Casillas Clan: January 2010

I don't know how many of you know this but I HATE cooking! I really really hate it. I wish someone could invent a pill we could take so we don't have to eat.

I hate thinking about what to make, I hate shopping for it, bringing it home, putting it away, cooking it, and then every single person in my family telling me it's disgusting unless it has cheese in it!

Don't get me wrong I love a good salad that someone else prepares for me, or a good cookie. I even like to bake, but I really despise cooking. I don't think I will ever enjoy it. I even put my music on and try to like it, but I don't!

So I need help...I need new recipes that kids and husbands love that are quick and easy. I think Conwey and the boys are starting to wonder if they will ever get a meal that isn't from a Trader Joes bag again. But that seems to be the only way they ALL don't complain....

If anyone out there has a favorite dinner I would LOVE to hear it!!!! Please help meeeeeeee.....

So I had the most amazing surprise show up on my doorstep this Christmas....my little sister Becca drove all the way out from Utah and I had NO IDEA she was coming. I don't think I have EVER been that surprised! Seriously the best surprise ever.

It's been about 3 years since she's been here and boy have we missed her!

So she got here the night before Christmas eve...we were up super late and then got up early to take my other sister Rach to the airport. We got home and Becca went back to sleep and I snuck away to go do some shopping for her. I kept calling Cooper to see if she was up so I could sneak everything in. Not a problem she slept till 1:45! She was playing catch up from driving cross country and her finals at school.
So if you have been reading my blog for the past few years you know that Christmas Eve is a big tradition in Conwey's family. They always make lots of yummy Mexican food for dinner and Conwey's dad dresses as Santa. Even though every year I am getting there by the skin of my teeth because I am tying up loose ends I always love it when I get there. This year we did it at Conwey's brother's house.

I love the age Sienna is right now...this is her first glimpse of Santa....I love the look in her eyes!

Baby Valentine has that look too as she first sees him.....

Then Santa calls each of the kids up one by one and they have a little talk, a hug and he gives them a present. When I was uploading all these pictures I noticed in each of them the look in Ed's eyes as he hugs each of his grandkids and it made me cry. He loves each of them so much.

All of his grandkids.....

And even some that aren't even related.....Becca

Sienna got a set of dress up shoes from Santa...she was very excited.

Louisa got pj's...I am sure she was super excited! :)

Not sure what Jordan got but she was REALLY excited!

Micah and Nicolas read us the Christmas story which always helps us remember the true meaning of this crazy time of year.

Now on to Christmas......

The torture of waiting on the stairs for camera's to get ready...we actually had to wake Sienna up and she was not happy about it. It's hard when you get home so late from Christmas eve...but she came around....

She loved her jewelry box and princess blanket from Grandpa Vic!

Jackson FINALLY got his long awaited electric scooter he's been asking for for 2 years!

Coop got tickets to his all time FAVORITE basketball team...the Celtics.....

Hunter's at the "cool" age and can't get too excited...his dad likes to bug him...but I got a smile out of him when he opened his projector he's been wanting.

Coop is set to go to his big game with all his gear..he was funny this year putting everything on as soon as he opened them.

And Becca had fun putting Hunter's stuff on for some reason......
But she got some presents too...

In my family growing up we gave hugs after every present we opened...I try to implement that in my family a little too...it makes for a morning full of hugs!

I got an amazing present from Conwey which I will show all of you as soon as it is all done...

We had such a nice lazy morning...opening presents, eating breakfast, taking naps...then we all went to a movie. We met some of the cousins there and I love this tradition! We didn't get together with family till the day after and it was such a relaxing day not having to rush anywhere.

At the 3D movie

Phew this is a long blog post.....I feel like I need a litte intermission to stand up and walk around....

So a few of the X-mas vacation highlights....