The Bridgers Bunch

Great Lessons to live by....

2011-05-23T12:28:00.003-04:00

....these were borrowed from Dawna's blog (from a book she was reading. They were to wonderful not to share!

1- Always stay on the path. Do not take any shortcuts.
Don't be distracted by those who want us to follow the easy pleasures of life instead of staying faithful to God's ways of living, which will keep us walking with Him.
2- Remember that although you are traveling alone, you are not really alone.
As long as we are God's children, He is always with us. (Matthew 28:20)

3- Use your greatest gift while Crossing (or on your journey)
God has given each of us gifts to use for His guidance, He will give us the wisdom to make wise decisions in life.

4- The path will always show itself if you wait.
If we are patient and ask God for His guidance, He will give us the wisdom to make wise decisions in life.

5- Only those brave enough to make Crossing (the Christian journey) alone are ready to work for the Restoration of others.
Our faith is a personal faith. We can't depend on the faith of others to get us through. God wants to have a relationship with each of us as individuals, and then we can work together to accomplish His purposes.

Rules for Protection:

1- Whenever you live as a One Only, you are in danger.
We all need the help of others to keep us doing right. When we isolate ourselves, we are more vulnerable to sin.

2- Whenever the hum of the hatchet becomes foolishness, you are in danger.
We must take seriously God's Word and His ways. If we think they are silly, unnecessary, or outdated, we will be more easily influenced by the ways of the world.

3- When you forget to keep watch for the King, your are in danger.
We need to keep an eternal perspective, remembering that what we do for God's Kingdom is truly the only thing that matters.

4- When you begin to keep secrets from your close friends, when you find that you love darkness more than light, then you are in great danger.
It is important not to hide our sin from those who care about us. If we start doing things in secret, we can develop habits of sin that become harder and harder to break. God has provided a way to deal with sin so that we don't have to live with it. The sooner we confess our sin, the easier it is to become free from sin's hold on us.

Almost forgot I even had a blog......

2011-04-27T12:53:00.005-04:00

Boy has a lot happened since I posted here last. Speaking of boys...meet our newest addition Baby Will. William Thomas Bridgers (aka Baby Will) joined our family on March 10, 2011 at 1:02am. He weighed in at 7 lbs 5 oz and 20-1/2".

We have been very busy with all three boys since then.
Now we are in full swing with baseball and t-ball. Both boys seem to be enjoying their teams.

The weather is getting warmer and Spring seems to be in full swing. We are enjoying being able to get outside some to play. The boys have even snuck the water hose out and played in it.
Can't wait for summer except that means I will have to go back to work. Wish I could just stay home a little longer, but staying home sure is not gonna get the bills paid.

Santa sure was good to us!

2010-12-27T08:12:00.004-05:00

We had such a great Christmas. The boys got all their little hearts desired (which suprisingly was not that much this year). They have told us that it was the best Christmas ever, which just makes my heart melt.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T22:56:00.001-05:00

Hope everyone is as excited as we are about Christmas!

Busy as Bees

2010-10-30T16:32:00.005-04:00

We sure have been busy as Bees around our house. As I am sure everyone is. Wyatt and Warren are growing so fast and enjoying this school year. Warren is learning so many new things, Ann Street has sure been a blessing for him. Wyatt loves Mrs. Piner's 3rd grade class and is making great strides in his work. Baby Bridgers is growing and growing and so am I. We had our 19 week ultrasound 2 weeks ago and according the ultrasound tech was trying to reveal his or her identity, but we chose to not find out.

Last week Mama, Aunt Marcella and myself joined Warren and his preschool class on a field trip to Mike's farm. We had fun riding on the hay ride, going to pick our pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, sampling apple cider and shopping at the bakery.

Yesterday Wyatt and Warren both had Halloween class parties. There is way to much candy in this house after all of that. Last night we went to the church's fall festival and enjoyed some good food, fun and fellowship.

