November 2005: A pictorial review of the life of Peter Christian Taylor
 on the occasion of his 18th birthday.

	Born November 3, 1987, Peter was brought to us literally by the hand of God. Carrie had been diagnosed by biopsy with Lichen Sclerosis and told that she would have to take a medicine indefinitely on which should never get pregnant. Before she could start the medicine, she had to wait a month to be sure she was not pregnant. Guess who showed up? Peter! The Lichen Sclerosis disappeared and never returned!
	His toddler years were happy ones. Whether someone was paying attention or not, he was content. He was blonde and skinny as a rail. Carrie let his hair grow long and curly until I insisted it be cut. Dan was responsible for getting Peter dressed, putting on shoes and coat, and keeping track of him. That connection continued for many years.
	Kindergarten Peter has always been a hardworking, self-motivated student. He struggled in reading and handwriting until 4th grade, when he began reading voraciously and never let up. (Handwriting and spelling still suffer!) Carrie says Joe started the tradition with Peter & Paul of dressing the younger kids in Dad's T-shirts at bedtime .
	4-6 Year-old Memories Peter, Paul and Mark formed a nearly inseparable trio from their earliest years. They loved to play games of every kind, and could make up a game on the spot with the most inconsequential items and play it for hours. But Peter has also been a great lover of whole-family traditions, games and other activities.
	The Artist He really enjoyed drawing "army men" and other bizarre creatures that likely would have impressed Tolkein. His drawing was accompanied by a nearly continuous narrative describing the course of the conflict between good and evil. Paul was his faithful audience & advisor.
	Home school There are lots of chores and extracurricular activities as a home school student. Carrie recalls that there was never a delay before he would step up to help. He enjoyed the year that Fernando Acosta lived with us and held Spanish class daily.  He especially looked forward to Christmas. Questions about planning their Christmas skit would commence the minute Dan walked in the door from college.
	9-13 Year-old Memories Peter still seemed very shy, so Carrie signed him up for a community theater project at Riley Park called "The Pressured Pig". So began a productive interest in the stage. He also loved family vacations. His favorites were those to the East Coast.
	A Man of God His simple faith has always seemed natural. Fernando often remarked about him, "He has the purest heart of anyone I've ever known."  The tones of Peter's praises to God resonating through the day have warmed his father's heart for years, and Paul is his nearly constant singing companion. In fact, Peter & Paul have done nearly everything together!
	Youth Group, Mime Team, and Co-op Peter very much enjoyed the friendships he made at church and through the Home School Co-operative. Carrie says, "people at church always love it when Peter is performing." He has had the opportunity to develop as a leader in each group. Along with his supportive family, they have provided what Peter needed to transform from a shy 10-year old boy to a strong leader in high school.
	Athletics and Other Activities Peter enjoyed rec league soccer from age 6. His timid style as a youth gave way to fearless aggression on the varsity high school team. He played basketball for a few seasons as well, but didn't enjoy it. His first mission trip in July 2005 was a special experience for him. He plans to travel to Brazil in July 2006 for another mission.
	Theater Pete's love of the stage has given him lots of self-confidence. He's developed a real knack for stage presence and voice projection. In fact he had the honor of being selected by his classmates and choir director to be the King of the Christmas Madrigal this year (December 10-11, 2005)! Peter's near-term future is uncertain as he searches for a college with the desire to study History. But his long-term future is Rock-solid.

Contact me!