years of age. I am a Personnel Coordinator for the company Fiesta and have worked here for almost 6 yrs now. Being a mama of four is a challenge a very complicated challenge. My life changed when I was 17 yrs of age....

When I had my son Luis, this little boy just did not want to be born, and now as the years past he still shows his stubbornness lol. Two weeks after his due date my doctor induced my labor. This was on a Monday at 6:00 am, being induced to provoke contractions are the most painful contractions I have ever felt. I still remember  the nurse coming in and asking me for the last time if I wanted the epidural and I could no longer say no and gave in. (worst mistake I ever made). My son was born Jan. 5th 1998@ 2:03pm weighing 7lbs and 15 oz and 21 1/4 inches long. With the birth of my son all the struggles I was going through and all the questions to myself of "Why Kim why?" just didn't matter anymore. I had just given birth to the most precious, kind heart-ed, big baby and I was so blessed.

Years past and while I was enjoying my son very much, with the getting him dressed up and showing him off and buying all these things for him, yet I was just not happy with my marriage and I felt incomplete. So I thought that by having another baby my life would be better....NOT! Well though my first son was not planned I intentionally got pregnant without consulting my ex. Four years later on Feb 17th 2002 (this was on a Sunday) I awoke feeling sad and depressed. So I got into the shower thinking a nice hot bath will help but it didn't . I immediately started to feel pain in my abdominal area, so I rushed to the hospital where my ex just dumps me off and goes back home to sleep off his drunkenness. So I called my sister, and doctor to come meet me but neither of them came. So practically I had my son on my own, and the poor doctor that helped me. I say poor because I screamed so badly when I pushed, I could feel every contraction and the tearing apart and even the stitching. My son Brandon was born @12:30 pm weighing 6lbs and 8 oz and 20 inches long. This day was the start of the woman I was becoming, not being dumb anymore and not letting my feelings get hurt so easily kind of woman. My little Brandon got the worst of this mama, because his daddy did not want him throughout my pregnancy and I suffered way too much because of it and took it out on him. Brandon crawled at 3 months and walked at 6 months that just shows you how bright my baby is.

I guess  God knew his intentions when I got pregnant again when my Brandon was only a year old. Let me tell  you this pregnancy was not wanted at all, under the circumstances of which I was living in NO! At two months pregnant I decided to have an abortion and my sister loaned me the money and made my appointment. Everyone convinced me not to do it and I am so glad that i didn't go through with it! When I went to go do my ultrasound my doctor said that she thought she saw two babies and then confirmed it, I burst into tears and my sister told me it's ok Kim we will all help you through this. I told the doctor please tell me that at least one of those babies is a girl, and sure enough it was! I was filled with happiness and thanked God for sending me her with a little extra gift, 5 months later my son Dillon and my daughter Yasmin where born on 11/20/2003, weighing 5lbs 6oz and 5lbs 5oz.

It was very difficult to raise my babies because it was actually like having triplets, Brandon was not even TWO! But I did it and I breast fed like I did my others for up to a year. I had my days when I would leave the room and go to the other and scream and cry and then come back in like nothing happened. I can tell you that I not regret any of those days because today being the woman that I am, I am very proud of myself. I have been with my four children on my own since my twins were 1 year and a half and we are together happy and safe. My son Luis who i adore is such a big help to me and I'm so grateful that God put him in my life.

So this is me, a mama of cuatro!!!!

{Jessica M.} ♥

{Momma Love Series}

I am really excited about this post. 

It comes from an old friend from one of my very first jobs...

I worked with Jess at Texas Children's Hospital here in Houston. 

 I never thought I would keep long lasting friendships with such amazing women
but God has been great to me! 

 Jessica is one of those Momma's that continuously inspires me to be not just a momma..

but a MOMMA! 

Might I add, she has the most handsome little boys ever!!

Enjoy!!! 

