21 weeks and counting Baby!

Most of you know that I have had a tear in my placenta that started hemmorraging very badly and that I have been on bedrest for months now. (Very rough with 4 kids.) We have been told that there was a large possibility that we wouldn't be able to get far enough along to actually bring home a baby before the baby would lose the blood suppy and pass away. Also that there was a very large danger of me internally bleeding to death due to the size and severity of my hemmorage. That has been the largest reason for such strict restrictions. My doctor has been amazed that the baby has never seemed to be effected by the tear. (He has had patients w/ tears much smaller than mine already have their baby pass away.) That was a few months ago. We have recently had some very sacred experiences that once again confirmed and added to some other sacred experiences regarding this pregnancy and baby before I was pregnant and during the early stages. My doctor has told me that a tear this big doesn't heal. May I add...doesn't heal without a miracle or the power of Heavenly Father. A few weeks ago my Bishop showed up at our house very late one evening. He said he felt impressed that I needed a blessing that day. In my powerful blessing he promised me that my baby and myself would heal fully and "be made whole." The power of his words at the time struck me to the core. How truly inspired he was. From the very next day on, I have felt an amazing change physically and emotionally...for the better. My months of intense pain left that day and have never returned. Not to say I don't still have rough days, but nothing like before. Today at our ultrasound the u/s tech couldn't even find a hint of a tear, let alone a large tear or hemmorage...no residual internal bleeding either ( which we were told wouldn't go away once progressed to the point we were.) Everything with the baby looks perfect! I just laid on the u/s table and cried. The tender mercies and blessings we have experienced are just beyond explanation for me. I love my Heavenly Father so deeply and feel once again so indebted to Him.

THIS TOO SHALL PASS...

So...pregnancy update. I have a torn placenta. If it stays at current state, all is good. If it tears more, baby loses blood supply...let's not even go there. So restricted everything...limited walking, stairs, bending , ..NO lifting anything... more than milk carton, pushing carts, vacuums, etc... only for 27 weeks! WHAT THE HECK!!! RRRRRRRRRRRR!!!! You've got to be kidding me.

Baby #5!

Well, for those of you who don't know...drumroll please.... I am pregnant. This will be baby Taylor #5. So crazy! I feel a little foolish because I have been very vocal about the fact that "WE ARE DONE!" Well, after lots of prodding by the Spirit and fasting and prayers, we decided that someone else needs to be a part of our family. After we made the decision, I really got excited quickly about the prospects of a new baby. My gut really thinks this a little girl but who knows. It has been funny to start preparing because I had already gotten rid of all my maternity clothes, cribs, baby clothes, etc... So now we will begin the process again. It's all good. This pregnancy has been SO DIFFERENT than my other 4. I have been so very sick. Haven't been able to keep most anything down. Taking care of my 4 other kids and keeping life running smoothly without "Mommy's game face on" has been difficult. My visiting teachers, friends and family have been so helpful. We have had so many meals brought in, house cleaned by friends, shoulders to cry on, etc.... I can't thank you enough... you know who you are. It's been interesting... When you are that sick for that long you really see who your true friends are. Love you guys! I can't thank you enough!

BLUE THUNDER SOCCER

Soccer has been so much fun this year. Lillie really enjoyed playing. By the time Soccer ended, she was actually quite a good player. Because I have never had a brother and have had almost NO experience with sports (other than dancing or cheering at the games) it was a new experience for me. Anthony was the Coach and did an awesome job. I was so impressed with him as a Coach. Whenever Lillie scored a goal and ran to him for a hug, it made me totally choke up. (Although I know it is totally NOT COOL to cry at soccer! Another soccer Dad explained that to me. LOL) The kids just adored him and he adored them. They were the cutest little unified team. I didn't know I could get that excited over a bunch of 5 year olds fighting over a ball. So cute! Everytime Lillie got a goal, the whole family earned milkshakes. Needless to say, when Lillie scored, we all scored! Go Lu Lu! What a team player! Here are a few pictures of the season and the final game's "Medal Ceremony"... I use the word 'ceremony' loosley. GO BLUE THUNDER!!!

