(43-145) Popo's Fiesta Del Sol

Over the summer my friend Kailene had mentioned Popo's restaurant to me.  It's not on our side of town; but something that she thought was worth going out of your way for.  I heard of the restaurant a second time, from my friend Brooke; who was of the same opinion; and thought that it was well worth the drive.  Well although I never acted on the recommendation; I never forgot it.  So imagine my surprise when I was driving down 59th avenue last week and there I saw Popo's Fiesta Del Sol, where Garcia's used to be.  I excitedly told Luis that I'd heard good things about Popo's and that we had to make plans to go there, SOON.
The kids got out of school at 11 this past Friday, and since Luis and I had a number of errands to run and a house to clean, I told him that I didn't want to cook dinner that night; and I suggested that we go to Popo's.  I texted Kailene and asked what she usually ate at Popo's and what their prices were like; but when I didn't hear back from her after awhile, I looked them up online.  I found a menu (which you can check out through the link I provided; now that I'm Queen of PROVIDING LINKS,) but the menu didn't include prices.  We decided to take our chances, since the food was supposed to be so good; and we headed out to Popo's.

The parking lot was packed when we arrived, so the kids and I went in while Luis parked.  We were told that there would be a 20-25 minute wait; and we sat down and perused the menu.  I had read some reviews online, and in additon to the advisement that on Tuesdays and Saturdays they offer .99 Margaritas; they raved about everything from the queso dips, to the tamales,  the carne asada, the fajitas; and even the rice; so I had a feeling that I couldn't go wrong with anything that I'd choose.  As we were waiting for our table, in walked my friend Kailene.  I told her that I'd texted her about Popo's earlier and she explained that she'd been having a lot of problems with her phone.  She told me that they'd come out for her husband's birthday, and I asked what she usually orders.  Kailene recommended the Machaca (shredded beef) enchiladas with rice and beans; and said that no one in her family had ever had anything that they didn't enjoy.

I had to excuse myself from Kailene as our table was ready.  We were immediately brought warm chips and salsa.  Lyndzi ordered a quesadilla from the kid's menu, because she also wanted rice and beans.  Nicky had the appetizer size Quesadilla, which was enough for a dinner for one person.  Kelsie had the kid's chicken strips with rice instead of french fries and the portion was very generous.  Not so much so on Lyndzi's quesadilla, ironically enough.  Luis had a steak fajita burrito with a side of beans; and I had the VERY dietetic, chimichanga with guacamole and jalapeno cream cheese.  I DIDN'T eat the whole thing though; so there's that; AND, it was well worth EVERY calorie that I didn't need.

Before we got up from the table, we all agreed that we would definitely go back to Popo's again; and Luis and I added it to our list of lunch date restaurants.  And then tonight when we were trying to decide what to do for dinner (in between, YES, more errands;) Luis asked if we could go back to Popo's.  YUP; it was just THAT YUMMY!!! 

What more need I say?  I would highly recommend Popo's and I would love to hear from you if you give it a try.  If you're not in the Phoenix area, but plan to visit; I would definitely add it to your list of restaurants to check out.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-144) Lyndzi's 9th Birthday

I can't believe that Lyndzi turned 9 today.  You'd think that I'd be used to the wacky, ageing thing, since I have a son who's 11 1/2; but I'm not.  It's just unbelievable how quickly the time goes and it's so interesting to see the changes in how the kids relate to their friends. 

Since the girls agreed to go out to dinner last Saturday night, on Kelsie's birthday; tonight was the night that they were going to have friends over.  I told each of the girls that they could invite 3 friends.  Kelsie invited 3 girls from her class but no one had RSVP'd.  I saw one of the mom's on campus one day, (a couple of weeks ago) and I asked if her daughter was going to be able to come over for Kelsie's birthday.  The mom told me that her anniversary was around that time; and she asked if the invitation was just for a play date.  When I explained that it was actually for Kelsie's birthday, the mom said that her daughter could definitely come.  Well, on Thursday I went on campus in the morning because Nicky had too much to carry and he needed some help.  As we were waiting for the morning bell; Kelsie buried her head in my stomach and told me that her friend was not going to be able to come over.  The friend's sister explained that her mom had decided to go out to dinner that night instead.  Kelsie grew increasingly distressed and wouldn't remove her head from my stomach.  The sister asked if she was OK, but I explained that she was sad.  I told her that no one else had RSVP'd, and now two days before the get together Kelsie has no friends coming over.