{Guest Blogger} 

I’m Jessica Meza, a.k.a Momma.  I have two boys.  My oldest son, Gabriel, just became a teenager over the summer.  And my youngest son, Julian, is 7 years old.  I have always been a “working” mother.  I’m not gonna lie, part of me enjoys working outside the home since I’m not the best at keeping house…so I try not to complain too often.  Currently I’m working as a Realtor, and part time as an office assistant at a psychiatrist’s office, and trying to create a new bakery- JJ’s Cupcakery, with my BFF.  Yup, I’m busy!  Amazingly, I still have time to enjoy my crafts: photography, scrapbooking, crocheting, sewing, and reading.

 

The year I turned 23, two wonderful things happened.  First, I became pregnant for the first time.  Second, I gave birth to a sweet and beautiful baby boy.  This first pregnancy was completely unplanned, but I prepared myself through one of my favorite activities, reading.  The pregnancy itself took some getting used to.  My body was being difficult, and didn’t want to keep any food down for several months.  During this time period, I actually lost weight.  Once I was able to eat and keep my food down, my weight stabilized and luckily I had no other problems.  

On July 29th, I woke up about 6 a.m. with what I thought was a stomach ache.  I headed for the bathroom but was unsuccessful.  I returned to bed, only to be awoken by more stomach pain and then I finally realized that I was experiencing contractions.  Later that day I arrived at Memorial Hermann Hospital.  I settled in and received my epidural. Then I waited.  As the afternoon became evening, my contractions became even stronger.  I requested another epidural, but it was too late! The baby was coming and I had to push.  I know the pain was intense since the epidural had mostly worn off.  I struggled with the pain for a while, but finally at 8:13 p.m. Gabriel was born.  

It wasn’t difficult to adjust to my new life as a mother.  Gabriel was an excellent baby.  He had a good temperament and even began sleeping through the night at 4 weeks!  I don’t recall many specific details from that first year, but he was the first grandkid on both sides of the family so he was spoiled with love and many, many toys! 

My second pregnancy was planned and went along just fine.  I only suffered through a little morning sickness in the beginning.  This time I was working and worked until the day before the baby was born.  I left work on Friday, after having contractions for most of the day.  That night at about 11pm I was admitted to the Methodist Hospital.  This time I was feeling strong contractions before I was given the epidural.  My legs were shaking uncontrollably from the pain.  It wasn’t long after I received the epidural that I was in full labor.  This time the medicine was working great and the labor was easy for me.  I felt fully alert and was able to push without any pain.  Julian was born on February 7^th at 7 a.m. and weighed 7 pounds.  

Julian is my “little one”, and I love him, but I don’t recall having all these white hairs before he was born!  It was TWO years before I was able to get a full night’s sleep…I was just exhausted.  And the tantrums!  I had never even thought that I would have a child that would throw such horrifically loud, screaming fits, throwing himself on the floor, crying, throwing up, will this EVER end tantrums.  I’m actually smiling as I remember them, as if I find them funny, but I have the white hairs to prove they were real and not figments of my imagination.  Well at least he grew out of it (mostly).  

I love so many things about my boys.  I love how they are the same and how they are different.  I love watching them have fun, hearing them laugh, and snuggling with them.  I love being their mom.

Contact and Follow Jessica :

https://www.facebook.com/pages/JJs-Cupcakery/124232780970936

{Joani} ♥

{Momma Love Series}

The next Momma has been my friend for over 7 years now.

Funny story.

Her and I had class together in college.

We were studying together one night when our boyfriends {our now Hubby's}

came  to join us

and we discovered that they knew each other too!

For years we did everything together...

we all got engaged around the same time and married the SAME year!

So, it was only expected that we would all have children around the same time.

And we did.

My daughter Cami and her son Mason are only weeks apart!

Joani is one of those Momma friends who have reached

several life changing milestones with me and I hope that she is around for many, many others.

Thank You Joani for being my friend..and now... a Momma friend.

