11-27-10 A wedding vow renewal portrait of Mom and Clay

Friends:

The main reason my family went on the Carnival Cruise was to honor my mom, Josie, and stepdad, Clay for their incredible 25 years of marriage! They renewed their vows on the ship in a lovely ceremony officiated by the ship’s captain. The cruise gave us a chance to bond as a family and create beautiful memories. See how happy I am?!

11-27-10 Last day on the boat, waiting to disembark.

I only wish my brother, Gary, my nephew Christian, and my late father-in-law, Jaime could have been with us! We had our last meal (breakfast) on the ship and waited on the Lido Deck for our disembarkation number to be called.

11-27-10 Sisterly love - last day on the ship

Finally, it was time to disembark the ship…

11-27-10 Eliana leaves the ship

I am already looking forward to taking another cruise…

11-27-10 Goodbye, Carnival Triumph!

Outside the ship, we waited for our rides. Look at our loads of luggage!!

11-27-10 19 People, LOTS and LOTS of luggage!!

My Auntie Erly is such a comedian…

11-27-10 Auntie Erly is soooo funny!!

It was quite chilly when we arrived in New Orleans, such a departure from the warm tropical weather we had grown accustomed to in the Caribbean! Later that night, our whole family gathered for one last vacation meal. This time, we kept it simple and low-key. Pizza. Just LOTS of it from Mo’s Pizza in Westwego, Louisiana. Come hungry, leave stuffed!

11-27-10 One final meal together as a group at Mo's Pizza

It was a fabulous experience and I’m thankful for the memories!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

11-25-10 Playa bella at the San Francisco Beach Resort in Cozumel, Mexico

Friends:

On our 6th day of the cruise, we docked in Cozumel, Mexico. It was the last port on our itinerary.

11-25-10 Entering the last port - Cozumel, Mexico!

The water was so incredibly blue – it was like a painting of the ocean! My mother-in-law, Jennie, decided to take a pedicab to the end of the pier. Eliana had to tag along with her abuela.

11-25-10 Eliana and Abuela on a pedicab in Cozumel

We had to stop for some fun photo moments. Glad Cajun Cornbread Boy wasn’t here in Cozumel… look at the size of that gator!

11-25-10 Eliana tames a giant gator in Cozumel, Mexico

I love this photo op… Too funny!

11-25-10 Have your cake and eat it too! LOL

Before heading to a private beach resort for sun, sand and surf, Soleil and I wanted to go shopping in the cute Cozumel shopping village of Puerta Maya.

11-25-10 Such a cute little shopping village - Puerta Maya, Cozumel, Mexico

I bought some beautiful ceramics and Mexican chocolate with chili from a local chocolate maker in Cozumel. Perfect research for my chocolate book coming out next year!

11-25-10 Love that Mexican painted ceramic!

Soleil and I bought a fair amount of silver jewelry. Most of the silver comes from Taxco, Mexico, where it is mined and made into gorgeous pieces like this one…

11-25-10 Beautiful Mayan jewelry in Cozumel, Mexico

After some fun but hurried shopping, we headed to the San Francisco Beach Resort. It was recommended to us by a friend.

11-25-10 Welcome to San Francisco Beach Resort!

Mexico is a country of color — big, bold, color! You can see it in every aspect of their lives. A rainbow of color is how I can describe the Mexican people. They are beautiful people with bright smiles. We were welcomed warmly everywhere we went.

11-25-10 A guitarist sings. He painted his guitar with vibrant color.

San Francisco was our chance to unwind. The sand was white and the water was crystal clear.

11-25-10 My stepdad, Clay, and my mom, Josie, relax on the beach in Cozumel

The whole family came to San Francisco. There was a pool with a water fountain, water sports, snorkeling, and a host of water activities for the kids.

11-25-10 Auntie Erly and Jim enjoying the beach

Some of us loved lounging while the rest of us (me, Antonio, and the kids) enjoyed the water.

11-25-10 John & Pam (Antonio's sister and husband) relaxing on the beach in Cozumel

The resort fee included an open bar and lunch. I had beef fajitas while Eliana munched on delicious chicken quesadillas. The service was excellent and the food was good.

11-25-10 Kid Chef Eliana eats chicken quesadillas. Que delicioso!

Auntie Erly, Mom and I had to take advantage of the massage service. Now why can’t I have that at home every day?!

