My Parents Inspire Me #InspireCare #LATISM

Growing up I never really understood the way my parents parented.  Especially when I was a teenager.  I had a curfew.  All of my friends didn't.  I couldn't go to slumber parties.  I couldn't have friends over.    I made my room my haven and lived on the phone.  They were so strict.  I remember crying myself to sleep a couple times because I couldn't go hang out at the mall with my friends.  Crying so hard into my pillow and saying, "I hate you Mom" under my breath.  I always thought all my friends that got to do what they wanted were the lucky ones.  It wasn't until I had kids of my own that I began to appreciate my parents and realized I was the lucky one.      

My parents are my inspiration to be the best mother I can be.  All the rules I thought were harsh when I was a teenager was because they cared.  I understand now that all they were doing was trying to protect me from a rough world.  I know now that all my parents wanted was the best for me, just like I want the best for my own children.  Being raised their way made me independent and not have to depend on others.  My parents taught me not to be a follower and work hard.  It made me a strong woman and ultimately, a great mom.  In some ways, I'm raising my kids with the same values my parents raised me but in my own light.  I learned to trust my children.

Now that they are grandparents, I know that they are happy with the way I parent.




Johnson & Johnson and its partners support global motherhood with programs that meet the needs of moms and babies in the U.S. and around the world.  Get involved in raising awareness about global motherhood by using your social networks for social good!

Attending LATISM 2012 in Houston?  Stop by the Johnson & Johnson suite in Arboretum II to discuss the work they do!

These photos represent a few of the many programs supported by Johnson & Johnson and its partner organizations to serve the health and well-being needs of communities and people around the world.  To read more about these programs and others that help us care for those in need, please visit our website:  http://www.jnj.com/connect/caring/

Disclosure:  This is a compensated post in collaboration with Johnson & Johnson and Latina Bloggers Connect.  All opinions are my own.

What Motherhood Means To Me #WinningSmile #CrestSponsored

“Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.”  -Elizabeth Stone 

Elizabeth Stone knows Motherhood.  I live her quote every day of my life.  I didn't understand Motherhood when I was pregnant with my first child but the minute I held him in my arms, I knew what it meant to have my heart walking outside my body.  Being a Mom is the greatest title I will ever hold in this life.  

Being a Mom is about doing for your children and putting their needs before you.  I truly enjoy being a mom.  Earlier today my 6 year old son, Duke, asked me for a hug and I told him, "I don't know you" and he replied, "You picked me up in the driveway, remember?" - we laughed and shared a huge hug.  Being a Mom is spontaneous hugs, laughs, jokes and always showing them you support them and will always love them.  I have shared my stories, taught them right from wrong, good from bad and just hope I have given them the confidence to chase their dreams like I have.  My sons Ty, Damien, Duke and Omar can count on me to be their biggest cheerleader.  I want them to succeed.      

Ondina López knows Motherhood too.  Ondina has always supported her children in their pursuit of Taekwondo. Her four children used to practice in the garage, and during the winter she would run the dryer when they were practicing to help warm the garage, and would bring them ice and water during the summer. 

Ondina López is the mom of London 2012 Olympic Games hopefuls Steven and Diana López, and is the heart of the "First Family of Taekwondo". Her children, Steven, Jean, Mark and Diana are at the world elite level in Taekwondo.  Steven, Mark and Diana made history when they each won gold at the 2005 World Taekwondo Championships, becoming the first three siblings in any sport to claim World Championship titles at the same event.  

Crest & Oral-B Complete help give Taekwondo fighter Steven López the confidence to show off his healthy, winning smile.  López, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and bronze medalist will be competing in the 80kg division at this year’s Games. Crest & Oral-B Complete have also partnered with Steven’s mother, Ondina López, to highlight the importance mom’s support can play in an athlete’s success.

What does being a Mom mean to you?!

To learn more about P&G Oral Care Olympic Games partnership, please “Like” Crest on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/crest).

Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored campaign with Crest and Latina Mom Bloggers. However, all opinions expressed are my own.