Oh Christmas Tree....

Yesterday, Andrew and I got our Christmas tree. It was a lot of fun, and I'm glad that we both had the time to spend together. We had pizza and watched some movies while we decorated it. I wanted to make cookies, but I never got around to it. Hope you enjoy some of the pictures below.

Picking out our Christmas tree....this was the one we finally settled on!

Decorating a tree makes you hungry. When you're married to Andrew Winburn and he's hungry...you order pizza!

decorating the tree

the finished product

Baby Wyatt is here!

Should have posted this earlier, but I am so thrilled to announce the birth of Wyatt Monroe Turner!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm pretty sure that he was born on Monday, 11-30-09 at 2:40 and weighed in at 8 lbs 91/2 ounces. In case some of you haven't put this together already, Wyatt is the son of Philip and Emily Ann Turner--Emily Ann is Andrew's younger sister. Baby Wyatt is doing so well, and big brother Manning is loving his new responsibility. I may have to steal some pictures from Philip's facebook, because I don't have any yet.

I was actually working right upstairs on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, so I got to see Wyatt every day (for the first three days of his life!)

These pics are stolen, but I'll put more up soon!!!!!!!!

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

Yes, Christmas is approaching, but as far as Andrew is concerned "the most wonderful time of the year" is hunting season. I got the opportunity to go with him on Friday! I've been hunting with the men in my family before, but it was rabbit hunting where you get to move....and talk...and have dogs with you!!! I won't lie to you...sitting in that stand for three hours, silent and still was a little tough. We managed though. Too bad all we saw was one deer. I did almost wet my pants when someone shot right on top of us (aka "really close")!!!! I had a lot of fun though, and I hope my schedule allows me to go again with Andrew.

in the stand

yeah, I can shoot a gun...

Happy Halloween!!

Halloween was the day after the big bonfire (which Andrew I didn't get home from until about 2:30am!) Needless to say, we slept in on Halloween Saturday! That morning we went and cleaned up the bonfire area, then came back so that I could clean the house!!! Am I the only one who absolutely LOVES this time of the week...or day???

Anyway, we only had two trick or treaters, but they were the cutest ones you've ever seen. Molly and Ellie came to visit us at the apartment that night. Lara Beth found the most adorable costumes for them this year! We let the girls pick a small fun size bag of candy, and then we loaded them down with HUGE Hershey Bars. I'm sure that Jay and Lara Beth loved that!

On Sunday, we went to First Baptist's fall festival. We met Philip, Emily Ann, and Manning there and took the girls. It was so nice this year with the pony rides, face painting, music, and food! The kids had a lot of fun....even though it was pretty chilly. For me, it was nice seeing some of the people that I saw every Sunday for 3 years. I love what Andrew and I are doing at generation church, but I sure do miss those people at FBC! What a great church!

Oh...one more thing that I just HAVE to tell you about. Mom and Dad came for the Vanderbilt/USC game a few weekends back and brought Halloween gifts with them. Gavin and Andrew got Starbucks cards (which are really neat, because they go on your keychain!) I got money for scrubs (much needed!) Anyway, we all got cards from them...except they weren't Halloween cards. Don't worry--they were Thanksgiving cards. Bless Dad's heart. He just saw all the orange colors and pumpkins and thought surely that he'd gotten Halloween cards. To top that off...Mom forgot to write in mine! It was pretty funny! Mom and Dad will probably kill me if they see this.

Oh well, Happy Halloween.

Let the bonfires begin...

If we must go through cold weather, then we at least need lots of bonfires, right? Last Friday night, our small group hosted a bonfire with food and pumpkin carving too! It was a lot of fun, and the weather was really perfect for it! We even pulled out the corn hole set. I am proud to say that Rachel and I beat two guys (who I won't name for their dignity!) I think it was luck, though!

