Yay for Tay!

This last Wednesday Taysom received her Young Womanhood medallion.  It was a sweet evening.  Henry started it off talking about how Taysom has not only developed her own faith, but encourages him to develop his.  He specifically talked about Taysom's nightly reminder to him and Ilah to read their scriptures and say their personal prayers.  Following Henry, Ilah talked about one of the things Taysom did for Good Works.  A couple of years ago Taysom started recording on Post-Its different things she appreciated about each of us.  She would stick them on our bedroom doors.  Ilah talked about how much that meant to her and continues to mean to her as Taysom has continued that habit ever since.  We then watched the video/slide show I created showing Taysom through the years. 

(I can't get the video to upload... have tried numerous times...giving up...)

Taysom shared a powerful testimony of developing the habit of prayer.  She also told about her last project and how Heavenly Father's hand was evident throughout.   I think she will post more about this soon.  I wish everyone could have heard it.

Our wonderful Young Women's president then presented Taysom with her medallion after expressing her love for Tay.

The stake Young Women's president said a few words, and then Mike wrapped it up.  He had a hard time keeping it together.  (I know I wouldn't have been able to... I barely made it through the closing prayer.)  After joking about learning a few things from the video: #1 the fact that he used to be skinny and young, #2 that our family has a thing about sticking their tongues out for pictures, he talked about defining moments in our lives.  Then he shared Taysom's baptism story.  She has known for herself that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true church since the time she was 8.  He said that it isn't as important what you do in the Young Women's program (or church in general), but instead what you become.  We are trying to become more like our Savior.

I know that Taysom has come closer to her Father in Heaven and her Savior, Jesus Christ through this program.  It is definitely an inspired program.

We shared some cookies and ham and cheese braid, took some pictures, and called it an evening.

I am so glad Tucker was able to make it about half way through.  He couldn't make it until after football practice.  It is getting harder and harder to have the whole family together.  Everyone is growing up TOO fast!

In other news...

• Henry got the part of Rupunzel's prince for the school play "Into the Woods".

• Ilah finished up her first volleyball season and immediately began basketball where Mike is her coach.  

• Tucker got to play at Arrowhead Stadium last Friday.  (Kansas City Chief's stadium) Pretty cool watching your kid on the jumbo screen!

• Extreme Home Makeover is in Joplin building 7 houses for 7 families in 7 days. They were filming at the football game. Taysom is going to help with one of the houses :)

• Taysom is LOVING Chick Fil A.  She is saving all of her money for BYU-I.  That will be here before we know it... 

• Snoop is on his last leg.  He doesn't seem very comfortable most of the time.  It is hard to see him like this.

• The rear wheel cylinder (part of the brake system) quit/broke while Tucker was driving.  We got it repaired.  It is amazing how long this van has lasted...

• The Cruiser is having issues as well.  It is intermittent which always teases me into thinking that maybe the problem is gone, but unfortunately, it always comes back.  It is going into the shop Wednesday.  Sure hope they can figure it out, and it isn't anything major. 

Can't wait to see pictures of everyone's jack-o-lanterns and Halloween costumes!