Eliana with personalized chef apron & hat set with Gourmet Girl Cupcake Maker, gifts from her big sis, Soleil -12-25-08

Friends:

I love the holidays. This holiday season was no different. On Christmas morning, we woke up to Santa’s overnight magic – stockings stuffed with goodies and presents galore. Here is Eliana reading a note from Santa…

Eliana reads a note from Santa Claus on Christmas morning - 12-25-08

The first picture shows my little chef Eliana beaming with excitement from the cool gifts she received from her big sister. After opening all our family presents, we headed to my mom’s house for more holiday celebrations. It is an annual tradition to take a family picture in front of my mom’s Christmas tree. Here we are!

L-R - Eliana, Dianne, Soleil & Antonio, Our Christmas 2008 family picture

The grandchildren had a blast at Nana & Paw Paw’s house. Here is a picture of my mom and stepdad with all the grandkids.

Nana & Paw Paw with all the grandkids - 12-25-08

Of course, no holiday celebration is complete unless there is a big feast. Mom made a HUGE spread. We even had lechon, roasted pig slow cooked in the “Caja China,” a box that simulates underground roasting. Mmmm.

The Christmas Feast at Mom's House - 12-25-08

Soleil, my 18 year old, made 4 delicious desserts from scratch!

Soleil's Homemade Desserts - Clockwise from Top: Apple Pecan Cheesecake, Eggnog Cake, Coconut Cake & Amaretto Bundt Cake

We had a full-swing Christmas party filled with friends and family. The kids enjoyed themselves in Nana’s Virtual Playground, playing the Wii, Guitar Hero and Rockband. The grown-ups played Scrabble and Catchphrase. It was so much fun!

Dianne's eyeball is falling out! 12-25-08

I hope you and your family enjoyed a very Happy Holiday! Happy 2009! May the New Year bring peace, love and happiness to you and yours.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Most beautiful angel on the Tree, Soleil's Angel de Lis - 12-24-08

Friends:

As I write this post it is already Christmas in Louisiana! On December 24, 2008, Christmas Eve, we spent the day preparing. We went to church and then to my mother’s house. My 18-year-old daughter, Soleil, gave me a gift that truly touched my heart. She spent hours making me a hand-sculpted and hand-painted Angel ornament (I collect angel ornaments for my Christmas tree). This “Angel de Lis” as I have named her, is exquisite. She is about the size of my hand and so light weight. She holds a heart and is in the shape of a fleur de lis, the symbol of New Orleans and Louisiana. Soleil completely designed and created her just for me. So Angel de Lis is one of a kind and looks so much like Soleil, with her golden hair and twinkling blue eyes! I will cherish the ornament forever and it will remain one of my very favorite angels! I was so touched by Soleil’s thoughtfulness and Christmas spirit that I cried. I love you, Soleil!

Soleil on 12-23-08

Eliana was so excited that Santa was coming. She made No Bake Reindeer Patty Cookies for Santa. Visit her blog for the recipe (http://www.elianacooks.com).

Cookies for Santa from Eliana - 12-24-08

So on this gorgeous Christmas eve, I leave you with my favorite Christmas Poem by Clement C. Moore:

The Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse

Christmas Tree - 12-24-08

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care

In the hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there

Dianne & Antonio's Stockings - 12-24-08

Mama in her kerchief and I in my cap

Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap

Dianne in her Santa Saints cap - 12-24-08

When out on the lawn, there arose such a clatter

I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter

Away to the window I flew like a flash

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave a luster of mid-day to objects below

Blanket of White Snow in New Orleans - 12-12-08

When what to my wondering eyes should appear

A miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer

With a little old driver so lively and quick

I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick

Eliana's Christmas Play Dough Scene - 12-23-08

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came

And he whistled and shouted and called them by name

On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer, on Vixen

On Comet, on Cupid, on Donder, on Blitzen

To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall

Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky

So up to the housetop the coursers they flew

With a sleigh full of toys and St. Nicholas too

Eliana in front of Santa & Reindeer Lakeside Mall - 12-6-08

And then in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof

Soleil & Eliana's Gingerbread House 12-13-08

As I drew in my head and was turning around

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound

He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back

And he looked like a peddler just opening his sack

His eyes how they twinkled, his dimples how merry

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow

Mrs. Claus, Ashlynn, Eliana, Camrynn, Jourdan, Santa Claus, Soleil & Jasmynn - 12-13-08

He had a broad face and a round little belly

That shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf

And I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself

Eliana with the Northpole Penguins - 12-6-08

But a wink of his eye and a twist of his head

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread

He spoke not a word but went straight to his work

Filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk

Soleil & Eliana's stockings stuffed by Santa - 12-24-08

Then laying a finger aside of his nose

Giving a nod up the chimney he rose

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle

But I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

The Cajun Cornbread Boy Holiday book signing - 12-20-08

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! Happy Holidays from Antonio, Dianne, Soleil, Eliana & the Cajun Cornbread Boy!

