A Letter to ::Wonder Woman::

I saw this illustration and it struck a chord....

As Women, we often fight so many battles, sometimes on our own, in complete silence, hidden away from the world....daily, hourly, minute by minute.

For me lately, they've been more internal than not. My brain never shuts off and my heart feels it.

Those battles, I feel, are the ones that cause the most bruising. We fight ourselves, beat ourselves up so hard about everything, even after it's been said and done, so much so that some of us feel we have to stay in fight mode.

Truth is we don't.

Being a Wonder Woman shouldn't cause so much pain.

The battle wounds shouldn't cut that deep... but they do.

Sometimes regardless of how well we think we hide the bruises and scars, people know.

People who know you can see them. They are more than visible, they are you.

The agonizing pain buried deep in your soul, the wiped away tears, the self-crushing doubt and attempts to cry out for help. We can see it in your eyes, your appearance, your energy.

In the end...

It's how you choose to recover that means the most.

It's how you move forward that helps us heal.

Knowing that you are not alone sometimes helps.

Knowing and allowing others to help is not a bad thing.

So....

Dear Wonder Woman,

Let down your guard, release the fight mode and heal.

It's time.

Allow space for love and joy, know that you are worthy. You are deserving.

Yes, you are a Wonder Woman who is loved and no longer has to hide the hurt or the scars and bruises of this life.

You are not alone.

It's time.

To continue to love yourself, be proud of it and move on.

It's time. 

To let go. To live your life. And, be yourself.

Be the Wonder Woman that you are but know that your tribe is here for you and you can do this.

You are not perfect and that's OKAY.

It's time. 

Love always,

Wonder Woman

Why I Blog and how I will never compete with you.....

Where to begin? 

Blogging. It started off as a "writing challenge" to myself. I wrote about anything really. Random happenings. Then, I got pregnant. In a desperate attempt to relate to someone and to know that the crazy baby happenings were normal; I sought out other "Mommy Bloggers". I found some of the best, and one of my biggest inspirations. Inspirations for sharing. Sharing, in a very vivid way, all the beautiful, sad and overwhelming details about life as a whole.  

I gained a small but loyal following. Then life changed, once again. I was a "stay-at-home mom" with Dos {2} small toddlers. I learned about sponsors and compensation. Again, meeting and being mentored by some of the nations absolute best. I gained a little bigger audience and support. 

I went back to work outside of my home after about 7 months. 

Then big things started happening. My blog "took off". Lots of awesome opportunities. After a full year of work, home and "blog work". I decided that going "that big" wasn't for me. Why? Because I love working an "8-5" job that relates to my career and my college degree; which I am still paying off. But, I will continue to blog, always, no matter what. I will continue to network and meet new people. To seize opportunities and seek them. I will. Because I want to and I love it.

Working outside of my home, taking care of my home, blogging and volunteering. Most can't do it. Some don't want to. But me, it's a way to create and establish my balance. To be busy. To blog big or small. It's what I live for. My passion. 

Am, I a huge blogger with a large following? Some times. I don't really look at that. I just like to write. I have fallen in love with telling my story and sharing our life. Small bits at a time. Do I take breaks? All the time. Do I feel overwhelmed? Some days. Do I quit? Never. 

I feel that once this life is established there is really nothing else that fills the void or the need to be busy. Do I blog like other bloggers? Maybe not. But, to me that's OK.... 

As they say..I am too busy making my grass greener to be looking at your lawn. 

Right now, I am seeking more. From myself mentally, physically and emotionally. I want my Husband and kids to be happy and stable. I seek to maintain my home life; cooking, cleaning, wiping butts, being Momma and Wife to the chaos. I want to grow and develop my career. Explore life and be a good writer with a loyal group of readers. 

I will never compete with other Momma's or Bloggers... we are all so very different. Our stories and blogs were created for different purposes. And, that's OK with me. 

Just a Friday morning thought.... 

How to put your Words in Motion & Emotion?