11-25-10 A foot massage makes my mom, Josie, so happy

The kids and I even got to see a squirrel monkey. This Panamanian monkey was rescued and rehabilitated. I even let it climb on me. It sat on my head!

11-25-10 A squirrel monkey, rescued and rehabilitated

After a great time at the beach, it was time to head back to the ship. The New Orleans Saints were playing AND it was Thanksgiving Day! Of course, Puerta Maya offered many more photo opportunities.

11-25-10 Lots of shopping in Cozumel!

I even caught a peek of Santa Claus in Cozumel!

11-25-10 Yes, it's Christmas in Mexico!

Puerta Maya was such a pretty port. They made it very tourist friendly. If you ever cruise and stop in Cozumel, be sure to have full pockets and an empty stomach!

11-25-10 Sitting in front of a pretty Mayan fountain in Cozumel, Mexico

On the way back to the ship, Los Tres Caballeros serenaded passersby. What a nice way to leave the port. With a song and a smile.

11-25-10 Los Tres Caballeros!

We walked back to the big ship and I stopped to marvel at the crystal clear water one last time. The beach and oceanside is my favorite place in the world. The Caribbean waters of Mexico (Cancun and Cozumel) are the prettiest waters I have had the privilege of swimming in. But it was time to leave our last port…

11-25-10 Headed back to the ship after a full day of sun, sand, surf and shopping in Cozumel

Antonio and I caught some of the Saints game in our stateroom as we were getting ready for Thanksgiving Dinner. It was elegant night so we dressed up.

11-25-10 Dianne ready for an elegant Thanksgiving dinner

Unfortunately, we had to leave our cabin before the game ended so at dinner, we didn’t know if the Saints had won or lost against Dallas. When we left, it was a nail-biting game and the Saints were behind! But during dinner, the Maitre ‘D announced that the Saints had won. Yes, it was time to celebrate!!

11-25-10 The Saints won the Saints v. Dallas game on Thanksgiving and Saints fans rocked the boat!

Eliana looked so sophisticated in her gold dress – one of the Saints’ colors!

11-25-10 Elegant Eliana at Thanksgiving dinner

My Auntie Mary Ann was gorgeous in a black, sparkly floor length gown. Simply stunning!

11-25-10 Auntie Mary Ann, my mom's sister, looks so glamorous on Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is a time of family so after dinner, we all went together to the spectacular Big Easy show in the Rome Auditorium. It was kind of strange not cooking a turkey on Thanksgiving but I enjoyed my beach vacation in Cozumel so much! I give thanks for my wonderful family. I’m so glad we were able to share these special moments together!

11-25-10 We wait for The Big Easy Show to start in the Rome auditorium on Thanksgiving Night

I am filled with gratitude that we were all able be together to share in the joy of my mom and Clay’s wedding vow renewal and to spend this vacation together. Every moment is precious and family is a treasure. Celebrate giving thanks every day…

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

11-24-10 Antonio, Dianne, Soleil & Eliana in Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Honduras

Friends:

On Day 5 of our Western Caribbean cruise, we docked in Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Honduras. Antonio was so excited because it was like a homecoming for him. His mom is from Honduras.

11-24-10 A ship's eye view of island of Roatan, Honduras

Immediately, I fall in love with all the flowers!

11-24-10 Beautiful flowers in Roatan, Honduras

There were so many gorgeous flowers that I had to take pictures!

11-24-10 Hibiscus bloom in Roatan, Honduras

Tropical flowers are my absolute favorite!!

11-24-10 Stunning white flowers in Roatan, Honduras

We decided to take an excursion to Maya Kay, to a private beach resort with a nice beach and great snorkeling. I was particularly interested in this island because it was home to a replica of the Copan Mayan Ruins and a wildlife conservatory. First, we had to take a boat to get there.

11-24-10 Auntie Erly, Trina, Jasmynn, Josie, Eliana & Camrynn on the boat to Maya Key, Roatan, Honduras

Even the boat ride was interesting. We saw a sunken ship.

11-24-10 A sunken, rusted ship off the coast of Roatan, Honduras

We even saw a pirate ship!

11-24-10 A pirate ship! Is it Pirate Captain Henry Morgan's ship?!

When we docked, a pier lead us to the island.

11-24-10 My mom, Josie, and Antonio on Maya Key!

