This is what I LONG for...

My Heart ACHES for...

When I close my eyes, this is what I SEE...

A friend posted this last month...

“Because the Spirit is often described as a still, small voice, it is also important to have a time of quiet in our lives as well. The Lord has counseled us to ‘be still, and know that I am God.’ If we provide a still and quiet time each day when we are not bombarded by television, computer, video games, or personal electronic devices, we allow that still, small voice an opportunity to provide personal revelation and to whisper sweet guidance, reassurance, and comfort to us.”
“Helping Others Recognize the Whisperings of the Spirit,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 11

Which is really Ironic because with another friend, we have been talking about meditating and the importance of it.

I like sound. Okay scratch that I ♥ it. I sleep with the TV on every night. Although that's mostly because Alan's at work. (And I don't like to think about being alone at night.) I play the radio FULL BLAST on my way to work... because It rev's me up for the day. While I get chores done on the early mornings of the weekend I listen to the news or my soap. Dare I say, I even run water when I go to the bathroom. Because yup you guessed it, Its a little to quiet!! When I'm some where and its unusually quiet you will find me talking on my cell. I sing my heart out in the shower. When I do bills, I play a music play list on the desktop. I wait to run the dishwasher and the wash while I'm home... because its just more sound!! Heck, I despise silence... most of the time....

Once I had Savannah, I decided from there on out to ride home from work in silence. (Which is really not a bad idea in rush hour) When we moved to Our New House. I took the extra long way home (by a whole whoppin' 8 mins) to drive by the Provo Temple. Here we are almost a whole 2 years later and I still am doing this. I know, I need to work on this. However can I just say what a huge difference even a 20-25 min drive home can do?? I'm more patient with my family. I leave work at work. I think about the littlest things I normally would forget. I am finding myself not needing as much noise now, as I use to. Honestly, I dont think this change could happen over night for me. But its a work in progress... and every day it gets better.

Today, My Alan, turns 28!!! Seems insane to think I knew him since he was 22!! So in honor of his Birthday...

"Alan A Man of Many...."

"Alan The Cook"

My Husband can make, one heck, of a Amazing Steak. A masterful BBQ'er!! Bacon Potato Soup!! Milkshakes to die for!! Most Men would leave most of the cooking to there wives. Mine is right there beside me, learning as we go... My Husband Is A Great Cook!


"Alan The Reader"

If Alan is around, I guarantee there is a Book close by. He Loves to Read. Every Christmas in his stocking you will find a gift card to Borders or Barnes & Noble. In fact this man gets more bookstore gift cards then anyone I know! Its always a perfect gift for him.

"Alan The Movie Lover"

The first thing, that impressed Me about Alan was his love of old movies. What guy takes a girl on their first date, and has a Cary Grant movie ready to go?? Mine!! Which brings up, Alan's favorite's. There are 3 Men & a Tv Show you always find him watching. The first being John Wayne. This exact Photo Of John hangs in our Office. A HUGE picture. (the one in the middle) I must say his movies have grown on me. Overall leaving us a HUGE Movie Collection that only gets bigger as we go.

Next Humphrey Bogart, which brings us to Alan's Absolutely Favorite Movie... Casablanca. He says its the perfect guy movie. The Characters, The Acting, The Storyline & amount of Romance is just ideal. Third Errol Flynn, from his pirate movies to wearing tights in Robin Hood. And lastly the TV Show... The Simpson's. He owns every season that has ever been released.


"Alan & his Roots"

Although he grew up in Modesto, California and loved every moment of it. He never lets you forget how he was born In Houston, Texas. How hes a little bit Southern in that California Boy.

"Alan The Clumsy Retard"

Yes! You read that right!! My husband served his Mission in Phoenix, Arizona... Spanish speaking. Many times he was let in the door because of his name. Elder Thorpe (Tor-pe) which translates to Clumsy Retard. Never in all of my life, have I been clumsy, until I met Alan. Now it is simply a way of Life.

"Alan's Dog"

Although he doesn't have one yet. Alan has always wanted a Malamute Husky. Eventually when we have acres of land we will get this Dog. We did have a trial run, with one. Back when we were first Married. And it just didn't seem simply fair to keep it so restricted.

"Alan & Yosemite"

My Husband absolutely adores Yosemite National Park. Perhaps its because he grew up a 1 1/2 hours away, thru back roads. Hes done all of the trails, explored his way around, & camped out countless times. Alan took me for my very first time, while we were dating. He just simply adores it. Although we have no artwork yet... My father has promised us this gorgeous piece by Ansel Adams (that I have grown up with). If you were to ask him one of his favorite places to be, Alan would say Yosemite in a heartbeat.

"Alan The Worker"

What does Alan do, anyways??! He is a Technical Support Engineer. He deals with switches and filer systems. I.E. it stores all of the information for websites like Yahoo can hold all of there memory. Although Alan enjoys this. He flirts with the idea with something new. lkoj Ready for a change in field... Agriculture Business. He wants to be the middle man for the Company & The Farmer. There is actually quite a shortage of these jobs. And either way, it can ultimately take us anywhere.



