This week we celebrated our 46th wedding anniversary; we took the afternoon off and enjoyed strolling through the Chicago Botanical Gardens. They were gorgeous with lots of variety; gardens and plants from various parts and/or climates of the world. The colors were spectacular even for me with my color challenges. We weren't really off because I had my usual calls from missionaries with problems or questions. We enjoyed dinner at The Olive Garden. I enjoyed conversation with the woman I dearly love throughout the day. Our conversation topics varied as we strolled down memory lane from past to present. We ended the day with a movie. My life is so richly blessed because of the woman I married many years ago when I had no clue what our lives would be. Boy do I love her.
Sunday an investigator who came to church asked me to please help him find a shelter or somewhere he could sleep at night and get a few meals. His family situation is difficult. His wife passed away and his children really don't want to have anything to do with him. On Monday morning I was able to find a shelter not too far from us so I called with information. I'm anxious to talk to him today; hopefully he will come to church so I can find out how his week has been. I am reminded so frequently just how blessed I am in so many ways.
We were only able to do water aerobics a couple nights this week because most evenings this week storm clouds have rolled in bringing lots of rain along with thunder and lightning. When it rains here, it really rains.
My youngest brother, Jay along with his wife,Adrienne, and his son, Seth, have been in town this week for an architectural convention. We enjoyed dinner and conversation with them on Friday evening. Seth reminded both of us so much of Natalie's son Garet; we couldn't believe the resemblances. Thanks for a nice evening Jay and family. We know there were other fun things you could have been doing.
We drove up to Wisconsin yesterday to speak at youth conference for the stake we are living in here. It reminded me of so many times the Taggteam spoke to the youth in the Renton Stake in Washington. We do love the youth and really do enjoy teaming together to instruct them. After such large groups in Renton, it was a bit sad to see that only 51 youth chose to participate in the one here. It also caused me to reflect on the amazing group of leaders we have enjoyed working with over the years. There was not much planned for the youth here and I reflected on the many amazing youth conferences we enjoyed in WA because of the hard work and vision of great leaders. Thanks for your impact on our lives; a high standard was just always evident.
As we drove up and back, we enjoyed the rolling hills, the barns and farm out buildings along with lots of fields of crops, mostly corn and wheat that were growing in such neat rows. It took my sweetheart back to her roots on the farm with fond memories of those days growing up. Wisconsin is beautiful and green.
We can't wait for time this week to spend with Andrea and Natalie's families. We are taking two days in addition to the 4th off just to have fun with them. I look forward to those memories made. Our 700 square foot condo will be put to the test, but we are excited to see more family.
Life is so rich and full when you have a fantastic companion by your side, you have and embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ and jump in with both feet to engage in serving others. May your life be blessed this week as you look for opportunities to serve someone else and lighten someone else's burdens. We love and miss you.
Elder Taggart
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