How do I put my words in motion? And, emotion?

I pray and I think and I do what I think is enough for my actions to create reactions, change and results. Still not much happens. I linger in this place where just going through the motions is inevitable and I sit in the same vicious cycle of everyday life and routine. I am ready for more. But, how? What?

My friend Melissa from Painting Mariposas in the Sky; stated that she has all of these drafts sitting on her blog none that have seen yet the light of her screen or met the eyes of her readers. And, the question remains, why?

Then I read an article from one of my favorite writers Lysa  Terkeurst where she connects, with ME.  And, I sit and wonder and finally think; that's what it is! We {Melissa and I as well as many other Bloggers}, are connectors and we long for our words to jump off the screen and provoke that same action that we want to see in ourselves as writers. We put constant effort into our post and a lot of thought into our words. We are life storytellers. The question then becomes, how? How do make those connections? All I know now is that I am determined to do things and make changes that will allow my drafts to be not just blog post but new connections to the outside world and who I want to be.

I have already started making real connections in order to become a better Blogger, then next step is to see the results of my online, in-person, and story telling connections.

What about you? Are you making those connections?

If you want to share your story with me; message me on FB, connect on Twitter or comment below!

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Momma-of-Dos/167499493284586
Pintrest:http://pinterest.com/mommaofdos/
Twitter:https://twitter.com/MommaofDosTX
Instagram:@mommaofdos
Email: mommaofdos@gmail.com
        

{Thankful Thursdays} Link-Up!!

Have not done one of these in a while... definitely need to be reminded these days....




This week I am most thankful for:

{My Age} I will be 32 in June. That means I have lived through a lot with a lot of people who have come and gone. I am thankful for life, my life experiences and always making the best of every situation. I have in my 32 years gained wisdom, faith, and hopefully maturity. I know what I want and where my life is going. Sure nothing is set in stone and I don't have life figured out but I definitely know who I am and where I am going. 

{Sincerity} I have a lot of friends who have the best interest in mind and who are all living their lives on their own terms and following their own paths. I like to think that when it comes to our relationship they are being sincere. I am thankful for their sincerity and honesty. Be who you are and never allow popularity to overcome truth. It's what I have learned..... 

{Becoming a Stay@HomeMomma} My children will only be 3 { and 7 months} and 2 yrs old once. I will never be able to come back to this stage of their lives again, it's been so critical, our bonding, my patience being tested, and our lives being rocked to their very core. We have had to experience the best and worse of each other to know that, this is it, our little family of 4, we have each other and I pray that we will be here for one another for years, and years to come. My 6 months at home have made me thankful for my life, my children who are an amazing Blessing and for my Husband who has become an even more amazing Provider. It's been difficult. But, I am thankful. 

{Social Media/Networking} This has made me feel relevant. I usually shy away from joining big groups of super important and accomplished Bloggers/Writer/Activist/ Social Media Gurus because I am intimidated by their expertise. But, I have been so Blessed to have been added to some pretty awesome groups of  Bloggers/Writer/Activist/ Social Media Gurus not just from Texas but from all over the U.S. They have made me feel as if what I sit and enjoy doing is well worth it. I am thankful for those group of  Bloggers/Writer/Activist/ Social Media Gurus  who have made me feel as if I belong. It's so important as a Stay@HomeMomma to have a sense of self and community. Thank you everyone. 

What are you most thankful for this week??

{Withdrawl Symptoms}

So, it seems these days all of my stories begin with... "my son...." he broke the T.V. screen, he broke my external drive, and now he broke my computer! Single handedly my 3 year old powerhouse of a son has broken all these items...am I upset? Sure. Kind of..but he is so cute these things are totally material and most my data is either on this Blog, on my Facebook or some kind of external data gather-er, thing-a-ma-bob. I am horrible, being that I am a "social media/thechy guru" I have  no laptop and I have no other backup's.