This time, it’s the fruit that has my attention. My mom told me that this fruit, the calabash fruit, also grows in the Philippines. Jennie, my mother-in-law told Antonio that it is often dried, hollowed, and used for bowls and hand-carved decorations. It was my first time seeing this fruit. I wonder what it tastes like?

11-24-10 Calabash fruit on Maya Key in Roatan, Honduras

Then I saw noni fruit! I have had noni juice but had never seen the fruit in person. Noni is purported to have healing properties and health benefits. Its juice is expensive. It’s so cool what you see and learn when you travel!

11-24-10 Noni fruit from Maya Key in Roatan, Honduras

One of the first things I saw as we headed to the beach was a Mayan stone statue. This got me very excited about seeing the replica of the Copan ruins.

11-24-10 Camrynn and Eliana pose next to a Mayan figure on Maya Key, Roatan, Honduras

So we decided to explore the Mayan “ruins” and museum first. But not before being greeted by this lovely creature!

11-24-10 A green macaw on Maya Key, Roatan, Honduras

And then this pair of beauties stopped me in my tracks!

11-24-10 A pair of rainbow macaws on Maya Key in Roatan, Honduras

We finally entered the museum and I hit paydirt! There was a whole section on Mayan chocolate! I have a book coming out called Blue Frog: The Legend of Chocolate. Although it is an Aztec story, there are so many similarities between the Mayans and the Aztecs.

11-24-10 A picture of cacao pods at the Maya Key museum

I loved seeing all the artifacts in the museum including Mayan pottery (I had to buy some before I left) and jewelry.

11-24-10 Mayan pottery and jewelry

I really want a piece like this in my house!!! Look at the intricately carved wood!

11-24-10 A large carved trunk in the Maya Key museum

When we venture outside, I am stunned by the architecture!

11-24-10 Dianne stands in front of a replica of a Mayan structure

Eliana and I posed on the steps of the “Copan Ruins.”

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The girls were itching to go swimming but we had to take one last picture in front of the "ruins." Look at the scale. And these are small, compared to others!

[caption id="attachment_4606" align="alignnone" width="382" caption="11-24-10 Soleil, Antonio, Dianne & Eliana in front of the replica of the Copan Ruins, Maya Key in Roatan, Honduras"]

11-24-10 Eliana and Dianne on a replica of the Copan Ruins, Maya Key in Roatan, Honduras

We headed to the beach for some fun in the sun.

11-24-20 Besties on the beach, Maya Key in Roatan, Honduras

The beach was very pretty.

11-24-10 Ideal beach scene, Maya Key, Roatan, Honduras

Eliana knows I love collecting sea shells from around the world so she found me a handful. My favorite shell find was a conch shell I discovered while snorkeling. Because there was no living conch inside the shell, I was allowed to keep it!

11-24-10 Eliana collects a handful of shells and coral from Maya Key in Roatan, Honduras

Soleil and the kids had so much fun swimming in the shallow water. While the water wasn’t crystal clear, it was still nice.

11-24-10 Jasmynn, Soleil, Ashlynn, Camrynn & Eliana swim in the Maya Key waters, Roatan, Honduras

I love swimming but this key was really best for snorkeling!

11-24-10 Dianne sans makeup, getting ready to snorkel, Maya Key, Roatan, Honduras

Antonio and I went snorkeling and the coral and fish were amazing! I snorkled for over an hour, marveling at the sea life, especially where the coral reef ended and there was a 100 foot drop-off. Too bad I lost my underwater camera. We bought a disposal one but still have to get those pictures developed. Boy, were the fish big! But not as big as this fish… LOL

11-24-10 Soleil, is that a shark in your pocket?

Right before it was time to leave the island, I snapped a picture of this jaguar. The key is home to rescued, rehabilitated wildlife.

11-24-10 A jaguar in captivity on Maya Key, Roatan, Honduras

We headed back to Roatan on the same boat that took us to the key.

11-24-10 Goodbye, Maya Key!

Fortunately, we had time for exploring and shopping in the Mahogany Bay shopping village.

11-24-20 The only shrimp Dianne is not allergic to!

Eliana looked like a total island girl with her morena skin and wind-swept hair!

11-24-10 Eliana, Honduran Island Girl

Eliana and I had fun taking pictures with the fun props in the village!

11-24-10 These pirate boots are made for walkin... the plank! Aye!

Because Antonio’s mom is from one of the Honduran islands (Guanaja, next door to Roatan), we HAD to go shopping! I wanted to buy handicrafts for our house to represent his Honduran heritage. These shopkeepers had such beautiful wood carvings. I bought a gorgeous hand-carved Mayan mask from them.