{Guest Blogger}

Hi I'm Joani and I have been married almost 5 years and work for a construction company as the HR manager. We became proud parents to Mason this past April and we also have a fur baby, Bubba, he's 7 years old.

How old you were when you first became a Momma?

29 years old.

Was it expected?

Baby Mason was expected, even though I was surprised on how quickly I got pregnant.

Did your pregnancy go well?

Yes! My pregnancy was very easy, I did not have any morning sickness at all!

Was your pregnancy what you expected?

I really didn't know what to expect. I didn't really read much about it before hand and during. I would just ask my doctor any questions I had.

Did your delivery go well?

Yes. Even though he came 4 ½ weeks early, delivery was super easy and quick!!

Was your delivery what you expected?

No! I thought I was going to be in horrific pain, yelling and screaming and cursing out everyone! You know like you see in the movies. Yes that was not what happened. Don't get me wrong contractions were painful but not enough for me to be all crazy yelling!! Oh and once the epidural kicked in it was even better.

How was your first year? And Was it all that you expected?

Well its only been about 5 months and it has been wonderful. I LOVE being a MOM! Which is still sometimes weird to say! I never thought it would be so easy being a mom and come so fast.

{Salena} ♥

{Momma Love Series}

Ok, so again. I want NOTHING to be lost in translation! 

So today... for our Momma Guest Blogger post we head on over to "A Little Piece of Me". 

{Her Blogs weren't posting exactly as they are on her Blog on my Blog... in other words..having some technical difficulties}

 

And, again. I am also in AWE as every new post comes in, about number one; how  much you can learn about a woman and her journey through her Momma story and also, at all of the amazing women that God is bringing into my life through my Blog! I am over joyed like no other!

My next Momma is DEFINITELY one HOT Momma and yep...Gran-Momma!

I recently visited her Blog and it's such a Happy place with lots of great pictures and stories. There is no doubt that this Momma has her hands full! 

She submitted not one Momma story but TWO. 

Both equally amazing. I hope you like them....

Oh yeah..and did I mention... she is Hawaiian...Aloha!

{Guest Blogger}

Her first journey: BABY LEE                                                   Her second journey: KAPONO

 

Contact and Follow Salena:

Blog is “A Little Piece of Me”  www.salenalee.blogspot.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/alittlepieceofmeblog

Twitter: www.twitter.com/alittlepiece_me

{Yvonne ♥}

{Momma Love Series}

Today's Guest Blogger is a special one in my life. 

Crazy story...we grew up together...

stopped seeing each other for over 10 years and the day we reunited...

it was like NOTHING had ever changed. 

We picked up where we left off, 

only now we weren't 13 year old's trying to find our way...

instead we were soon to be Momma's and Wives...

We then ended up pregnant in the same year... yes. 

Funny I know. It's God. He's awesome like that. 

She then became a Momma for the second time and I became a first time Momma...

only this time we vowed to never be apart again...

we would remain friends for a lifetime...

and never miss out on the amazing work that God has done and will do in our lives! 

My long-time, long-lost, Bestie...'Bon....

 {Guest Blogger}

Somehow I don’t think that being a momma for the first time isn’t ever quiet the way that you expect it to be. One of my most loved momma friends dreamt of the day that she would be pregnant, she couldn’t wait for the glow and experience; only to now tell me (on baby #2) she absolutely hates being pregnant “its.the.worst.thing.ever.” 

As for me, a momma of two I can tell you with out a shadow of a doubt it was never what I thought it would be. My first baby came when I was a young 17. And during the whole time it was mostly one thing- scary. It was my mom and her friends that put the fear into me. They would go about and tell stories about how much it would hurt and how I should not get the epidural because of all the horrible things it would do to me! In the end I’m sort of happy they scared me so much. 