Most people are probably cringing at the thought that I have no laptop, or I-Pad or blah blah...Ha. Ha. I have a smart phone only since about November and that's my life line right now, oh yes and this laptop that I have thankfully borrowed from my Aunt who is living with us... THANK YOU TIA!!! HA.

Until I get my computer fixed I will attempt to stay connected and in the loop with all that we have going on...I started my annual Rodeo volunteer work, I am sure I have several product reviews pending and job interviews to follow-up on! Ahi. How will I make it through the week. I am praying that SOME of my data can be recovered and that not all is lost, we do need a new computer but I need my old one to survive!

We shall see... in the mean time PLEASE be patient with me!

Please!!

Gracias!

{Friday Letters} 1st of 2013

Dear Friday, 
Hi there! You are the first Friday of the year. I see you. I embrace you. I am happy you are here. Until next week! 
Nos vemos. 

Dear Blog, 
I have goals and plans for you in 2013. Be patient. Cooperate and yes LISTEN. Ha. I will make it happen just trust me. 
Thanks for being so good to me. 

Dear Career, 
I am looking for you. Come out, come out where ever you are! 
No really stop hiding. 

Dear New Blog Readers!  
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE!!! As a Blogger, I totally and completely  appreciate your support! Come back daily and tell me what you think! 
Gracias!!

Dear 2013, 
play nice and no one gets hurt!! 
Just Sayin'....

Dear Hubby and Kids, 
Thank you for your patience with me as a not so perfect Stay@HomeMomma. I appreciate your love and understanding. I am trying my best. 
Love you.

{Happy Weekend everyone!!!}

#LATISM Conference {Parte Dos~Picture Explosion}

 "Una imagen vale por mil palabras..."

Enjoy! 

From I-Phone:

From my camera:

#LATISM Conference {Parte Uno; Words no Pictures}

It's Monday Ya'll! Y no tengo ni idea de como empezar a relatar todo lo que hice este fin de semana!

It had only been a couple of hours of the 2012 LATISM Conference and already my brain was on fire.... {story of my life}....Thoughts, inspiration and new friendship developed almost instantly.

::REMINDER~This Momma is a total cheese ball. Ha.:: It was such an amazing experience to be con gente como yo! To feel welcomed and accepted. Being a part of something bigger and knowing that it was all done by Latinos...it's very important to me. Very. It just continuously gives me a sense of purpose and belonging. It's awesome. The warmth, the embraces, y el Español! 

What I learned on DAY UNO of the LATISM'12 Conference:

1. {Don't be shy}; the word doesn't exist in this environment. There was no place I could sit without speaking to someone. The opportunity was too good and the conversations were very educational.

2. {Remember Names, Faces and Blogs}; I saw so many people within minutes of showing up and I felt horrible...I couldn't remember their names, that went with the faces that went with the Blogs! I was BLOG-STAR-STRUCK! My brain was mush and soon enough it all came back to me!

3. {Bring your charger}; If you plan on functioning... BRING YOUR CHARGER. As soon as you lose the battery...it all seems to stop and you lose your momentum! Ha. Or Ahhhhhh! ::runsaroundlikechickenwithherheadcutoff::

4. {En Español}; I loved being able to communicate en Español about EVERYTHING! It made things so much easier...oh yes and the awesome accents...I am thinking I had the Mexican-Texan accent going for myself, Ha. But, I loved listening to everyone else speak...especially... Lisa from AutismWonderland, Ruby from Growing up Blackxican and Ariana from the 3twentySix... their accents made me feel happy and warm inside...and so many more! 

5. {Give out your calling card!}; Don't forget to pass out your card...I met so many people it's impossible to keep up with everyone...so your calling/business card is your instant connection!

6. {"Wepa!",Relax}; Once your head stops spinning and you can take it all in... relax, everyone is there to have fun, to learn and to connect...so all you have to do is relax and join in!

7. {Dress Comfortably}; I learned day one... to be myself. Dress comfortably and bring flats...first impressions mean a lot but the only way to make a good one is to be yourself and look comfortable in  your own skin!

