Family Pictures 2009

Here are our most recent professional family pictures since Francesca's birth. I was so paranoid Francesca would get hungry I forgot to give her adequate naptime so the poor girl was so tired she was either crying or sleeping in most of the pictures. The boys did pretty good except for when they kept running into the other room. The photography studio we went to, called Portrait Innovations, was awesome. They had three helpers and the photographer! It was so helpful with my little rascals. They aren't ever that interested in getting their pictures taken but this time they actually did pretty good. Which is your favorite?

Father's Day Note

Dear Justin,

You are so caring, loving, and wonderful. You are an incredible father. Thanks for being you. We hope you have an amazing day. You deserve it. We love you.

Sincerely,

Jenny, Michael, Wesley, & Francesca

Her name is Francesca

Francesca Betty. You may call her Francesca, Francy, Frances, or Betty. Francesca means "free." She was born on May Day. The earliest May Day celebrations appeared with the festival of Flora the Roman Goddess of flowers. Traditional English May Day rites and celebrations include Morris dancing, crowning a May Queen and celebrations involving a Maypole. I think it perfectly fitting. I look forward to planning future birthday parties for my little May Queen.

I Made Rainbow Jello

I think I'll make it a yearly tradition.
Here is the recipe:
RAINBOW FINGER JELLO
COLORED LAYERS:
4 (3 ox) boxes of JELLO (any color/flavor)
4 c. boiling water
4 envelopes (total) of Knox Gelatin (divided)

WHITE LAYERS:
1 can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 c. boiling water
1/2 c. cold water
4 env. Knox Gelatin

Prepare 9x13 oblong pan or jello mold by lightly spraying with Pam; wipe with paper towel to create super-thin, smooth layer of oil.
Make sure your pan is very flat.

Mix 1 pkg. Jello with 1 envelope Knox Gelatin & 1 c. boiling water. Mix till dissolved. Pour into pan, pop any bubbles that form carefully, & refrigerate on FLAT surface. (I used a folded paper towel to level it, since my 'fridge was slightly off-level) Do not cover. Let set for 15 min. Meanwhile, mix MILK layer:

Put 4 env. Knox gel. in a bowl. Pour 1/2 c. cold water over powder & stir slightly to dampen; let set. Pour 1 1/2 c. boiling water over mixture and whisk. Add 1 can sweetened condensed milk and stir to mix well. Pour 1 c. of milk mixture over the set jello. Refrigerate 10-15 min.

Repeat layers as many times as you need. (Milk recipe above will accommodate 4 layers of Jello; double if you're using more. Any leftovers? Add some milk & vanilla to it and refrigerate; top with fruit - it tastes like Panna Cotta - Italian Cream dessert!)

Note: If the milk mixture thickens up while waiting for jello layers to set, just pop it in the microwave for a bit until it "melts" again - whisk to smooth it out again.
Note: There IS Blue jello out there - and purple too - next time I might mix Grape with Blackberry to see if it makes a darker purple.

Francesca's First Sunbath & Blessing Day

Mommy's Makeup

Usually I only get worried when the boys are quiet, But when I heard the boys laughing and playing the other day when I was feeding Francy. I went in to check on them a few minutes later and found this:

Michael completely confessed to me that he had painted Wesley. The stains were super hard to get out of the carpet but it sure was funny. I learned my lesson.

L Family 2009

I heart family photos. Here is the latest photo of my parents and their kids and grandkids that we had taken after Francesca's baby blessing. Also in the picture is my brother's girlfriend, Holly. It was awesome to have everyone together again. And we will be togeher even more when my sister moves closer. My kids are going to love playing with their L-side cousins much more often. Yay! I can't wait!