I was so naive that I didn’t even know when I was in labor, I walk into a Dr. appointment for a check-up, only for the nurse to freak out when she realized that I was in fact 4 centimeters dilated! I arrived at the hospital at noon and had Christian Alexander Pozo just before 6pm, on November 4^th 1996. No epidural (hello I could be paralyzed!!) no real meds of any kind. I laid there waiting for that horrible moment that all my moms’ friends talked about and well…I never really felt. I take that back, by the time the real pain hit for me it was hum too late. So Christian came in an ole’ fashion kinda of way.

Having Chris at such a young age, I didn’t know what to expect so there is no way to tell you if raising him has been what I thought it would be! I know this, I’d be lost with out my little man. He changed my world and turned it right.side.up. With out him I’d hate to think about what kind of life style I would have ended up with. He set my priorities straight, and made me into a hard working momma, wanting at all times what would be best for him, slowly realizing that to give him the best, I’d have to give it to my self as well. Chris has shown me LOVE, unconditional love that runs deep…

When Jose (my now hubby) came into my life, it was Chris and I rolling solo for 8 years or so. AND when Jose and I began buying our house and planning our wedding, planning our future, it became clear that a little one needed to become part of our family. I had been so sure for so long that it would always be just Christian, that the thought of having another baby (yes Chris is still my baby) was well – scary again. Of course for different kinda of reasons, I wasn’t sure my health was in the right place, being over weight, and being border line diabetic AND not being a young 17!!! Plus I didn’t know if I could LOVE another baby like I love Christian. I knew only that it was something that my husband and I wanted, to make our family complete. Then began the challenge of my health, honestly I was very luck. I went off my beloved pill, began to eat right and exercise, and three months later- TADA! I was preggers!! Just a few months before our wedding! Needless to say we have a habit of doing things upside down and backwards. 

This pregnancy was a challenge, early on I decided I wanted to learn as much as I could and do what felt right for me so I turned midwifery. YUP. I knew that this is what felt right for me. I was 13 years older and still over weight but I decided that if the first time around wasn’t a horror story then this time wouldn’t be either. I continued to eat right and take care of my self and lost weight through-out my pregnancy. Thankfully it all paid off. This time around I would not be so naive. 

The day Hailey was born I woke up and knew right away I was indeed in labor. I didn’t say anything to my husband figuring –

1. He would only freak out.

2. I’d be in labor for a while and he should just go to work first.

My son was at home with me and I didn’t want him to freak out either. SO I kept it to my self and began to nest. I picked up and washed and cleaned a little. By noon my contractions picked up and I called the hubby wrapped up things at work and come home. He must have thought I sounded too relaxed because he didn’t come home till 4. AHHHH! By then contractions had kicked into over drive and it was time to head to the hospital. As we waited to hear back from my midwife, we went for a quick walk down the street! My crazy idea, for some reason I felt less pain moving around. Finally we made it to the hospital just around 5:30 – got settled in a room by 6 and again my midwife was quite surprised to find out that I was indeed 7 centimeters dilated…

November 24^th 2009, Hailey Tirado, was born just before 7pm, 13 years 20 days and 1 hour after her big brother. NO drugs and none needed. It was what I expected it to be and into my arms arrived the one thing I was uncertain of, more LOVE. Another heaping load of LOVE that I never knew was possible... 

 

I had no idea what to expect having a girl; she is a whirl-wind of unexpectedness. This little pile of love is an energy packed firecracker that melts our hearts and drives us crazy and in about a 5 minute cycle all day long. AND what is it like having a 14yr old and a 22 month old? Well some days I feel torn between my teenager as we talk about school, football and his future and on the flip side I am coloring and singing ABC’s! The amazing thing is that Hailey has a 6ft+ older brother that flies her through the house on his shoulders and never minds grabbing every pillow in the house to build a fort big enough for the two of them!! 

I am blessed and I know more now than ever that even though having the two so far apart sounds nutty, God knew it would work for us.

