Steves Humorous Speech Competition with Toastmasters "Rules of Engagement"

Saturday Aug 27th,
Was the day for Steves Speech Competition. Taylor was able to make it out to see how Toastmaster's worked and meet people and of course to see Steve speak, on Taylor and her family. :) She took video of the speech. Steve did very well, and won first place, which meant he would move on to the next round.

Also on that same day, we went to the Texas Rangers game, Mercyme had a concert beforehand. - Taylor was with the Youth Group, and while Steve did have a ticket with his work, the youth group had an extra seat, so Steve was able to sit with Taylor and the youth group. :) Taylor's Friend, Nikki also was there. :)

We had fun, it was incredibly hot, though.



visiting Dad and Steve preparing for Toastmaster Competition

(Written by Taylor)
Friday Aug. 26. On Tuesday the 22nd my (taylor's) Dad had double knee replacement, so over the past few days I had been visiting dad at the hospital and in rehab... Steve had mentioned to me earlier in the week that he wanted to see dad while he was in hospital, so we decided to go on Friday (that way we wouldnt be totally rushed...since the hospital was in Dallas...) - but we went to go visit him while he was in rehab. I know it meant alot to my dad that Steve came with me. We stayed for about an hour, and dad understood about us going to go get dinner and such (if I remember correctly I believe there was a game on the TV that he wanted to watch. since there wasn't television at home, he was taking advantage. :) but we visited, chatted, then we headed out, came back on my side of town and we decided to eat at Cheddars. it was really nice, we chatted and we both enjoyed our meals, Steve had a Speech Competition with his Toastmasters the next day so we decided to go back to his house to work on it. while we were in the car his brother, Jon called. - I’d never talked to him. - so we got on speaker phone, and Kendra (Jon’s Girlfriend) was with him, so the 4 of us were on speaker phone. and we all chatted for a little bit. it was already in the plans that they would be coming to ft worth in a few months (Oct. 21) but Steve's parents were coming in just a few weeks (Sept 10) - So anyways -- we talked with them, told them I was excited about meeting and seeing them already and everything. :) i was very excited.
So we went to Steves house, I think we did watch a movie or something, but then we started on his speech... It was for a "humorous Speech competition"--- He had been sort of thinking on it  the past few weeks, and he decided :The topic: Taylor and her family... He already had been kinda thinking on it for a little bit but so he gathered thoughts and tried to prepare for what he was going to say and everything, and he really did have a good outline... he had props and everythign, and it really was good. it was getting very late, and steve had to take me home.

the lake house

Saturday Aug. 20. - My (Taylor's) couch from my apt had been sitting out in my parents garage and really needed to be moved out, and moved to the Lakehouse - where the rest of my stuff was being stored. - So we all planned on going out to the lake that day - Taylor's mom, dad, Dan, me (Taylor) and Steve. - Daniel took control, Dan would drive his truck (to put the couch in) - and Steve would ride with him, (that way Daniel could get to know Steve, and Steve could get to know him... since Dan would be leaving in a few days for school. - So Mom took her car, Dan and Steve were in Dan's truck, and I (Taylor) took dad in my car.- off we went. - so the guys got the couch into the shed (not an easy task and felt really bad.) plus... did I mention... this was in august... in Texas??? - and in the late morning... It was so hot outside... but needless to say they got it in there, and then we were by the “lake”-- Well our little cove.. and we were under a major drought. - So It was extremely dry - the water was down quite abit. -so there’s been this limb that's been hanging down over the water for the past several years, the limb basically had fallen, but was caught on another branch.... so anyways.. so now tht the water was down - we were able to cut it down... kinda... - well Steve tried tugging and tugging, no real luck.. dan ended up climbing the tree and then cutting part of it, then Steve tugged more, and eventually got it... - He was a Hero :) haha... anyways... we had fun. :) it was a good day. :)

Lake House and Family Album

Lunch, Comedy and Food :)

Friday August 19 - Steve came to my work and picked me up, for lunch, we went to Baker Brothers, - (so yummy) - Had a really great time. - He also brought me some beautiful flowers :) it was really great. :) it was so sweet of him, the flowers stayed alive for almost 2 weeks! :)After work, We went to “Four Day weekend”- a comedy club in Ft worth. I had never been to a comedy club, and was told by some co-workers to beware...they tend to pick on people in the audience... so i was a little nervous. but it was alot of fun. :) After the show we went two doors down to an Italian restaurant, and we shared a delicious pizza at Uno’s. :)

Steve meets the rest of the family

Saturday August 13. So Everyone wanted to meet Steve, after Taylor's dad met him, so it was Granny's birthday anyways, (well, on Aug 11) and so we all decided to get together, to have food/games that Saturday. So we all got together - We had it at Taylor's mom and dads - Steve spent time getting to know everyone, and everything, as I (Taylor) was helping getting things ready - Which was good. Everyone LOVED him!-- We ate, and then when it came to game time, we all decided to play taboo... Mom had asked Steve what kind of games he’s played and enjoys -- he mentioned Taboo.... so that's when My uncle jumped up and said. “ok, lets go get it.” -- So off Uncle Chris and Dan jumped up, I (Taylor) was in the kitchen at this point and didnt know what was going on.. but apparently Aunt Dana saw that Steve had a look on his face, and aunt dana asked him if he would like to go with them... Steve said “Yes.” - and hopped up and ran out the door.. Ididn't realize he was gone until a few mins later. ha ha... so that was good - that way he could get away from all the craziness, and spent some time with the guys... so that's when Granny and Aunt Dana started raving over Steve, how much they like him and what not. (made me feel good because i knew that they all approved. :) The guys got back, we played some Taboo, had a great time, then it got late - so it was time to go. - I was dog sitting at a house not too far from Steve, so he drove me back there, and we chatted, and told him that hes got everyones approval. :)