Al boy is having his 19th birthday so I thought it only fitting that I should post a few things about Alan on his special day! Here are 19 things about Alan.
1 - Loves Family -
Alan loves his family and appreciates all that they do for him. He would do anything for them and misses his brother terribly. He has a great admiration for each one of his family members, each for the different qualities they have and looks up to them.
2 - Generous - Alan would give anyone, anything, anytime.
3 - Obedient - Alan tries hard to follow the rules set by his parents even when he would rather not. This quality will be a great asset to him as a missionary. Obedience is key!
4 - Playful - Alan is always willing to play games and loves to play the really hard ones that make you think.
5 - Smile - Alan has a smile that covers his whole face. I have said before that his smile makes you want to smile too.
6 - Testimony - I love that way Alan is willing to share his testimony with anyone, never being afraid of what they might think. That will keep it strong and make him a great Missionary.
7 - Smart - Alan is very smart and much to the dismay of Kelsey does not have to work nearly as hard at studying for exams. He just seems to retain everything!
8 - Talented - Alan is a great singer and plays the Piano. He is also good at drawing which he really likes to do alot!
10 - Loyal - If you have Alan for a friend you know that you can always count on him. There are tons of people that think they are his best bud because of the way he treats them.
11 - Easy to please - Never have to worry about what I put on the table when Al is over. He never complains and he is a good sport about eating my mediocre cooking. Thanks Al!
12 - Good listener - Alan and I have had ALOT of talks about all kinds of things. He has always sat and listened to my point of view and even if it might have been going out the other ear, I never knew it!
13 - Fun to be around - Alan has this great spirit around him that makes others want to be around him. He has a fun personality and makes others feel valued.
14 - Goal Oriented - While we were on the cruise Al struck up a conversation with a guy named Mike in the hot tub. After probably an hour and a half they parted ways, but I chated with him for a minute. He said to me, those are two great kids, did you do that? (meaning did you teach them to be that way) He thought they were both my kids I guess. I said no that they were born like that and that I couldn't take credit for Alan! Among the many nice compliments he gave me about the kids he commented on what a goal oriented person Alan was and how amazing it was to see a young man that age that knows exactly where he was going. I think so too!
15 - Faithful - I have watched these past few years as Alan has remained a faithful friend, family member and most of all a faithful son of his Heavenly Father. I have never heard him complain about meetings he attends (except maybe the 7:00 am ones) or any assignment he has been given. He will be great missionary!
16 - Respectful - This quality has a special importance to me as Kelsey's mom. Alan has shown Kelsey nothing but the utmost respect at all times. He treats her how I would want her to be and values her as a special young women. I appreciate that so much. I have never had to worry about her one time in fact just the opposite. I always feel better when she is hanging out with Al.
17 - Careful with money - This is a quality that has amazed me sometimes with Alan. He is careful with how he spends his or his parents money. He is happy with just taking care of his needs and not his wants. Most kids have a great time spending mom and dad's money and rarely learn the value of it until they have to start earning it. Even though he has not earned a ton of money so far in his short 19 years he seems to value that others have had to work hard for the money they are handing him.
18 - Adorable - I asked Kelsey for one more word that discribes Alan and this is one she chose! Good answer Kelsey!
19 - Missionary - It seems like we have talked about this time for quite a while. Alan and I have had alot of chats that have come around to this topic. I told him the other day that there is someone that only he can touch and bring the blessings of the gospel to. I know he will be a great missionary and serve his Heavenly Father well. When Kelsey's brother went to the temple before his mission we met with the temple president. It was so cool. He told him that his mission was not to go out and baptize or change the world, but to prepare him to be a husband, father, elders quorum president and so on. Missions change peoples lives and teach us to rely on the spirit. I am looking forward to watching Alan go on his mission. Thanks to your parents for the great young man they have raised and for allowing us to be part of your life also. We have enjoyed it! Love from our family!
