Happy Mother's Day!

Since it's Mother's Day and all, I have been thinking about how much I have learned from my Mom. The other day I said to Carly, "Don't say that, say, Oh pumpernickel instead!" Now those of you who know my mom would know that as kids we were not allowed to say MANY words that most kids did not consider bad words. Some examples

• pee


• butt


• stupid


• shut up


• fart


• gosh...

the list could continue, but I'll stop there. It use to bug me to not be able to say so many of those words, but guess what words my kids are not allowed to say?! Yes, those exact same words! There are other things I swore I'd never do with my kids that my parents did with me- and now that I have kids, I find myself doing those exact things! I question my mothering skills at times, but find so much comfort in the fact that my parents raised 11 healthy and normal kids- well I guess the normal could be debatable on a few of my siblings!:) But I look at my Mom and have so much admiration for her! She has raised children, held many time consuming church callings, worked in schools and doctor's offices, helped neighbors, and is such a great and loving Grandma to all her grand kids- I'd put how many there are, but honestly I lost track around 30!
My Mom and Dad when they were married in 1960.
My brother David, my Dad, Mom, and sister Robyn
The 11 children- can you imagine trying to raise this many kids?!
This is the Taylor family in 2004- we have added probably close to 20 more members in our family! We were singing a song to entertain the kids- lesson learned- not good facial expressions on some!!:)
In the past few years I've watched my Mom struggle with loosing my Dad. I don't think there is anything more heart wrenching then to see a woman who has been so strong with every burden she is asked to carry- but to watch her struggle carrying one that no one can really help her carry. The night my Dad passed away all 11 of us children were able to be there and say our goodbye's- that alone was a miracle, since we all lived in different places. But when it came time to turn off the life support and say a quick final goodbye, my only thoughts were of my Mom and how hard this must be for her. As she gave him a hug and told him she loved him, he had a little tear trickle down from his eye. He had been so dehydrated, I don't know how it was possible for him to have any moisture anywhere- but that was something that let my Mom know he heard us and he heard her. She had been Stake YW President when my Dad was diagnosed with cancer and they released her to have time with my Dad. After he passed away she moved into a new Ward and was called as Primary President, then released and called as RS President. I don't think I'd be able to function from day to day just taking care of me, let alone taking care of a daughter with Cerebral Palsy and then a whole ward! Now do you see why when I think of my Mom, I think- What an amazing woman!
If I could be allowed to choose anything in the world to be- I would choose to be a Mom. There is nothing more challenging or rewarding in life! I know I complain about my kids, but I would NEVER want to do or be anything else! I'm thankful to have a husband who understands, supports, and encourages me to be a stay at home mom. There have been quite a few times in our lives where money is tight- it would have been so easy for me to get a job, and that was brought up many times- but just as soon as it was brought up it was thrown out the window! I hope I don't sound preachy to those who do work- there is nothing wrong with that- we each have to make the choices and decisions of what works best for our families. I am not a multi tasker- if I worked my family would be put on the back burner and my job would become my priority- that is why I know I need to stay home, to keep my family my priority. I'm thankful for my little girl's who are so quick to forgive me and love me- they are my life!
So to each of you- HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!! Enjoy a day of relaxation and knowing that you are impacting not only your children's lives, but many other's you come in contact with- like me!