The good old days!

(Aw, I used to be so cute!)

Remember back in the day when our biggest worries were about where we should put the boogie after we picked our nose! I miss those days. I have been feeling more and more like a grown up this last year as I have had a "real" job. I haven't yet decided though if I want to feel like a grown up. Often times all the responsibility just makes me feel old. I keep thinking "I'm 25 I shouldn't have to deal with this... yet". Sadly, I am mistaken. I guess shirking responsibility wouldn't make me younger, it just would make me irresponsible.

I dedicate this blog to my lost childhood.... I am officially an adult!

Looking back at a few of these pictures reminds me of the good times with my siblings. We were a creative bunch that spent more time outside than in. I remember the numerous plays, dances and performances we would put on for our parents, neighbourhood and ward. The Laycock's were always into something dramatic.

Christel was our ring leader (at least until she was "too old" to play with her younger sisters). She was our aerobics instructor, dance choreographer and play director. Christel was great at this job and we are still proud of her skills in the arts.

This is the perfect picture of Christel being her dramatic self


(The first 4 girls - Janelle, Stephanie, Jennifer, Christel)

I just realized that I don't remember much about Janelle from when she was very little!?! I seem to recall that she really liked to climb things and to do things on her own. I do remember her continuous desire to be the zombie/monster in our family plays. She has since switched her role of monster for Prosecutor (and sometimes Defense).

Stephanie and I were found together more often than most. We are 15 months apart and had (as children/teenagers) a love/hate relationship. I apologize now as I know that I always tried to assume the "older sister" role with my bossy nature. Steph was smaller than me (of course not when I was really little, I had to catch up first) probably until high school. I remember she cried a lot but I think that had to do with my devious attempts (and successes) at getting her in trouble. I know now that she is blessed with a sensitive spirit and I am grateful for her sweet and genuine concern for those she loves. I miss my Stephy so terribly as she lives so far away in Switzerland.


(Steph and I at our school Crawford Plains - "The Place to Be")



(of course I had to stick in a nudy shot - I loved that bathtub toy, I would still play with it today if we had it)

After Stephanie, I came along. Being the 4th daughter in a row I really had to fight for my place in the family. Being born stubborn and determined really helped me with this. I was also very talented at getting others in trouble (especially when they didn't do anything). I don't think Mom figured this out for quite some time. I remember playing Barbie's with Steph and I didn't like how she was playing so I would start screaming "Stephanie, stop hitting me...Ow... MOM!" Then Mom would come in (not even asking what was going on) and send Stephanie to her room. Mom never believed it when Steph told her she didn't do anything to me. I am SO sorry again Stephanie, I was really evil.

My Mommy loves her little Jenny so much! I was the luckiest (besides Katrina) to be the youngest for the longest. After I was born another baby didn't come for 3 years. I got a significant amount of cuddles and love from Mommy before I became a big sister.

I think the family was worried that I would be jealous when David came along. I'm sure they were pleased (maybe not David) when I loved him to pieces. David was my baby! I was a mom from the very moment David came into my life. The first son became my favourite "toy". I used to push him around in my doll stroller and would love to bounce him in his bouncy chair. There are so many pictures with us together where I have this indescribably, loving look in my eyes, as I held, rocked or kissed my little brother. David was a very quiet child (and still is to this day). I think he was resigned to the fact that he had 4 very talkative sisters and gave up before even putting up a fight. David was always so smart. I remember how he would follow Dad around and do whatever Dad would do. Whenever David wanted to do or learn something he was very determined to do it and always found success. He had an amazing knack for computers and has since extended his skills to video games. David is a very loving man, though he likes to hide that fact. I am sorry he never had a brother to take his side but I hope now that "brother's" are joining the family he won't feel so outnumbered. I love my little brother so much it hurts. I hope he has a fabulous 23rd birthday in a couple weeks.


(look at this poor boy, you can't help but feel sorry for him with 5 mothers - look at that face of horror)

The last precious addition to our family came along two years after David. Katrina entered the world as the last of 6 children. She was always so cute and all of the siblings were so protective of her. I don't think she appreciated our "concern" all the time as she didn't feel like she needing protecting. Katie was a tough kid that knew what she needed to do to get what she wanted. Katrina also, has always been the kind one. As a small child she was so willing to do anything to help anyone. I used to make her my slave (of course she didn't know it). I would always ask her to bring me things and do things for me. I will always remember that she would jump up and be so excited to help her big sister. She did this for years with a smile on her face. Kate finally realized one day that I was using her and she would have nothing to do with it. I remember it clearly: We were watching TV together and I wanted a drink so I told Katie to get me one. Katrina had been sitting on the floor, I was back on the couch and I remember her turning around with this sudden fierce expression and she said "NO, I am not getting it for you because you are using me and I don't have to do it." She never again would be my slave from that moment on. I love my Katie and her kind, giving spirit. She still helps all that she can and I am so proud to call her my sister.


(Katrina and Steph on the beach in Ontario - was this before? or after Katrina filled her swimsuit with sand?)