"Alan The Gamer"

Alan loves any, and all kinds, of Video Games. He first plays them alone. This way he knows all of the shortcuts and then I join in. (that is if it doesn't get me motion sickness) He now even has the kids playing with him. Sometimes I come home and find them with fake remotes, sitting next to Alan playing some sort of Car game. Needless to say never a dull moment!


"Alan The Quiet, & Shy Guy"

When you finish this, If any of this come to a surprise then its a pretty good chance you don't know Alan. Alan is extremely shy, quiet, & reserved with ppl he doesn't know. It takes him a while to warm up to people. Its because of this trait, Alan is more observant, than most. Although he can get along with anyone, he chooses his friends wisely.



"Alan & His Beverages"

I never have to worry about Alan not being hydrated. He is constantly drinking water. And if it isn't water it's Mountain Dew. In fact our first disagreement was because he drank Mountain Dew. Well guess what... pretty sure, I drink more of it today that he does. How's that for a twist of fate. haha.

"Alan & Gala Apples"

Everyday this man has a Gala Apple. If I buy any other kind, they end up rotting. Because not only does my Husband love these hes also converted my children. We go threw Apples like there is no tomorrow.

"Alan The Car Guy"

If you know My Alan. You def would know how much he loves his cars!! From birth, Alan would only sleep in his car seat. His parents would strap him in the car driving around or turn on the dryer and place him on top of it. Alan and his siblings have cement buckets full of hot wheels cars. And Alan & his siblings were named after cars in some sense. Can you guess Alan's??? Its the Alan Wrench!! (Kendall-Motor Oil, JC-Whitney-Catalog, Hunter-)

First his baby... 69' Mach 1 Mustang with a 429 cobra jet!! Although this is still in pieces, at his Dad's shop. He is very proud of this car... and perhaps someday it will get done. Although we would first need to move that way. At this rate it maybe a project with Brenton.

The next is his Yellow Truck. You know those lines in the middle of the road?? That is the same color as Alan's Truck. He actually did that on purpose!! This way when he was at school at BYU, he could look out into the parking lot and say "hmm Oh there's my truck!!!". Everyone knows its Alan because of this Truck. We even took Engagement Photos on this Famous Truck. We still have it, and Alan tells me it will be Brenton's first Car. (we will see)

In the summer time, I often will find everyone to be gone. If I walk outside, there I will find all 3 of them sitting in the Cab. The kids busily pretending to drive!! (which I am told that Alan did the same thing with his Dad!) They would sit for hours in that Truck if you let them!!

A more Recent Love has been the New Dodge Challenger. The deal is if we are debt free, he can have one! So within 2 years you may see one in our driveway.

Lastly is Alan's Dream Car! A 1960-1968 Shelby Cobra!! I am certain that someday we will have this car when we are in our dream house. I told him when I can afford My Mercedes he can have his Cobra. That and a 4-6 car garage to store all of these loves of Alan's. I have been told it only gets worse with age... That I COMPLETELY Agree with!!

"Alan The Traveler"

A Lot of Our Vacations consume of visiting Our Family's. However Alan & I have a bit of a travel bug. We watch a ton of shows on the Travel channel. And Our list just keeps on growing. We refuse to sit around and never go anywhere. Within the Year we plan on doing this. Ever since we have met, we have always had this in common. Climb the Ruins in Mexico. Oh the adventures we will have...

"Alan The Loyal"

Alan is Extremely Loyal to the people he loves. This is something that attracted to him. When he makes a commitment he's there in a heartbeat. Once hes your friend, you will stay that way.

"Alan the Non Judgmental"

If you would ask me, what being married to Alan has taught me... this would def be one of them! He never gets involved, and he always see's the bigger picture. Although I have not yet mastered this fully. My husband has def opened my mind and my heart more than ever before. Forget seeing things in Black & White.. I am starting to see the shades of gray inbetween. Alan grew up with most of his close friends NOT being LDS (I was the opposite). Alan treats everyone the same and never questions there motives if different from his own. It takes so much for him to go beyond this and I love him that much more because of his control.

"Alan & His Outdoor Activities"

Alan loves to be Outdoors... as long as its warm out and his hay fever isnt to bad. Alan Loves Target Shooting. Alan Loves Dirt Bike Riding with Family. Alan Loves Taking Walks. Alan Loves Drives in the Mountains. Alan Loves Paintball.

"Alan The Fearful"

Everyone is afraid of something. Alan is afraid of Sharks. This is maybe, why I have actually never seen him swimming in the ocean before, now that I think of it. haha. He is okay with them as long as he is not in the water with them.

"Alan The Driver"

My husband loves to drive!! He is always up for a Road Trip!! He would rather drive then fly!! He is always wanting to take the road less traveled.

