A Birthday Tribute — February 22, 2026
Thirty years of being extraordinary. This is your story, told by the people who love you most.
Dear birthday queen...
I still remember the day we met — sophomore year, you borrowed my highlighter and never gave it back. Honestly, I should've known right then that you'd end up stealing my whole heart too.
Fifteen years later, here we are. You've survived bad haircuts, worse boyfriends, three apartment moves, one very questionable road trip to Galveston, and somehow you came out of all of it more beautiful, more brilliant, and more YOU than ever.
Alyssa, you are the kind of person who makes everyone around you feel like they belong. You remember every birthday, you show up for every hard conversation, and you laugh so loud that strangers in restaurants turn around and smile. The world is better because you're in it — and I'm better because you're in mine.
Happy 30th, queen. This is just the beginning.
Love always, Nicole
February 1996
Born on a cold February morning, already stealing hearts in the delivery room. The nurses said you had the loudest cry — and honestly, not much has changed.
August 2001
Pigtails, a pink backpack, and zero fear. You walked into that classroom like you owned it. Your teacher said, “She's going to be something special.”
February 2012
The party. The dress. The speech your dad gave that made everyone cry. You danced until midnight and said it was the best night of your life.
May 2018
Four years, countless all-nighters, and one degree that proved what everyone already knew: you can do anything you set your mind to. Summa cum laude.
September 2019
Two suitcases, a one-bedroom apartment, and a dream. You didn't know a soul in this city, and now half of Houston knows your name.
June 2022
Youngest manager in the company's history. You called Nicole crying happy tears in the parking lot. We celebrated with champagne and tacos.
February 2026
Thirty, thriving, and just getting started. This isn't the end of a chapter — it's the beginning of the best one yet.
Her Anthem
“No Angel”
Beyoncé
“A birthday anthem that hits different.
This one's for you, Alyssa.”
“My baby girl. 30 years ago, God gave me the greatest gift of my life. Watching you grow into this incredible woman has been my proudest achievement. Happy birthday, sweetheart. Daddy and I love you more than words.”
— Mom & Dad
“Lyss, you're the only person I'd survive a 12-hour road trip with. You're my person, my therapist, my hype woman, and the sister I chose. 30 is YOUR decade. I just know it. Love you forever, queen.”
— Nicole, Best Friend
“Big sis — I know I don't say it enough, but you're literally my hero. You paved the way for everything I'm doing now. Also, you still owe me $40 from 2019. Happy birthday though.”
— Marcus, Little Brother
“Four years of sharing a dorm room, and you never once complained about my 6 AM alarms. That alone makes you a saint. Happy 30th to the most graceful, patient, hilarious human I know.”
— Tasha, College Roommate
“Work bestie doesn't even begin to cover it. You make Monday mornings bearable and Friday happy hours legendary. The office literally wouldn't survive without you. Happy birthday, boss lady!”
— Jordan, Work Bestie
“My sweet grandbaby. Every Sunday when you call, it's the highlight of my whole week. You have your grandmother's spirit and your mother's heart. I'm so proud of the woman you've become. Happy 30th, sugar.”
— Grandma Rose
“My baby girl. 30 years ago, God gave me the greatest gift of my life. Watching you grow into this incredible woman has been my proudest achievement. Happy birthday, sweetheart. Daddy and I love you more than words.”
— Mom & Dad
“Lyss, you're the only person I'd survive a 12-hour road trip with. You're my person, my therapist, my hype woman, and the sister I chose. 30 is YOUR decade. I just know it. Love you forever, queen.”
— Nicole, Best Friend
“Big sis — I know I don't say it enough, but you're literally my hero. You paved the way for everything I'm doing now. Also, you still owe me $40 from 2019. Happy birthday though.”
— Marcus, Little Brother
“Four years of sharing a dorm room, and you never once complained about my 6 AM alarms. That alone makes you a saint. Happy 30th to the most graceful, patient, hilarious human I know.”
— Tasha, College Roommate
“Work bestie doesn't even begin to cover it. You make Monday mornings bearable and Friday happy hours legendary. The office literally wouldn't survive without you. Happy birthday, boss lady!”
— Jordan, Work Bestie
“My sweet grandbaby. Every Sunday when you call, it's the highlight of my whole week. You have your grandmother's spirit and your mother's heart. I'm so proud of the woman you've become. Happy 30th, sugar.”
— Grandma Rose
Thirty years of laughter, love, and becoming the most incredible version of yourself. The best is yet to come — and we'll be right here cheering you on, every step of the way.