11-24-10 Honduran shopkeepers with carved wooden masks

We had a wonderful time in Roatan and Maya Key. We didn’t want to leave but the sun had to set on our day…

11-24-10 The sun sets in hospitable Honduras...

Love that wonderful island life – sigh! But it was time to head in and get ready for dinner and a night of fun on the ship.

11-24-10 Even after a full day of sunning, swimming and snorkeling, Eliana joins the dinner dance number!

A few hours after dinner, Antonio and I decided to check out the special Mexican buffet (we didn’t eat!) the ship prepared. Talk about incredible!

11-24-20 OMG. The deck party buffet! A Mayan Indian ice sculpture and watermelon sculpture!!

I mean look at this watermelon sculpture!! Breathtaking!

11-24-20 The most amazing watermelon I have ever seen! The face is a watermelon. The headdress is made of pineapple tops.

There were tantalizing desserts of all kinds but still, I resisted. Can’t believe I said “no” to chocolate!

11-24-10 And the desserts - Oh my!

We ended our night at the Carnival Triumph Deck Party, an annual affair with fun line dancing and great music. You need to move after all that FOOD!

11-24-10 Ending the night at Carnival Deck Party

Next stop — Cozumel, Mexico!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

11-20-10 A picture of the city of New Orleans from the aft of the top deck of the Carnival Triumph

Friends:

During the Thanksgiving Holiday (November 20-27, 2010), my whole family went on a cruise aboard the Carnival Triumph from the port of New Orleans. For many of us (including me), it was our first cruise. We were all so excited!

11-20-10 Getting ready to board the Carnival Triumph with our Sign & Sail Cards

We had a big group traveling – 19 of us! My mom and stepdad were renewing their wedding vows for their 25th anniversary! I have been aboard ships. My dad and stepdad were both in the Navy and I have been aboard aircraft carriers but this was totally different!

11-20-10 We haven't left port yet and the deck chairs are still stacked...

It was fun exploring the ship once we were on board. I headed to the top deck to take pictures of the city. What an amazing view!

11-20-10 Taking a picture before we set sail, with New Orleans as our backdrop

The top deck had several pools, whirlpools, a basketball court, and even a putt putt golf course!

11-20-10 Paw Paw enjoys putt putt golf with granddaughters, Ashlynn & Camrynn on the top deck of the ship

We had to wait a while before the ship left port so we lounged and took in the views.

11-20-10 We lounge on deck chairs as we wait for the ship to set sail from the Port of New Orleans

As we waited, freighters, tankers, and barges floated up and down the Mississippi River. It was cool to see those sea-faring vessels from the vantage point of the top deck of a huge ship!

11-20-10 Huge freight ships traverse the Mississippi. Love this birdseye view!

We live on the West Bank, in Jefferson Parish, just across the Crescent City Connection bridge. I’ve never been able to take this picture of the bridge before!

11-20-10 The Crescent City Connecting connecting the West Bank to New Orleans across the mighty Mississippi river

The sun began to set and it got chilly. We all had to grab jackets and blankets to keep warm. We didn’t want to miss leaving the port of New Orleans! Finally, we set sail. It was time to head inside. After an early dinner, the kids and I decided to go to a family dance party. We even learned a new dance – “The Wobble.”

11-20-10 The girls and I dance at a family dance party in the Hollywood Dance Club

I found a cool surprise in my stateroom when it was time to turn in… turn down service and a towel animal!! It became one of my favorite parts of the cruise!

11-20-10 Towel Animal #1 - Puppy dog with long ears

End of day 1 and we traveled down the Mississippi into the Gulf of Mexico…

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

7-22-10 Family picture time!

Friends:

On our third and final day at Universal Studios, we did the regular park. Eliana took a picture with Digger, the NASCAR mascot. Vroooom!

7-22-10 Eliana and the NASCAR mascot, Digger

Our first stop was the Shrek 3D show. It was a lot of fun. Then we landed in Wakita, Kansas, home of the monster Twister!

7-22-10 Soleil & Eliana, watch out for those Twisters!

Then it was on to the Revenge of the Mummy ride. It was a great roller coaster ride through the Egyptian tombs. Eliana was screaming! Too bad I didn’t get a picture of that! Instead, here is a cutie patootie picture of Eliana Boop.