"Alan The Stylist"

Okay perhaps not a Stylist by any means... however he has developed a great sense of style. You will most likely find Alan in Jeans & Hurley Tshirt. He loves to be comfortable.

"Alan's Smell"

My husband has used the same products since I have first met him. Soap & Obsession by Calvin Klein. He has both in travel & regular size.

"Alan The Brother In Law"

Alan is the brother in-law that wears many hats! He is considerate and often shows his best attributes through and to his family. Such kindness is contagious. Alan is a great cook when it comes to the grill and knows his stuff with cars! We are so glad to have such a great member apart of our family!!

-Chris & Christy

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So after about 20 minutes of trying to think of something to write about Alan. All I could think about was how Alan has taught us the big and little things. This story comes to mind... A little over six months after Tiffany & Alan got married, we went to visit them for Christmas break. One day during the week, my Dad was on a date. Leaving Christy, Tiffany, David and myself just sitting around the house with nothing to do. We went through the house and found Lighters in Tiff & Al's Emergency Kit. Sadly enough none of us knew how to use one. (Dad & Mom never let us play with fire. The closest we got was blowing out our birthday cake. Sad, I know.) So we ventured outside on the patio. All sitting Indian style, in a circle. Each of us holding a lighter. After a while we still couldn't figure it out. So we called Alan at work. He taught us or walked us threw the steps on how to use one. Sadly enough it still took us over 30 minutes to be able to actually get more than just a spark. We all clapped and shouted whenever any of us got a spark or lite for a second! Finally we were able to burn a piece of paper! We felt so proud of ourselves! Alan is always so patient with all of us. Always willing to help us even on the dumb things. A Big Thanks to Alan for being able to help all of us Culotta kids, learn how to use a lighter! And a important emergency skill! Happy Birthday AL!

-Mallory

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1) funny
2) geeky
3) unpredictable
4) cool " some times " haha
5) energetic
6) loyal
7) adventuresome
8) bully
9) good citizen???....
10)THAT'S my OLD BIG BRO!

Happy birthday Alan! Hope all goes well! : )

-David

"Alan The Son In Law"

When a boy becomes a man, and a man becomes a father, his priorities shift from self to that of safety for his wife and family. Later, when his daughters are serious about marriage, a father’s desire is for his girls to choose a man of strength, compassion, intelligence, leadership, integrity and patience, a man of ethics, who will be a good provider, who will give his daughter and grandchildren every opportunity to enjoy a happy, healthy life. Those were the desires of my heart. Fortunately, I have found all those attributes and more in, Alan Thorpe, the handsome man who married my daughter Tiffany. Have a happy Birthday Alan. Your Dad is well pleased!
-Craig

"Alan The BIG BROTHER"

On a road trip the younger kids wanted to listen to a story book on tape, but about half way through it, we found out that Alan had taped over the story. We heard his voice saying “machine gun” and then his voice going “rat-a-tat” over and over for a machine gun sound. Then he said “bazooka”, and he made a whistling through the air sound and then a “kaboom“ for the bazooka. It was hilarious because he was so serious about it all!

We were camping in our backyard and Dad came out and told us an elaborate, scary story about the mad tractor slayer that roamed the countryside killing children with his tractor. Then a couple of hours later when we were sleeping, Alan, his friend Matt, and my Dad went out and started up our tractor. They started driving it toward our tent. Panic and hysteria ensued, and Kiarra and I broke the tent in our frenzied attempt to get out!

-Whitney

__________________________

In our old house, the doorknob in our room was broken, and if the door got shut, we couldn’t open it from inside our room. When Alan used to babysit us, he would shove us in our room and shut the door and we couldn’t get out, even to go to the bathroom!

-Kendall

"Alan The Son"

Alan was our first born, and was always a great kid. He was very quiet around people he didn’t know, but around his close friends and family, he would become much more outgoing. He took on responsibilities early, and often watched the other kids when I started back to work. He was always a thoughtful and sweet boy, and I remember one time going on a field trip with him in 5th grade and he held my hand as we walked along! Alan has a special relationship with his dad, and they have shared many good times dirt biking, camping, shooting, church activities, and of course, working on cars. When he was 15, his dad gave him a Mach 1 mustang (in many parts) to fix up. Hopefully someday they will get to do it together! When Alan was 16 he baptized his younger brother Hunter, and we realized that it would not be much longer before he would be leaving on a mission. He has grown up into a thoughtful, wonderful husband and father. When we see him with his own children, we realize how kind and patient he is! We love you Alan and are very proud your!


"Alan The Father"

It is really ridiculous, how good and what a natural he is at it. It is also ridiculous, to not find 1 picture in every album of Alan not being attentive to his kids. He has a little boy who wants to be just like him and a little girl who has Daddy wrapped around her finger. They adore Alan!!!

"Alan the Husband"

My Husband and I, are complete Opposites in some senses. Which I tend to think we get the best of both worlds in a way. There really is never a dull moment for us! As we approach 5 years of Marriage, its amazing how fast it went. And at the same time it feels like we have been together forever.