Tradition... {Blogtember}

Today's Prompt:

Tell us about a favorite tradition. It could be a family tradition or from a holiday, university, you-name-it. What makes it so special?

I love this time of year. Fall is just around the corner. The holidays are that much closer. I can already imagine the yummy food, the amazing laughs with the family. I love it. 

{quote}

Besides Christmas, Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays of all time. 

I think its one of my favorite days of the year because in the last couple of years we have turned it into a tradition-filled holiday. We celebrate Thanksgiving with my dad's family, he has 9 siblings, and we all get together at my house. You can just imagine, its a huge celebration. 

Our tradition starts off with getting the menu down. Since it is a whole lot of us, each family is in charge of making something, the turkeys (yes we need 2), the hams (yes 2), mash potatoes, mac an cheese, side dishes, dessert. It is potluck. 

Yes each family cooks in their own home, but I feel that is a tradition of its own. My mom has passed down the baked mac and cheese recipe to me, so I'm now in charge of making that while my mom makes the turkey or the chicken. 

Once we have all gathered for dinner. We all get around in a big circle, and we all say something that we are thankful for or one of my aunts leads us in a prayer to give thanks. And then we dig in together. I love it. 

What is your favorite tradition?

10 Things I'm Thankful For and That Keep Me Smiling!!

Shooting two birds with one stone. I just had to two both of them this week. So I'm meshing these two link-ups together, because I loved them so much.
This week's theme is 10 Things That I'm Thankful For and That Keep Me Smiling

1)

 My Family. I love them! They are always supportive and loving. and they always know how to have fun.

2) 

My Momma!! I don't know where I would be without her.

3) 

My Friends!!! They bring me coffee when I'm handicapped!! :) Send me letters and care packages via snail mail! Have brunch, and dinners together. Another part of my life that I wouldn't know where I would be without them.

4)

 For my munchkins!! My nieces and nephews, and having the chance to spend time with them now, after being away at college for their first years. Some of the best motivation anyone can have.

5)

I'm thankful that I finally finished school this year.

6) 

And that although it's a part-time I was able to find a job right away, doing something that I enjoy.

7) 

Seeing both set of grandparents this year! They are so far away, but I'm so glad that I was able to see them. And although some were sick, I'm grateful that they are doing so much better.

8) 

Yummy food, clothes on my back, and a cozy roof over my head.

9) 

Books!! I don't know what I would do without the ability to get transported by books.

10) 

Blogging! I'm thankful that I decided to start my blog again. And although I'm still a small space, I'm grateful for everyone who has read a post, left comments, decided to follow me, and who have showed me some love, and those who I've become friends with!! Thank you!!!