7-22-10 Eliana's red carpet moment

Afterwards, we stopped in New York for some pictures. Here is Antonio in front of his restaurant. LOL

7-22-10 Antonio in front of Antonio Calas Restaurant

Then it was time for a stop at the New York Public Library. Can you see me?

7-22-20 Dianne in front of the New York Public Library (set)

Then the girls traveled on to San Francisco…

7-22-10 Traversing the U.S., the girls are now in San Francisco

From there, we went to Amity, New York, home of JAWS!! Eliana was so scared on this ride. It really freaked her out. She sat on the side of the boat where Jaws came ripping out of the water, his jaws opening at us. We had the perfect spot but Eliana didn’t think so! This was the calm before the ride…

7-22-10 Oh No! It's JAWS!!

We ended our day in the park at the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. Me, the big roller coaster scaredy cat, decided to ride. Eliana waited in the child swap. OMG. It was the scariest ride I’ve ever been on. I felt like I was going to fall out of my chair on the way up. The only cool thing about the ride was being able to pick your music to listen to. I was listening to the Black Eyed Peas – “No, no, no… don’t let me fall out!” was what I was singing!! Okay, never again! I was woozy and faint. Soleil and Antonio LOVED it. Soleil rode it TWICE!

7-22-10 Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket Roller Coaster

To finish the day, we had a wonderful meal at Emeril’s. The food was delicious and Eliana had FILET MIGNON from the kids’ menu!! She got to meet the executive sous chef and even tour the kitchen. That was the highlight of our little chef’s day!

7-22-10 Eliana eats filet migon from the kids' menu at Emeril's!

After that, we headed to Destin, Florida for a couple of relaxing days on the beach. Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

7-21-10 E is for Eliana!

Friends:

Soleil turned 20 years on July 21! Happy Birthday, Soleil!

7-21-10 S is for Soleil, the birthday princess!

On our second day, we went back to Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. We had to stop for this photo op!

7-21-10 Surfing USA!

We didn’t mean to match but we all happened to be wearing Soleil’s favorite color combo – hot pink and black, sans Dad, of course. We were cute! Next, we marveled at the super heroes in Marvel Super Heroes Island. Soleil was totally enamored with Spiderman!

7-21-10 Soleil and Spiderman!

We rode the Spiderman ride and that was incredible. It was part simulation, part actual ride, like The Forbidden Journey in Hogwarts Castle. There was one part of the ride that made my heart catapult out of my chest. Thank goodness Spidey’s web was there to save us from villains like Magneto…

7-21-10 Eliana, watch out! It's Magneto!

It was searing hot so Eliana decided to cool off in the water…

7-21-10 Eliana chills out under the cool water spout

Eliana and I ended up doing water rides while Soleil and Antonio did the big roller coaster like the Hulk. We ended up meeting back in Hogsmeade for another shopping trip at Honey Dukes and a round of butterbeer to toast Soleil’s Birthday. What a wonderful day!

7-21-10 Betty Boop, Eat Your Heart Out!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Funny Bunny Shaker made from a cardboard tube

Friends:

The “Funny Bunny Shaker” is a cute craft for Easter or any time you need a bunny. And it’s so easy!

Materials:
6 inch cardboard tube
2 Googly eyes
1 cotton ball
Construction paper
Beans, rice or beads
Markers
Glue
Stapler

Directions:
Staple the bottom of the cardboard tube closed. In the opening, drop a few beads, beans or grains of rice. Create bunny ears from construction paper. With the ears in place in the opening of the cardboard tube, staple the cardboard tube closed in the opposite direction. It will form a triangular shape. Now decorate. Glue on some Googly eyes and draw your bunny’s facial features. Don’t forget to glue on the cotton ball tail. Shake your bunny shaker!

Bunny Bags &Funny Bunny Shakers

Have fun!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

12-25-09 Eliana with her pile of presents

Friends:

This past Christmas was wonderful! It was spent surrounded by family and friends. My nieces, Camrynn, Ashlynn, and Jasmynn spent 2 nights with us: December 22 and December 23. On December 23, we took Eliana and her cousins to Miracle on Fulton Street in New Orleans.

12-23-09 Miracle on Fulton Street

There, they got to play in the “snow” (tiny masses of bubbles), see Santa, and mail letters to Good Ole St. Nick from the Rudolph mailbox provided. So cute!

