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!)