Asthma Boy.
it makes me laugh just thinking about it.
I wish I had it recorded - words can't accurately explain it. He would cough with this wheezy, asthma attack cough, then pull out his pretend inhaler and take a little puff of air. And then he would talk in this half smoker/half breathless little voice. Bah! This isn't doing it justice! But it was hilarious. Too bad he won't do it anymore. I've tried and tried to make him over the past few years... But he just won't.
But Tay has done other funny things. He's always been great at impersonations. Phenomenal, even. One of my favorite memories is of one evening, our family was gathered together to read scriptures. We generally took turns reading and that night, it was Taylor's turn. He started off reading normal, but with every verse he decided to change the voice he was using. He did an excellent J Golden Kimball impression, and used that on a verse. He also did Kermit the Frog. He did so many different voices - we probably didn't really get much out of that scripture study... We all laughed to tears. And Taylor saved the best for last... Yoda. Yup, our beloved Star Wars master. I'm still not sure how he trained his brain to do this so quickly, but he would switch around the words to fit Yoda style. But not only that, he said them in Yoda's voice. That night will forever be in my memory. Its my favorite memory of our family all laughing together. My dad just shook as he wiped away the tears and laughed. My mom giggled like a little girl. The other kids were rolling on the floor. And I laughed so hard my side hurt for days after.
When we were little, we went to Disneyland for Austin's birthday. As previously
mentioned, I used up all my pictures on my disposable camera, and there were still things I needed to document. I've always had a love of photography. But I was the older sister, and Austin's pictures were gone. Taylor's camera was my only chance. And Tay, being a 2 year old, was taking pictures of his nose. And his forehead. Not of anything that would help us remember our trip. So, I justified in my head that I needed his camera. He was just a little picture waster. And what would he care? Well, he cared. A lot. I took his camera and began taking pictures of the parade. Taylor collapsed on the sideway in a tantum I'd never seen. He wailed. He was truly upset. I tried to explain myself: "He was just taking pictures of his nose! He can't even hold the camera the right way!" And as I did, Aladdin's float passed by, along with two huge plastic camels - their heads turning everywhich way. And then it happened. Justice. Karma. Call it what you like. The plastic camel spit on me. Shot me square in the face. I was mortified and oh so upset. But I am fairly certain it made Taylor feel better.
Along with impressions and silly voices, Taylor invented his own language. We call it Tai-Peese. It sounds oriental, with words like "Dolce & Gabbana" thrown in randomly. Its great. And he squints his eyes and moves his eyebrows up and down, making, what we call, the Squirrel Face. (eloquently named by Pie Face.) Its a Taylor Classic.
During our teenage years, Taylor grew to be a big guy. And he was just so fun to hug. I hugged him all the time. I'd just walk up behind him and throw my arms around him and squeeze. He was like my own personal teddy bear. I loved it. Apparently, he did not. After about a year of hugging, Tay had had enough. He told me he wasn't going to hug me ever again. I was crushed, but only a little bit. He was my big, younger lovey brother. Or not so lovey. But still. He couldn't
not hug me anymore. That was ridiculous. So I still tried to hug him. But he strong-armed me a few times and I got the picture. Then I was crushed. I tried to entice him, even bribe him to hug me. Nothing. When my birthday rolled around, I told everyone in my family that all I wanted for my birthday was a hug from Taylor. But he still didn't comply.
It was over a year later when my wish finally came true. BYU vs Utah rivalry football game. November 26, 2006. We were watching at our uncle Bruce and aunt Jan's newly finished home. There were BYU fans as well as Utah fans. It must have been entertaining to hear the cheers go back and forth every minute, it seemed. It came down to the last few seconds. The Cougars were down. And we had fallen silent. We accepted our fate. Another loss to the red team. When John Beck fell back, and saw an open Johnny Harline in the endzone. He lobbed it and Johnny caught it in the air, in a prayer-like position. We went crazy! My brothers jumped up, giving high-fives, creating a mosh-pit, singing "Rise and Shout! The Cougars are out..." at the top of their lungs. Taylor did cartwheels down the hall and landed right in front of me. He picked me up and hugged me, swinging me through the air. It made the win even sweeter. BYU won. And Taylor hugged me again.
Being the oldest of 8 kids, 5 of them being brothers, I've learned that its hard to have a favorite. Particularly in my family. They are all my favorites at different times and for different things. But today, on March 6th, Taylor is my favorite. (And Austin is my favorite on May 1st, Bryson on August 10th, Tanner on September 11th, and Braden on October 7th) But today. Today honors my brother Taylor. Tay. Tater-Tot. Tai Pee. Tai Pai. Tee Pee. T-Ca$h. And I love him.
He is such a smart kid, and such a go getter. He is the Seminary President this year, as well as the Editor and Chief for the yearbook. He sings in Ensemble, the highest choir at Olympus. He was a lead in the school play. He in an Eagle Scout. He has a 4.0. He was offered the Dean's scholarship at Utah State. He is super popular - everyone he meets loves him. He's always been the peacemaker of our home and he sets a great example for me. I love him.
Happy Birthday T-CA$H!