Until next time…

May your days be merry and bright!

Warmly, Dianne

Dianne de Las Casas & Vince Vance at Christmas Holiday Concert, Fountain Park Centre - 12-21-08

Friends:

My family and I attended a Christmas Concert at Fountain Park Centre in Harvey, LA (suburb of New Orleans). The park is a new upscale retail and restaurant development. The concert featured Vince Vance, songwriter and creator of the #1 Christmas song in the U.S. – “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” We all caroled with Vince Vance. He asked for people to come up and since so guess who was picked? LOL

When I got on the stage, I asked him if I could have help. He said yes so I asked my 18 year old daughter, Soleil, to join me. We sang “Winter Wonderland.” I did the melody and Soleil took the harmony. It was wonderful!

Dianne de Las Casas and her daughter, Soleil , at Vince Vance's Christmas Concert - 12-21-08

Then Vince Vance asked kids to accomany him on stage. Eliana, my 8 year old, and her cousins went on stage. Eliana is the one in the middle, holding the microphone. They sang Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Too cute!

Eliana singing her heart out at Vince Vance's Christmas Concert -12-21-08

I guess I have a family of performers! It was quite chilly that night so we were all bundled up. Though the weather outside was frightful, we all had a wonderful time Christmas Caroling. Thank you, Vince Vance for spreading your holiday cheer! Merry Christmas!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

The Cajun Cornbread Boy Book Signing 12-20-08

Friends:

On Saturday, December 20, 2008, I had my first book signing for my first children’s picture book,The Cajun Cornbread Boy. The book signing was at Maple Street Children’s Book Shop in New Orleans. It was fun because I was signing books with my best friend, Johnette Downing, Children’s Musician and Author. Johnette was signing her brand new book, Chef Creole.

I am so excited because my book was not supposed to arrive this early. It was quite a rush to make them available for the holiday season. But I have shipped out a ton of books to my sweet fans. Here is a picture of me with my #1 fans, my family – my husband, Antonio, oldest daughter, Soleil, and youngest daughter, Eliana.

The Cajun Cornbread Boy Book Signing with family - 12-20-08

This week held another surprise for me – my other new book arrived: Tangram Tales: Story Theater with the Ancient Chinese Puzzle published by Libraries Unlimited.

Tangram Tales: Story Theater with the Ancient Chinese Puzzle 12-20-08

But the icing on the cake this week was reconnecting with my best friend from high school (through FaceBook), Fe Reyes Del Rosario. She is a 5th grade teacher and lives in Southern California with her husband and three children. We’ve been talking on the phone every day! I just adore her.

Dianne de Las Casas and Fe Del Rosario Best Friends in High School 1986

So, it’s been a phenomenal week. Lots of good things in my life! What wonderful Christmas Gifts!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

The Cajun Cornbread Boy Puppet with Alligator - 12-16-08

Friends,

I am so excited! My first picture book for children, The Cajun Cornbread Boy, came in! My publisher, Pelican Publishing Company, is based in New Orleans so my husband picked up a case of books for me today. The books are beautiful! They are scheduled for a Spring 2009 release so getting the books this early is quite a delicious surprise. I have my first book signing on Saturday so, with the help of my daughter Soleil (who is majoring in art at LSU), I made The Cajun Cornbread Boy puppet. He came out better than I had hoped.

Cajun Cornbread Boy puppet w book - 12-16-08

I absolutely adore him! He is made out of felt, 8 inch cardboard cake circles, jumbo craft sticks, chenille sticks, foam, paper, and an enormous amount of hot glue. I have the burn marks to prove it! LOL There was even a bit of hand sewing involved. He was quite labor intensive (about 3 hours from start to finish) but well worth the effort.