Contact and Follow Yvonne:

Blog: http://spanglishgirltx.blogspot.com/

{PattyU} ♥

Momma Love Series

Our second Momma Love Blogger is a young lady who I met not too long ago thru her Sister who just so happens to be one of my most Amazing Momma friends! Patty is her younger Sister. I love Sisters. I love my own so much that I love younger Sisters all around! Patty is a very talented young lady with the CUTEST little Man EVER.

Enjoy!!!

{Guest Blogger}

[PattyU] Patricia Umanzor, MOMMA of uno [Elijah O’Dell Heath ], full time worker in the oilfield industry, wife to Eric Umanzor for a year this month, September. I make hair bows and I am an amateur photographer!

[PattyU] of Pattypics Photography & Patti’s Bowtique

How old you were when you first became a Momma?

[PattyU]Pregnant at 18, Momma at 19.

Was  it expected?

[PattyU] not at all!

Did your pregnancy go well?

[PattyU] overall my pregnancy went well I only got nauseas 2 times! And besides that I was very very active!

Was your pregnancy what you expected?

[PattyU]not at all, I actually was still playing soccer for 2 months and I didn’t find out I was pregnant until I was 14 weeks prego. Elijah didn’t come up on my pregnancy test. I took a total of 10 pregnancy test from august until November, and even did blood work and he didn’t come up on any test until November 11th 2008.

Did your delivery  go well?

[PattyU]did it, my son basically walked out of me, I actually went to my weekly check up on a Friday, may 8 2009. I was 38 weeks and I wanted to tell my doctor if we could aim for having my son the next weekend. My apt was at 10 and the doctor didn’t see me until 11ish. I was all ready to to find out the status and if we could have the baby next week, the dr checks and then he said have you felt any pain or anything, I told him no im just ready for this baby to get out. He chuckled and said well your wish is granted your in labor. WHATTTT LABOR, NO I CANT BE I HAVE TO GO TO THE MALL (I KNOW HOW DUMB TO SAY THAT) I was already 4cm dilated. The doctor couldn’t believe I had no idea I was in labor. So he said you have no time go directly to the hospital this baby is coming today. I took a deep breath and said okay I guess he can come today. So I left and drove myself to the hospital lol. I called my mom and sister and they were freaking out. I got to the hospital and started to fill out all the paper work I finally got a room around 2ish. I was just watching Hannah Montana on their tv and talking to the nurses family started getting there. Long story short I had Elijah at 4ish, yupp not 3 hrs into being there I had Elijah J.

Was your delivery what you expected?

[PattyU] no I was very scared, I thought I was going to be in so much pain, I thought I was going to scream, cry, curse, faint, but nope I had him like a pro!

How was your first year as a Momma?

[PattyU] not what I expected! I was a teen mom and lost out of my mind. After I had Elijah I got PPD (postpartum depression) I was a mess. After 3 months it slowly wore off and I started to enjoy motherhood the best I could. I had a lot of help from my mom and sister. I was very blessed to have my mom that basically supported Elijah and I. Elijah’s 1st year was basically the year of ups and downs. I thought his dad would take a bigger role in his life than he did but I came to realize that as long as Elijah has a loving mother than he isn’t losing out in anything. I surely had to grow up and mature myself a lot sooner but I wouldn’t trade him nor being a mother for anything in the world!

Was it all that you expected?

[PattyU]Not at all, I sound so clique and like one of the girls on teen mom but I really thought his dad would take a bigger role, that Elijah would sleep all night. But once you have a baby you realize it isn’t all rainbows and butterflies. I also didn’t expect to fall in love like I did. He was perfect to me!

Contact and Follow Patty:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pattis-Bowtique/125781247494867
http://pattypicsphotography.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/#!/Patti_nic25

{CaseyLove} ♥

Momma Love

Yay! My 16 days of Momma Love starts today!!!

Remember you still have time to submit your Momma story,surely my first set of ladies will inspire you to join in! 

What better way to kick off this series than with my BFF. CaseyLove from God and a Family and her professional Blog, DreamTree Photography! 

