Top 10 reasons why my husband rocks...

I use this blog mostly to document what's going on with the boys since it started as a way for out of town family to read and see updates, but I'd like to start using it to do some writing just for fun. My husband hasn't gotten a lot of "blog love" and I'd like to change that. Here is my Top 10 list for Alan.

From Mom and Dad's and Beach 2009

10. His love for all egg-shaped chocolate. Alan can pass up candy any time of the year UNLESS it's a Cadbury creme egg or a Reeses egg. As soon as they enter the stores (usually January), I know that Alan cannot enter the grocery store with out returning with one of these suckers. Don't ask me why, but I find this particular weakness of his endearing.

From Feb/March

9. His passion for his job. Alan spent the first five years of our marriage on Young Life staff and it was amazing to see what he did. He cared so much about the high school kids, leaders, and committee that he worked with and went far above and beyond what was required of him. He is currently in his third year of teaching high school English and he once again is giving it his all. We've ran into his students and they are quick to inform me that "Mr.Janney was my favorite teacher EVER!" He leaves his classroom open at lunch to students who come and play Backgammon or Chess or just hang out to have a "safe place" to eat lunch. He tutors students when he doesn't have to and is helping out with the baseball team. He truly exemplifies Collosians 3:23 to me "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."

From Mom and Dad's and Beach 2009

8. His movie star good looks. Ever heard of a certain movie star named Jimmy Kimmel? Okay, so he's actually a comedian/late show host, but close enough. Alan STRONGLY resembles Jimmy. He also gets Jack Black and Shane West. By the way, I think Jack Black was sort of adorable in "The Holiday" but Alan's way cuter than him. All in all, he's a hottie.

From Feb/March

7. Wonderful sense of humor. Alan is very funny. You might not realize it if you're just meeting him because he's not the kind of person who tries to draw attention to himself, but if you get to know him, he's very funny. His humor doesn't always translate, though. Like when he attended a celebration dinner with me at the end of a bible study that was put on by a bunch of older Baptist women and said something along the lines of, "I really appreciate what you ladies did for Sarah. She doesn't cuss or get drunk nearly as much as she used to." Lovely.

From Mom and Dad's and Beach 2009

6. Love of Literature and Writing. Alan is a reader. He is usually reading 2 or 3 books at a time. He challenges me to read beyond by favorite genre (the very intellectually stimulating Chick Lit) and read non-fiction, classics, and spiritual books. He's also an amazing writer. It's effortless for him and I am confident that he will be a published author some day.

From Feb/March

5. His Family. When we got married, I gained a really great set of in-laws. They are wonderful people and we get to spend a lot of time with them and go on awesome vacations together! I also love the way he loves and respects his parents and his little sister. It's a wonderful trait.

From Mom and Dad's and Beach 2009

4. His love for my family. Alan truly loves my parents and my three sisters. He encourages them to visit often and for as long as possible and gets really excited when they do visit. His New Year's resolution last year was "What would Teresa do?" (my mom).

From sept/oct

3. Amazing Father. When we were in college, Alan told me he wasn't sure whether or not he wanted kids so I immediately crossed him off my 'potential husband' list. He ended up coming around but I still wasn't sure what he'd be like as a dad. When Jackson was born, Alan amazed me. He is a truly incredible dad. It came so naturally to him. He is loving, kind, firm, thoughtful, affectionate, and playful. He delights in his children and that delights me to no end.

From Mom and Dad's and Beach 2009

2. Awesome husband. When Alan asked my Dad if he could marry me, my Dad said "Do you know what you're getting yourself into?" Thanks, Dad. However, it was a legitimate question. I was only 21 when we got married and I had a LOT of growing up to do. The stories from our first couple years of marriage are epic. There may or may not have been an incident where I threw a phone book at his head. We are coming up on eight years of marriage and I love him so much more now then I did then. He is so loving and thoughtful to me. He is forgiving and encouraging. He is constantly reading books on marriage and trying to improve himself. I feel so blessed that I am married to such a good man.

From Feb/March

1. His Faith. Alan loves Jesus. I love that he lives his faith out quietly but with integrity. He doesn't need to wear Christian shirts (for which I am grateful since I think they are atrocious-sorry!) or write out his prayers for the world to see on Facebook. He lives his faith out in all the ways that are listed above and I find it to be genuine and real. I recently read this great quote by Donald Miller, "I’ve also found that the more I trust in Christ’s redemption to be sufficient, the less overtly religious I am." I think that is very true of Alan.

From Feb/March

I really could make a much longer list of reasons that I think Alan rocks, but I'll stick to 10. =) If you are reading this and are a married blogger I'd love to hear your top 10 list. If you are a single blogger I'd love to hear your top 10 list you look for in a boyfriend/husband...or top 10 list of things to avoid. ;-)