As I sit down to write, the early darkness of winter reminds me how much I miss longer days. It’s not even 8:30, yet it feels like midnight. While I may not be a fan of winter or time changes, I am grateful for the cozy moments they bring—like the chance to reflect on a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.

This past weekend, my family traveled to my mom’s house in Oklahoma for Thanksgiving. I was a little wary about 11 people staying in a three-bedroom house for five days, but I couldn’t have asked for a better time. With kids taking over the living room, adults claiming corners for quiet time, everyone stealing seats or fighting for a spot on the couch, and a kitchen that felt like Grand Central Station, we certainly had our moments. By the end, we were stir-crazy, overstimulated, and maybe even a little tired of each other. Yet somehow, it worked. We laughed more than we argued and created memories we can’t wait to repeat next year!

We did miss having our oldest daughter, who was with her mom’s family this year. Hopefully, she can join us next time—it wasn’t quite the same without her.

I never thought I’d be the type to trade mimosas for a 5K on Thanksgiving morning, but here I am—finishing my third race! The more I focus on fitness and self-care, the more I’ve come to enjoy running and participating in events for good causes. This race was extra special because my oldest son joined me. Well, sort of. Notice I didn’t say he ran “with me.” He’s a cross-country runner with a personal best of 21 minutes and was determined to beat his PR that morning. Meanwhile, I was freezing my way to a 38-minute finish! It might not hold a candle to his time, but crossing that finish line felt like a win to me.

Friday evening, we took the kids to a “Light Up The Plains” event. The downtown square was alive with twinkling lights, the cheerful hum of holiday music, and the smell of roasted nuts from nearby vendors. We bundled up in layers, the kids’ cheeks pink from the cold, and ended the night with the magic of fireworks lighting up the sky.

Saturday was filled with parks, thrifting, and, of course, more football. And today, we made the trip home and spent the evening relaxing—our way of easing back into the routine after such a full weekend.

In the rare, quiet moments after the chaos, I’m reminded of how blessed I am. Even amid life’s stress and drama, it’s these moments—crowded houses, chilly 5Ks, and festive family outings—that truly matter. They’re the memories that fill my heart with joy and my spirit with gratitude.

What made your Thanksgiving special this year? Share your favorite moments in the comments—I’d love to hear about them!