We also had some great pumpkin carving! Some people (including my husband) got really creative...and I'm happy (and a little sad) to say that 1st prize went to Jay with his Clemson pumpkin. Andrew's pumpkin was Colonel Sanders from the famous Kentucky Fried Chicken, and I carved a ladybug pumpkin. I don't think pumpkin carving is my thing. I'm not too artistic...and it takes a long time to do! I think that may be all the pumpkin carving I'm good for!

Hope you enjoy the pictures from that night.

His may look better here, but the ladybug has stood the test of time and

held up better this week!

Love it!!!

our make shift hayride...hay on a trailer pulled by the four wheeler

the pumpkin carving station

some of the finished work

Tailgating!!!

Since we haven't had a home game in a couple of weeks, I thought I'd post a few pictures of tailgating this season. We have faithfully been at every home game, and we've always had food!

I recently babysat for one of my "friends from the North," and she and her husband were so puzzled by how crazy the tailgaters are down here in South Carolina. All I could say was, "Yeah, it's kind of crazy sometimes."

Some highlights from this season:

1. Certain "beverages" from fans behind us spilling all over where we're standing.

2. A fan with really long hair constantly "flicking" it on my shoulder throughout the WHOLE game...

3. Going from a wet and rainy tailgate at 1pm to bright, warm sunshine at 3pm, to a COLD game that night!

4. Fire ants...ouch.

5. Andrew squeezing into a toddler's football helmet.

6. Me maintaining my strong dislike of porta-potties....and my mom (who's never used one) actually using one!!!!!!

getting ready for the game to start

Andrew wearing Manning's helmet

us with a future Gamecock (Manning)

Oh yes, chocolate donuts shaped like footballs...

Loving on Levi...

I never posted pics of the newest addition to our family: Levi Valor Holland (my cousin Beth's first son!) He is so precious, and we are excited that Beth, Josh and Levster (as I like to call him) are moving closer to "home"--Charlotte, NC! Here are some pictures from that night when we all saw them. It's been months since I've since Beth, so it was too short...but so much fun! We tried to get a picture of Andrew holding Levi, but he didn't want anyone to get the wrong idea: that idea being that he's ready for kids ;-)

We love you, Levi!!!

Grannie (Mom's mom) holding Levi for the first time

I love this picture of Gavin and Levi!

Yes, we eat EVERY time we get together. Notice the mac and cheese and baked beans. These are Mom and Aunt Susan's specialties, respectively.

Levi and I are actually first cousins, once removed...but I promise it's like he's my nephew.

camo and carhartts

the typical outfit: Carhartt's, camo, and duck boots

I remember my childhood very well. I remember every Saturday --when Dad (and Gavin when he was old enough) would go hunting...all day! Mom and I got stuck with the fun stuff: grocery shopping, cleaning, folding clothes. We had a good time though. We went to the mall's Chick-fil-a a lot! Anyway...

So, for me...it's normal for a guy to hunt. Of course, I was thrilled when I first met Andrew and learned that he "liked" to hunt. "Like" isn't the word. This man loves it....which is fine by me! He even takes his i-pod sometimes and listens to sermons. Can you say multi-tasker??? I married a big time hunter, and I love that about him. I must admit, he could wear the outfit in the above picture every day, and I'd be fine with it!

Got the shot...

Tonight, Andrew and I went to get our flu shots...from none other than one of my favorite places--CVS. We didn't have to wait that long, and I was so good that I got a sticker and a lollipop. Andrew was just ready to get out of there. The nurse kept asking Andrew all these questions, and all he could say was "I'm just hungry."

I do have a small bone to pick with CVS though. So, (long story short) I have gotten into "couponing." I must say, I should have started a long time ago. I think it might be a bit addicting, but that's besides the point. Anyway, they have a book of coupons that are advertised as being available "when you get a flu shot." However, a bunch of web sites say that you can just walk into any CVS and pick one up since it's a "no purchase necessary" thing. Just yesterday, I was in CVS when I asked a salesperson where the free coupon books were. She says promptly, "Oh those are only if you've had a flu shot." Hmmm....

