Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Joseph LH Taylor

Happy Anniversary.  See you this weekend.

You guys are getting old!

Christin Victoria

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

Thanks for all your support!  Thanks for helping me move.  You guys did a tremendous job, and were a really big help!

Christin

Chris, Allison, Matthew & Austin

Well, I guess that I could take all the credit...I am the reason that you guys get to use the term "parents" heeheehee.

But, alas, this is not about me...

Ken and Penny Taylor, parents to Chris, Allison, Josh, Rebekah, Joanna, Christin, Joseph (and various other people along the way -- both long- and short-term), and grandparents to Matthew, Ruth, Shalom, Austin, Anna, and a player to be named at a later date. You guys have always lived your lives as an example for others...examples of a successful marriage, examples of good parents (you know, ones who have learned from their mistakes), examples of good grandparents (two words...FIG BARS!), examples of a man and a woman thirsting after God's own heart, and the list goes on and on.

I have so many memories, but I honestly think the one that I will remember my entire life -- and try to embody with my children -- will be all of the support that you gave me when I just came home from work one morning and said that I was moving away after finishing nursing school. I am sure that you were devastated, but you recognized that my time in Ohio was ending and you supported me 100% (and then some). Without that support, I don't think that I would have survived, and then I would have not met my wonderful husband and we would have never had the only two people that have the privilege of being your "grandsons"...at this point in time, at least.

You have allowed us each to make our own decisions...whether or not you know that we will fail with our decision...and now you are assisting in the teaching of our hearts to just guide our children.

And now a few words from your younger fans...

Matthew: "I love seeing the train when I am at your house. I also like that you stay at our house! I also like how you flip me upside down!"

Austin: "PAPA!" (with excitement in his eyes) (Sorry Mom, you get used to the ignoring eventually...)

I know that you guys don't necessarily enjoy living so far away, but you are always in our boys' hearts -- Austin stands at the front window intermittently for a week after you leave yelling "PaPa!" out the window, looking for you. (They also love the fig bars and sugar wafers -- which, by the way, they do NOT eat when we buy them some.)

Who would have guessed that after that meeting in the bowling alley, you would be celebrating 32 years of marriage, 5 children to call your own, 2 sons-in-law, and the many many more people throughout our lives that you have impacted?!

Happy 32nd Anniversary Mom and Dad!

Love,
Chris, Allison, Matthew, Austin & Captain

P.S. Chris is at work, but he thanks you for me (LOL!)

Rebekah (& Josh, Ruth, Shalom and Anna)

So, Joanna reminded me of a lot of memories I forgot.  Hers is really good!

My first truly clear memory of starting this road called missionary is the one where I came home from school, and was mindlessly watching Rosie O'Donnell, and Mom waking up and mentioning Penta.  Then, Mom jumping on board and helping me get my NTBI ducks in a row.  Mom comforting me my last semester when I was bewildered and befuddled. Then the email from Dad, and Mom coming that weekend to help me check out and apply to Friend Ships.

You two are always there.  You always have been.  You are awesome cheerleaders.

Thanks for loving me, and then Josh, and each of my girls as they come along!

Monday, May 3, 2010

Joanna

Mom and Dad -

First, the obvious - without you two, I wouldn't be here.  But that's not just because you created me.  Without you two, I wouldn't be living the life I'm living (and loving it - even with its ups and downs).  Without you allowing me to flounder around after graduation, and supporting me in my super insane/spur of the moment decision to enlist in the Air Force, I wouldn't be half the woman I am today.  And for that, I thank you.

Growing up with you for parents was just about the best thing I could ever ask for.  Sure, there were rough patches, but I never once doubted that you guys loved me and would do anything for me.  Without your unconditional love to all of those foster babies (and some non-babies), I don't think I'd be the woman I am today.  And for that, I thank you.  I remember waiting for Dad to come home on Fridays, so excited about the candy bars he would have for us.  I remember loving Halloween parties at school because that meant the entire family took the day off to go bowling.  I remember family grocery shopping for Creation at Sam's (and hoping we were early enough to get the taste tests).  Surfing on Sand Ridge Rd in the back of the big red van, all of us kids snuggling into your bed on Saturday mornings, and playing "hot and cold" on my birthday mornings for that ever-so-important first gift of the day.