BLUE THUNDER SOCCER 2009

ADA Dance Recital

Dance is over for the Summer. The girls just completed their 2nd year with ADA Dance Studio. Elsie and Lillie are becoming great little dancers. Every time they walk out on the stage, I can't help but cry. The girls have gotten to be little dance buddies with Heidi Dowdle's girls, Baylee and Brinlee. I have loved getting to visit with Heidi every Friday. She is one of my longest and dearest friends. We've been close for going on 20 years. Wow, are we really that old? I also really liked the teachers at ADA. Best of all... 10 minutes frome home! Sure beats the 35 minute 1 way commute to Taylor Studios in the past.

ADA Dance Year End Show

Summer is Finally Here!!!! Time to Party!

School's Out!!! Yahoo! I love having the kids home during the day! When Elsie and Lillie are at school, I count the hours until they come home. I really miss them when they are gone. Elsie starting a full day of first grade last fall killed me. Lillie has just been at pre-school for 2 1/2 hours on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. In the Fall, she will join Elsie at Providence Hall for Kindergarten... everyday. (sniff sniff) I am so glad she will still be half days. Blake will start pre-school in the Fall and take on Lillie's old pre-school schedule. So for 2 1/2 hours, 3 days a week, it will be just me and Boston. So crazy! I guess that is a draw-back of having 4 kids in 4 1/2 years. They all leave you quickly...one after the other. Time for another baby! JUST KIDDING! Time for a...a...a... NAP! Yahoo!

When I picked up carpool today for the last day of the school year, I couldn't believe the year was over. Feels like we just started the school year. All the kids piled out of the school and I was waiting for an audible cheer or something. Nothing came. I remember when school let out as a kid, students running and cheering, spraying each other with shaving cream and throwing confetti. I saw none of that, just looked like a normal pick up. Rows of SUV's and Mini-vans with worn-out Mom's at the wheel. (Usually on the phone ...undoubtedly arranging some sort of a soccer/piano/dance/karate class.) I felt we quickly needed some "Celebration-ness". As soon as my car was filled with 5 little ones I announced it was Party time! Who wants a Slurpee??? "What's a Slurpee Mom?" What the Heck? I am once again dating myself back to the slurpee days at the "Sev." I mean, "Who wants an Icee?" Finally, some cheers! Chevron was not prepared for our parade of 6 but they handled with style. Go Chevron! Time for some serious Summer Fun Baby!

Taylorsville High School 15 Year Reunion

For any T-ville Warriors out there. I've been having lots of fun helping with the 15 year reunion. It is set for August 1, 2009. We are having 2 events. Go to the reunion blog for all the info. Help spread the word.

ths1994blogspotcom.blogspot.com

"Expressions Vinyl Lettering is back"

I have had lots of people wondering after my Easter Bucket offer if they can order vinyl again. Answer is yes. I am starting to take a LIMITED number of orders. If you are needing something, give me a call and I'll hook you up!
801-520-6070

APRIL FOOLS DAY!!!

