Missionaries are a busy blessing

Writing and sending packages to four missionaries can be difficult for anyone let alone someone as unorganized as myself.  Okay, I will admit it......letters and pictures from my four kids are stuffed in various drawers.  They are not in beautifully scrapbooked pages with clever headings and quotes.  I am hoping to unearth some of them this summer with Dorma's help.  She is very talented when it comes to organizing, and maybe I can get some semblance of a recording of their time in the mission field.
I write regularly to them, and should have files of different subjects that can be addressed should a topic arise....but I have to rely on my brain which is quickly fading.  I have had to send letters that should be filed under:

     How to feel good about yourself when you seem to be a failure.
     How to get along with people who bug you.
     How to fight frustration when no one wants to hear your message.
     How the Atonement can help you with feelings of inadequacy.
     How to be humble when you know more than your companion.
     How to be teachable when you realize you know nothing.
     How to accept the fact that your mother always knew more than you thought she did.

Lately, I wish I had more time to learn the things that my kids are learning.  I want to take the time to ponder the scriptures, to think about the things they are thinking, and to be teachable as well.
I have cut way back on the TV watching, and try to find time to study the Gospel every day.  I have scriptures on CD in my car, and that helps a great deal in bringing the Spirit.  Still, I have to go to school and teach piano every day and find myself too tired many nights.  I tell them all the time how lucky they are to have the time to immerse themselves in the Gospel.

Rachel is still with Sister Heywood, Matthew is awaiting a new companion , Mark is with Elder Guzman, who is from Mexico, and Bethany is with Sister Cameron.  Bethany is in Sunny Burbank where she talks about "sun-kissed people" and swaying palm trees and the cute red door of her apartment.  She sounds like she is on vacation.  She is two blocks away from Disney Studios, Warner Brothers, and NBC.
 Rachel and Matthew are preparing for a cold, wet winter where they say the bitter wind from the lakes cuts to the bone.  Mark is in Texas where they will probably have a fairly mild time of it.

I will now attempt to add some photos.  This may or may not work.  Yay!!!, It did!  Maybe
I can organize their letters!!
   
   

Rachel and Sister Heywood

Bethany and Sister Cameron

Matthew with Thomas and Rachel (a recent convert)

Matthew and some of his district members

Matthew riding his bike in Cleveland

Mark with a cow?

Mark and his companion, Elder Guzman

Rachel and Sister Heywood looking cute

Hey!!!  It did work!

Rachel and her hand-me-downs
hat, scarf, and coat from ward member
skirt from companion.

   

Friends

You know that song, "People who need people are the luckiest people in the world?"  Yep, well, I am one of the lucky people in the world.  I need people, and I have great friends.  Nothing makes me happier than to talk to someone, and if you know me, I can talk a lot!  I like different people---let's use a few antonyms here....young people, old people, funny people, serious people, intense people, laid back people...they are all my friends and I am so grateful for each one of them.   I have a sign that hangs over my back door that says it all for me, "Friends are the family that one finds along the way".  I have found a lot of people who are like family to me.  I am sure that I am irritating at times because I once surmised that if I stood back, and thought about "me" as my own friend, I would be irritating.  I would also be kind and funny and interesting in an odd sort of way.  So, it's all good, and I am happy being me.


   I love my own company, but after awhile I crave a little more stimulating conversation. I have been told that I hum when I am alone, so I must be in touch with my inner self.   I can go downtown and stop in just about anywhere and talk to people.  I know people from the grocery store, the music store, and even got invited to a wedding reception from a lady who hands out samples at Sam's Club!    I don't just know their names, I know all about their families, their likes and dislikes, and some pretty deep feelings.   I can carry on a conversation with just about anybody and do so on a regular basis.  I suppose that some might find me nosy, but others appreciate my friendliness and open up about all kinds of things in their lives, (some I'd rather not know about):D  I would not have it any other way and only wish I had more time to connect more.    Yeah, I also wish I were thinner and younger, but I like that I can be friends with just about anybody.