Today Wyatt and I enjoyed each other's company over lunch at Olive Garden and a little shopping. Warren was busy having fun at Nana's house. Todd has been hunting in Pungo for the past 2 days and is due to arrive home later today. Well, it is just about time to go Trick or Treating as our neighborhood is getting the festivities started a day early this year. Happy Halloween to everyone!

Oh Baby....

2010-08-16T16:33:00.002-04:00

First doctor's visit today. Everything is going great. Little one has a strong heartbeat and was already moving his/her arm. Wednesday will be 11 weeks down and 29to go!

Oh, Vacation why did you go by so fast?

2010-07-10T09:32:00.009-04:00

We are back home from our vacation! We had so much fun and made a lot of good memories with the boys, but it went by to fast. We left on Sunday, July the 4th and headed up to Williamsburg, VA. Traffic was not to bad, but with two little boys it took longer than it should, but that is ok, we had fun. We arrived at our hotel the Crowne Plaza around 5:00pm. We unpacked the truck, got our room all settled and headed straight for the pool. Todd headed over to Chili's to pick up our dinner. We ate poolside and had a very yummy dinner.

The next day we were off to Busch Gardens despite the heat. Plenty of cool spots there to cool down. Including the splash pools in the kids areas. Around 4pm or so we headed back to the room to rest. We played in the pool at the hotel some more, because little boys can never get enough of a pool. Wyatt met a little friend Hailey that he wanted to be pen pals with, but he forgot her room number and could not give her his address (he was so dissapointed). That night at our hotel in the courtyard they showed a movie and we could see it perfectly from our balcony, so we were entertained watching them make homemade pizza's in a brick oven and watching the movie (Wyatt thought this was awesome).

On Tuesday we headed to Water Country, it was still pretty hot, but we managed to keep cool on the water slides and kiddie pools. We ended our day there with several trips around Hubba Hubba Highway (a fast moving lazy river), both of the boys loved this. After getting back to the hotel and resting for a bit we headed to Wyatt's favorite restaurant...Olive Garden. The food was wonderful and we payed cash so no one there could steal our credit card number (which happened last year).

On Wednesday we had breakfast at Cracker Barrell (yummy) did a little shopping, visited some sites in Colonial Williamsburg and was lazy until the afternoon when we went back to Busch Gardens. Wyatt got overheated and complained of a headache and tummy ache. By the time we got him back to the room he was miserable, so he went straight to bed. Poor guy had a headache all night, but he was better in the morning.

On Thursday, the boys stayed with Todd while I did some more shopping. Later that afternoon I took them to Target for awhile and Todd hung out at the room. While we were gone the power went out at our hotel. Thankfully it was only out a couple of hours. That afternoon we headed back to Bush Gardens, the weather was so much cooler and the boys had the most fun they had probably had all week. They both got their faces painted like spiderman and we enjoyed some italian food. They both watched the fireworks from inside the truck and enjoyed them without being scared for the first time. I think we all slept really good Thursday night, they were two very tired little boys with two very tired parents.

Friday morning we sadly packed up and left Williamsburg (Wyatt cried when we left the hotel, but Warren wanted to get home to see his Molly dog). The trip home was a lot quicker and the boys did really well (what did we do before portable DVD players???). Now we are home, laundry is washing, suitcases put away, and a lot of good memories we will keep with us forever.

Summer Seems To Be In Full Swing

2010-06-13T08:01:00.005-04:00

Well, Summer is not officially here until later this month, but it seems to be in full swing around our house. We have had our first boating trip (even if the motor did start acting up when we got back to the dock). We have been to the beach a few times, Cedar Island a couple of times and the boys are living it up in the pool at Nanny's house. They are getting tan already.
The weather is wonderful and we have been spending a lot of time outdoors, we even have a small garden for the first time. Wyatt has finished 2nd grade and I can hardly believe he is a 3rd grader now. Baseball season has come to an end and we enjoyed a party for all the boys at Emerald Isle water slides last weekend to celebrate. Yesterday Wyatt had a swim/playdate with his best friend, Miss Rebekah, at her pool and he let Warren and I tag along.
Tomorrow he will be attending his first camp and is very ecxited. It will be day camp (Mom is not ready for one of those overnighters yet and he's not either) called Camp Invention, a science camp, he can hardly wait. Warren is having blast because he is such a little adventurer and loves being outside. He is only going to preschool one day each week during the summer, just to keep him going (to prevent any meltdowns at the beginning of next year).
In a few weeks we will be leaving for our vacation and I wish it was tomorrow.