So tonight, after I got the shot, I asked the nurse for my coupon book. Yay! I earned it after all! Negative! "We're fresh out, honey...but, you can go to any CVS and pick one up. You know, you actually don't have to get a flu shot to get one of those??"

Salesperson at CVS yesterday: busted!!!!!

All I said was, "Hmm...I knew it!"

So, for all you couponers...don't believe the lie that you have to get a shot to get the book!

Supposed to share this a long time ago...

There are a few things that you learn (very quickly) when growing up in your home. For me, those were love God, don't disobey, and if you're going to cook something-- do it right! I am not saying that all the Brown-Weeks recipes are perfect, but I always thought so as a kid! Right before Andrew and I got married, I attempted the family recipe for macaroni and cheese (which my Grandmama would refer to as "cheese pie"...with good reason!) He loved it, and I've made it several times since then, so here it is for all you who I've promised I'll send it to.

Ingredients:

1 - 1 1/2 cups of noodles (cooked)

16 oz. extra sharp cheddar cheese (I always buy it in blocks and shred my own)

*For a really big mac and cheese, you can shred (4) 8oz. blocks, but (3) 8oz. blocks should be plenty

butter (sticks usually work best here)

1 can carnation milk

3 eggs

salt/pepper

-Butter the bottom and sides of your dish

-Start at the bottom with a layer of shredded cheese

-add some noodles

-add another layer of cheese, then dot with butter, and add a little salt and pepper

-repeat this pattern of layering until you get close to the top of your dish

-on top of the last layer, use salt and pepper and dot with butter

-Beat 3 eggs in a bowl and combine with can of carnation milk

-After mixing well, pour mixture over the macaroni (this can be tricky!). Make Sure to pour a little and give it time to settle before adding more.

-I usually pour until it looks like the liquid is getting close to the top, but if you want your mac and cheese extra soupy...then the milk should come to the top layer. You can always add more milk if necessary.

-Bake uncovered @375 for about 40-45 minutes. You'll know it's done when it starts bubbling and begins to turn brown on the top.

Secrets to this recipe:

-layer the dish starting and ending with cheese

-always use more cheese than noodles (this is the big time secret!)

-when cooked, don't try to eat it right away...it will need time to set

Have fun!

Good luck!!!!!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Last Thursday, Gavin, Andrew, and I carpooled home to Greenwood to surprise my Dad for his birthday. Mom had told him that they'd go to Capri's for dinner, but he had NO idea that we'd show up too. It was great to surprise him! This was the first time that I'd seen my parents since the wedding, so it was great going home for that reason too. Mom had wanted to go to Starbucks after dinner, but Dad and Andrew had other plans...that included watching the Clemson game on the new flat screen TV. Can you believe that Dad actually pulled for Clemson???? I was floored. He dislikes Georgia Tech THAT much! It was a crazy game (as you probably know), and we actually took the third quarter to watch our wedding dvd with Mom and Dad, while Gavin took a nap in Dad's new recliner! They were very pleased with it, and we even caught the part in the wedding where one of our ferns caught on fire. Did any of you notice that?? Yep...a fire at our wedding. Marshall (the groomsmen all the way at the top) put it out. Apparently, the wax off the candles caught a part of the fern on fire. I think it was during a prayer or something. So, obviously Andrew and I had no clue. We heard from a few guests about it happening. Of course, my brother noticed. I'm surprised that he wasn't laughing out loud during the prayer ;-)

I'm posting a picture that we took of Dad at the restaurant on his birthday. Happy Birthday, Dad. You'll never know how thankful I am for you. I love you very much!

Eating some of Dad's cheescake...Andrew's thinking about it

Church signs never cease to amaze me. I'm not telling you where this is, but if you are smart...you can figure it out. We also saw a sign on the way to Greenwood that said "Cricrets." I think what they meant was that they were selling Crickets. Just a thought...