   I have been friends for a very long time with a group of friends who know me about as well as anyone else does.  Probably more than Jerry:D   MaryAnn, Dorma, Lori, Debbie and I get together a couple of times a year to play.  Yes, we are old and we still play.    We travel, laugh and mostly make each other laugh.   We have been through it all with each other.  The birth of our children,  miscarriages, divorces , our parent's deaths , surgeries, cancer, and a lot more.  These events have sealed us for life, and I can't imagine having survived trials without them.  I have countless friends and to name just a few:

 SueAnn, who took me to her house when I broke my collarbone and elbow.  I ran over myself with my car, but I digress (another story) and nursed and showered me.  I stayed at her house for three days, and she had her son Jeff rig up a call button as I lay in the kid's bottom bunkbed.  Now that is friendship!!   We have been friends for almost forty years, and I could make pages and pages of the things she has done for me and my family.   Robin and Vickie who take me for rides where we eat Lay's potato chips and  swig coke  and solve the problems of the world.  Kathy , Elaine, Debbi and Suzanne whom I have loved since college days.  Gayle, you are the best when I can talk to you about anything and everything!  We tried to lose weight when we were skinny and in college, and now we are grandmas and still talk about the same thing!! Alisa, what would I possibly do without you in my life?  I have never know anyone more Christlike and giving.  What an example you are to me!!   Michelle, my book friend, who always enlightens me  with the best of literature.  Laurie, who is always just a phone call away and who came and bought me dresses when Adam was getting married and Jerry was out of work. Karen , who taught me to make banana cream pie, and who is the best friend/ boss ever.

  Donna, Fern and Barbara, my "old lady" friends who were my dear, dear friends for over a decade while they were in their eighties, I learned so much from you!  I mourned each one as you passed from this life and remember our good times together.  You were funny, smart and so very wise.  You were such a support system to me, and I loved you so, so much.

 Amy Herrick, my friend who has taught me not only about teaching,  but about selflessness and family.  So many more out there who know who they are and how special they are to me.  I rarely go a day when I am not encouraged or inspired by one of many people I see daily.  My co -workers are the greatest, and I am so fortunate to work with children every day of my life.

To all the friends in my neighborhood and ward who care about me and my family:  You know who are and how important you are to my life.  All friends past and present have enriched my life so much!!
   I hope that my children who are out in the world are meeting people and making that connection of friendship.  You cannot teach anyone anything until you care about them.  It is a wonderful thing to become friends with your children, and see them emerge into adults.  Jerry and I are learning to be friends again after co-parenting, and I told him he would have to be my buddy.  Friendship takes a little work, but it is so worth the effort.  It has enriched my life in countless ways, and I am beyond blessed for all of the people I care about and who care about me.  I am thankful to be friends with Jerry's mom, Joann and with his sisters, Jackie and Jan who welcomed me into the family from the start. I love my daughter-in-laws Jess and Carly, and hope I do not appear to be the strange mother-in-law, but their friend.  Layne, I hope you find me a little less strange as time goes on:D

   Fay Johnson, you are never far from my heart and will continue to be my greatest friend and advocate.  When she lay dying, I laid my head on her heart, and asked, "Oh, Mom, have I ever made you proud?"  I selfishly wanted her approval even at the end of her life.  She struggled to whisper, "always".  She was a friend to all, and I try to emulate her in her love for people.  When Dad died, people from all walks of life came to pay tribute to Thiel Johnson, a man who loved and served others.  What a great legacy I have, and what choice friends!  Sorry that this is such a gushy blog, but I am feeling blessed tonight!!
                                       gotta go, my favorite nephew, Brian,  and his fiancee, Cadie, just stopped in
                                      and I am making them chocolate chip cookies!
                                                 

                                          They were pretty good!

Dorma, Debbie, Me, MaryAnn and Lori

 

