Thanksgiving 2012

Thanksgiving was a bit different this year because Aaron and I were not with our immediate family.  Aaron had all week off but I only got Wednesday through Friday off, so traveling home for the holiday wasn't an option.  So we stayed here in Wake Forest, North Carolina and started some new traditions.

Our small group decided to have a Thanksgiving meal on Wednesday night, which meant that Wednesday was spent cooking at the Turner home.  I had several Pinterest recipes that I had been wanting to try out and now I had a big group of people to eat them.  We also decided to tackle the task of cooking the TURKEY!!!  We received a roaster as wedding present so we thought this would be the best time to test it out.  On Sunday, we headed to Aldi to pick out the turkey and start the thawing process.  I spent most of Sunday afternoon researching how to roast a turkey.  Aaron spent Wednesday watching videos about roasting a turkey and then how to carve it.  Off to the kitchen to cook.  First thing on the menu: Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle

Making brownies and adding some Reese's cups.

Aaron making the pudding mixture.  YUM YUM

Finished Product



Next menu item: Cousin Vergie's Yeast Rolls

 

 

Aaron's Dressing - Thanksgivng isn't Thanksgiving without dressing, so I made some per Aaron's request.  Another great recipe I found on Pinterest.

Last Menu Item: Turkey (we also made Green Bean Bundles but I didn't get a picture of those)

 

 

 

 



 

Once all of the food was prepared, we headed to Laura Ashley and Lee Harper's to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with our small group family.  We talked about traditions, different foods that we eat, shared what we were thankful for, and enjoyed great conversation with new friends.  Even though we were not with our family, it felt like we were because our friends here have become family. 

 

 

Thanksgiving Day - Aaron, Lee, Laura Ashley, Holland Grace, and I headed to Green Castle Apartments in North Raleigh to serve the residents Thanksgiving lunch.  The Summit's I58 program has built relationships with the residents here by serving them weekly through a variety of activities.  We had the opportunity to meet other members of The Summit and the residents at Green Castle.  It was a beautiful day and a great way to spend Thanksgiving. 

 

After a quick lunch we spent the rest of the day resting for Black Friday shopping.  We decided since we live 2 minutes from Kohls we would go and see what all of the hype was about.  We ate leftover Thanksgiving food, pulled all of the Christmas stuff out, and started the decorating process while we waited for midnight to get here.

 

 

 

 

 



The line outside Kohl's at 11:30 p.m.


 

It was so cold outside.  I think our phones said 34 degrees.

 

 

We waited in line to check-out for 50 minutes.  We had a lot of fun looking for stuff, getting great deals, and chatting with the people we met in line.  We have now had the experience and I think it will last us for a while. 

 

 

Almost to the check-out

 

A pashmina scarf for $8.

 

My Favorite Tee - such a comfortable shirt. 

Aaron got a couple of shirts as well.  The best part - we saved more than we spent and still got $30 Kohl's cash to spend next week.  I feel positive that we will be able to find something.  It was a fun evening.

 

Today after several cups of coffee, Aaron spent most of the day working on school work and I finished decorating the house for Christmas.  We enjoyed our Friday tradition of pizza and some quality time together.  It has been a fabulous Thanksgiving and looking forward to the weekend.

 

 

 

 





Savannah 1/2 Marathon

Last May, all of the Waters/Turner children gathered at the Waters' home place for a joint birthday celebration, Mother's Day, general get together.  At some point during our time together Rachel brought up running a 1/2 Marathon and made the suggestion that we (the kiddos) all run one together.  This being said, Rachel and I, were the only two who had NEVER run a 1/2 marathon.  Aaron, Sybil, and Adam had previously run the Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathon in Nashville, TN.  After much discussion and searching, we found a 1/2 marathon... The Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathon in Savannah, GA.  Let the training begin...

In June, Aaron and I moved to North Carolina and we began our training by running up mountains, well not really but sometimes they truly felt like it.  We did really well during the summer months but once school and work started, it just seemed so much easier to skip a run here and there.  By October, we got so busy that when Saturday hit for a long run, we honestly couldn't force ourselves to run.  Two weekends ago we ran our longest run of the training.. 10 miles.. still 3.1 more to actually finish a 1/2 marathon.  We were both so sore for the next days, I still wasn't convinced that I was actually going to be able to finish this race, but it was here, whether I wanted it to be or not.

So on Friday, we loaded everything in car and started the 5 1/2 hour drive to Savannah, GA.  Adam, Sybil, and Rachel met us there.  After way too much time in the car, I'm usually good for about 30 minutes, we finally arrived at the Expo.  We picked up our race number, swag bag, t-shirt, and went on a search for anything else free we could get.  I ended up with a free t-shirt and Aaron got 2 free bandanas.  The rest of the crew were there as well, so we wandered around for a while together.  In our wandering, we came across a booth that was giving away free t-shirts for anyone who could do 25 "burpies".  They looked extremely difficult, but Adam and Sybil were up for the challenge.