Todd and I are so thankful for our life, we have such wonderful kids, good jobs and an incredible family. Recently Danielle posted about being thankful for what she has. Well, it made me realize that the little things in life are what is important. We can't dwell on the things that happen everyday, but remember when they do that there is still so much to be thankful for.
I don't know what I would do without my husband, my boys and my family. They are everything to me. I look around each day while I am at work and wonder just how some of these kids are going to make it in life. They don't even have the simplest of things. I am not talking about things that can be bought, but a lot of them don't even have LOVE. Children can't thrive without love and it is apparent in a lot of these kids that there is no love or very little in the place they call home or with the people they call their family. So today I pray that everyone can start to realize that money can not buy happiness, but love can take you a very long way. So today on this Lord's Day, may each and everyone be blessed with love, because our Heavenly Father loves us unconditionally, something that we rarely find in this Earthly life. God Bless each and everyone of you!

I am a bad blogger......

2010-05-29T08:27:00.004-04:00

Where does the time go, I don't know, but it's gone! Time is flying by so quickly it is hard to believe that Wyatt is almost done with 2nd grade and will be a big 3rd grader soon (I'm already dreading the EOG's). Warren, is well Warren. He is enjoying his time at preschool and will be moving up to the 3 year old class in the fall. Summer is almost here and we are getting very excited about enjoying some boating, beach, and Cedar Island time. We are planning our annual vacation to Busch Gardens for July and I think I may be more excited than the boys. We are getting to stay a whole week this year and I can't wait to get away. We have been very busy with school, baseball and LIFE. Here are some pics of the things that have kept us too busy to blog this spring.

February was a whirlwind...

2010-02-28T18:49:00.008-05:00

We have survived February and all of the birthdays. Our boys have grown so much over the past year, it is so hard to believe that they are 8 and 3.

I had my birtday on February 6th. I also can't believe I am 32. I remember clearly when I thought that was old. However, I no longer feel that way. The boys keep me young, at least young at heart.

Warren had his birthday on February 8th with a Thomas Party. We had a lot of fun with friends. We had hot dogs, cake and ice cream.

Two weeks later on Feb. 21st Wyatt celebrated his 8th birthday at the Eastern Athletic Club pool. He had a blast splishing and splashing with all of his friends and family. We had a really cool Hot Wheels "cupcake" cake. We have decided with all of these birthdays in one month that Wal-Mart bakery is our hero. They really do make great cakes, not only do they taste good, but they are really cute too.

Glad to see March come in no matter if it is like a LION or a LAMB....at least it is here! We are so ready for summer and warm weather. We can't wait for boating, beach and vacation.

A Friendship Prayer

2010-02-03T21:12:00.000-05:00

Dear Lord, Thank you for the love you've placed in my life through the friends you've given me. They bring me warmth when the days are cold, music when I'm overwhelmed by silence, joy when sadness dawns above and below me. May I be a loving friend to each one of them as well. Fill me anew with your love that I may pass it along. Amen. (Friendship is a blessing, A Hallmark Book)

I can't believe he's almost 3!