The Last of the Four to Go

Bethany Anne Taylor departed our home Wednesday, October 9 to arrive at the Mission Training Center at 2:45 p.m.  This kind of sounds like an obituary!  We are not grieving, but rejoice in the adventure soon to be hers in the San Fernando, California Mission.  I did shed a tear when I found her size 10 converse shoe beside my chair".  Usually, I would have pitched it downstairs while yelling, "Bethany...take off your shoes in your own room!"  Instead, my eyes misted over.   I quickly recuperated and it hasn't been too bad.  I think my initial tears last year when the boys were preparing to go were for the demise of childhood.  I am feeling old!  I was always the mom of young children, and now as I am forced to concede that they are grown; I had to admit my own advancing age.  My brain is a bit fuzzy, my knees are bad, and I hate seeing pictures of myself because I am viewing someone who doesn't look like me.
   I told myself that when Bethany left, Jerry and I were to start our own new adventure.  No kids, no one baking cookies well into the night for kids who were laughing and shrieking downstairs.  Thank goodness for piano kids who fill my life with fun and purpose. I have to have a little noise!!
    Bethany spoke on the 29th of September, and did an awesome job.  I think the word "awesome" is overused, but it was a great talk.  She was assigned  to speak on spreading the Gospel to "every kindred, tongue and people".  She spoke about Camp Bartlett, and Philmont Ranch and her associations with the people there.  She told us how every person we come into contact with can be affected by the way we live.  She gave examples of great people in her own life who had impacted her own way of living, and of others she had watched with great admiration.  Bethany has worked in an after school program at Club Heights Elementary School, and she loved it so much.  She also taught school in a highly scrutinized Title one school and learned so much about what people needed in their lives.  They need love and hope, and she will be able take that to the people she meets in California.
   We had the usual "non-farewell mormon buffet" at our house and Bethany was able to share her special day with Ruby.  Ruby's dad was in Missouri for five months following her birth, and he was able to finally bless her so it was truly a great day.  Layne's Mom and Dad came, of course, as did his brother Spencer  and sister-in-law Megan.  Ruby's Great Grandma and Grandpa, Donna and Layne.  We served pulled pork, Bethany's favorite, and I have the best friends in the world who brought salads and cookies.  The weather sort of cooperated, and most people ate outside.
    Bethany is larger than life, and her presence is so missed at our house.  She is a passionate person.  Passion was one of our third grade vocabulary words last week, and when I introduced it, I thought of her. When she was little, she drove me crazy because she was so stubborn and driven.  Now I see it as a wonderful attribute that will take her far in life.   She loves people with an intensity that is overwhelming at times, yet I know that the people in the mission field will return that love.  She and I are so very close, because I think that she is the most like me out of all my children.  She knows me better than Jerry does!!
She knows I like orange Tootsie Pops, and will buy me several when she goes out.  She brings me Dirty Diet cokes "just because".  She is in tune with all my mannerisms , and knows what I am thinking and why I am thinking it.  I can't help but remember her as a

misbehaving toddler, and marvel that she has become one of my best friends!  What a treasure she is, and how I miss her!!
   I feel so blessed, and privileged that Heavenly Father would send me such choice spirits to raise. Frankly, I often think that Jerry and I were so incapable of harder trials that He sent us pretty good kids. We would not be very good at dealing with much more than we were given.  The Taylor kids are not perfect, but we are sure grateful for their choices thus far in life.
   I will try to blog more, but find it hard to turn on the computer without anyone to help me:D  Seriously, we will see how this adding "pictures" thing goes!  Anyone out there have extra time for a tutorial?  I tried to have the kids show me, but they got a little hostile after the 86th time.
   I can hardly wait to hear about Bethany and the MTC and will be better about posting their adventures!                          

(These pictures were really hard for me!, I will try more later when I am not muttering under my breath)

Bethany and Friends

Bethany with Garrett and Carson Schoenfeld (piano students)

  

Adam, Emily and Ruby, Bethany and Ben

Manti, Meniscus tear, Max and Missionaries

I wanted to blog about several things, so this is a conglomeration of things that have no correlation with each other.  That being said, I am all over the place with my life and mind, so this should make sense even though it doesn't!

   In June we went to the Manti Pageant with Bethany, Emily and the Bubbergirl (Ruby).  It was going to be our "vacation" if only for two days.  Jerry had gone online and had reserved us a charming bed and breakfast house known as the "Ephraim House".  This was owned by a polygamist with three wives, and we thought it would be lovely to stay in an authentic, historical house.  Its amenities included the cellar with a hidden door know as the polygamist pit.    I am going to have my daughter, Emily be the Guest Blogger and she will relate our experience:

Some point earlier this year, the family all had the idea to head down to the Manti pageant.  I myself was quite excited, as I was in elementary school the last time I saw it, just a nerdy little girl with glasses... that I had forgotten to bring.  Thus, that first trip was was a meaningless blur.  But now, now I could truly have a worthy Manti Pageant experience.  So we packed up the car with all things necessary for an overnight excursion and headed down to Ephraim.  If you have never been there, it's a nice little town--my sister-in-law and her family live there and quite enjoy it.  There's a main street, a candy store, all sorts of cute little things.  After driving up and down that Main Street a few times, we finally saw the Ephraim House, pulled over, and checked in.

