'Patriots to Pioneers' & 'Can't See the Forest ... or the Trees'

Radio Pioneers:
Joseph on KCPW: The StoryCorp broadcast
StoryCorps Salt Lake City - Episode Fourteen

"Three years ago, Joseph Taggart (R) suffered a life changing injury. Now 27, Taggart tells his father Timothy (L) about how the injury happened, how he's learned to live with it, and how it's changed his life." (Listen at the link above. Download below.)

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Tim: Radio Personality?
On Wednesday Tim had the opportunity to interview Pres. Randall Bennett of the Russia Samara Mission for the Mormon Channel, the Church’s new 24-hour-a-day audio station. This is an episode of Into All the World which will be aired in the near future. Next week Tim interviews Kenneth DuVall recently returned mission president of the Spain Bilbao Mission (see the July 5th blog entry).

Deforestation Party @ the Taggarts
Last week-end we had a party for all the fellers. With four old trees in the back yard that were dying, misshapen or both we decided, with Joseph's insistence, that they had to go. With the help of Elizabeth and Denny, his Dad and Grandpa along with neighbors, friends and ward members we cut them down. When the County took away the dumpster all we had left was 3 of the 4 stumps. It was a lot of work but a great success thank to everyone's caring service in our behalf.

Stump Grinding Afterparty
With the trees gone all but the stumps, yesterday was the followup party of one. Tim and the rented stump grinder. Joseph enjoyed the show and Gloria supplied cold drinks and encouragement. By the end of the day all that was left was several piles of sawdust.

A Sense of Community

Inclusion Summit
Joseph had an amazing week this week participating in an "Inclusion Summit" sponsored by the The Inclusion Center for Community & Justice. It was a life changing experience he will never forget. His friend Matt Smith went with him to Camp Wapiti, East of Tooele, Utah. The Inclusion Center is a "human relations organization dedicated to eliminating prejudice, bigotry, and discrimination. The center develops inclusive solutions to promote respect for all people through conflict resolution, education, advocacy, and empowerment." For Joseph the mission and purpose was realized during this intensive week of soul searching, sharing and caring. He would recommend the experience for every human! He made dozens of great friends and hopes to be more involved in the future.

Shaffer Reunion
Saturday was the annual Dick and Dora Shaffer Family Reunion in Logan, Utah. It was Gloria's family's turn at doing the reunion and Elizabeth really took things in hand, committed to making this one unforgettable with plenty of activities for children, teens and older family too. It was a smashing success. With inflatable 'bounce house' and jousting stand the kids had loads to do. It was great food and great fun. The turnout was great and everyone had a good time. Elizabeth and Denny set up a photo spot for family photos and Tim took pictures of each family. It was an all around beautiful day.

Home Office Makeover
Tim took most of the week off work to redesign and remodel our home office. With a couple of 'As Is" items from IKEA and a bit of spray paint on old bookcases combined with some counter top also from Ikea, it is coming together. He'll be glad to get back to work tomorrow to rest up from 'vacation'.

Mechanical Breakdown = Miracle
When Joseph's wheelchair stopped working this morning (taking the Sabbath off) it should be considered a disaster. . . but wait. . . With all week in the mountains at camp (including quiet time away from everyone else) and a full day at the reunion, it would have been a disaster any other time this week. But today-- not really. Tomorrow we'll get it repaired. Who would have thought a breakdown could feel like a Heavenly Hug.

Friends, Fireworks and Freedom

Happy Birthday USA!
Independence Day was celebrated on Saturday in the United States (Fourth of July). The Taggart Family enjoyed time with the Bird Children this week, Elizabeth came down while Denny had double shifts etc with the holiday events in Cache Valley. While she was slaving away helping Mom around the house, 'Uncle Joe' enjoyed taking the kids to the playground, riding bikes, and enjoying the summer weather. They also made it to the Zoo again this week.

Tim took Thursday off (Friday was the Holiday from work) and everyone went to see Disney's UP, a wonderful movie and a delightful story. (What a blast to see Ethan in 3D Glasses, eating up the movie) Friday Joseph and friends went to the Real Salt Lake soccer game and enjoyed fireworks afterward.

Sunday Tim and Gloria went over to visit Ken and Mary DuVall. They just returned from serving as mission president of the Spain Bilbao Mission. The two couples commiserated with each other and the Taggarts testified there was life after the Mission for Presidents too. They are such a dynamic couple and were great leaders who impacted the lives of many over the three years. We are looking forward to their report in sacrament meeting next Sunday at 9AM.

Sunday evening we all enjoyed mission dividends (which the DuValls will come to treasure) as we had a visit from Roger and Veronique White (see the post for Sunday, July 08, 2007 for more info on this great couple --link: July 2007 ) Roger was one of our assistants and Veronique, originally from Netherlands, was baptized while a student in Bristol. What an awesome family!