After the Expo we carbed up for dinner, picked out our clothes for the race, and headed to bed.  We left the hotel at 4:45 Saturday morning headed to the race.  After several hours of standing around in the cold it was time to head to our corrals.  Rachel and I were in the same corral so we chatted with people and tried to stay as warm as possible before we actually started.  Now the race starts at 8:00 but you are in different corrals based on your predicted ending time.  Rachel and I were in corral 11 so we started about 12 minutes after the first corral started.  To sum it all up, I had a blast, Savannah is a beautiful city to run through, but by mile 7 or 8 I was in serious pain.  My knees were hurting like they had never hurt before and I had a horrible cramp in the arch of my right foot (which still seems to be there).  The only way to get over the pain was to finish the race.  I'll let the pictures tell the rest of the story.  *If you want to check out all of the photos go to www.marathonfoto.com and follow the directions.

 

This is Rachel sprinting to the finish line.  Look at her go.

Adam is in the yellow.

Sybil running like the wind.

Aaron looking cool and confident.

 

Rachel and I cheesing it for the camera.

 

Proof that I did actually finish.  I ran the 1/2 in 2:22:59.

 

 

We all finished!!!

Photo in front of a beautiful fountain after the race.

 

So excited.  "Check out our medals"

 



 

After we got back to the hotel, showered, and relaxed our EXTREMELY SORE muscles, we headed to lunch in downtown Savannah.  We figured since we had all just run 13.1 miles we could consume as much food as possible.  And that is exactly what we did.  We ate at Kayak Kafe.  It was delicious. 

 

 

 

 

 

We spent a little while walking around, exploring, and eating some ice cream, before we headed back to the car to do a little sightseeing via car.  It is much easier on the legs.  The rest of the trip was spent watching the Alabama/LSU game and consuming as much pizza as possible.  I had a great time and really enjoyed spending some quality time with my family. 

 

"Would I do it again?"  Only if everyone else in the family was going to run too.  For me I've accomplished my goal and I've got the sticker to prove it.  :)  Until next time...

 

 

Photo Update

So it has been a while since I've written anything but life in the Turner Home has been SUPER BUSY.  Here is a photo update of the activities that have taken place over the past month.

We finally got our new living room furniture.  It is so wonderful to have our apartment look like a home again.  Gracie loves the new "love chair" and has had no problems at all.  Now we can entertain again.

 Our small group had a pumpkin carving/painting one Wednesday night.  Here are a few pictures of
the activities.

 

 

Last Saturday we (Aaron, Chris, Elizabeth, and several other members of our small group) headed to the East Carolina BBQ Competition to cheer on Chris (another member of our small group).  We had a blast, tasting over 15 different styles and flavors of BBQ.  Chris' was by far the best.  Afterwards, we recieved special treatment from Chris.  We got a behind the scences look at what goes on for the competition as well as taste ribs, brisket, and chicken.  We are talking "real" BBQ.



Chris' team is called "Prime BBQ".  This is his tent and trailer.

I am taking a class at Southeastern and my first assignment was due this week.  I had a book that I had to read and then write a book review.  No big deal, right?  Well I didn't finish reading the book until Monday night, wrote the review on Tuesday night, and turned it in on Thursday.  I felt like I was in college again, pulling an all nighter.  I'm way too old for that.  Haha

As many of you know, Friday night, is Pizza Night at the Turner Home.  Well this Friday, like many others, The Sirven Family joined us.  Only this time, it was just the four of us, no kiddos, so we had a pizza/date night.  After pizza, breadsticks, and cinnamon sticks, we headed to Jubala Village Coffee, for a tasty treat, and then back to the house for conversation late into the night.  Words can not express how grateful we are for these wonderful friends, that almost a year ago we met.  We are so blessed by their friendship.

Sitting at the counter, learning about the coffee.  Friday is "free expresso friday" so both Chris and Aaron enjoyed that as well as a french press cup of coffee.  Elizabeth and I decided to go with something cold and refreshing, a "real" coke for me and cream soda for Elizabeth.  Small World - the guy serving us actually goes to church with us, how cool!!!

Today was busy as well.  I served at Starting Point this morning and then had lunch with my small group parnter.  Then laundry, clean, short nap, cook dinner, and then a sweet treat.  I had some leftover pumpkin in the frig and decided to use it to make these tasty treats.  Gotta love Pinterest.

 

Pumpkin Poppers

 

 

 

 



Enjoy our photo update.  Until next time...

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 





September Birchbox

September Birchbox Review

 

 

