Happy Birthday TAYLOR

Today is Taylor's 12th birthday.

I remember the day he was born very distinctly. We were in the process of moving from Beijing, China to Springville, Utah. Elizabeth, Michael and I had been living in California with my parents for about 1 month while Matthew finished up work in Beijing.

One day old - July 30, 1996

Matthew came to California about a week before Taylor was due and then we waited....and waited...and his due date came and went. My neice, Sarah, who was due to be born in August, was born on his due date, July 24th.

Finally, the labor pains started on July 29th and I still wasn't sure if I was ready to give birth again. Elizabeth and Michael had been born in Taiwan where they weren't real keen on epidurals or much pain relief, so my memories of the pain were still present in my head.

Much to my relief, I found out the U.S. was a much nicer place to give birth. There were no cock roaches scurrying across the floor, everyone spoke English, it smelled good, they didn't use lovely iodine as a "cure all" measure, and they were pros at giving epidurals and other pain relief. It was wonderful and gave me a whole new appreciation of the U.S. of A.

Of course, when I held Taylor in my arms the first time, just like with Michael and Elizabeth, all the pain was worth it!! He was adorable and looked up at me with his sweet, little eyes.

He was a very good baby--quite adaptable--which was a good thing. He was 10 days old when we flew from California to Utah and all of twelve days old when we moved into our home in Springville, Utah and Matthew started his new job. It was quite a job unpacking everything from our China shipment with a new baby, a three year old and a six year old. But alas, I was young then!

August 4, 1996- Blessing Day
Matthew and Taylor (5 days old)



Taylor was a great baby and busy toddler. He loved to be where the action was and by the time he could crawl, he became a master at being the first one to the door whenever anyone arrived. He always greeted you with such a big smile and happy coos. He has always been good natured, pleasant and fun to be around.

(Okay, except when he insists on singing "High School Musical" to annoy everyone....)



April, 1997 - 9 months old





Michael and Taylor - Dec. 1998 (2 1/2 & 5 1/2 years old)









July 30, 2000 - 4 years old





When Taylor was turning four years old, he REALLY wanted a suit for his birthday to wear to church like his Dad.


Taylor has always loved to build things. He made his first friend in kindergarten, Nick, during the kindergarten open house by sharing a love of building with blocks.

Taylor has always been quite creative. He loved to build things with both his grandpas and made a special house out of wood for his Grandpa Hollingshaus for his birthday. Grandpa Hollingshaus put the house in a place of honor in his workshop. We found it sitting in the workshop when we went to California for his funeral.



Taylor and his Grandpa Hollingshaus
July 2, 2003 - Almost 7 years old

Taylor is also a very hard worker. When ever there is a project outside, Taylor is the first one there to help. He and Grandpa Safsten have worked many hours side-by-side digging and planting together. He is great at fixing things which is wonderful!

We will not be a bit surprised if Taylor has his own successful business one day. He has a real entrepreneurial spirit. He has already found success this year with his spinners and shericks as well has a serialized book.

January, 1999 - 2 1/2 years old Fall, 2005 - 9 years old

Spring, 2008 - 11 1/2 years old

Taylor, we are really glad Heavenly Father sent you to our home.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!