So April 1st arrived just like every year, without me realizing it. One of these years Anthony's ever-so-trusting wife is going to wise up to his evil schemes. At about 7:30 a.m., I receive the following text. "Stay by phone...I am OK but was just rear ended on freeway...civic is not ok." Of course one of my worst fears, car accidents combined with my fear of losing Anth...NOT GOOD! I was immediately shaking and very concerned. Knowing Anthony, I was afraid that he was indeed hurt but didn't want to freak me out. I tried to call him and no answer. I'm now feeling the lump in my throat grow - All part of his evil plan. Shortly after he finally calls me back... he then has to calm his quivering voiced, shaky kneed wife with tons of :"I"m OK's". "The civic is probably totaled and I'm going to need you to come get me. I am going to have the car towed, you can get me there." During all of this, I am trying to get Elsie and Lillie ready to go to school. After the initial phone call I had gathered the kids, explained Daddy was in an accident but he was ok. We then all knelt and prayed together to thank Heavenly Father for protecting Anthony. (Supposedly the people in the "other car" were seriously "banged up" but he had the paramedics check out his shin from a good bang and he was fine.) Elsie and Lillie (ages 6 an d 5) were both obviously fighting back tears and begging to not go to school until we got daddy back home. They were very concerned about daddy being in an ambulance. They were so scared. Blake (age 3) kept asking if daddy was going to die. Boston (age 2) ummm... where is Boston anyways? SO... now I start trying to quickly arrange for various carpools, scout leader meetings, people to take the younger kids... etc... All scheduled to take place within the next few hours. Again, the phone rings, Anthony is on the other end. On my end all I can think is, "I love you, I love you, I love you, I'm so glad you are ok." I just wanted to hold him. He explains that the police officer offered to drop him off here at home so I wouldn’t have to go get him. Here's the part that kills me - yes, I actually fell for it, but he was so convincing! (I know, so disturbing on many levels.) The police officer was heading to a helicopter-training thing and was going to drop him off out here in Herriman at our house via Helicopter. DUH!!!! Anth starts laughing so hard and tells me to open the window so he could crawl down from roof after they drop him off. He is laughing so hard I can hardly understand him. I even actually looked outside for a helicopter. Anth then says, he'll be swinging down on a rope. Suddenly it was all ever so clear! IT IS APRIL FOOLS DAY!" SO NOW THE ANGER AND TEARS ALL SURFACE... "YOU ARE SO MEAN... NOT FUNNY! NOT FUNNY AT ALL!!!" WERE YOU EVEN IN AN ACCIDENT?" All I can hear is hysterical laughter and a quick , "Nope." Then I'm embarrassed to say I hung up on him. I was shaking like a leaf. Get a grip Mandi you big sponge! (By the way...that is a self-proclaimed sponge. Anth didn't call me a sponge.) I explained to the kids that daddy was joking because it was April Fools Day. Elsie seemed confused why he did it as she headed off to carpool within seconds of learning of daddy's "joke." Lillie folded her arms quickly, and with a Humph and a big frown declared. “That is NOT funny. I was scared." (I readily agreed with her.) Blake said, "Daddy told a liar!" And Boston ... well he was oblivious to everything & was found in my bathroom destroying and "washing" most of my makeup and filling a flower vase on my counter top with lotion. NOW.... All I can say is this:

"MY DEAREST LOVE, DON'T TURN YOUR BACK. FOR WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT, SWEET SWEET REVENGE WILL BE MINE!"

Love,
Your innocent lil' wifey poo,
Mandi

I'VE BEEN TAGGED!

I've been Tagged!

My awesome sis-in-law, Amanda Taylor "tagged" me and gave me these rules and categories to fill in. FUN! Here it goes! Some new insights to our fam.

The rules:
1. List three items in each category (JOYS, FEARS, GOALS)
2. Tag three other people you would like to hear from
3. Get to know your friends and family

JOYS...This one is easy!

1. First off would have to be Anthony. We have been married almost 11 years now. Oh, how time flies. We have been through so much in those short 11 years and have a very deep love to show for it. I know Anthony loves me. He works so hard to provide for our family. He is so disciplined in EVERYTHING he does. He amazes me. He makes me want to be a better person. I love him so much and I am so grateful for him and for our committment to eternity...together. Some of my favorite times with Anth are when we are laughing and snuggling while we watch a movie. I love you ANTH!

2. Definitely has to be my kids. Oh boy, I've got joy! I can't believe how much satisfaction my lil' family brings me. I revel daily at my kids... not in a prideful way. I'm just amazed at the strength of their spirits in the Latter Days. Even at my little ones ages, 6, 5, 3 1/2 and 2, I see the valiant spirits Heavenly Father has sent to us. I think all the kids and youth in these times are that way. Wow! What an amazing honor and responsibility is ours as parents of these "Saturdays Warriors." Gosh, I love my 4 precious lil' Taylor tots so much it hurts sometimes! Sounds so cheesey but here it comes... "They complete me!"

