About every six years, my birthday, November 28, falls on Thanksgiving Day. I remember one year when this occurrence crossed paths when I was in college and my mom ordered a turkey-shaped chocolate birthday cake. 2024 marks the year of one of those special combination holidays, when I’ll celebrate the last year of my 40s.

It’s bittersweet, but being 50 is the new 30, right? With that said, before I turn 49 on November 28 and to commemorate Thanksgiving, I’d like to reflect on a few of the many things I am thankful for over the past (nearly) decade.

At age 40, I gave birth to my third son, Xander, on January 27, 2016. It was a beautiful moment in time that rounded out our family of five. I am so very thankful for giving birth to three healthy sons, and this one, as a higher risk “geriatric pregnancy,” made this one an even bigger accomplishment in this season of my life.

In July 2019, after years of renting, my husband and I purchased our first home. It was (and still is) perfect for us, in the neighborhood where the boys play with their friends just down the street and they each have their own bedroom. It also was perfect timing to purchase the home pre-pandemic before the housing market imploded and the world shut down. I am so thankful that we were able to shelter in place in this home sweet home, a bigger home than our former rental house, and also that Covid-19 didn’t touch us.

On February 1, 2024, I published my first book, 100 Things to Do in Myrtle Beach Before You Die, and I am so thankful for this achievement. After more than 25 years as an editor and writer of feature stories that are maybe 2,000 words max and 20-plus years of living here, this was a milestone for me to capture 160 pages that share the places and activities I have cherished making memories with my family over the years. It was cathartic, actually, but was also a test of my anxiety and endurance.

And on April 22, 2024, my husband and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary with a trip to Key West. I am so thankful for Bradley and all that he is in my life: my best friend and confidante, soulmate, and the best father. My days in my 40s, thanks to him, have been filled with laughter and love—and I look forward to many more days of the same ahead.