I always knew, without a doubt, that you would always be there for me.  I could give you so many instances over my past 28 years where you were there for me... without reservation, without judgement.  Even if you KNEW that the decision I was making was not the right one, you let me make it.  You let me fall on my face because it was what I needed, and you were there to offer me a hand or two when I would try to get back up.  And you still loved me.  You showed me what I could learn from a situation, and never brought it up again.  You were there for that 3:30a phone call.  You were there for all of my relationship mistakes.  You were even there when I bounced a few checks back in 2002, and you gave me that much-needed wake-up call about responsibility.  Amazingly, you both know how to calm me down when it seems to me that no one gets me and couldn't possibly understand what I'm going through.  You've shown me time and time again that, no, I'm not insane.  I'm just a Taylor.  ; )

Through the toughest situations I've ever seen a couple have to face, you've faced them head-on - together - and never faltered.  You weren't afraid to do what was best for the family, even if it means causing yourselves immense pain in the process.  You've never hidden your love for each other, never been ashamed.

You guys have a marriage that everyone aspires to have.  You love each other - there's no mistaking that.  But what sticks out the most in my mind is how, even when you fight, it's obvious you love each other.  And you stick together through and after each fight.  You love each other more and more every day.

There's so much I could say to try tell you how much you mean to me, but none of it would be enough.  Words can't describe what you've meant to me... to us... to countless people along your journey together.  Thank you for being my parents.  Thank you for being you... thank you for loving each other, and for teaching me what it means to truly love someone.

Rich Gibson

I have been going back and forth about what to write for quite a while now. Thinking back, it is difficult to really point out one time that I can say was the first that I met Ken and Penny. I always remember seeing them walking around the farm working. Always a smile and a glow about them, (except for Ken when I would run over a flag that he just put down). I learned quickly to do my best and avoid the flags. I remember them gathering all the kids together so that they could eat their meal in the barn after set up started. They have always been willing to help others with whatever needed to be done. I have learned much from them on the value of friendship and trust in the Lord. I can not find the words to be able to thank them enough for the friendship and feeling of family that they have shown. I have taken that and tried to expand it in my own life. I can say that I am proud and honored to be able to call them my friend. I would like to congratulate you both on your anniversary and pray for many more to come. Take care, God bless and God speed. Pray to see you soon.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Mark Warfel

He looks like Jesus....

She like a "gracefully aged" Laura Ingles from Little House on the Prairie....

Wouldn't trade their friendship and love for the World....... See More

All my love, Happy Aniversary
Mark

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Kelly Darpino

Dear Ken and Penny,

When I think of you both, it brings tears to my eyes. Over the years you have inspired us, from the way you have raised your family, to the servant's hearts you possess. Thank you for being such a special part of our lives and ministry. We love you and your family very much!

Happy Anniversary!
Kelly Darpino

Friday, April 30, 2010

Fred McNaughton

Best Taylor Memory ever.


Once upon a time Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were visiting our kitchen table. Several of the Taylor children were in tow, and daughter Allison, who had recently moved to the Lancaster area was also in attendance.

Miss Allison took advantage of the opportunity of Sharon and I sitting at the table with her mom and dad to announce that she had recently gotten a tattoo! Something that at the time was taboo amongst the Taylor clan. A taboo tattoo? I know! Seriously!

So anyway, as I was saying, upon the announcement Allison jumped up out of her seat, turned around and um...repositioned her pants so that we could see the biggest dc Talk/Jesus Freak tattoo ever created on her most lower back. I kid you not, it was the size of a softball.

I do believe Allison cleverly planned this moment for the unveiling, thinking her parents would not dare get angry at her in front of the McNaughtons. Allison; this is called premeditation. A good quality when planning a party, but not so much when committing a crime. Especially if you get caught.


Observations: First I have never actually seen someone’s blood pressure physically rise from the bottom of their neck to the top of their head before. It was actually like those old time thermometers in the cartoons. All red and glow-ee and ready to explode. Sorta like this picture, but without the smile.



The silence seemed to last for, what, at least 10 minutes. It was the most deafening silence I have ever heard. If you want to know the meaning of uncomfortable, just look this up on the internet. There is probably a YouTube video and everything. Crickets were even too frightened to chirp.