2010-02-01T21:14:00.003-05:00

Seems like yesterday that I was 9 months pregnant with my little man. At that time we did not know if he was a boy or girl. Now he is a walking, talking, all boy toddler! Where does the time go. His "Thomas Party" is this weekend and it is so cute to see him get so excited about it.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2009-12-26T20:59:00.003-05:00

Boy did we have a great Christmas this year. We have eat enough to last all next year. We have enjoyed spending time with our families and friends. We are exhausted though. Since Thanksgiving we have had something every weekend and things in between.
1st weekend of December--> Myrtle Beach Trip
2nd weekend of December--> Greenville Shopping Trip
3rd weekend of December--> Christmas Pary at our house
4th weekend of December--> Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

We have enjoyed every minute of and are looking forward to 2010 with our wonderful family. The boys are growing so fast and will soon have their birthdays. Just can't figure out where the time goes. Hope everyone else had a Merry Christmas. We are praying for everyone to have a blessed and prosperous New Year!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2009-12-02T20:45:00.006-05:00

We have almost all of our Christmas decorations up, just a few more to go. We have bought a few presents and plan to buy more in Myrtle Beach this weekend and then Greenville next weekend. I can't hardly wait. The boys are making their wishes and plan to write their letters to Santa this week. Wyatt is wishing for a Wii (thanks to his Sissy...thanks Danielle) and Warren is wishing for a "choo--choo" (any train will do he is currently obsessed with them. I just love the looks on their little faces Christmas morning...it is truly priceless.

We have so much to be thankful for this year.
1) God is so gracious to us in numerous ways!
2) We are all healthy and happy!
3) We both still have our jobs!
4) Our parents are still with us!
5) Baby Avery and Baby Marlee joined our family!
6) We have all we need and much more!
7) and many....many more!
Praise be to God because without him none of this would be possible. Hope and happiness are only possible through him. Wishing all of you a very safe and happy Christmas Season.

This was Warren when he fell asleep playing in the boat while we were cleaning out the garage and getting Christmas decorations out of the attic! The sandals and socks were only because he had run through so many mud puddles we had run out of shoes. It was too cold for just the sandals! He's gonna hate me for this one day!

Have a blessed Veterans Day from...Our little Cub Scout

2009-11-08T21:54:00.002-05:00

Todd and Wyatt were in the Veterans Day Parade yesterday in Morehead. They had a good time. Warren and I watched the parade from the side lines and had a good time also. We got a lot of candy (like we neeeded that with all of the Halloween candy we have left). Wyatt was so handsome in his uniform...he loves the Scouts. He got a chance to salute some of the service men and women who were on stage and they saluted back. Todd said Wyatt was so proud..he was just beaming! May God Bless all of those who have fought for our freedoms and those who continue to fight. Thank a verteran or current service person today! Always remember our Freedom is not FREE!

Happy Halloween 2009

2009-11-01T16:06:00.002-05:00

We had a blast last night Trick or Treating.

Wyatt's suprise......

2009-10-12T20:33:00.006-04:00

Wyatt had such a good week at school. We were so proud of him for trying so hard. He got a "Good" note sent home everyday.....last week. We decided to suprise him by taking him to one of his favorite spots...MacDaddy's. We all went bowling and played in the arcade. Spent a lot of money, but it was worth it to see them have such a good time. Seeing Warren in those little bowling shoes was worth it all.

Time for an update....

2009-09-07T15:54:00.021-04:00

Well I would try to make some really good excuses as to why I have not posted for over a month, but there really are none. Just slack I guess. So, I find myself here in the house today with two little boys who seemed to be occupied playing with Warren's new train and a husband who is busy doing some repairs and it is raining cats and dogs...so here we go with an update.

Well, there is a lot to catch up on:

1) Vacation Bible School 2009

2) Camp Caroline Day in Pamlico County (yes, down in the County)

3) School shopping and a trip to Chuck E. Cheese (alone with the two monkeys)

4) A last hoorah for the summer to the Cape before school starts

5) A trip to Washington for Lily's 1st Birthday party

6) The first day of school (watch out 2nd grade here comes Wyatt)

7) Todd's Doctor appointment for all of his stomach troubles (with many more to come)
(Warren was so cute trying to help his Daddy be brave!)

8) My Daddy's Birthday (then 3 more family birthday's this month...going to be broke--J/J)

9) Fun Labor Day Weekend at Cedar Island (Boy did we have a good time. Slept over Saturday night and then played in the cool weather all day Sunday)

10) And then this rainy day...Who says you can't go out and play when it is raining?