Pre-Wedding Pictures...

The wedding has come and gone, but I wanted to post a few pre-wedding pictures, including some from the rehearsal. There aren't too many, but we got these from some friends. It was a great night. Our rehearsal was so organized, and all of our wedding party members were on the ball. Afterwards, we had the best low country boil--just what Andrew wanted! We had a slide show and even a special surprise video from Beth (my first cousin/more like my sister) who couldn't be there. It was a very special night!

Walking back down the aisle. This was surreal.

One day away....

The "favor table" at the dinner with coke cups. If you don't know already, Andrew's always drinking out of restaurant style coke/pepsi glasses. I mean...it's constant. So, his mom thought to give coke cups filled with candy at the rehearsal dinner.

Part of Andrew's packing...I just thought this was a great picture. Notice the sour patch kids, bug spray, citronella candles, etc. He had to bring a few things that I didn't know about...since he was surprising me with the trip to Mexico!

I had to stick this one in here for a few reasons:

1. I am proud of my husband's hunting

2. Doesn't he look pretty good in front of that four wheeler?

**This just in** Andrew would like for me to add that this was the week of the wedding. Yes, I'm a good girl, and I didn't stop him from hunting. He would also like for you to know that he shot this deer because it was defective. Well, it had bad genes and needed to be taken out of circulation. Ok, I think that clears things up.

Welcome back to reality...

It's been one week since Andrew and I returned from our honeymoon. I wish we could go back! It's been a crazy week here in Columbia. We've spent it organizing the new apartment, sorting through gifts (wow...our friends and family are generous), changing my name, getting new licenses, watching Carolina football (of course), writing thank you notes, looking for a job, and more!!!!!!! It sure is different living with a man, but I've lived with Gavin (my brother) before so....you know I should be able to handle it. Love you, Gavin!

I wanted to post at least a few pictures from the honeymoon. If you didn't already know, Andrew surprised me as we were leaving the church with the news that we were going to Mexico. We stayed in the Riviera Maya near Cancun. It was amazing. We were able to have the all-inclusive option with food...all the time! Seriously, by the end of the trip when we asked for room service, they were asking us how many people we were trying to feed. I guess that's what happens when you order 4 entrees. The food was amazing, and if you go to my facebook pictures--you'll see it all!

Here are some pictures from our trip!

Our first order from room service after we arrived on Sunday night. Yes, those are chicken nuggets that I was eating!

Andrew in the pool lounge chairs

our view every day from the cabana by the pool

the shower!

This thing had doors leading out to it, and a straw roof-top, making it outdoors (sort of)

dinner at the beach on Thursday night

5 more days!

Well...it's finally here! After 5 1/2 months of planning, Andrew and I will be getting married this Saturday. I keep getting all the questions...



"Are you nervous?"



"What do you have left to do?"



"Do you think you're going to cry? What about Andrew?"



It is so surreal being on the other end of those questions this time. To answer them--



1. I'm not nervous...just really excited and ready for all the wedding events to start!

2. I think of more things to do every day! Even with Craig and White Tent Event helping us, there is a lot left to do!

3. About the crying...I have no idea. I don't think Andrew will, but I won't be surprised if I shed a few tears.



Some things we still have to do:

-pack for the honeymoon

-write thank you notes

-wrap bridesmaid gifts

-pay bills

-change bag in the vacuum

-iron (a lot!)

-make room for Andrew at the apartment ;-)



Those are just a few.





Today, Gavin and I came home to Greenwood for the night. We ate at the house with Mom and Dad. It was so much fun just to be together again. I'm not going to say it's the last time, since I'm getting married...not disappearing!



Also, Mom and I had a mini wedding shower at the house today. She had about 20 gifts in her car that we opened. It was so much fun! I have a lot to carry back to Columbia tomorrow. That's for sure.

Well, that's all for now. I'd like to say that I'll make another post before the wedding, but I can't guarantee it!