A Very Special Day

I turned 35 years old today. And I hosted my first Thanksgiving dinner. I look so tired in this picture...and I was at that moment (and still am). But it was such a great day and I am so very happy that: 1- I finally prepared a turkey all by myself and it didn't turn out gross (it was actually quite moist and delicious); 2- I had my whole family over to my house, including my 92 year-old grandma, my uncle Doug, cousin Jeff, and my brother and sister and their families; and 3- everyone had a GREAT time. It's a day in my life that I will forever cherish and hold close to my heart.

I said the prayer before we ate this afternoon, and I could barely get through it without crying. I just felt so grateful in that moment, so overcome with joy. But part of me felt sad too because I know that these moments don't last forever and that soon my sister, nephew and niece will be moving to Wisconsin. I just couldn't let myself think about that too much today, I had to stay in the moment and enjoy the time I had. I made sure that I just stopped every so often throughout the day and just looked around me to remember it all--the cousins laughing, people eating, opening presents, sharing stories...

I loved having everyone together. It was the best birthday present.