And the best for last....Warren is doing great at Potty Training wearing big boy underwear all day. Good Bye diapers...hello pay raise!

** I know...I know that made for one really long post...I will try to do better from here on out. Hope you had as much fun this summer as we have. Wyatt had his first spelling test for the year and got a 93..hip hip hooray! Warren is such a big boy now, it hurts my feelings. Todd and I are great and thank God daily for what he has given to us. We may not be rich, but we are blessed beyond all the money in the world. We have our faith, freedom to worship, children, jobs, health and our love for each other. I really don't know what else we could ask for! I mean don't get me wrong the lottery would be nice, but we are happy just the way we are!

Here are some pics that were just to cute not to share>>>>>>>>>>>

"Like Peas and Carrots"

2009-08-02T18:39:00.005-04:00

Wyatt had a blast with his best friend today. They became best friends two years ago in kindergarten! They are so cute...I just loved sitting in the front seat of the truck listening to them talk about "life." Oh, for the simple things in life and to be kids again.

Just pray that these two do not get seperated in 2nd grade! They will both be so lost if they don't have each other!

~```~ Happy Birthday Sissy ~```~

2009-07-26T10:21:00.005-04:00

Yesterday we hung out with Sissy and Tony to celebrate her birthday (no I'll never tell how old she is. We had a blast. We went to the Cape, but for a short time before it looked like a thunderstorm was heading our way. We headed back and went to Shackelford and spent a few hours (of course as soon as we left the Cape the storm cleared and it was beautiful, oh well). We had fun playing in the water and sand with the kids. It is so much fun having our kids grow up together, this is what family is all about.

Last night we also went to dinner with them at Texas Steakhouse. After many prayers that Tsunami buffet would be packed out so we would not have to go there (just kidding), Sissy called and said she wanted to go to Texas Steakhouse. We had a good time and wish Sissy many more Happy Birthdays!

Having Fun with Avery.....

2009-07-11T17:08:00.004-04:00

Avery came to spend the day with us today. Boy did we have fun. She is such a good girl. Thanks for coming to play with us today Avery, hope you had fun. Come back anytime. Love Ya.

~ Vacation was so much fun ~

2009-07-06T20:37:00.009-04:00

Well we took our annual trip to Williamsburg. We left on Wed. afternoon after picking Todd up in Havelock when he got off work. We made it to our room at the Crown Plaza in Williamsburg about 8:30pm and unpacked and got ready for the next day. The boys actually slept in til about 8:30am the next morning (which by the way is unheard of for Warren, he is usually up no later than 7:00am) which was very nice. We got up ate a little breakfast and headed to water country for a day of fun and splashing.

After a full day of splishing and splashing we headed back to our room to clean up and get ready for a really yummy dinner at Olive Garden. It was a really yummy dinner. Warren entertained for US Navy Customs officers who were sitting behind us for their entire meal. They were very nice to say that they enjoyed his company as he peered over the booth at them during their entire meal. They did not seem bothered by him and played with him the whole time. The more we tried to get him to turn around and leave them alone the more they enticed him to turn around.

On Friday we headed to Busch Gardens. We arrived just as the park was opening and stayed all day. We had a blast. The kids really enjoyed our lunch with Elmo. This was new to the park this year. It was a buffet lunch and a meet and greet with the Sesame Street Characters. Wyatt and Warren both enjoyed meeting them, dancing with them and taking pictures with Elmo and Big Bird. Then we were off to find all of the kids rides. Warren however is the much more adventurist of our two children. He was not afraid of anything. We caught a glimpse of the fire works as we left the park that night.

Saturday we returned to Busch Gardens for a few hours. We were so tired from the two previous days that we came back to the room and took a swim in the hotel pool. We then had tacos from Taco Bell for our July 4th dinner at an outside table by the pool. We were all kind of sad that it was our last night on vacation. We got up the next morning packed up and left the hotel headed for Cracker Barrel for some yummy breakfast. After a minor meltdown from Warren we enjoyed our breakfast and then hit the road for home. The boys did really great, but were glad to be home and free of the car when we arrived back at our house. Here are a few pictures from the ride home.