The Ephraim House is run by a very nice family.  They greeted us with charm and smiles.  I barely saw the husband of the family, but Tiffany and her son were downright friendly.  They were dressed in what I assumed were period-inspired clothing, son Izzy (Isaiah Elijah) with a classic bowl haircut, and barely gave us time to toss our luggage somewhere before we were given a tour of the house.  

The house was beautiful.  I have a thing for old houses, and therefore I liked this one.  I enjoyed hearing the history and I enjoyed looking at all the old odds and ends scattered about. However, this house was updated not just with a big flat-screen tv but all sorts of tributes to Mormonism.  Pictures of temples, church magazines, coloring books, novels, etc.  Tiffany was sure proud of it, and spoke of the spiritual nature of her home.  The Spirit was meant to dwell in this house, and apparently some family members who came to visit were unable to deal with the overwhelming spirit and snuck out early one morning before Tiffany and her family could greet them with a nourishing breakfast burrito.  

All I could think was "This ain't the temple".  

Yes, I know the home is meant to be a temple of sorts, but I couldn't help but find the zealotry a tad overwhelming.

Eventually we headed to the pageant.  We arrived early and were disappointed to find only a few protestors, none particularly interesting save for a certain young preacher Bethany found quite handsome.  The cast was wandering about, so we took the opportunity to toss Ruby at them for a collection of pictures.  I worried she would fuss through the pageant, but she fell asleep soon and, hooray, slept through the entire thing.

I loved the pageant.  The cast did a fantastic job, the volcano effects were awesome, and it was nice to see it clearly for the first time in my life.  

We then returned to the Ephraim House where, thankfully, the family was asleep and we could sneak into our beds.  In my room, aside from my super-comfy bed, was a pioneer cradle.  Tossing out all crib warnings and regulations out the window, that is where I placed my precious daughter for the night.  I figured if pioneer babies didn't die regularly in them, my baby wouldn't after one night.  And she lived and now I have the story of her sleeping in a pioneer cradle.

Ruby woke up early, which was fine with me, as I was hoping to sit with her and perhaps do some yoga and take in the atmosphere of this beautiful house.  This was interrupted by my parents telling me to hurry and get downstairs for breakfast.  It was still quite early, but breakfast was served and that was that.  So, despite having returned very late, the sleeping members of my family were invited at the break of dawn to go downstairs and eat breakfast burritos.  In detail, Mom was lying in what truly was the best bed she had ever slept in having the best sleep of her life when Tiffany threw open the door and called "Breakfast is served!"  So we trudged downstairs for burritos.  I appreciate the sentiment, but mine was filled with cream, I was not eating dairy for Ruby's sake, and we had all kind of hoped for a classic American McDonald's breakfast.  

The rest of the morning was spent with Tiffany and Izzy running about in their friendly manner, chatting us up.  With all due respect to homeschooling families, Izzy was homeschooled and, well, rather odd.  He didn't seem to have any friends his age, including in Primary, and instead wrote letters and sent pictures to the Prophet.  His social skills were also awkward. Please keep in mind, these were very, very nice and wonderful people, BUT... not quite what we were used to.  The visits became odd when I was nursing Ruby.  I've discovered I have very little modesty in that regard, but still, it was odd having some stranger chatting and a little boy popping his head in while I'm feeding my daughter.  During this time, Tiffany also mentioned her fear of lifting heavy things as she felt she was "expecting" despite having confessed to having conception trouble the night before.  Ah, the words of strangers!

Later that morning, we checked out, but not without complimentary taffy and a missionary card and the appreciation of the family with the titles "Sister" and "Brother".

The house was beautiful, the family nice and without guile;  but I think I prefer my hosts to be a little more distant and a little more worldly.

  Thanks, Emily, I think your portrayal of that trip was very accurate.

