Top 6 things socially awkward/anxious people would like you to know.

1.  I actually DO have friends.

A whole big handful in fact.  And for some reason they actually like me. Well unless you count that time I got defriended by a so called bff--hello blindside!...But yeah, I got me some darn good peeps.

2. I am more intelligent than I sound.

I really am.  I read. I research. I like school and learning. However, by the time it gets transferred to my dialogue it sounds more like I’ve had a few drinks or I am the not the brightest crayon in the box.  Stuttering.  Slurring. Omission of words. Tongue tied.  All while everyone else’s eyes are glazed over in confusion or disinterest.  Crap.  And don’t get me started on work meetings with other adults. The.  Worst.  You expect me to have an intelligent conversation with intimidatingly brilliant adults when I’m busy trying to think of what to say to prove I'm intelligent?!  Forget about it. (See #5)

3. I am more fun than I appear.

It’s true.  I know how to be a little—or a lot—weird.  Knock a few back.  Do a silly jig.  Pull out my Sally O'malley impression.  One of my best stories involves Mexico, an inner tube, a cigar and a glass door.  Believe me, it was fun!

4. Yes, that was supposed to be funny.

In my head, I’m hilarious.  Unfortunately this hilarity never…ever transfers to other peoples’ minds!

5.  I’m sorry, “I’m having a hard time listening to you because my inner dialogue is freaking out and yelling at me trying to think of what to say or ask to keep this conversation going”

There you are answering my dumb question, but I’m not listening—I’m trying to think of a new question to ask so we don’t just end up staring at each other.  Awkward. I call it, “conversation paralyzation”—It’s a thing.  Very real folks.

6.  I'm not a B----.

I know I may look it on the outside.  Not approaching you to talk.  All cold and turned off to the world. Seldomly attending social events.  Lack of eye contact. I know it may look like I'm thinking, "I'm better than everyone around me", but I'm really thinking, "I just hope they like me."

And then she turned one....almost!

There it goes....time...flying by again.  How rude. Your first year has come and gone (almost!)  And to think you used to be small and squishy wrapped up like a burrito laying in the middle of our bed. My Greyleigh Mae, you have brought us an enormous amount of joy this last year and each and every day I am blessed and thankful that I get the opportunity to be your mama.  You are such a delight.  Just the right amount of sass, sweetness, cuddles and playfulness.  It is so fun to have a little girl and I dream of the things we'll get to enjoy together and the friendship we'll hopefully have. I pray often that you will look up to me and that in turn, that I will be a good model to you in everything that God instills in me; life, love and all the in betweens.

You came into this world fast and furious, yet with a stubborn punctuality waiting until your exact due date and I can already tell what a fun little handful we've got. :)

I love love love being your mama and pray time will slow down just a smidge so I can keep enjoying these precious moments we get with you.

Happy Birthday Greyleigh Mae.  We love you so big.

And now for party pictures.  We had fun. We ate cake. We got messy. We're tired.

As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be....

Happy Birthday Dear Greyleigh, Happy Birthday to you.

Everett turns 4!

It's the eve of the first day of school and so let's just be honest up front--I'm going to load this post up with pictures and leave the words for another day when I have more brain cells firing and more energy!  It was a great day for a great kid!  Love him so much!