taylor a.k.a. taylor-bing, mr.t, tee-bo, tay-dog, mr.goodbar turns fourteen

the crazy week before school didn't let up just because it was the sabbath day, no way man. we celebrated taylor's fourteenth birthday with his teacher ordination, family and lemon cupcakes - his request. his birthday gift budget was spent on one item, a new full-size guitar, well two things if you count the case, which i do because it was forty bucks! he even treated the family to an impromptu serenade which gave me goose bumps, he's such a talented kid! my camera died before i had a chance to take a real birthday photo of him and after i uploaded all my pictures i figured out why. these turkeys spent a bunch of time and battery taking self-portaits. i love it. can you see spencer in the second one? i did take a couple of lame ones with my point and shoot, they'll have to do for now. ten things i absolutely love and adore about taylor wayne moore...
1. he's always willing to help out with anything, always answering, "yes ma'am" to the things i ask him to do.
2. he likes to plays the guitar and has long rocker hair.
3. he's a great singer, which goes nicely with the guitar playing.
4. he's a fantastic example to the other children in this house, the grown-ups too, we are all lucky to have him as a big brother.
5. he has an old soul and seems to see people in a christ-like way.
6. he never complains. he has been dealt a few hard hands but takes it all in stride and is always encouraging everyone else around him to be happy.
7. he is so good at math, he helps the younger kids with their math when dad is at work.
8. he's such a gentleman, always eager to open doors, carry things and other gentlemanly things.
9. he is a good friend, he always wants to include other people and can't tolerate anyone being teased or feeling left-out.
10. he wants to be a missionary so bad that he's started requesting cooking lessons from me so he'll be more prepared in the field. happy birthday mr. goodbar! we love you!