Chippy's Tacos

Every time we go home to Texas we make sure to eat at Chico's Tacos at least a couple of times. Chicos offers some of the cheapest and best food that is so-not-good-for-you in El Paso. Their specialty is "tacos" (which are really flautas or "taquitos" as Americans call them) summerged in a tomato broth, smothered in American cheese and a deliciously spicy green sauce to top it off. It has become an icon of the city for if you go to El Paso without eating at Chico's Tacos at least once, I fear you will have missed the point of your visit entirely. It is definitely a hate it or love it affair. Well, Chip and I both love it and I had been craving it for like a week, so I asked my sister to give me her recipe so that we could give it a whirl.

I must say that I am sooo proud of Chip. He has always been an awesome cook and now he is mastering Mexican cuisine. He did it all on his own pretty much and it turned out fabulous! I love how he has just embraced my culture and is pretty darn good at it too. I don't think anyone is capable of reproducing a true replica of Chico's, but these came pretty close, wouldn't you agree?! Thanks Fabs for the recipe :)

Cancun/Merida

Its official! My girlfriends from México have planned a reunion for this year. I haven't seen them in 4 years and can't wait. Four of us (out of 11) are married and 3 of us will have babies to introduce by then. I can't wait to show Chip around, there are so many beautiful places to see like the beaches and pyramids, and there is also the best food ever. Im debating whether or not to take our little one, but for the meantime, Cheers for Reunion in Cancún!

Aggravated

Am I the only one who is sick and tired and tired and sick of hearing about how fabulous Obama is??? For crying out loud, the man got elected by Hollywood and by people who have never voted the past million times that they could have. Give me a break! Lets take the man off the pedestal and actually see if he can walk the talk. It's enough of a burden to know that America, with its morals and values, as we know it is g-o-n-e. I hope that those who voted for him know what they were doing. I guess they should be happy knowing that sometime next week we will be paying for abortions performed outside the United States with OUR taxpayer money. Way to go Obamanation supporters!

My Bump

I can be so lazy at taking pictures and it makes me a little sad to think that I have not kept a journal or have pictures to show for my pregnancy trek so far. SO, here you go, a little evidence of my growing "parasite" as Chip calls it. I kinda hate this stage of the metamorphosis because I feel like I just look more chubby than usual and not pregnant! I know I shouldn't be complaining because when I am resembling a whale I'll be wishing I was back to this point. As a little humorous sidenote, we have our yearly family vacation to San Diego coming up this Summer. Chip asked if I wanted to go to Disneyland like we always do and I said "I dont know, Ill be a big whale by then, Im not sure I want to go to California at all." "Well, he said, then we can go to Sea World instead." Gosh, you gotta love the man. I certainly do.

Elders

I am so grateful for them...how can anyone turn them away?

Miss you little brother.

Christmas and New Year's

Chip and I were able to retreat from the horrible cold for 2 weeks, it was so nice! We spent a week in both Texas and Arizona, Christmas with my family and New Years with the Prices. We have been so lucky to have been able to see both sides this year for the holidays. Hopefully we can do it every year. This Christmas was my first at home as a married gal and it was different than other Christmases. Usually the entire (or close to) extended family is over, but this time it was just my mom, dad, Alexa, Fabi, Oscar, grandparents, Chip and I. I loved it! We got to have a very nice and quiet dinner which allowed for conversation with my grandparents, followed by a little spiritual thought/fhe style and then some games. I loved being able to spend time with my mom and dad, and it was really neat to see how Alexa and Chip bonded (he and Ariel would pair off but now that he is away, chip and alexa spent some quality time together playing games or just teasing each other). The highlight of our Christmas Eve was getting to talk to my little brother. He is such an amazing kid. I did pretty well holding back tears (everything makes me cry these days) until we said our last goodbye. He asked to be put on speaker so that everyone could hear him. He said "I want you all to know that the second reason that I am here is you guys. I have come to understand that missionaries leave their families for 2 years, so that other families can be together forever. I am here because I want to be with you all forever too." Hearing that was my memorable moment for this Christmas. On New Year's Eve we returned to Phoenix and had Christmas all over again. Mom and Dad Price are too generous! I am so grateful for their generosity towards all their children and spouses. You guys are awesome.

Reflections of Christ

If you have not seen this art exhibit, you are indeed missing out. I got to walk through it in the Mesa Temple visitor center, and it is just amazing. The spirit is so strong in that room. The entire thing is about Christ, with wonderful paintings that reflect his life. I found this link to a slideshow of the art accompanied by music which is just as moving and powerful(http://www.reflectionsmg.com/reflections-of-christ-videos.php ). Take a minute to watch and listen, and remember that "He is the reason for the season." Merry Christmas!