12-23-09 Mailing Santa a letter at Miracle on Fulton Street

On December 24, Christmas Eve, we prepared for Santa’s visit. First, we delivered gifts to our wonderful neighbors. This is what we saw in the sky!

12-24-09 Christmas Eve Double Rainbow

After spending some time at my mom’s exchanging gifts, drinking hot cocoa, and eating cookies, we headed home. Santa was coming and we had to prepare! Eliana left a card for Papa Noel, cookies, and milk.

12-24-09 Cookies and milk for Santa

Then Eliana went off to bed. In the morning… surprise! Santa had visited!

12-25-09 Eliana discovers her Santa gifts! Woo hoo!

Eliana read her letter from Santa. It was a nice, long letter. He said he was a big fan of Eliana Cooks!

12-25-09 Eliana reads her letter from Santa

He left cool presents for Eliana. Soleil received her fair share too!

12-25-09 Santa's Gifts to Eliana & Soleil

Soleil received a wireless all-in-one printer, copier, scanner & fax machine, a lighted makeup mirror, and Harajuku Lovers perfume “G” by Gwen Stefani. Eliana got a new recipe binder, an apron and chef hat set, a teddy bear, and what she asked for from Santa: an iPod touch. It even came loaded with the “Cooking Mama” game!

12-25-09 Eliana with her iPod Touch and other gifts from Santa, including a new apron & hat set!

Then, it was time for all of us to open our presents. There were piles everywhere! We all had great Christmas presents. Antonio got a new flat screen TV for the bedroom and all kinds of new clothes. My big gift was a Flip HD video camcorder. Soleil got all kinds of new clothes and shoes. Eliana received cookbooks including Julia Child’s The Art of French Cooking and Memories from a Cuban Kitchen.

12-25-09 Eliana gets Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child

Then Abuela (my husband’s mom, Jennie) came over to give us her gifts. Abuela gave Eliana a new 19 inch flat screen TV for her bedroom!

12-25-09 Eliana gets a new flat screen from Abuela!

Then it was off to my mom’s house. First, Eliana and Soleil had find out what Santa left for them at Nana’s house. Eliana received a Nintendo DSi and Soleil got a new 160gb iPod Classic. Both girls were ecstatic!

12-25-09 Soleil LOVES her new 160gb iPod Classic! from Santa at Nana's house

After that, it was time for posed family pictures. We do this every year in front of my mom’s Christmas tree. It’s become a family tradition. Here I am with my husband, Antonio.

12-25-09 Dianne and Antonio

Here is a picture of Soleil and Eliana.

12-25-09 Family Portrait: Eliana, Dianne, Soleil & Antonio

Finally, there is the grand family photo!

12-25-09 The Whole Family

After that, the kids were dying to open all their Christmas presents. It was mad chaos. We were opening presents while guests came to the door. My mom was hosting a Christmas party too.

12-25-09 The kids are ready to open presents

Mom prepared a feast! There was a turducken (duck inside a chicken inside a turkey layered with sausage stuffing), brisket, roast beef, macaroni and cheese, green bean artichoke casserole, cornbread stuff, gumbo, pineapple meatballs, lumpia, stuffed mushrooms, bacon greenbeans, and more! Then you should have seen the dessert table!!

12-25-09 The Feast

My best friend, Lisa, and her fiancee, Lonnie came over to visit. I don’t get to see Lisa often and I always look forward to the holidays when I can reconnect with her.

12-25-09 My best friend, Lisa, and her fiance, Lonnie

She just got engaged over the holidays and the ring is absolutely breathtaking. They had it made and my mom had to examine it!

12-25-09 My mom, Josie, looking at Lisa's new ROCK

We had a ton of fun. We ate, drank, sang Karaoke, and even played games like Catchphrase. In our family, Christmas is all about being together. It was a fabulous day full of love.

12-25-09 Nana's grandchildren

So from our family to yours, Happy Holidays! May 2010 bring you much happiness and together time!

12-25-09 Happy Holidays from Dianne

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

11-26-09 The Main Spread with Fried Turkey and Ham

Friends:

Thanksgiving was wonderful! We had a great turnout of about 50 people altogether for our Thanksgiving Feast. It has always been our tradition to host military singles and young military families to our family gathering and this year was no exception. Eliana and my nieces (Camrynn, Ashlynn & Jasmynn) began cooking on Tuesday. We started with all the desserts that could be refrigerated – Pineapple Pumpkin Pie, Sweet Potato Eggnog Pie, Pumpkin Butterscotch Bundt Cake, and Sopapilla Cheesecake Bites.

