I got to have two Thanksgivings this year (and every year…) and they were both phenomenal. 
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thankful
Thanksgiving: Round 2
Like many people, I get to celebrate the holidays multiple times. Marriage opens up new families and traditions to be celebrated and that means twice the holiday fun.
Yesterday, I spent the day with Adam’s side of the family, cooking, laughing, drinking, and spending time together. It was a great day and I really do enjoy experiencing family gatherings with his big family. Adam’s mom is one of 10 and when you get everyone together there are easily 20 to 30 people crammed into the house. And that’s what Thanksgiving and Christmas are about right? Shoving as much love and happiness into a room as possible.
Today is the Buchanan Thanksgiving and while it is a smaller affair, it’s no less heartwarming or full of family. I love getting together with my family and sharing our traditions year after year. One of my favorites is signing the tablecloth.
Many moons ago, when Thanksgiving was exclusively at our house, my mom had the idea to get a plain white tablecloth and have the whole family sign it every year. It’s become kind of like a history book for us. I can look back and see when I couldn’t even write my name, remember when certain friends came for dinner, and watch the transformation of our family. I loved this idea so much that for our wedding Adam and I had our guests sign a tablecloth instead of a guest book.
I’m not sure what your day after Thanksgiving traditions are, but whether you are a black Friday shopper or have another meal to get to, I hope that you are enjoying your family time and celebrating your own traditions!
I Am Thankful For…
My husband who always loves me, even when I’m being crazy and weird which is more often than not. Who works hard to provide for me and always puts my happiness before his. Without him, I wouldn’t be half the person I am now. 
My family who has shaped my very being. They know me better than anyone on this planet and support me in everything I do. They have taught me how to love and live and I cannot imagine me without them. 
My Faith which is the driving force behind every decision I make, every action I take, every word I speak, and the source of my hope and love. God is good all the time and all the time God is good. 
My basic needs which are unfailingly met. I have never ever wanted for food, shelter, or clothing. I have never wondered where my next meal was coming from, where I would be sleeping at night, and I have the luxury of opening my closet and choosing from a variety of clothes. Not everyone gets that security.
My freedom which has cost me absolutely nothing but instead others have paid for with their lives. I can say what I want, believe what I want, and pursue my happiness because of the simple fact that I am an American. In a world that is wrought with pain and strife, where people are oppressed and killed for their beliefs and opinions, freedom is no small matter. 
My dreams that propel me to do new and sometimes scary things. Having a dream can be tough but so worth it. And having people behind you to support those dreams? That is something to be even more thankful for.
I could go on and on with things that I am thankful for because I am beyond blessed. I know it’s cliche to think about all the things we have gratitude for this week, but these are things that I give thanks for every single day. I often take these things for granted because they are so simple. But for those that don’t have them, they mean the world. 
Take some time this holiday season and be thankful for the little things you never think about. They might seem small, but they mean so much.
Happy (almost) Thanksgiving everyone!
How To Have An Amazing Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I thought that I would share how to have an amazing day. It’s really quite simple.
Gather your dearest family and friends.
Throwback Thanksgiving!
Add in some laughs, stories/memories, and lots of love.
Stir in some hot apple cider.
Mix in delicious food of all different kinds.
And finish off with a big piece of pie (pumpkin, pecan, apple…. you get the idea)
Our humble dessert table last year
The great thing about this recipe, is that it does well with variations and changes. Whatever your traditions may be on this holiday, I hope that you are able to spend it with the ones you love and remember what you are most thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Life Healthfully Lived 