 Another member has left the Taylor family.  Four years ago a sweet, black and white Tabby came to live with us.  I picked him up from Petco when an employee placed him in my arms and he clung to me like a lost baby.  I thought Ben needed a cat at his townhouse, but was not surprised when he said, "you've got to be kidding, I don't want or need a cat!"  I guess I was banking on his tender heart, but even as I admitted defeat and kept Max, Ben really did grow to like him. Jess,  who is more of a dog person liked him a lot.  Everyone did.  What was not to like?  A more congenial and affectionate cat never lived.  He loved people, and never met a stranger.  He loved to visit with you especially if you had on black pants.  Max had an odd habit of dangling one fore leg about when perched, and it was quite endearing.  Not quite as endearing was his habit of coughing up hairballs.  It was not so much as a hairball, but a slimy piece of wormlike fur that he would deposit at your feet after a short fit of coughing.  We tried some remedies, bought some hairball cat food , and I was really going to take that cat in to the vet.  Last Wednesday he disappeared without a trace.  We checked his favorite hiding places, closets, beds, neighbor's garages....but no Max.  We are sad even though we have too many cats.  Marty, who was born here at the house, and Sam, Emily's cat.  Contrary to some people's opinions, cats are wonderful creatures who are smart and just don't always elect to come when you want them.  We loved him on his terms, and every time the door rings, there is a small burst of hope that someone has found him and is bringing him home.  We have notified the animal shelter, and made trips around the neighborhood, but to no avail.  I hope he is not hurt, and is living it up with a loving family who adores him as much as we did....

     I had surgery for a meniscus tear, (knee scope) and have been gingerly hobbling around.  I am down to one crutch and made it to school last week, and gave a Relief Society lesson today.  I think it will feel better when it stops hurting!  Actually it is coming along, and perhaps I can start exercising again someday.

  The missionaries are great.  Matthew has a baptism scheduled for the end of August, and is happy most days.  He says that he is now reading "Jesus The Christ" which makes me happy!!  Mark has been transferred to a small town in Texas where he will be opening a new district.  He is excited but sad to leave the people he has been with since arriving in Oklahoma.  Rachel is loving her new companion and the work she is doing.  I am excited and grateful for the experiences they are having right now.  I am not sure whether to tell them about our Max.  He was, by far, the nicest cat we have ever had and was considered a beloved family member.  Do I mention it?  I can't decide.

I count my blessings, and rejoice in them.   Yes,  my knee hurts, and my cat is missing, but I think you can still mourn one of our Heavenly Father's creations----and be grateful at the same time.  If any of you see Max, let me know!!

Summer successes and losses

As the summer simpers to a close, I find myself reconciled to the fact that I did not accomplish great things the last two months.  I had big plans for organization, and weight loss.  Alas, the house is still messy, and I am up ten pounds.  Emily, my married daughter who lived with me this summer, was going to help me.  She did clean out cupboards and urge me towards healthier eating habits.  Thanks, Emily, for remaining your cheerful self during your husband's absence.  He serves in the Army Reserves and has been in Missouri since Ruby was six weeks old.  He returns home next month to whisk wife and baby away!

 In the meantime I have hurt my knee and spend a lot of time moaning and feeling sorry for myself.  I had an MRI and will report to Dr. Watson on Wednesday morning.  However, I have read the MRI report and looked up all the terms on the internet, and I am not encouraged.  I may have to have some surgery or bear the pain.  Maybe both!

 I have had lots of time to reflect on life.  Just the other day I ate some Cracker Jacks at three in the morning while I mused about my life.  This has always been one of my best times for pondering the mysteries of the Universe.  Perhaps I should start leaving out the "Cracker Jacks" part.

  Perhaps I didn't get my house as clean as I or my neighbor and friend, Dorma would have liked, but I sure had fun reconnecting with friends.  I had needy friends this summer.  Poor Dorma fell down her steps in June, hitting her Gluteus Maximus squarely on the step.  She called me almost immediately, and I inspected her rear, which looked as if it had been artificially padded.  She called it her "Kardashian Butt".  I was almost sure that it was a huge hematoma, but we went to the Doctor where he confirmed my suspicions.  Nothing but time would absorb all that blood.  Dorm  could not even sit on a chair, and spend lots of time leaning on furniture.  I found it hysterically funny that she also took pictures of her injured part, but did not text them to anyone!!  She just wanted to follow the progression of her injury....!  Dorma is sixty-six, but acts and looks like she is fifty (or younger).
               