As a side-note, Ken Taylor is Six Foot Freaking Eight and often mistaken for Big Foot in the wild. While I do believe he is gentle as a lamb, I also believe that, like a Bear, when provoked, he could eat you! Do bears eat their young?

So after a few days of silence and several weeks of staring at my shoes and trying very hard not to make eye contact with Ken, Penny spoke. Before I tell you what she said, I should tell you that I purposely was not looking at Allison either, because I did not want to see her murdered in cold blood at my kitchen table. First off, we had just eaten burgers and second off because I did not want to some day have to enter a witness protection program.

Back to the break in the silence; Penny was the first to crack. Her nervousness could no longer be subsided. She began blubbering something about tattoos and geriatrics and how in later life the Jesus Freak Softball might sag into Allison’s butt crack. Penny couldn’t even get the entire nervous babble out before it began to thunder. O wait, it wasn’t thunder. It was the measured tones of a smoldering volcano named Mount Ken Taylor sitting at the end of my kitchen table.

If.........

I...........

invented.........

a machine.........

that removed.........

tattoos...........

from every moron......

who got one........

and wanted it removed...........

in later life...........

I would be............

the richest man..................

in the.................

WORLD!!!!!!!!!!


OK, I can’t guarantee that is word for word what he said. But it’s as close as my stained underwear memory can recall.

Not another word was spoken about it.

We went on as if it never happened.

Allison did not die, and I think it was less than a year til Ken actually got a tattoo himself.

I have been trying to invent the tattoo remover machine ever since. Both Ken and Allison will be targeted with a discount offer as soon as it passes the patent office.


Sincerely,

Fred McNaughton
Taylor Friend...and admirer of Allison’s foresight, intellect and chutzbah.
True story. If you don’t believe me you can ask my wife.

Ann Zuck

Well, I am sure this won't be as good as Fred's... sorry!

Thanks Ken & Penny for being my Creation parents!  Although, I don't know why I always come back every year, because I always get verbally abused by the "Tall Guy Who Looks Like Jesus"!   (And he doesn't even do call-ins with me!)  Oh, wait, I just remembered, I come back every year to see Penny and get some cooked carrots!!!
I always love coming up early, and hanging out with you guys - and we do also work on flagging fields!  (Just in case Tim, Harry or Bill sees this!)
It's so much fun to sleep in the shade on the gator while Ken is busy re-surveying the lay of the land, yeah, love that part!  And so thankful for nurse Penny who takes good care of me with all my little medical conditions!!!
I also loved going to Dairy Queen for ice cream!  Haven't done that for awhile, think it's time!!!  :  )
By the way, I am still waiting for that Snuggie and your slippers in the mail - I thought you were going to let me borrow them!
So sad, I thought we were tight, but I guess you needed them more, now that you're retired and everything, and just laying around eating bon-bons!

Well, Congratulations on your Anniversary!  Hope you have a wonderful celebration!!!

Love you all!
Thank Goodness, I still have my "Honorary Taylor Sister" certificate!!!
Love,
Ann D'Alessandro-Zuck-Taylor

p.s. How do you do it Penny?
:  )

