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

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