3. Here somes the "Sunday School answer"... can't avoid it though. It is the deepest, truest part of my being. My love and knowledge of my Savior and Father in Heaven. I can't imagine what my life would be like without the gospel. It brings such peace and real joy to me... not temporary happiness, but joy that fills my whole soul. I can't picture raising my children without the standards and truthfulness of the Plan of Salvation. It is the perfect plan. One that could only be created by a most loving and merciful Father. I know Jesus Christ is MY redemmer and through his gospel I can have "No empty Chairs" at my table. FAITH~FAMILY~FOREVER

FEARS

MANDI'S DISCLAIMER:
Ok, anyone who even remotely knows me knows I am a worrier. So fears are something I have plenty of (Unfortunately... true. I'm working on it though.)

1. I have a horrible fear of my kids being hit by cars. (Or to lose them in any other way I guess.)Not sure why, maybe because of my high school best friend had his little brother hit by a car and killed. OR...Maybe it was from this horrible show I watched as a kid of a hit and run. (I still get images in my head from that show.) When I have my kids with me (99.9% of the time) I'm a nervous wreck in parking lots, crossing roads, riding bikes, etc. I'm so afraid they will wander out in front of a car. Makes me feel physically ill to even think about it. (Hold my hand, everyone hold hands, don't leg go... DON'T LET GOOOO!) I know it drives Anthony nuts, but I...I...I... can't help it. It is also accompanied by a strong fear of car accidents. Oh it gives me the shivers. I think about it every time I am in the car. Probably makes me a very cautious driver, but it also gives me a stomach ache. It drives Anth crazy too. Sorry Honey, you married a weirdo;)

2. SNAKES! Can't say it enough! SNAKES, SNAKES, SNAKES. Little, big, gardner, water, rattler..all of the above. We have been in our new home in The Cove for about 2 months now. DON'T ASK ME WHY THIS DIDN'T OCCUR TO ME BEFORE, BUT THERE IS A STUPID (YET BEAUTIFUL) MOUNTAIN IN MY BACKYARD!!! HELLO!!! MOUNTAIN...UTAH...HOT, DRY DESERT...RATTLE SNAKES...UNFINISHED BACKYARD...LOTS OF BIG ROCKS FOR THEM TO HIDE... YOUNG, UNAWARE, CURIOUS KIDS!!!! AHHHHHHHHHH...CAN'T BREATHE! Ok...deep breath, calm, calm, calm. This fear was just intensified by learning that our friends and neighbors, The Carlsons found a baby rattlesnake in their gargage. I was also informed that the babies are the most venomous because they can not yet control the amount of venom they give you. Those giving little buggars just give you all they've got. Oh, I think I need to lay down, I'm getting dizzy. CAN WE SAY IRRATIONAL FEAR? BUT IS IT REALLY THAT IRRATIONAL. My point exactly! UGH!

3. Third fear, losing Anthony. I really fear Anthony dying and leaving me alone. (Especially worry about him dying in a car accident.) I feel at peace knowing that we are sealed, but feel terrified at the thought of living OUR mortal life without HIM. I have played it out so many times in my mind. What would I do? I've learned from my mother-in-law that life does go on. You can find happiness again and that you can make it, but it still scares me.

Well, well, well. I have just re-read my FEAR section. I really sound un-stable. Yikes! I really am a stable and level-headed person. Maybe I need to find myself a good therapist. Sounds like a I may have a few "issues" to work though. Ha ha! Just kidding. I can't because I am afraid of therapists... just kidding. That was funny! I am totally laughing at my own joke! A good one at that!

TAG, YOU'RE IT!

• ASHLEY BENNION
• MONICA DUPAIX
• HEIDI DOWDLE
• BROOKE KEDDINGTON