thanksgiving in september

It's so weird to say I'm not a teenager anymore. That's kinda sad, yet also very cool. I'm trying to think of this less as leaving behind the past and more of figuring out how the past can weave itself into my future- I'll keep you updated as to how that goes. This weekend was probably my best birthday celebration yet. That said, it was also very different this year. I must say, I think it became less of celebrating me and my twenty years, and more of celebrating God and how extravagantly he has blessed me over the past two decades (why does phrasing it that way make me sound ancient?). He has done wonderful things throughout my life, and this weekend I really got to pause, remember that, and let gratitude overwhelm me. And overwhelm me it did. From here on out, I would like to think of my birthday as a Thanksgiving of sorts-a day of praise for who God is and the role his awesome, awesome grace has played in my life. It shall be a day to meditate-to taste and see that the Lord is good. Because he always, always is. And I hope that as I grow up and become a woman of faith, my life will proclaim that truth.

This weekend was filled with sweet blessings--cupcakes from wonderful friends, a birthday video from my cousin and her adorable daughter, home made pimento cheese from my grand parents, an account of my birth story from my mother, precious cards from some lovies, lots of time with my family...the list goes on and on. Friday started off with breakfast with my small group. These girls are so wonderful and I'm so thankful I get to walk through these years along side of them.



Then I got to go to chem and then take an Italian exam. Obviously that was the best part of the entire weekend. Sike. After classes, my parents drove all the way up to Charlottesville to take me out to lunch. I feel like I have a pretty special relationship with my parents in that I actually LOVE to see them and spend time with them. We went to Feast, a very "Chazzy" restaurant/market--it is so Charlottesville. I'm kiiiinda obsessed with it.



Later, La'Sarah stopped by Cville on her way to her Labor Day weekend festivities for a best friend birthday dinner and chill time. I have known Sarah my entire life (actually, our grandfathers were tight, then our fathers...now us. Our kids will be tight too) and even though we saw each other like 2 weeks ago, the visit was much needed. Afterwards, I hung out with some of my Chi-O sisters. We started our own dance party. It was pretty epic.

Saturday was the first GAME DAY! Sooo much fun...AND WE WON! Kiinda a big deal at UVa these days.



After the game, I hung out with my room mate and some of our other Chi O friends. I'm extremely blessed to have amazing sorority sisters who love the Lord and are there to support me in many, many ways throughout my college years (and hopefully after). Sunday, my parents came back--this time with my wonderful sister in tow. We painted my bedroom (pictures to come soon) and then went to tea at Keswick. I have a huge love for tea (and everything else British--thanks to Kate Middleton. Goodness she is just so fabulous), so of course a tea party was an excellent way to spend my Sunday afternoon.







And now I am officially 20. So crazy. I must say I'm loving it already :)