                                                                             Dorma

   We went out to the Munks last weekend where SueAnn continues to be remarkable at remodeling two houses at once.  It was fun to visit with Kylie and Jeff, and to see Kyle's new boat!
    As the summer progressed, so many of my friends had trials.  I commiserated with each one of them while giving thanks for my blessings and knowing full well that my time would come again!  Still, I am thankful for a little reprieve (excepting the knee injury) from some of the problems my friends have experienced.  I have relished each and every day with Ruby (my bubbergirl) and having an adult relationship with my daughters, Emily and Bethany.  Jerry and I celebrated our 30th anniversary on the 30th of July.  We spent some time at Bear Lake and attended the "famous" Pickleville theatre.  I had a picture taken by some Japanese tourists that I really do not want to post, but Debbie insisted it was the picture of a middle aged couple who had raised seven kids, and that the picture was "sweet".  I am not sure I see the "sweet" part, but the middle-aged part is definitely showing through.

                                               This is "us"  (one of us is trying to hold in their stomach) - with little
                                              success

   The Missionaries are great, and I am thankful every day for their service.  They are great kids and are having wonderful adventures!  Rachel is a trainer as is Matthew and enjoying it very much.  Mark believes that he may be transferred soon.

                                            Elder Mark Taylor signing "Oklahoma" (I had to ask Alex)

Elder Matthew Taylor standing in a random field?

Sister Rachel Taylor, Dearborn, Michigan

  Perhaps accomplishment can come in the little ways in which you go about your daily activities and relationships with family and friends.  I hope so because that underwear drawer is not getting organized this summer!!!

And the last Taylor Missionary is called to..........................

Last night in front of 600 boy scouts and staff members at Camp Bartlett in Montpelier, Idaho, Bethany opened her mission call.  Jerry, Emily and I had driven to the camp where she is working for a month as Director of the Rifle Range.  The call had come on Wednesday, and it lay on our dining room table even as Emily and I considered steaming it open!  In the end, integrity won out and we delivered it to her intact. As we pulled into the camp , Bethany was in the main parking lot, and she ran for us (or  perhaps the envelope) and took off running.  I will always have this wonderful memory of watching her run through the grass towards the crowd waving her call above her head where all all 600 boy scouts plus the staff members of Camp Bartlett waited for her.  She ran out to the center, and someone handed her the megaphone.  Someone motioned for Jerry and me to join her, and with trembling hands she opened the call.  Where was she to serve?  I had guessed California because it was stateside (since all her brothers and sister  had stayed in the states, I had no real feeling that Bethany would go elsewhere) it was warm and she loves California.  I was right!  She will serve in the California, San Fernando Valley Mission, leaving the ninth of October.  She will teach in the English language and perhaps pick up a  little bit of "valley girl" as some have pointed out!!
  I miss her already!  I wish she were not staying at Bartlett for three more weeks, but she needs the money and they need her help.  I am grateful to Camp Bartlett and for the leadership skills they have taught my kids.  Every one of my seven children have served there in various positions and have learned life's lessons every summer.
   Emily and I tried to figure out how to get the new California state outline on the blog, but we have not been successful.  Rachel was the artistic one who designed this blog for me before leaving and without her we are a little lost.  We may have to ask her in our weekly e-mail so we can put California in as our new missionary state.
   It's hard to believe that the boys have been out almost five months and Rachel is coming up on three months!  I know the time will pass quickly because it already has, and it won't be long until all four kids come home.  But honestly, how did we go from this:
                                                     
                                                                            1999

       to this!
                                                                           2013

For all you moms who think that childhood lasts forever, and that the days of crying babies will never end......all of a sudden they are all grown up, and childhood is but a fading memory.  I have a hard time remembering who did and said what!
    I have been told by many that the year with an empty nest may be a pleasant thing!  We shall see!
I am still trying to fathom that somehow I have four kids who all decided to serve a mission at the same time.  I did not see that coming, but I am so grateful for their righteous decision to serve the Lord.
I am almost ashamed to post anything about myself because I don't feel as if I am making a lot of headway in projects or personal growth.  But this is also a blog about the "fearful mom" and that would be me.  Somehow I can see this turning out to be the kids' journeys into service and spirituality and me staying stagnant.  I had a lot of projects listed for the summer, but so far I have gone to movies and lunches with friends.  I don't have a lot of money for the projects I want to do, but I have a little money for the movies and you can go to the cheap theaters for only three dollars!  Dorma and I have found you can eat fifty cent tacos and get a free senior drink at Del Taco, so hey, we are all into that! I could, however, organize and clean but you have to be in the mood, and I am still waiting for the right kind of mood, hah!
    Congratulations, Bethany!  I could not be prouder of you, and I wish you were here to celebrate.  Maybe we could get a cheap taco and see the three dollar movie!!

