Happy Birthday, Alyssa

Today is my sister's birthday. Since she is in the hospital recovering from having Camryn, I can post whatever I want since she can't read it. So, here are Alyssa's most embarrassing moments! Just Kidding. Here are a few things I love about my sister! Happy Birthday!

1. Alyssa chooses nicknames that stick. Growing up she named the trees, our sprinkler, every stuffed animal and doll, and she gave me a nickname too. All of those stuck! Most of her friends have nicknames that she gave them and I am still called "Cee" to my family which is a derivative of an embarrassing nickname Alyssa gave me in the 3rd grade.

2. Random and funny things always happen to Alyssa. She has the most hilarious stories of anyone I know. The closet story is my favorite, but there are a million I could choose from.

3. Alyssa is a really good friend and she keeps friends for a long time. She has been in more weddings than anyone I know. She has friends (other than me) that she has know for 25-30 years! She is a really good listener, very genuine, can keep a secret, and is always up for good, clean fun. I am still reaping the blessings of Alyssa's ability to be a good friend because several people out there in blog land are people I consider friends even though they really are Alyssa's.

4. Alyssa loves events and parties. My dad used to joke that when Alyssa was single she was the event planner for the metroplex. That girl loves to get people together and always makes it fun. She LOVES holidays and always makes them fun with parties and games.

5. She is a great mom. Lauren is so smart, polite, talkative, and hilarious and I attribute most of that to Alyssa. She is so calm with Lauren and rarely looses her cool. (actually I have never seen her loose her cool) She has been a huge help to me into my journey into motherhood.

6. Alyssa is a great audience. Growing up she made me feel like I was the best entertainer in the world. She was always getting me to put on plays, sign songs, make up dances, and tell her stories. You can partially blame her for the nut I am today. Seriously, she has a gift of making people feel talented and important.

7. Alyssa is great with words. She is very eloquent and always seems to have the right words to say. She has a way of putting things into perspective and giving calm to storms. She is good at explaining things and helping people get on the same page.

8. Alyssa is very tender hearted. When we were little, she made a schedule of which stuffed animals got to sleep with her to make sure she didn't show favorites and that none of them got their feelings hurt. Seriously, who does that?

9. Alyssa loves teen movies and books. She loves all chick flicks and romance books as long as they aren't scary and have happy endings. She loves any kind of romance in tv shows (i.e. Scarecrow and Mrs. King, Ed, the Office) and gets incredibly excited when it looks like they are going to hook up.


Happy Birthday, Alyssa! I know this year has already started with a blessing named Camryn Grace and I pray the rest of the year is full of blessings as well! I love you!