A Quarter-Century!

Our son Jan turned 25 the other day!  Here are some great things about him:

1.  He graduated from BYU this year!  He actually finished his degree in Computer Engineering the previous June in 2016 but waited to go through the graduation ceremony until his wife Sallie finished her degree in April, 2017.  He was a good student and was diligent in earning and keeping a scholarship so that he completely paid for his post-high school education plus living on his own.

2.  He works hard to support his family.  He got a part-time job/internship at Qualtrics in January of 2016 and they offered him a full-time job upon his finishing school that June.  He works hard every day to be a good employee.  I asked him once what his favorite part of his job was and he said, "Going home."  So obviously it's work and not all fun but the important thing is that he goes and does it.

3.  He is a good husband.  He and Sallie got married on December 29, 2015.  We're glad he took that big step in his life and continues to keep his marriage covenants.

4.  He is good-natured and gets along well with others.  He also likes to have a good time.  He is the second of our nine children and got along well with his siblings.  He shared a room with his brother Garrett for a while down in the basement and they had a good time together.  It's been fun to hear the stories of what happened in the basement when the parents were oblivious (or mostly oblivious).  He and Sallie have also continued to be supportive of the younger siblings still at home.

5.  He is diligent.  He was a diligent missionary and served an honorable mission.  Recently I re-read the last letter he wrote on his mission.  It was a summary of his mission which his mission president had requested and it was an impressive letter.  Missions are really hard and being able to look back on a mission honorably served is something to feel good about.

6.  He was a great kid.  I have some fond memories of Jan as a little boy.  He used to wear this little blue scarf around his neck when he was about 2 years old just around the house.  He loved to go grocery shopping with me and find all the good food.  He loved swimming and ice cream.  He loved to have a good time and was enthusiastic.  He also enjoyed a good meal.  He's gotten a little more serious as he's grown up but he still enjoys lots of different things like music and computer games and vacations.  And a good meal--like all of us.

7.  He is a saver.  He and Sallie have been good at saving their money and recently bought a car with cash.

8.  He's responsible.  He does what he is asked to do and what he says he will do.  He is the ward mission leader in his ward and fulfills those responsibilities.  We're really glad that Jan came to our family 25 years ago.  He was a great kid and has become an even better adult.