Happy 19th Birthday Justin

It seems like Justin was just born weighing in at 9lbs. 10oz. on Sept. 1, 1990. Where has the time gone? We are so blessed to have him as our firstborn son and being a leader to our little family. I can't imagine our family without him. Here are just a few things we love about Justin in random order;

# 1 - his sense of humor. I just love teasing with this kid. He cracks me up, and when he gets going on his impressions, I can't stop laughing. Yep, he is that good at it!

#2 - he has a really good heart. He loves to keep the peace in our family. It really bothers him if others are fighting. Despite his size, he is just a big teddy bear. He is a push over, so he would do just about anything for you.

#3 - the kid is way smart. He has a sponge for a brain in a good way. Whatever he sees or hears, it is cemented into that brain of his and he can recall a lot of information. Especially if it is about History. I would love to go to New York City with him and get into the Cash Cab. He could seriously bank us some money with that game.

#4 - Justin loves to play golf. He use to be in sports when he was little, but for some reason golf has stuck. He loves going with his dad and uncle Turner. However, the more guys he can get to go with them, all the better. He has even had me out on the driving range to teach me how to golf. Man, can he plow that little ball out there. He is in the middle of teaching Carli how to golf.

#5 - he is an awesome big brother. He is very protective of his sisters and is saddened that when Brooke is dating he will be on his mission. He really was looking forward to giving her dates a really hard time and intimidating them a little... ok, a lot.

#6 - he has been called to serve a mission in the Philippines for our church. He is so excited that he can't stand it. If he had the choice, he would go into the MTC immediately.

#7 - he has become very spiritual. He loves reading the scriptures and talking about them with us. He was been a part of a couple of blessings, so he honors his priesthood. And he loves to read and listen to church books and Cd's. He is very excited to be able to attend the Temple very soon.

#8 - Justin had started his love for reading at a very young age. His love for books and knowledge shows in his words and deeds. Somehow I can't get him to read the Twilight series, go figure!

#9 - his ability to figure out how things work. He can be very hands on while learning the mechanics of things and his dad thinks he would be an excellent mechanic.

#10 - the boy can cook! He can make a mean omelet that leaves your taste buds screaming for more. He can grill like nobody's business. He bought a grilling book this summer and taught himself how to grill. I have never had steaks like the ones he grills. Y-U-M!

#11 - Justin can sing really well. He use to be in the ward choir 2 years ago. I love sitting next to him singing in sacrament. He doesn't think he sings that well, but I do!

#12 - his favorite color is green. Always has been, always will be. Now that is consistence.

#13 - he loves to scare people. Yep, me included. He is proficient at sneaking up on you without you hearing a pin drop, then yelling boo! For some reason, he thinks this is hilarious.

#14 - he loves to fish. He could do this all day everyday. And he likes to eat them too.

#15 - a very avid hunter. Deer hunting is something he looks forward to all year. Not only does he hunt them, but loves to eat deer steaks. Actually our whole family does.

#16 - he is not at all shy. That is after you get him talking. He can pretty much talk to anyone. Well, except for girls that is.

#17 - ketchup is a must for Justin. He loves it on pretty much everything. He has even had it on pancakes before...gross huh? He wants ketchup packets sent to him on his mission so he won't mind eating chicken feet, or dog (not sure if that is really what they eat over there).

#18 - loves to watch movies, then quote them. He can throw a quote off the wall and have us all in tears from laughing.

#19 - he can give a neck/shoulder massage that works out the toughest knots. With his strong hands he can get you to feeling better in minutes. Amazing!

I could go on and on with all the wonderful things about Justin. He is an amazing young man, who loves to be with his family and we love to be around him as well. It will definitely be a rough two years without him being around. But I am willing to sacrifice those years with him to serve his Heavenly Father. Happy Birthday Justin, we love you!