8. {Find a Buddy}; I was so BLESSED to have found Ariana from the 3twentysix...our  connection was instant...not to mention we were both a little shy at first and somehow we still managed to find each other... fellow Houstonians! It was so meant to be! Ha.

9. {Free drinks=Strong Drinks}; Keep in mind.....if you take a free drink from the super cute waitress you have a good chance of getting extra tipsy really quick! Probably not a good idea. Ha. The bought drinks were not as strong... and just as good... Ha.

10. {Make friends with the girl whose purse can charge your phone.} Just sayin'! Her purse was awesome and she was super sweet...got some awesome advice too... "Hello My Name is Connie and I am a Parenting Blogger!" Love it!!!!! 

I am so Thankful to have been invited to be a part of this great opportunity I thank the Latism'12 Houston Chapter organizers for sponsoring me! It has meant a lot to me and I hope that this will only be the beginning of what is wonderfully to come!

Tomorrow... LATISM'12 PICTURE EXPLOSION. {I hope! Ha. If I can figure it all out...}

Buen Dia a todos!!!!

{Frequently Asked Questions and Blog Advice!}

From me!!!?? OH MY!

I don't have this section on my home page yet, because I still considered myself a Baby-Blogger, Ha. But, I am so very humbled that new Momma Bloggers and my readers would even be interested in my Blog advice {and life!}!

Thank You so much!

Please know that I more than happy to read and respond to your emails and questions any time: mommaofdos@gmail.com


Here we go:

{These questions have all been sent in by readers and/or friends who want to start Blogging..I am in no way an expert nor do I consider myself a Professional Blogger but I don't mind sharing like with everything else in my life...how, what, where or when?}

The first question that I have been getting a lot, A LOT lately is this....

1. Momma, how in the world do you find time to Blog, Pin, FB, upload so many pictures, Twitter and email with Dos babies and a Hubby calling your name every minute?

Honestly, I have no idea. Ha. I make time. I am up late. A lot. No bueno, I know. I also have a Hubby who understands that I love to share and Blog and take pictures; most night he stands behind me at the computer saying.... "are you ready to go to bed yet?" Some nights I say, Nope. Others I run to my pillow. I also have a good set of kids who have at this point gotten used to Momma sitting at the computer a LOT. What I like to do is DART home, clean up, feed the kids and then while I wait for the Hubby, I compute and surf! Especially on nights when he goes to school..it's easier..less explaining and more time to think... Most night my kids will sleep through my writing. If I am realllyyyy hooked on something, I don't sleep and then do it all again in the morning. My house is a mess some nights and I still sit and think and type... On really good days when the Hubby says I am picking up dinner and  my Aunt who sometimes helps me clean happenes to drop by, I get LOTS and LOTS of free time. But, I figured that if I ever want to do this FT, I would want to wait until I can afford a Nanny and a Personal Assistant...Heyyy Dooce has is...why can't I!?

Second pregunta: Momma, how did you get started in Bloggy-Land?

Well, it just happened. Back in 2008 {Presidential, I work in Elections so I think in terms of types of Elections..any who} I started at my current place of business. I needed to practice my writing and also kills some down time. So, I started writing. I had NO idea what Blogging was all about but once I figured it out...I couldn't stop. I was addicted. Then, I got pregnant and had my son and had SO much more to share..and well then I got pregnant again and yeah... the rest is historia...

Next question please {Ha.}: Momma, I don't understand how Blogger works and what's the difference between this and Wordpress?

Honestly, to figure out Blogger {which by the way...goes on a trip some days but I love you Blogger!} it just takes  some time and just really messing with all the settings and buttons... I have tutorials on how to do certain things but then Blogger updates and changes so often, I am not sure if they are right or not..about the difference between Wordpress and Blogger for me it was a matter of design, Wordpress was simple and business like and Blogger just seemed more user friendly and fun! It's a matter of taste, I know a lot of Blogger's who use Wordpress and love it. I personally prefer Blogger. {Except when it's being whack! Ha.}

Fourth question: Momma, what kind of camera do you use? I don't have a super fancy anything I use my little Nikon P-80, it has grown on me but this Momma needs an upgrade! Maybe 2012 is the year for upgrades! Ha. I hope.