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Lee and Peggy Larson

We haven't really got to spend time with you like we would so much like but we have come to care deeply for you and your wonderful family. It has been a little over 5 years now that we 1st met you guys. And it was a great time for us. Joshua kept saying, "You're really going to like them, they're really nice and they are just like you guys!" Not knowing what that meant exactly but taking it as a compliment we decided to dive right in and come to Ohio to meet our very soon to be in-laws and be a part of something very special in Josh's life.
Well, Josh was right! You are just like us in many ways: you love the Lord, you like to laugh and have fun, you like things casual and easy going, you have great but normal kids (all 5 of them)! You live a down to earth life (no pretenses), you're not afraid to laugh and cry in front of the world and make no apology for either one, and basically you are real people (you don't put on airs).
I probably could keep going but I think you get the idea - we like you, you are our kind of people! We were so very comfortable from the first time we met you. There never was that awkward moment that so often happens when you are in a completely new place surrounded by strangers because we never felt like strangers and never felt like you were strangers. We will always remember Josh and Rebekah's wedding as very special and not just because of the wedding but because of the great time we had with the family.
There are special memories of going with Penny to pick out that special gift for Rebekah's honeymoon, the fun time putting together the the reception hall as I learned how unorganized and indecisive all the Taylor women can be when it comes to decorating (just kidding), that crazy silly time we had at Dairy Queen after the wedding rehearsal ( I mean- who has a wedding rehearsal dinner at Dairy Queen?) We loved it - we're not into formal sit down stuffed shirt dinners (that was one of Lee's favorite memories). And of course the elegant but so simply pure wedding that will always be very precious to our hearts.And Lee's favorite memory is that he gave you all his "Alaskan cold" (bet it is the only truly grown in Alaska gift you've ever gotten) and you still like him!
Ken and Penny we are so happy that you can fill in for us as grandparents and love on our precious grandchildren. To be honest sometimes I am so envious (jealous in a loving way) that you get to be there and I don't but then I stop and praise the Lord that they have you guys since we can not be there. I wish that they could have 2 sets of grandparents but since they can only have one set at this time in their lives we can't think of anyone better than Ken and Penny Taylor.
You are also very generous, we have never properly thanked you for sending Josh, Rebekah, Ruth and Shalom up for Christmas 3 yrs ago. We could never afford to do that and it was so very wonderful for you to have thought of us and them. It was a wonderful Christmas present.
Even though we don't keep in contact with you as we probably should (one of my many downfalls) we want you to know that we pray for you all often. We pray that your dreams and desires in the Lord will come to fulfillment and we pray for the stronghold of restoration for all your children will be seen in your lives (we really have walked in your shoes). God's grace IS sufficient even when your heart is breaking.
And lastly, we pray that someday, this side of heaven, we will meet again. If there ever should come the chance for us to go your way or you ours then we would be beyond delighted to join up together and have some more times of laughter and tears in God's great love!
Congratulations on your anniversary, may you enjoy many more to come!
We love you guys,
Lee and Peggy Larson

Marshall and Stephanie

It's been a great thing to have watched you through the years (well, my whole life ;-)). Never faltering. Sticking to who you are and what you want. No matter what others thoughts may have been. What was right for you and your kids is what matters most. I hope that Marshall and I are able to continue to do the same with our family. Love you lots. Here's to many more years. The Thompsons 
 
P.S  Now Kay sparks a memory....Your dad playing Jesus at the Easter play that one year.

Kay Weaver Gibbs

I do remember the first time I met you Ken and Penny .I think it was Creation 86 or so I think.
My first thought was Jesus is here .And how cute of a couple you make.Tall/short.So much so that I found one taller than me too.
Happy Anniversary Ken and Penny.
and Many More years together.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

From Jennifer Ward

Hi and Happy Anniversary! I just want to take this moment to tell you how much I love and respect both of you. You have been such a great model in my life for what marriage means and what it should look like. Through good times and bad, trials and sometimes the highest mountains, I have watched from a distanced and been amazed at how you lean on Christ in all things and trust in Christ in all things. I admire you both so much.
The thing I will always remember the most is how Rebekah has always looked at her dad. When she looks at him it is always with so much love and respect it is evident to everyone around. You must have been just an amazing dad as she was growing up! You set such a godly example that not just anyone could stroll in and steal her heart. What an amazing example to fathers everywhere.
As for Mom, I would like you to know that your relationship with Rebekah has inspired me to be closer to my Mom. When I first met Bekah I could not believe that she called you everyday. But seeing the effect in her life and yours challenged me. Now I call my mom almost every single day and we have never been closer. Thank you to both and may God give you many more years together!!
Love you always,
Jennifer Ward

Monday, April 19, 2010

From Patti

Happy anniversary, Ken & Penny! I remember many fun evenings playing cards and having popcorn with sharp cheddar cheese.

Monday, February 15, 2010

From Stacey Gagne

Ah, what to say about my friends Ken and Penny.  Of course my memories mostly revolve around Creation.  I am trying to think of specific situations... but mostly I think of hugs, and tears and laughter.  Penny, with you,  I have been encouraged, challenged and prayed for.... given advice and lots of love and hugs... and a few chuckles at puns that I would never have thought of.   Ken... you are often a voice of wisdom/sanity in the midst of some sort of chaos... and a strength that helps me feel confident that things will work out when it seems impossible.    You also bring comic relief just with a facial expression in the midst of an otherwise tense moment among the "meeting of the minds".

Thanks for your friendship, your character and for sharing your beautiful family with us!!!

Love,
Stacey