 
                                  Sister Bethany Taylor - California, San Fernando Valley Mission

                                          Sister  Rachel Taylor - Detroit, Michigan Mission

                                          Elder Mark Taylor - Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Mission

                                 
                                         Elder Matthew Taylor - Ohio, Cleveland Mission

Driving Miss Rachel

Rachel and her former Mission President and wife. 

I have not posted for awhile, and I do apologize!  I am ashamed to admit that I could not even get into my own blog because I forgot the password!!  I never write anything down, and I have different passwords for everything.  I think I can rely on my aging memory to file it all away, and alas, it has failed me miserably as of late.

   So....updates on those missionaries!   MARK--says that the Oklahoma Mission is the best mission in all of the world and he doesn't know why his mother said that a mission would be hard.....  He is helping translate in the ward primary for one of his nine year old investigators.  Does this mean he is learning to speak and understand Spanish?   He has finished the clean up from the tornadoes and is back to proselyting.  MATTHEW--says that the work is progressing, that he is getting very buff by biking hours every day.  He does not sound as enthusiastic about his mission, but this is Matthew.  We did hear all about his bike accident with a parked car.  Aside from some bruises and scratches , he is okay.   As babies, Mark would smile, and Matthew would frown.  I can tell who is who in all of their baby pictures by Matthew's furrowed brow, and Mark's delighted smile.  RACHEL-- Ahh, now here is a girl who is including all the details.  We get all her feelings, emotions and the desires of her heart--written as if she were here in person.  But, then she is a girl:D  She is now in Dearborn where they have opened up a new district.  She and her companion are traversing the streets and meeting new people every day even though they are both inexperienced missionaries.  She said they are both ditzy, but get along great.  Rachel is meeting all kinds of different people and loving the work.  Now for the part where we all gasped out loud!!  She is the designated driver!!

   For those of you who know Rachel, she did not get a driver's license until the age of 18.  She was afraid, and so were we as we witnessed her capabilities on the streets of Ogden.  We despaired that she would ever be able to drive, and finally paid a lot of money to A-1 driving school to take her driving.  We were too terrified to drive with her, and A-1 at least gets paid for being frightened.  At last she received her license after failing the test not once but twice, and she even bought a car last year.  Still, we cautioned her not to go on any "big roads" like highways?  In Dearborn she has to cross four lanes of highways and make Michigan lefts.  Apparently, these are left turns where you go through the intersection, make a u-turn and go back to the original intersection and make a right turn.  This is too complicated for Rachel, but she says she has been praying about it, and wants us to do the same. I do not know why Sister Orr does not drive, we can only surmise that she is even worse than Rachel.

    Last year, Rachel had a incident where she was pulled over by the Police.  She had been out late to her friend Kylie's apartment to make brownies and watch a movie.  It was raining hard when she left to come home, and she made a right turn instead of left and made for Layton.  She called in a panic, and we directed her to turn around.  We offered to come and get her, but she insisted she was all grown up and could surely make it home.  Somehow she got on the freeway, got off in Riverdale and crept past the Pep Boys going super slow and weaving just a bit.  Being emotional and being Rachel, she appeared to be under the "influence" when she was suddenly pulled over by the police.  She insisted that she had never drank or taken drugs, but took the breathalyzer test and tried to walk a straight line. (She has never been able to walk a straight line)  The officers then looked into the trunk of her car and back seat, finding the brownies she had made with Kylie.  "What are the ingredients in these brownies?" they asked her.....  She answered truthfully, "uh, cocoa, sugar, flour , eggs"....  Jerry and I were called, and they released Rachel into our custody.  We had to drive her car back as they would not permit her to drive.  The one officer said to Jerry "the test does not show she has been drinking, but we still suspect she is under the influence of something"!  Poor Rachel, and although she cried at the time, we have since laughed about the experience.  Rachel has shared this with all her friends, and it has become a funny "Taylor" story, so I am sharing it here.  Perhaps driving on her mission, buoyed up by the desire to do well will be another one of the many blessings Rachel will receive.  We are so proud of our missionaries and their righteous desires.  Bethany will hopefully receive her call this Wednesday, and we could not be more excited!!
 

Biking

Matthew and his companions just hanging.  

Mark and a new friend!

Mark contemplating his blessings while cleaning up in Moore. 

                                                  Sister Taylor and Sister Orr

                                                 
                                              Preach my Gospel

                                                      Our Rachel