I was very upset for Kelsie, and I tired to think of a way to make the situation better for her; so I emailed the moms of her two pre-school buddies, to see if by any chance they were free; but they weren't.  I picked Kelsie up from school and she seemed to be fine; until we were safely inside our house and she asked what to do about her party.  I suggested that she call her friend Natalia, and let her know that she didn't need to bring a present;  because Natalia had told her that the reason that she couldn't come was because she didn't have a present.  Natalia accepted Keslie's offer and I confirmed with her dad; but then I had to laugh, because in order to insure that there were no mishaps with Natalia coming over; Kelsie asked me to pick her up, and I HAPPILY agreed.

Lyndzi had two friends over; even though the mom of the third friend had confirmed with me on Wednesday; after asking if she could send her 10 year old daughter as well.  I gladly, agreed BUT on Friday the friend informed Lyndzi that her dad was not willing to bring her; so she wasn't going to be able to attend.  And just like I didn't put my two sense in regarding Kelsie's let down; I'm not going to say what I really think about this situation either; because if you know me; then you already know.

We woke Lyndzi up at 615 this morning with a loud rendition of "Happy Birthday."  We then went to Nicky's soccer game, Kelsie's 1st of her double-header, Lyndzi's game, and Kelsie's 2nd game of her double header.  Good games; all 4!

As soon as we got home from soccer; I made the Ice cream cake, and went to Jo-Ann for some additional supplies that were going to be needed for tonight's craft. I picked Natalia up at 445 and by 530 the rest of the guests had arrived.  We let each of the girls make their own pizza, with dough that we'd bought at Trader Joes; we each made 2 Shabby Blossoms, and they had ice cream cake.  Then before I knew it; the evening was over.

Despite the difficulties in confirming with their friends; I think the girls had a wonderful time celebrating their birthdays for the past week.  I'm so sorry that the girls had to be let down; however, I know from experience that each disappointment helps you appreciate all that you have.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-143) Tree Trimming 101

Busy, Busy, Busy!! Yes, I know YOU KNOW.  BUT, I'm proud to say that in order to alleviate me from some of the many things that I still have yet to do; I'm taking a big, (say it with me,) "HUGE," leap of faith; and I'm letting my kids decorate our Christmas tree.   Now this may be no big deal to some of you; but for me, being the OK, I'll say it, control freak, that I tend to be; being as anal as I'm prone to being with things of this nature; allowing the kids to decorate the tree is a tremendous accomplishment for me.

I conducted a brief tree trimming 101 with the kids, while we were on our way back from dinner; and I think that they have a good understanding of what I expect.  Not to sound like the Navidad Nazi; but I do come from a long line (OK, one good solid generation) of tree decorating divas.  When I was growing up, our trees were nothing short of perfection; and despite the fact that we have a MUCH smaller tree than what I had as a kid; I always take great pride in having a splendid, spectacle.

I'm sitting in our family room typing my blog; while the kids are decorating the tree.  They asked if they could watch "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town;" because they are absolutely in love with it now; and they're singing "Put one foot in front of the other;" as they happily (and carefully) adorn our tree.

Kelsie took a break for a moment and asked if she could give me the present that she bought for me at the school, Santa shop; because it's something that we should put on the tree; so I said sure.  I opened her gift and found a BEAUTIFUL glass angel ornament.  Kelsie explained that she chose this ornament because I'm her angel.  Aww, either she's the best brown noser ever; or I'm one LUCKY mama.  (I'll go with I'm one LUCKY mama.)

The finished product :)

From where I'm sitting, the tree is looking lovely.  I have really high hopes that the kids are going to do me proud; as they do with EVERYTHING that they try; and you know what; even if they don't do it exactly like I would have; that's OK, as long as they are happy with it, that's really all that matters.

Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING