It's beginning to look at lot like Christmas...

I am one of those people who refuse to decorate for Christmas until after Thanksgiving is over.  I feel like people go straight from Halloween to Christmas and to me Thanksgiving is an important holiday!  So, since Thanksgiving has come and gone it was time to get out the Christmas decorations and time to go Christmas shopping!  Me & momma went out about 6:00 this morning and Greenwood was dead!  I guess everyone went last night.  It worked well for us because we didn't have to fight any crowds.  Katie met us later in the morning. I was able to almost finish my shopping this morning.  Then, it was home to decorate before Justin went hunting.  Here are a couple pictures of our decorations.  Sorry the pictures aren't very clear.  I need a better camera!

Our Christmas tree.  Still no presents but once I get some tape....that will change!

Our mantle.  Evan isn't sure about this Santa Claus!  Momma told him it wouldn't hurt him and he has walked around all day saying "He won't hurt you!"  It's too funny!

And the outside.  All that's missing is my spotlight which will make it's way to the front yard hopefully tomorrow!

I want to put a little tree in each of their rooms and let them decorate it...but that will have to wait until next year!  They are still into taking the ornaments off the tree and that wouldn't work well with a tree in their rooms!  We already have most of Emma & Evan's Christmas shopping done!  I bought their big gifts from Wal-Mart back in October.  However...I found a better deal on Evan's gift!  The tractor we got Evan was just the front end loader.  Tractor Supply had the front end loader with the trailer attachment for almost $70 less than what I paid for the one we got.  Plus, it has flashing lights that ours didn't have!  So, as of right now we have two tractors...but the Wal-Mart one is going back soon!  Here is a picture of his little tractor.  I am so excited for him to see it.  Emma has already seen it and knows where we are hiding it.  She keeps trying to tell Evan about it but luckily he doesn't know what she is trying to tell him! :)

 

Daddy needs to get to work putting Emma's gift together!! Also, our Elf on the shelf is going to make his appearance Sunday morning.  I asked Emma & Evan what they wanted to name their elf.  They both said "Amos".  They are obsessed with Katie's dog!  So, unless they tell me another name...it looks like our Elf may be named "Amos"!  Anyways....I will be posting later about the arrival of "Amos" or whatever we decide to name him!  We have a BUSY week ahead or rather weeks ahead! Monday is bible study, Tuesday is mine & Katie's 30th birthday, then Friday me & momma are going to some place near Greenville to buy fabric.  She is getting a chair covered and Emma needs curtains.  This place is only open 3 days a month...so we didn't have much choice as to when we were going.  Then, Friday night Justin & I are planning to take Emma & Evan to Hollywild.  I know that's a lot in one day...but it was our only open weekend night!  I think Evan will love it.  Emma probably won't be too thrilled but oh well!  Then, Saturday night is our Sunday School progressive supper.  And Sunday is Justin's mom's family gathering for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  They decided to just do one gathering this year!  See why I wanted my Christmas shopping done early???  Anways...hope you guys are getting into the Christmas spirit!!

Oh...BY THE WAY... we have some exciting news at the Turner household!!  Evan used the potty for the first time this week.  I haven't really been pushing the whole potty issue.  We bought a potty a few weeks ago and have just been introducing them to it.  So, it was much to our surprise & Evan's when he used the potty!  Emma is starting to tell us when she has gone to the bathroom...so potty training is going to start soon!  Hopefully that will go good! :)

Happy Thanksgiving!!

 We have so much to be thankful for!! 

                 
 Watching the Macy's Day Parade!                       Someone insisted on wearing her hat!

                                                                  

                      

  

      

Our "Thankful" tablecloth tradition that we started last year.  Each year everyone writes what they are thankful for each year.  This year Emma & Evan participated.  Emma was thankful for "Amos"...Katie & Matt's dog and Evan was thankful for pepsi! 

 

     

                                                                     George ready to eat!

 

     

The "Babbs" ready to eat!

 

The Romagnoli's ready to eat!
 
And the Turner's ready to eat!  Yes...my children did have on clothes but they are MESSY eaters and I am tired of ruining clothes with food stains!! :)

 

  Then, Evan got a hold of my camera and took Katie, Alison, & Emma's picture!

 

The next few pictures are from the Thanksgiving Feast at Learning Express.  

 

 

I just have to add this side note.  I thought it was kind of neat today that as I was doing my quiet time and was reading in John, chapter 6...these were the verses I read.  "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty!"  Just made me think that regardless of how much food we consumed today...without Jesus Christ in our hearts we will be never be full!  Hopefully all of you had a great Thanksgiving!!

I'm So Thankful...

Each day during the month of November people on Facebook will daily post what they are thankful for. I’ve never participated but I like to read what others are thankful for. Over the past couple days, I have been making a list of my 30 things I am thankful for. So, here is my list…it’s kind of lengthy…SORRY!! 1. I am thankful for our Heavenly Father…who despite all the wrongs I do…He still chose to die for me!! 2. I am thankful for my husband. Almost 15 years ago, we went on our first date and I have loved him ever since!! He always helps me at home, he very rarely tells me “no” when I want something (& when he does…he is usually right…I didn’t need it!!) and he is by far the best Daddy out there!! 3. I am thankful for Evan. He is the sweetest, most loving, hard-headed little boy I know. He melts my heart when he walks up to me, gives me a hug, & says I hug you! I love the fact that he likes to cuddle and that he loves to sing & dance with me. He is his mother made over!! 4. I am thankful for Emma. She is a fun-loving, mothering, bossy momma’s girl that I wouldn’t trade for anything!! Her little laugh is contagious and it can instantly make my day! I love to watch her play with her baby dolls and know she is going to be a perfect little momma one day! She likes to practice on Evan now!  5. I am thankful for my momma! I simply couldn’t make it without her. She has always done without things so we could have things. You never really appreciate your mom until you become one yourself and you finally realize the selflessness that comes along with being a mom! She is by far the greatest mom out there and I am so grateful she is mine!! 6. I am thankful for my daddy! I know that he will always be there if I ever need him! He loves to make up the craziest songs and will literally sing them at the craziest times. He is very handy to have around. He will fix anything but you might just end up with an oven knob as your temperature control in your car or duct tape and Velcro on your visor to help it stay up. It’s scary because I really think Evan is going to be a lot like him one day!! 7. I am thankful for my mama! She was such a sweet loving lady. She always looked so neat and smelled so good. I can still remember how soft her hands were and the scent of Oil of Olay because she used it daily! She was the best at brushing my hair because she didn’t hurt. Granted the knots were still there when she finished but she didn’t hurt. I can remember laying in her lap and her playing with my hair and her telling us we needed to put on a coat so we didn’t catch a cold. I will never forget the last time I spent with her. She was in the hospital and had been unresponsive for several days. We were taking turns spending the night up there and it was my night. Justin was asleep on the couch and I was sitting the chair beside her bed. I looked over and she was awake looking at me. This had to be like 2:00 in the morning. I remember I sat there for hours just talking to her. She never said a word to me but I knew it was going to be one of the last times I got to spend with her and I didn’t want to waste a second of that!! I will never forget that! 8. I am thankful for my papa! He was the Godliest man I have ever met! He never met a stranger and he truly cared about people! I remember he’d let us ride on the tractor with him while he cut hay and let us climb on the hay in the barn. He let us hold “Spooky’s puppies and even kept my favorite one out of the litter! He’d always pack us a snack for our trips to Columbia and would even stop on the interstate to get it for us when we got hungry! He was definitely one of a kind! He would be so proud of Evan’s love for cows!! 9. I am thankful for Grammy! She was a tough little lady and lots of people say I am just like her. Justin would probably agree! She lived a simple life as a mother of two rough little boys, who lost her husband at a young age. She never had much but what she did have she made herself. She always gave us crushed ice and ginger ale. That was so much fun crushing our ice! 10. I am thankful for Katie! She drove me crazy for many years but she is one of my best friends!! I know that she is always there if I need her. It makes me so happy to see Emma & Evan squeal with excitement when she walks in a room because they have a special love for Aunt Katie. She is definitely a strong Godly woman that I am so proud of!! 11. I am thankful for Matt. He is definitely the kind of man Katie needed! He tends to keep her under control. They have faced some tough things together and she couldn’t have picked anyone better for her husband! 12. I am thankful for Alison!! She is the best big sister even though she didn’t let us wear her clothes or read notes from her boyfriends!! She has been there for me in some of the most difficult times in my life. Even though she didn’t say much, her willingness to listen was exactly what I needed. She is a simple girl with a big heart! I look up to her in so many ways!! 13. I am thankful for Nick! He has definitely gotten Alison to do things I never imagined Alison doing!! He really seems to love her and after some of the things Alison has been through…she truly deserves that!! 14. I am thankful for George! He is the only uncle I have and no aunts! He’s been kind of in and out of our lives because of his work. He lived in Silverstreet, then Clemson, then North Carolina, back to Newberry, and now is in 96! I feel like we have gotten closer to him within the past few years since he has been back in town! 15. Speaking of town…I am thankful for 96! Sometimes living in a small time is a bad thing because everyone knows everyone’s business and they don’t mind telling it…but it can also be neat when a small town comes together to support one of its own! We’ve seen that a couple times here lately with the Praying for Craig signs and the 1 small town 1 big family shirts for Bobby Sargent. It is neat to come back for festivals and see people you haven’t seen in a while. Those type things don’t happen in big cities!! 16. I am thankful for South Main. It was very difficult to leave Siloam and a place that was so familiar but at this point in our lives we thought it was the best choice for us. We have met some really neat people! 17. I am thankful for our weekly bible study! It is time where us girls get together and learn about God! We always have a good snack, a good lesson, & good music. It’s even more special that Katie is the one leading it! 18. I am thankful for the men’s weekly bible study. Even though Justin doesn’t get to go every week…he really enjoys the weeks he gets to go! It is a great place for him to get to hang out with guys his age that are good Christian guys! 19. I am thankful for Learning Express! It isn’t your typical nursery! The hours are horrible for a working parent but I would do whatever I needed to to keep Emma & Evan there. I love the fact that they are learning about the Lord at such a young age! Each time Evan sings “This Little Light of Mine” or Jesus Loves Me”…it makes me appreciate Learning Express!! 20. I am thankful for Mrs. Melissa! She is Emma & Evan’s teacher at school right now. She is a super nice lady! I really think she has a kind heart and a love for kids. You have to to work in a room full of 2 year olds! My two are a handful by themselves!! Learning Express wouldn’t go on without teachers like Mrs. Melissa!! 21. I am thankful for Davis & Floyd! I have been working here 10 years now. It is not your typical company to work for! People here are so nice and considerate of each other. His Radio plays in our room every day! We have ladies bible studies during lunch and at each function a prayer is said before we eat! It is more like a big family rather than a company! 22. I am thankful for Gail Wilson! She is by far the best boss EVER!!! She completely understands the life of a working mom and has let me work an adjusted schedule for the past few years. She buys my kids things all the time. She is constantly doing things for me that normal bosses wouldn’t do. I know whenever I need prayer about something that I can go to her and she will pray for me. She is a very Godly woman and facilitates all the ladies bible studies we do here at work. She is one of a kind! 23. I am thankful for my coworkers! They listen to my numerous Emma & Evan stories, they listen to me complain about whatever might be on my mind, and they often come to me for advice. Not sure I am the appropriate one for the advice but it makes me feel good to know they value my opinion! 24. I am thankful for Eaton! Justin has been there 7 years now. I have hated all the overtime Justin has had to work in those 7 years but I am also thankful that when times got hard with the economy and all…his job seemed to pick up! We have been blessed that he was able to get a 1st shift job out there when he did, they helped him get his associates degree, and will help with his 4 year degree that I plan for him to start working toward soon!  25. I am thankful for friends! I have some of the best friends ever! Some of us have been friends for over 20 years now! Then, there are some that I have just met within the last year. Although life is busy and hectic right now and I don’t get to see many of them as much as I use too…I am still grateful to know they are always a phone call away!! 26. I am thankful for good health! For the most part I have been a fairly healthy person. After my numerous doctor visits this year you might would think otherwise but everything has always come back fine! 27. I am thankful for our house! It came along at just the right time. I am not sure where we would have put two babies in our old house! You know how you make that imaginary list of things your next house will have?? It had almost everything on my list. It had a garage, a dining room, a laundry room, a pool, and now it has a fireplace! So my list is complete! 28. I am thankful for my car! I LOVE my car! It is perfect for what we need. It wasn’t by any means what I had planned to get because honestly…I didn’t even know what a Traverse was! But I am so glad I saw it sitting on the lot! 29. I am thankful for Cody! His only care in this world is Justin Turner! He is an excellent dog and has been for almost 7 years! He is gentle with Evan and lets him hug all over him. Emma doesn’t get close enough for contact! 30. Lastly, I am thankful for the different seasons. I love the fresh flowers, & green grass of spring. I love the long hot days of summer where you can swim or eat ice cream and just enjoy outside time. I love the changing of the leaves in fall and the cooler t-shirt and jeans weather. I love the cold winter days where you get to wear jackets & scarfs and drink hot chocolate! For so many things I am thankful!!! Psalms 107:1

Happy 2nd Birthday!!!

At this time two years ago today...Justin and I were brand new parents!  We had no idea what was in store for us!  We were just thankful they were here, healthy & safe!  The past two years have been the most exciting two years of our lives.  These two kiddos are some of the sweetest, most precious children, who can also make us wonder why we ever thought we would make good parents.  Regardless of whether we've had good days or bad days...we just know that we were twice blessed two years ago and couldn't imagine our lives without these two little blessings!!  So, how did we celebrate our little ones turning two???  Justin and I got up extra early so we would be ready for work before they got up.  I even cooked us some blueberry muffins!  Their presents were in the kitchen waiting for them once I got them up.  Evan walked in the kitchen, turned and looked at us with his little look and said "Wooo".  They both loved their presents!!  Next year we will do presents after we get home from school because it was a fight to get dressed and in the car when all they wanted to do was play!!  Here are a couple pictures of them with their presents from me & Justin. 

  

         

 

             

 

 

Then it was time for our muffins, singing "Happy Birthday", and blowing out the candles.  Evan did so great blowing out his candles we let him blow out Emma's too!  She didn't want to do it! 

    

 

Then it was time to get dressed and ready for school.  I made them cute little shirts that said Birthday Boy & Birthday Girl!  They are the greatest pictures but considering my wiggly subjects...I was just happy with what I got!!   

 

 

 

 

 

That was it for our morning celebration and photo shoot.  I took cupcakes to their class at school for their party.  I was going to make these cute owl cupcakes for their party Saturday and even had all the stuff but I just ran out of time.  So, the class at school got the owl cupcakes.  Are these cute of what???

Not really sure why this picture is printing sideways...but at least you can see how cute the cupcakes were.  As soon as I got to their class they were in the bye bye buggy.  Emma immediately started crying to get out and for me to hold her.  Mrs. Melissa pushed them to the classroom and Evan went and sat at the table like a good little boy. 

 

And this is what Emma did when I tried to make her sit at the table like a good little girl should...

I am sure Evan is thinking..."What is wrong with her???"

But she got better and ate her cupcake! 

 

Tonight we celebrated one last time with dinner at O'Charleys!  We haven't been there in forever and it was YUMMY!!  So, it is time to bring this year's birthday celebrations to an end.  No worries though...I am already working on next years!! :)  I'll end today's post with again saying how blessed we are to have the most precious two year olds ever!!  We love you Emma & Evan!!  Happy Birthday!!

 

 

Party Time.....

I can't believe it is already time to celebrate my babies second birthday!!  We or rather I have planned and planned for this day!  The weather this time of year is so unpredictable!  It was like 70 degrees and gorgeous the weekend before our party.  Then, on Tuesday it was freezing cold and they were calling for snow.  So I wasn't sure what to expect.  I immediately began praying for good weather.  Saturday morning when we got up it was drizzling and cloudy!  Thankfully though the sky cleared and the sun came out about 9:00 and it was a PERFECT day!  Here are a few pictures of our day.  My camera ran out of memory right at the beginning of the party so I had to take pictures on Angela's camera.  She is going to get me those pictures soon...but between what I was able to take and the ones Janice gave me...I am able to post a few to the blog!  

 

  

 

 

Dessert table

 

The most perfect cakes...thanks to Trisha!!

 

   

 

 

The food table

Gift table & bean bag toss

Our decorated highchairs

A view of the party before it got started!

Me & my birthday girl!

Aunt Katie and my birthday boy!

The wind wouldn't let us light the candles...but we pretended!

Not only was the cake CUTE..

It was yummy too!!!

   

 

 

And we were able to get a picture with the hats balancing on their heads.  They wouldn't dare let me put them on for real! 

 

Evan's gifts &

Emma's gifts!  I'd say they are some pretty loved little ones!!!

 

They haven't gotten their gifts from mommy & daddy yet.  We are going to celebrate on their actual birthday and give them our gifts.  Come back to see pictures from their actual birthday!!