In less than a week it’s Thanksgiving. What a month! One thing I’m grateful for that’s not on this list is that I get to spend the holiday with my family this year (provided our baby doesn’t make an appearance!) and that I get to get a break from all of the work. Don’t get me wrong, I love making Thanksgiving treats, but right now I think I love sitting on a comfy couch even more!
Day 16: Food
After I left Taste of Home, there were still bits of me left behind, including my mom’s paczki recipe that was featured in the February/March 2024 issue.
My mom was really proud to see her recipe in the magazine, and I’m glad she was able to appreciate it. We celebrated by making a batch to share with the family for Fat Tuesday.
Day 17: Seasons
I’m grateful that the timing of my pregnancy aligns a bit with the seasons. I spent spring and summer watching this life grow in incredible ways. Now, in fall, I’m starting to wind down. I’m moving slow, doing less, and preparing to settle in for the winter.
(Above is a photo looking out at Lake Michigan from my doctor’s very nice waiting room. When I first started to visit, the trees were full of new leaves and flowers. Now, it’s deep into fall – and deep into the third trimester.)
Day 18: Adventure
Despite only living about an hour away, I’d never spent much time in Lake Geneva. This year, I visited twice! I spent a weekend with my family back in February, and then Michael and I had a short babymoon there this summer.
It was fun to explore somewhere new in very different seasons.
Day 19: Love
After her mom dies, Fleabag turns to her friend and says, “I don’t know what to do with it… with all the love I have for her. I don’t know where to put it now.”
I felt like that for a while after losing my mom and my great-aunt. But as time goes on, I realize that all that love is still there and it isn’t going anywhere. I’ll love my mom (and aunt!) for the rest of my life.
Day 20: Books
I hit my goal of reading 40 books this year with over a month left! I’ve read more duds than usual this year, but I’ve discovered a few new reads that I cannot stop recommending, like Morbidly Yours by Ivy Fairbanks and anything by Grady Hendrix.
Also, I’m grateful for finding a new reading buddy at my workplace. It’s always good to have someone to get recs from!
Day 21: Hobby
While I might have slowed down on crafting this year, I’m thankful I always have a needle and thread to come back to.
Day 22: Memories
About this time last year, I finished up a major quilt project: a memory quilt for a family friend. This friend dropped off a heap of Christmas sweaters with my mom, but my mom wasn’t ever up to the task. I was, though!
This project of preserving memories in a practical and festive way was really soothing for me. I found a lot of meaning in the project (and I love how it turned out).
Now, I’m finding meaning in making memory-based items using my mom’s old fabrics and clothes. My dad has already been the recipient of a pillow made of her favorite shirts. Certainly there will be more on the way!
I’ll be keeping up with this series for another week. Share what you’re thankful for below, and stay tuned for more!
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