35 before 35 - #21

This year, I was able to host our first Thanksgiving and 

I was very excited to cross off #21 off of my list.

My mom probably thought I was being sarcastic when I told her how excited I was.

I sorta like planning parties . . . not the hosting part so much, but the planning I love.

We took all of the furniture out of our dining room/family room area

and it was perfect for two long tables. (we would be having 17 adults coming . . . yikes!)

My budget wasn't very much, 

so I had to use a lot of items that I already had around the house.

I did buy these tablecloths and I'm pretty sure I'll get a lot of use out of them.

We used my china and my sister's china (they're very similar).

And the previous month, I inherited my grandmother's silverware and

 we were able to use them for the first time (she was even here to enjoy them!).

We had a small dessert table that showcased all of the homemade pies.

And they were delicious!

Oh and the 10 children that were here were in the other room.

It was nice to have enough room to be in separate rooms.

Although the planning was enjoyable, my favorite part of the whole day

was us being together and eating as a family.

This doesn't happen very often.

(all of my siblings and their families were here except for a sister on a mission in Italy

and a brother and his family in Pennsylvania - - we missed them so much!)

We have been so blessed.