"Are we there yet?"

"No, Bubba we are not there yet,
would you please stop asking!"

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T07:14:00.006-04:00

Daddy's Big Helper....

Boy is he a Daddy's Boy!

This was Warren's favorite nap place!

Warren just thinks that his Grandaddy is the best!

Wyatt has always had Grandaddy wrapped around his little finger.

Myrtle Beach trip with my Mom and Dad.

This is me with Santa (my Dad, I did'nt even know).

See I have always been a Daddy's girl

I want to wish two of the very best men I have ever met a very Happy Father's Day. These two men are my father and my husband. I hope both of you have the very best day ever. My dad is a wonderfully caring, giving and hard working man. I found these same qualities in the man I married. Even though I may get a little frustrated from time to time. I do truly realize how fortunate I am that I have my husband. He is faithful, loving and very supportive. Most of all he is an awesome dad, just like my dad.

The Mentos Experiment....

2009-06-01T22:25:00.004-04:00

We brought Wyatt a new gadget at Cracker Barrel this weekend. You use a 2L diet drink (diet is not sticky). There is a small cylinder tube that you place on the top of the bottle and drop in one Mint flavored Mentos and an explosion of soda 20 feet high blasts out. It was so cool....he loved it.
He also loved the Whoopee Cushion....you know little boys think that sound is just hilarious (and big boys too).

123 Sesame Street.....

2009-05-31T21:04:00.002-04:00

Todd, Warren and I went to Raleigh this weekend for Sesame Street Live. We had a good time. Warren had fun at the show, Todd had fun napping at the hotel and I had fun SHOPPING. We got home this evening and picked up Wyatt and headed back to 202 Gull Court from 123 Sesame Street.

Wyatt hung out with my parents this weekend and enjoyed a trip to the movies with his best friend Rebecca from school. This was Wyatt's first outting with a friend, he had a blast. They went to see Disneys new movie...Up. Wyatt gave it 2 thumbs up. He said it was G-R-E-A-T.

Salt+ Sun + Sand + Cedar Island = Heaven on Earth

2009-05-25T20:29:00.009-04:00

Boy did we have fun this weekend. Todd, Warren, Molly and myself left yesterday afternoon to head to Cedar Island to meet Wyatt and my parents. We had so much fun just enjoying ourselves. Wyatt and Warren enjoyed their cousins that they don't get to see very often. We went out in the boat with Buddy and Christie and all of the kids today. While the kids played in the water Todd and I caught some clams. (well I can't lie Todd caught most of them). After a little too much salt, a little too much sand and a little too much SUN! We headed back to the shore for a seafood feast. Boy were those BBQ mullets, steamed clams, fried soft crabs, potatoes, cucumbers, baked beans, corn bread and Sweet Tea GOOD. Well, now we have packed up and made our way back home. Wyatt is really sad that his fun weekend is over and started crying when he had to get in the car. Now, for the AFTER BURN and laundry. Can't wait to do it all over again. Only a couple of pictures to post......to busy playing to take pics. Maybe next time.

Fun in the Sun!

2009-05-23T14:21:00.003-04:00

Well, yet again Wyatt has forsakened us for the "Beach House." I can't say that I blame him and we all plan on joining them down there later today. Warren and I had a little fun out side with this new pool today. These are the sweetest pics of him. Don't let him fool you these were just luck shots, he really was not all that still. He is a very, very, very, very, very busy, but sweet boy. Hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend.

Oh, Tooth Fairy...Please be good to me!

