Christmas in El Paso, 2011

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the gift of family, and grant that our relationships with our relatives always be laced with love, like the love between the members of the Holy Family; help us to have patience, understanding, and empathy in our dealings with each other, family and friends. And Father, please grant safe travels for everyone, everywhere, in Jesus' name, Amen.

When Carlton asked mom and me if we wanted to go to EP for Christmas, I was a bit hesitant because the drive from Big D to EP, is so long. However, when I found out that a cousin I haven't seen in at least ten years was going to be there, of course I wanted to go. I wasn't sure at the time if his lovely bride was accompanying him, but she did, and that was an added bonus!(smile)

We left Big D at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Christmas Eve, and arrived in EP around 5:30 or 6p of the same day. My Tia Luisa (my middle name comes from her) asked us to her house for dinner. We checked into our hotel room and then hurried to her home. Lots of hugging and kissing upon our arrival!

We ate some delicious food, as always, but what I will most remember from this night is the toast my aunt made. "C'mon, everybody, get your cup," she urged, as we were each handed rum-spiced egg nog. My Tia seriously and ceremoniously gave us a wonderful benediction, which I will keep private; but open your ears and let your imagination create the loveliest words of blessings and love you can hear a family member say to you, and you'll be close to knowing what we heard. (wink)

Sunday, Christ's birthday, praises happily poured forth from the live band playing at the 11am Spanish mass, where my mother, brother, good friend from childhood, and I, attended. We were surrounded, engulfed really, by pure happiness. The drummer's beats matched the rhythm of my heart; my love of such a good and gracious God rising higher and higher, and I received our Lord Jesus Christ in a new and profound way; once again asking Jesus into my heart and my life, remembering to thank Him for becoming human. My mom was so touched by the mass, and filled by the Holy Spirit, she was jubilantly weeping.

We left the church feeling pretty high from the alleluias, but God had even more consecrations in store for us; when we went to my Tia's to eat again, picture lots of hugging and kissing, AND the cousins we hadn't seen in many, many years were there, which was cause for even more love to be shared! (smile) We were rejoicing and catching up for most of the afternoon, and into the early evening.

On Monday, a group of us: Carlton, a childhood friend of mine, childhood friend's sweet daughter, her sweet daughter's friend, and I took a trip on the Wyler Aerial Tramway, in EP. I am a "scare-d" cat when it comes to heights, but I swallowed that fear, concentrating instead on enjoying the time with my brother and good friend. The tram ride itself was about five minutes to and fro, so the majority of our time was spent at the top of the mountain, looking at EP spread out beneath us. The best part of this whole adventure was that none of us have ever ridden the tram! We/had live/d in EP for a number of years and hadn't been on this 'limo' to the sea lions, which is how I fondly refer to the mountains of EP, because that's what I think they look like.(Some of the family was supposed to join us, nudge, nudge, wink, wink, but they chickened out last minute.)

Monday night found mom, Carlton and I eating at a quaint restaurant that's an EP staple. Despite this fact, neither Carlton nor I had ever eaten there...until now.(wink) I went to school with the son of the owner, but I didn't see anyone I knew in the restaurant.

The food was scrumptious, and they had an impressive collection of beer from around the world. The place was packed, and we were the last group allowed in before they closed for the evening. It's small, but that just adds to the charm and intimacy of the restaurant. The service was great too.
Tuesday we took a trip to EP's Museum of Art, where Norman Rockwell and Andy Warhol had exhibits. I am proud to say that EP's museum of Art is on par with any museum in Big D. (big grin)
For this outing, mom, John, and I enjoyed the company of cousins again, but different ones from the ones I mentioned earlier. In total there were 8 of us! :) I felt completely in my element, with family and culture, what a package! (lots of hugging and kissing!)

After the museum, everyone was hungry, so we went to a nearby restaurant that my Tia Rosa used to take us to, when we were little; this unassuming restaurant has the best, juiciest, burgers, with fast-food prices. My burger had mushrooms, but others had spiced, bacon, or avocado on theirs. Simply delightful!

Tuesday night Carlton and I joined my good bud again, but this time for dinner at one of EP's Mexican restaurants. Which brings me to a challenge for my friend - come to Big D and let's see who really does have the best Mexican food in Texas. (wink)

This blog wouldn't be complete if I didn't offer a thanksgiving prayer to JC; Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me the family I have. I wouldn't trade them for the world! They keep me grounded, and help me grow. In Jesus' name. AMEN!

Wishing everyone Love, Health, Happiness, and Laughter in the New Year!

"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." Mother Theresa