11-24-09 Chef Eliana and her cousin, Camrynn, making the Sweet Potato Eggnog Pie

The desserts turned out delicious. Here is a picture of the Pumpkin Butterscotch Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Drizzle. Yum! So moist!

11-25-09 Pumpkin Butterscotch Bundt Cake

The girls worked tirelessly, cooking and keeping the kitchen clean. They were like Santa’s Elves!

11-24-09 Little kitchen helpers taking a pizza break

When guests came in, they wrote their blessings on a leaf for the “Giving Thanks Tree.” Before we ate, we said grace and read the blessings out loud. It was a wonderful beginning to a perfect party.

11-26-09 Giving Thanks Tree

Then they ate and drank to their heart’s content. We had five tables set up with food and one for drinks. The menu included thirty items! The cooking was done by me and the girls, my mom, my 19 year old daughter, Soleil, my mother-in-law, and some of our party guests also brought dishes. The main course included 2 Fried Turkeys, 2 Smoked Turkeys, a Honey Ham, and Mojo Roasted Pork. Appetizers included Lumpia (Filipino egg rolls), Asiago Parmesan Mushroom Purses, Mini Crab Cakes & Remoulade, Ornamental Turkey with Ham, and Cheese & Fruit Skewers. The sides were Cornbread, Bacon Cheddar Cornbread, Cornbread Stuffing, Cranberry Dressing, Roasted Garlic Gouda Smashed Potatoes, Green Bean & Artichoke Casserole, Homemade Macaroni & Cheese, Rice & Broccoli, Roasted Cauliflower, Carrots & Mushrooms, Sweet Potato Casserole, Smothered Greens, Black Beans, Shepherd’s Pie, Stuffed Mushrooms and Steamed Rice. We had 2 soups: Crawfish & Corn Bisque and Chicken & Sausage Gumbo. To complete the feast, we ended with these fabulous desserts: Sopapilla Cheesecake Bites, Pumpkin Bundt Cake w Cream Cheese Drizzle, Sweet Potato Eggnog Pie, Pineapple Pumpkin Pie, Leche Flan & Casava Flan. It was a spread to remember!

11-26-09 Yummy Side Dishes

Look at our beautiful drink fountain!

11-26-09 Sparkling Pomegranate Punch Fountain

We had a full house and it was wonderful seeing so many happy faces.

11-26-09 Thanksgiving Party People

The girls put on a show for us, we danced, and played games. Most of all, we had a blast!

11-26-09 Sisters dance

Happy Thanksgiving and thank you to all of our family and friends for making it a special day!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

11-15-09 Giving Thanks Tree

TOGETHER TIME ACTIVITY: THE “GIVING THANKS” TREE
This year, I am creating a “Giving Thanks” tree. As thanksgiving guests walk in, they will be asked to write down, on a maple leaf, one thing they are thankful for. These leaves will be affixed to a large tree. When the tree is completed, everyone will be able to read all the blessings on the tree. It is a beautiful way to give thanks for our bounty.

Materials:
Science Display Board
Large paper bag or brown butcher block paper
Paper in autumn colors: red, orange, yellow, green, brown
Maple leaf pattern http://familyfun.go.com/printables/turkey-maple-leaf-pattern-for-thanksgiving-703422/
Cardstock or poster board
Glue stick or school glue
Double stick tape

Instructions:
Freehand draw a large tree on a large paper bag or on butcher block paper. Glue it to the middle of the display board. Create a maple leaf traceable pattern on cardstock or poster board. Fold a sheet of “autumn” paper into four, trace the maple leaf. Cut it out. This will yield four maple leaves. You can also trace a small child’s hand and use that as a “leaf” pattern. Create leaves in various Autumn colors. Write the words “Giving Thanks” on each side of the display board or print them out and glue them to the board.

As guests come in, have them write one blessing on a leaf. Use double stick tape to affix the leaf to the tree. Soon, the tree will be full of blessings, things they are thankful for. May those leaves “fall,” fly away, and become someone else’s blessing.

To make the Giving Thanks Tree even more special, consider donating money in the amount of the leaves on the tree to a soup kitchen, a homeless shelter, a battered women’s shelter, the Red Cross, or your favorite charitable organization.