She is an amazing person inside and out, so ENJOY! 

Woooo-whooooo!!!! 

{Guest Blogger}
Hello, my name is Casey, and I'm a Houston mother, wife, and Christianprenuer.  Photography is my creative outlet, and also just happens to be my job part-time job.  I say part-time, because I am a stay at home mother full-time to a beautiful 4 year old diva, who's a hot cup of coffee on a winter's night, and a firework on the 4th of July.  My "Aislynn Love", is what I like to call her. She is my only human baby, as I have 2 rescue furry babies who are my world, and within the next year, I'd hopefully and God-wiling would like to have one more human baby, just to make it even ya know?  =D

I am the writer and of my newly created blog, God & a Family. This here blog is where I express myself whether that be through photography, fashion, my family, and/or my faith. My life is crazy and then some, and well, I have too much to share and say to not blog about it all, or at least some of it. My life isn't perfect, but to me, its my kinda perfect.


I was a tender 20 year old when I gave birth to my Aislynn Love. A new mother equaled a new world equaled new responsibilities, something at that age, I was not ready for by any means, but with the love and support of my husband, I did just fine, if I do say so, myself.

My pregnancy with Aislynn went about as "normal" as you get, except maybe the last few months. I'm still not entirely sure what happened, but I plan on being more aware and educating myself with the next cupcake in the oven. I ended up having an emergency c-section after 20 hours in labor. It wasn't exactly what I wanted, but at that point, I didn't really care, I just wanted to meet my baby girl! Within 4 days, I was headed home to hospital, and life officially began...

The first year of Aislynn's life was simply indescribable, much like her second year, and her third, and now, her fourth. Each year gets more and more exciting, and each year comes with so many new surprises and accomplishments. It still amazes me that God put this little life in front of me to love, care and nurture, and everyday I am reminded to love, care, and nurture just as He does with His own children.

I {heart} my little family.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. -- {Joshua 24:15}

Contact and Follow Casey of God and a Family:
DreamTree Website: www.dreamtree-photography.com

DreamTree Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamTreePhotography
God & a Family: http://godandafamily.blogspot.com/
God & a Family Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/God-a-Family/249913065032554
Twitter: twitter/dreamtreephotos

What's to come? {30 Recap and Goals}

I have plans!

Lots of them!!!

I have been busy with work and well life but hopefully you haven't missed too much.

Here is a recap:

-I reached 75 FB readers, working on my 100! Thennnnnn....you guessed it....GIVEAWAY time!
[ FIND ME ON TWITTER: http://twitter.com/#!/MommaofDosTX AND FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Momma-of-Dos/167499493284586?ref=ts]
-My Hubby got a new Summer Internship~ With Vaugh Construction~
-I was on Maternity Leave for 2 months.
-I have been crafting {making and selling-But really it's a Hobby}
-I had my second Baby {CamBam}-Officially making me the Momma of Dos! {Yaay!} ~Hence the Maternity Leave~
-I finally had my first ever GIVEAWAYS! {Congrats again to the Winners!}MANY MORE TO COME I HOPE!
-I am currently seeking a new job in a Faith based community with Hispanic and Community involvement as a plus!
-I am planning my Son's second Birthday in September and my daughters FIRST in March!
-I am still and more so than ever in LOVE with my LIFE, MY FAMILY and GOD!

How? Where and Who?

My Blog originated as a "ME" blog on Wordpress; a hard-working, church-going, quirky Faith-filled Wife! It didn't really have structure.....

Then it became a Mommy Blog {still and more so Faithfilled but with some structure}....

