Yesterday, when I was young

I have some really good excuses for not blogging lately. The lint trap in the dryer was in dire need of cleaning, Wilma was depressed and required extra snuggle time, and I had to rearrange my silverware drawer. It's not that I have been neglecting The Blog, really. If truth be told, I have wanted to post pictures of the incredible amounts of snowfall we have received and I have cute picture of Leah's b-day party. But, unfortunately I have lost the doohickey that connects my camera to the computer (yes, I'm pretty sure doohickey is the technical name for it). So since I have recently made a scrapbook for Joe thru an online company, I scanned lots of pictures to my computer. While going over this family memorabilia, I realized, I really had beautiful babies! I guess I knew it at the time, but maybe forgot that aspect as they turned into teenagers, or maybe I was too busy back then to notice what I see now when I go thru my photos. So, I'll let you be the judge - check out my babies - don't you think they are the cutest!


This is Rachael and Joe, almost 20 years ago!

This is a picture of Rachie in a swimsuit and sunglasses that her "Unckie" Dale couldn't resist buying for her.

I can't believe this little girl is all grown up and living on her own. She just called me yesterday and told me she was accepted to the study abroad group and will be living in England this summer. I ask you, does she look old enough to do that?

Here are some pictures of Jens, who is 17 years old, 6'3 and about 175. Adam is holding him. I don't know how tall he is or what he weighs, but to this day, Adam still makes Jens look small.

This is my all-time favorite photo of Jens. He has always loved animals, and he and our horse, Shining Gsa Gsa, were great friends.This is Jens at 8 years old. He looks a lot like Joe in this picture.Yes, it's true, Jens might be a heart-throb at the highschool, but it seems like last week he was my little "Jelly-belly" making memories in mud puddles.This is Jansen. He was our biggest baby, weighing in at 10 1/2 lbs and 23 inches long. He is a freshman in highschool and is 6 feet tall, and as skinny as a pole!He was a darling baby and has turned into a hansdsome young man.Jan is a favorite with the older ladies in our ward, because when it snows, he hops on the 4 wheeler and cleans off their walks and driveways. He's pretty popular with the younger ladies, too. I teach the 14-15 yr old girls in my church and I'm amazed how often they drop off cookies to my house and plan to have meetings here. I can't blame them, who can resist a man that loves babies?This is Dane, he will be 13 this year. He is in middle school. We predict he will be the biggest of our boys, luckily he is the one with the most tender heart, or else he could really do some damage when his brothers tease him. Check out this beautiful boy. I love the light in his eyes.Because Dane is the 4th child, and the 3rd boy, most of his pictures are in group photos, like these:He doesn't mind sharing the spotlight with the brothers, he is a sweetheart. Now I have to dab the tears and blow my nose, so enough about Danie-boy....for now.

And speaking of sweethearts, this is Jordie. He will be 11 this summer and I can't believe how quickly he is turning from a little boy to a young man. I love his eyes and face in this picture, he looks like he should live in Who-ville with CindyLou Who.

In classic middle-child fashion, Jordie is always looking for ways to get attention. Making a mess is just one of his clever methods. Being an aerobics instructor for cats is another.

Jordie is fun-loving and witty. He loves to tell me in depth details about his life and the movies that he watches. Jordie, as you grow older don't grow out of these things. I know I won't.

Leah is everyone's little sister. She is 9 yrs old and runs the household...more often than not with kindness, but she does know how to effectively use force when needed. Yes there are times when Leah rules with an iron fist, an iron fist with painted nails, of course. All big brothers have been forewarned.

She is a beautiful girl with a beautiful spirit. Even though she is quite an athlete in her own right (fastest runner in 3rd grade, main scorer on her soccer team) During basketball and baseball season, she says she'd rather just "cheer for her brothers" than play herself, so she is my pal during these seasons, and we are getting quite good at cheering on Team H*This is a picture Rach took of her favorite sister.

So lock in your votes, Am I crazy or are these kids seriously cute. OK, that was a trick question, I am crazy, but my kids are still gorgeous, right?

PS My also gorgeous neice, Tiecen (who is expecting a pretty cute baby of her own) tagged me for "6 of my quirks" I am trying to whittle down the list, Tie, and I will be posting it soon. If I don't find my camera doohickey first.