Happy New Year!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed your holiday break! December was a super busy month for us so I took the time to soak it in and really enjoy all the festivities this year. I’ll share more about what all we’ve been up to on Thursday, but today is all about

ALYSSA MICHELLE!

On December 29th, our baby girl turned TWENTY-ONE!

Yes, I was a blubbery mess! I simply cannot believe that sweet baby girl who made me a Momma is 21 years old. It just doesn’t seem real. (And surely I cannot be old enough to have a 21-year-old!)

We spent her birthday in the Metroplex. We were there to watch Conner play in a basketball tournament and decided to stay an extra day…

Look at what Alyssa brought home!!!!
She was SO excited to have a new car! And let me tell you, she deserves it! She literally drove her car until it could go no more. RIP Black Beauty. ????

We spent most of the morning car shopping and then had a late lunch to celebrate the birthday girl! Monkey bread pizookie for the win!

We had a 3 hour drive home that night but before we headed out, we made a stop at Kendra Scott.

Because every girl needs a little Kendra Scott on her birthday!

Alyssa has always been the brightest eyed, sweetest little girl.

She is pure JOY!
We have LOVED watching her grow up over the years!

Alyssa Michelle,
Mark and I are so very proud of you and feel so incredibly blessed to be your parents. You have always been fearless when it comes to getting the most out of life whether that be trying new things, making memories with your family and friends, or just excelling at everything you do. We are especially proud of how you have handled the role of big sister. The unique bond you have with Conner is amazing to watch. The love you show and the interest you take in Carson and Cutter blesses them immensely and is heartwarming to us as parents. Knowing the crazy busy schedule you maintain keeping a 4.0 in college and working nearly full time makes the time you take to text, Facetime, and keep up with your brothers all the more special. Their faces light up when they talk to you and tell you their big moments like making a shot in their basketball game or attending a Homecoming dance but also when they share the little things like school projects, studying for finals for the first time, and the latest Fortnite dance.

We all miss you so very much but since you left me alone in a house full of boys, I miss you the MOST!! I love that even living three hours apart, our bond is stronger than ever! You have been my little sidekick since you started talking and following me around. You have been by my side as a toddler baking brownies and licking the bowl ( actually you still do that!), helping me surprise Mark and the boys with gifts (although you weren’t great at keeping secrets!), and now by my side as a friend. I cherish our long talks on the phone, our quick chats on FaceTime to approve an outfit or share a laugh, our texts and gifs back and forth, and the fact that neither of us can go a day without talking to the other! You will always hold a special place in my heart.

I hope you also know how much you are loved and adored by Mark! I love to watch the two of you banter back and forth, teasing one another and trying to embarrass each other. You two have the sweetest, most precious bond. I have always loved this picture because it captures you both so perfectly.

And he misses you terribly too! He asks me every day if I have talked to you - even though I usually find out he’s texted you throughout the day as well! :)

Most importantly, your love for the Lord shines bright in all you do! You love others, you love BIG, and you always look for opportunities to share Jesus!

I know God has HUGE plans for you and I can’t wait to see what this next year brings!

In your own sweet 4-year-old words, “I love you bigger than the skies and castles! But not bigger than God, because nothing is bigger than God.”

Happy Birthday, Alyssa Michelle!

XO