Question # 5: Momma, what program do you use to edit your pictures? I downloaded this program called Photoscape from Google and loved it. I am not a Photoshop expert but I do have it on my computer..horrible I know.... I will learn...one day soon!

Question # 6: Momma, what are your kid's names and how did you come up with them? Well, my son is Santiago Isaias; My Hubby and I just fell in love with the name Santiago, my Hubby is a huge Salsa fan..and he thinks the name Santiago Gomez makes for a very popular Salsa singer... {now we have to wait a few years and see if Santiago is even interested in Salsa or singing!} But, we gave him the name just in case... both his names are in the Bible and that was awesome too! My daughter...the amazing Camila Isabel, was derived also from Music! Go figure....Camila is our favorite Mexican Pop group! So, ever since we discovered their music, we have loved the name...as for Isabel. My Hubby is a HUGE movie buff! Yes, movies..music... he loves it all. His favorite movie is Legends of the Fall, if you've seen the movie then you know... if you haven't, the beautiful Native American girl in this movie is Isabel Two...the rest well is historia...

Number 7: Momma, is your Hubby an artist or musician?? UHM no. He thinks he is..but he is a Construction Management nerd by day and an ultra I think I am super hip guy from the 70's Hubby and Daddy by night! Ha! {Ok, I made this question up! Ha. It's fun.}

Pregunta Ocho: Momma, what is your ethnic background? I am a very proud Mexican-American. My parents were both born and raised in Mexico and came to the U.S. when they got married they later had me and my siblings. For the most part, I identify more with my Mexican side than with my American side. I speak mucho Español, me encantan los frijoles negros con epazote and tortillas de harina. But, I can also have a good plate of Tex-Mex enchiladas and feel good. I am really a mix of Border Town {Mission/Reynosa} Norteña  and  deep south Mexican roots {Temixco, Morelos!}. I love Pozole and I would kill for some taquitos de orjea o de tripas con cebolla y cilantro, and of course I love spicy salsa! I can dance cumbias all night but once those Chinelos come on....I just can't sit down! {That's me, Mexi-Mexi!}

Question # 9: Momma, where does your daily inspiration come from? Everywhere and everyone. First and foremost; Jesus. My faith and my beliefs. I love His word and reading my Bible. Then of course my everyday life with my Hubby and children. They are so amazing and special, a true gift from God, I love them more than life! Then just in general, everyday occurrences with life, my job, my friends, people who I meet, people who I walk by, my daily observations. Inspiration is around us and in us. I can't get enough..Oh yes and Pintrest of course! Ha.

Finally numero 10! Momma, why are you so awesome? Ha. Joke. Not a real question... Momma, who designed your Blog Page? I used to do all my own designs and even messed with making my own headers and what not...but more recently I have not had time and I asked an awesome fellow Houston Momma Blogger to help me out and she so awesomely transformed by page a while back... I think I will have to contact her soon to create something for 2012 for me! Her name is Jamie K. and here is her Blog link: http://www.designsbyjamiek.blogspot.com/

My Best Blog advice is just do it! Jump into it and even if you are not a super writer {which I am not} you will at least have a journal to go back to one day for yourself, for your kids and for your family! Even if you start and then fall off the bandwagon...keep pushing forward and when you can, get back to it. Life is crazy and hectic not everyone has time to write but trust me it's worth it if you can find the time. I have chronicled my life the last almost 4 years and I can't wait to print it out and look back..on my growth, on my faith, on my life...

Be the best you...for you and trust me everything else will fall into place!

If you have any other questions don't hesitate in emailing me.... even if I take long to reply...I do read and I will reply...promise! mommaofdos@gmail.com

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!