 A couple of weeks ago this lovely package came in the mail and I just have to share.  First of all, if you love to try out new things (for $10 a month) then Birchbox is the place for you.  (let me know because I can refer you and get points to spend at the birchbox store).  Starting at the bottom:
Mighty Leaf Tea Bags - now I'm not a hot tea drinker so these didn't matter to me but Aaron has enjoyed them.  I had three different flavors: Earl Gray Vanilla, Chamomile Citrus, and Green Tea Tropical.  According to Aaron, DELICIOUS!!!
Vasanti Brightening Face Rejuvenator - haven't used yet but it smells good. 
Jouer Matte Moisture Tint - MY FAVORITE THING OUT OF THE WHOLE BOX.  This gives your face a very matte cover and doesn't leave your face oily at all.  It actually helped my Bare Minerals make-up stay on longer and I looked fresher long.  Seriously considering actually buying some of this.  AMAZING!!!
La Fresh Nail Polish Remover - haven't used it yet but others that have, said it really does take off the polish of all 10 fingers (or toes) with only one wipe.
Twirl by Kate Spade - I've been wearing this and it is a WONDERFUL clean scent.  May have to invest in this as well.
Color Club "Tweet Me" Nail Polish - not so sure about this color.  I tried it on my fingernails and I looked like I had witch hands.  It has been suggested to paint your nails a dark color (navy blue) and use this as an accent color on our nails.  Maybe I'll wait until Spring.
Madewell $25 off a $75 purchase -  I haven't used this yet but have heard great things from Kate, a blogger I follow.  And there is a store right here in Raleigh.  Deep down I'm hoping I went the shopping spree from there.  I've been registering every day.  I'm hopeful. 

Overall, another great box, with lots of items I would never have tried otherwise.  I can't wait until next month.  :)

"Sirven Time"

This week has been extremely FULL.  I've had to be at school early twice this week and stay late, in addition to Ladies Night Out and class, I was very grateful for the weekend to be here.  Now in the process of everything, Aaron and I got to spend some amazing "quality time" with a precious family.  Now Aaron and I met Chris and Elizabeth Sirven (and baby Nate) at Preview Day last November.  Both families were looking at coming to Southeastern, we were paired in the same group, and since we were the only two couples at the preview day we just kind of stuck together.  Now we are both here at Southeastern, live about 3 minutes from each other and LOVE to hang out together.  The past three days have been full of "Sirven Time".

Thursday, Elizabeth and I have class, so I usually pick her up, we go to class, and enjoy some chat time before I drop her off.  Well this week we enjoyed a delicious spaghetti meal with them before us gals headed off to class.  In the middle of class I get a text from Aaron with the following pictures.

Rosalyn and Julia Rose enjoying some lap time with "Mr. Aaron"

Julia Rose and Aaron enjoying some quality time.

Friday = Pizza Night and this Friday we were spending it with the Sirvens.  Sadly I didn't get any pictures of the pizza or the homemade Red Velvet Cake, Elizabeth made, but trust me everything was extremely tasty.  After everyone  had eaten it was time for Nate to open his birthday present (his birthday was a week ago but hey better late than never)

Playing with the football

Julia Rose and Me

Saturday = Church = Dinner with the Sirvens  So after church last night Aaron asked if they wanted to go out to eat, of course.  So after getting everyone loaded in the car, in the rain, we headed to Over the Falls, because Elizabeth was in the mood for some wings.  It is her birthday week!  We enjoyed our dinner, conversation, football, and lots of laughter.

So blessed to have such wonderful friends who we can share this new adventure with, GOD IS GOOD!

Eventful Two Weeks

The past two weeks have been full of new adventures.  Aaron started classes at Southeastern and has been reading like crazy since then.  Most evenings you will find Gracie and Aaron reading and studying away.

Aaron excited and ready for classes.  He rides his bike to class most days.

Last week I started my new job as a Teacher's Assistant at Wakelon Elementary in Zebulon, NC.  It is a totally different experience to say the least.  I spend most of the day in the cafeteria on breakfast or lunch duty.  In the afternoon I have carpool duty, which has actually been fun.  I have parents telling me thank you for taking care of their child during the day.  I am working with two first grade classes and am finally starting to learn some of the children's names.  I'm sure the longer I am there, the more of a routine I will get into, therefore making work a little easier.  It is a blessing to not have the added pressure of a teacher.  When I leave school, I leave it all behind and don't think about it again until the next morning.  The stress level is super low.  :)

Headed to work on my first day!

On Thursday nights I am taking a class at Southeastern through the Women's Institute.   Dr. Akin (the president) and Mrs. Akin (Dr. Akin's wife) are teaching the class, along with guest speakers from time to time.  I have had two classes so far.  Elizabeth (my friend) and I are taking the class together.  During this two hour class we enjoy some serious girl bonding time.  Well more like the 5 minutes it takes to drive to and from the seminary from our homes.  I can't even began to express how blessed I am to have found a friend who I can just chat with for hours.  :)

Notice anything odd or strange about our living room.  How about WE HAVE NO LIVING ROOM FURNITURE!!!  Apparently cats can get really mad about things like moving to a strange place, being left alone for long periods of time, or just for general purposes.  We know this because Gracie decided to show us how mad she was by peeing on our love seat and sofa.  She has been on antibiotics for a UTI, but quickly ruled that out after she used our sofa as a potty box.  This was after we had removed the love seat.  According the vet, she is just mad at us, the reason is still UNKNOWN.  We are trying our best to get as much "kitty antidepressant" in her.  Yes they do make that for cats, it comes in bright blue pill.  All furniture has been removed and so far no problems.  We'll see how things go on Tuesday when we return to school and work.  I'm hoping she will be okay and we can find some new furniture.  It makes watching t.v. or entertaining guests quite difficult.

We are enjoying a relaxing Sunday and looking forward to Labor Day tomorrow.  Until next time...