I hope The Cajun Cornbread Boy will run into the hearts of many readers and spice up many children’s bookshelves! You can order your own autographed copy of the book from the Story Connection Store. http://storyconnection.net/?content=store If you order by Friday, December 19, 2008, you’ll get it in time for Christmas!

Spice up your holidays with The Cajun Cornbread Boy.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Santa Mail - 12-7-08

Christmas Activity: Santa Mail
My family celebrates Christmas. During the holidays, we send each other “Santa Mail.” We have a big mail box into which we stuff our notes to each other. We know when there is mail because a small tag hangs from the front of the mailbox that says, for example, “Santa Mail for Eliana.” It’s a fun way to communicate with each other, spread the holiday spirit, and practice writing skills!

Eliana's Santa Mail Angel for Mommy - 12-7-08

Eliana Gets Ready for Tea Party - 12-6-08

Friends:

What a busy weekend this has been! Friday began with chaperoning a third grade field trip to see “The Nutcracker.” I accompanied Eliana and her class, singing and doing hand games at the back of the bus with Eliana and her friends. When we returned to school, we picnicked on a blanket in the field. It was fun.

Later that day, Eliana had a dental appointment. She had to get her first filling. It was her first time having work done on her teeth and she was so nervous. But she made it through like a trooper, shedding not a single tear!

Finally, on Friday night, my husband and I had a Christmas party to attend. It was at a prestigious country club and the food was fantastic. We danced the night away and I even won a $50 gift certificate to a car part store in the holiday giveaway. LOL Afterwards, Antonio and I saw Cadillac Records, a fantastic movie about the beginnings of rock and roll.

Eliana & her friend, Josie - 12-6-08

On Saturday, Eliana and I attended a birthday tea party for her friend and classmate, Josie. It was an outdoor party. The table was set with real china and the girls had a ball drinking tea and eating hors d’oeuvres. They painted pots and made flower pens. Too cute!

Flower Pens in decorated pot - 12-6-08

After the busy afternoon, we spent Saturday evening at Lakeside Mall in Metairie, Louisiana. It wasn’t for the shopping but for all the Christmas decorations. Check out this cool upsidedown Mardi Gras tree at Macy’s!

Upside down Mardi Gras tree at Macy's - 12-6-08

Here is Eliana standing in front of a GINORMOUS tree! Can you even see Eliana?

Eliana in front of Giant tree at Lakeside Mall - 12-6-08

Eliana and I strike a pose in front of Santa’s Village.

Eliana and Dianne at Lakeside Mall Santa's Village - 12-6-08

Check out Eliana partying with the penguins…

Eliana partying with penguins - 12-6-08

On Sunday, I went to the hospital to get my type and match blood work done for my surgery tomorrow. My doctor wants two units of blood set aside, just in case…

Then we went to Miracle on Fulton Street in downtown New Orleans with my mom and stepdad. We played in the “snow” and ate at Gordon Biersch.

Miracle on Fulton Street - 12-7-08

Every hour, “snow” (sudsy bubbles) falls inside the tent. The kids love playing in it. Antonio and Eliana pose under the snow.

Eliana and Antonio under the snow on Fulton Street - 12-7-08

Here I am with Eliana, under the snow. That dark spot by my right eyebrow is actually a shadow from a “snowflake.” Antonio said it looked like a giant mole. It makes me look evil! LOL

Dianne and Eliana in Miracle on Fulton Street Snow - 12-7-08

Here, Eliana takes a sweet picture with her Nana and Paw Paw.

Paw Paw, Nana & Eliana - 12-7-08

It was a fun-filled holiday weekend with family. It was so nice to be able to spend quality time with every one, especially in light of my surgery (hysterectomy) tomorrow morning. Wish me luck and send me healing thoughts…

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Our Christmas Tree - 12-5-08

Friends:

When you enter our house, Santa greets you at the front door.

Santa greets you in the foyer - 12-5-08

The house is decorated for Christmas. The presents are wrapped and tucked under our Christmas tree. This is our kitchen.

Our Christmas Kitchen - 12-5-08

We decided to keep things pretty simple this year, especially in light of my surgery. A trifle bowl on the coffee table holds a sparkly array of gold and red ornaments. A nutcracker stands quietly on the end table next to the sofa.

Our Living Room - 12-5-08

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays and I love Christmas decorations. Every time we come through the front door and enter the living room, Eliana has to kiss me beneath the mistletoe kissing ball. So cute.

Until next time…

Happy Holidays!

Warmly, Dianne