Then it went on to become an all around honest Family and Faith Blog! {Still with structure and bigger plans in mind!}

Now, a NEW Me, Family, FAITH, Crafty Blog has emerged and I still have even BIGger plans...as the months go by {as God's will is done} and another year finishes I plan to execute those plans and move forward!  {I have never lost sight of HIM, I have as an imperfect Human Being that I am wandered away, doubted who He has brought me to be, and thought that He may not have been who guided me here to execute this specific purpose! BUT now, NOW more than ever, I KNOW, that I was SO VERY WRONG. That HE is MY ONE AND ONLY PURPOSE. That HE is my one and ONLY guide. THAT HE IS THE REASON I am HERE. In this place. In this moment. I will embrace HIM! Move forward and never again doubt what I believe IN, Who I believe in!}

With this in {with His purpose in} mind I plan to add and  return some features to my Blog! They went missing, I was caught off guard and thrown off course! But order must be re-gained. And life will once more be GREAT!

What to look for in the coming MONTHS:

*Guest Bloggers [Monday] {EMAIL ME TO: faithandloveintexas@gmail.com}
*"New Addition to the Family" Feature {If you have special talents you want to share!!!{EMAIL ME TO: faithandloveintexas@gmail.com}
*En la Cocina con Ricardo {TOTALLY NEW!!!} The Head Chef will be my Hubby! YUP! He can cook too!
*La Sonrisa de un Niño {Also totally NEW! It will be weekly stories about my Children and how they make me smile!}
*Craft of the Month {A Tutorial Series-Monthly}
*I want to do "Praise & Worship Wednesday" again, I miss it!
*I want to start "Thankful Thursdays" with Family of Four Blogger {link-up}!
*I want to add "Finding Friday {& Suggestions Saturday}" - My cool "finds" of the week and what you think I should be looking at!
* El Domingo en Casa {Family Activities to do after Church~Local Feature~}
*As you may have guessed, I want to add more Spanish {With a Tex-Mex twist and Spanglish lingo} posts!!! Yes, Yo soy muyyyy Mexi-Mexi!
* I want to add more PICTURES to my everyday POST! For your viewing pleasure... Ha.
* I want to have a MONEY MATTERS post every Month {Where Finances and Organization and Spousal Communication about the issue is discussed!}
*I want to have a possibly weekly Health and Fitness Post {Where a Health Expert can tell us how and what to do to keep in shape but more importantly how to stay Healthy!}
*I also want a possible weekly Fashion and Makeup post {Where my Fashion and Makeup Guru's can discuss beauty and dressing cute! I have TWO people in mind already!}

Ambitious much!? HA. I think so. God will find a way!!! I know He will.

I hope you like it all!

Please stick around, FUN WILL BEGIN SHORTLY!



My Head {Mind} Spinz!

LIKE CRAZY SPINZ RIGHT OFF MY SHOULDERS!

When I think, envision, imagine and dream....

I want to sprint, burst, leap and collapse. ALL. AT. ONCE. 

I just think of the infinite possibilities. The what-if's, the ideas, the creativity, the life of___, and I wonder. 

What? How? When? Really? No??? Maybe? Hmmmm?

And then I search.... I can't find anyone quite like me...I mean..I am not so super special and unique...or am I? Where are all the others like me? How do they make it work?

I want to know. 


I am a full-time, work outside the home Momma and Wife. Unlike most Bloggers, I am not a professional writer, photographer, web designer {or techy person that way, I try my best} or crafter {suppper jealous!} but I do consider myself a Blogger!  

So, I wonder... are there other Momma's {Wife} like me out there...who have a full-time corporate job and  BLOG!

If you know one...tell me...if you are one...contact me..I want to know you!  

To find my "NITCH"....or Not?

As you all may remember I was on maternity leave not too long ago....a week ago to be exact...

During those 8 weeks, I was able to have a dream come true, although short-lived, it was much needed and definitely appreciated and taken advantage of!

I was indeed a STAY-AT-HOME MOMMA (or SAHM)! And, was totally rocking at it, if I may say so myself! (Toot-toot, Ha. Ha.)

Then....as I mentioned before...

Life tends to happen and my little hot pink fluffy magic rug was pulled from under my big hope-filled feet (yes, my feet have hopes too! ha.) ...and I totally missed the pillow (meaning my feelings hit the pavement)...Eeeeek.

During those 8 weeks, I developed and almost fully mastered....being a Crafty Momma...and you know what? I loved it.

I was creating, and following through with my endless possibilities. I loved it.

But, I know there are plans that I can make..but they are not for me to control. {Trust me, this is NOT  a complaint post....trust me.}

Well during my first week back at work, I remembered that place I had been in not too long ago.

A place where I dreamed of being a corporate Momma with an outside the home job and pant suits [ YES, PANT SUITS! If I had that kind of fun, lunch meeting, corporate type job and the money to buy me some cute pant suits! {Ha.}] None the less, I was there. That place where I didn't mind being that 9 to 5 Mom that works and runs home to be a Mom and Wife to a busy afternoon family.

Then, those 8 weeks came, and for a short time, everything was perfect. I was THAT Momma in that OTHER place, that hides deep in the back of my silly little heart....the Full-Time, Stay-at-Home-Momma, with the fun and lovable and most adorable children, who cleans, cooks, reads, watches "The Talk" at 1pm and Oprah at 4pm [before she decided to leave TV!].

AND YES...WHO CREATES....

Who shines at being a MOM! 

Who LOVES being a WIFE.

That Mom that after 8 weeks of chaos thinks, yes...let me take on just a bit more....I don't have an outside the home job..I think I can handle it. 

But, then.... THIS place comes back. The place where responsibility reigns, and food needs to be put on the table, where I want to take my kids to the zoo, museum, and circus without having to really deal with a budget. This place where I have to wake up, get dressed, pull my kids out of bed and get them ready for another set of arms to hold, to love and to care for.

It's hard. I yearn. I hurt. I envy. I cry. I think...no one knows my pain.... 

And, after the pain subdues..I search...for THAT place again. 

That's where I am...

Seeking... 

{My heart hurts at the thought of my children not being around me all day.... ::deep sigh::}

But, I know.

That THIS place...has a purpose...a reason... a season...a time...

What day is today?!

I was thinking I would work on several things {projects} this weekend.....

But, it's my first week back at work after 7 & a half  weeks away AND exhaustion is an understatement!

Our sleep and wake schedules are totally skewed, I feel like I am walking in and out of a revolving door and I feel out of place and just plain out...OUT OF IT! {Ha.}

I know, this is doable..I know I can get through this week..the real question is..When will I ever sleep again?!

My 8 week old and my 20 month old tag team each other, when one wakes the other one sleeps, when one cries the other other YELLS, when one poops the other one spits up; I think they enjoying seeing my head spin off my shoulders and my flushed face fill with panic! {HA.} They've seem to got the whole "let's deprive our mom of sleep and show her how much can come out of every orifice of our bodies" routine down... more than well!

{Trust me. I am BEYOND Blessed to have two VERY healthy, active and vivacious children....but when you get to where I am....exhaustion over powers and you just have to say it! }

So, I am not sure just yet...but I think my weekend is looking more like a big soft bed, with fluffy pillows and lots of wide open mouth straight up snoring! {Ha.} My vision of this weekend is more like a Comfort Inn than lets go out and be active weekend! 

Have I mentioned how tired I am? {Ha. ha. ha.}

And I can't remember when my last real warm sit down meal was....

This week so far is a blur.... 

{I am totally about laughing at my situation, but right now my laugh is accompanied by tears...just a bit...you know that kind of laugh/cry thing when you don't know really how you feel...sad, tired, happy.... CRAZY AND DETATCHED!}  {Ha. ha. ha.}

Honestly...I hope you see this post as humurous..

I love my kids....I ADORE being a Momma....I LOVE being a Wife...I love being a part of my families income and having an outside the home job {for now}...but every once in a while..I like to make light of my siutation and am a bit sarcastic...I hope everyone gets that.... Ha.

It's part of who I am....