2009-05-19T21:18:00.004-04:00

Wyatt lost his first tooth tonight. Oh, was he excited. It has been hanging by a thread for the past few days and tonight he was really brave. He tried first to pull it out himself, but after many failed attempts he decided he would trust his Mommy. One pull and he did not even realize it was out. This is the cutest "toothless grin" I think I have ever seen. Wyatt calls this his cheesy smile with a missing tooth. He has safely tucked his tooth in his tooth fairy pillow (small tooth shaped blue pillow with a pocket on the front for the tooth and a pocket on the back for the loot from the tooth fairy) under his pillow. We found this little treasure (the tooth fairy pillow) at the Dollar tree about 3 years ago and Wyatt has had it in safe keeping in his sock drawer ever since. He has anxiously been anticipating using it since last year when all of his classmates started losing their first tooth. Well, his big day or night I should say has finally come. We will post later on his big surprise from the tooth fairy. Please pray for the tooth fairy that she does not get a broken leg or wing trying to retrieve that tooth as Wyatt has set out a couple of traps for her trying to catch her tonight.

Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails.....That's what little boys are made of....

2009-05-16T20:44:00.005-04:00

Wyatt took off and left us today for a fun filled weekend get away at the "Beach House" with Nanny, Grandaddy and Carson. So Warren, Todd, Molly and I had fun just hanging out today. Although Warren has really missed his Bubba and has been looking for him and calling for him all day (it was kind of sad). Here are some pics of us playing outside this evening. Warren caught a frog in his bug catcher, he thought this was really cool. He reluctantly let him go after about an hour to go and find his frog mommy. Now we are watching "Ice Age" and eating some Easy Mac.

~~ Happy Easter 2009 ~~

2009-04-12T20:46:00.005-04:00

Hope everyone had a great Easter. May you be blessed by our Lord who loves us so much he died for our sins. God Bless Everyone.

Opening Ceremonies 2009------"Go Cubs"

2009-04-04T21:22:00.003-04:00

Wyatt had his opening ceremonies for the 2009 baseball season. He has gone from feeling like he did not want to play baseball this year to being absolutely in love with baseball. He has improved so much since last year and has matured so much.

They started with a parade down Front Street in Beaufort with all of the Beaufort teams from the Post Office to the Maritime Museum. From there they rode the double decker bus to Freedom Park. They went out on the field to be recognized where the first pitch of the Season was thrown out by a member of the VFW (our teams sponsor).

We had great fun, but unfortunately Daddy (Todd) had to work and was not able to be there. He is helping coach so we are hoping that he won't have to work every Saturday.

Check out the new look...I finally made it a "cute" Blog

2009-03-27T22:50:00.002-04:00

I am so proud that I finally figured out how to make a "cute" blog. I figured I would post a few new pics of our monkeys. They do love bath time and usually need it by the end of their day. Molly is probably the cleanest of the three of them---sad but, true. I love the pic of Cowboy Warren (he is trying to live up to his name sake---Warren Earp----Wyatt Earp's younger brother). Can you tell my husband really loves westerns.

HAPPY 7th BIRTHDAY WYATT !!!!!

2009-02-21T22:05:00.003-05:00

We had a great party this evening. Wyatt turned 7 today, it is so hard to believe. He had a blast at his Redskins Tailgate Party. Thanks to everyone who came and all of the great gifts.

Can he really be turning "7"

2009-02-15T22:43:00.002-05:00

It seems like yesterday that my little man was born. Now he is getting ready to turn seven. I now realize what all those adults meant when I was little about how quick kids grow up and as you get older the faster time flies. It sure does seem to be flying before my eyes.

Happy 2nd Birthday Warren

2009-02-07T21:49:00.004-05:00

Warren had a blast at his second birthday party. He is currently obsessed with ELMO. So, we had our own Elmo's World at our house for his party. Thanks to everyone who came and for all of the great presents.

AVERY LANE BANKS

2009-02-03T21:42:00.002-05:00

She is finally here. AVERY LANE BANKS was born January 30, 2009 at 12:32pm. She was 7lbs 3oz and 19 inches long. She is finally home in the big town of Cove City. Avery has the best parents in the world, she is a very blessed little girl.

Some cute pictures...

2009-01-26T21:24:00.002-05:00

While we await the arrival of one niece, I thought I would share some pics of the other new niece. Boy are we going to have a lot of Birthdays after Christmas.

~~S~N~O~W~~

2009-01-20T17:10:00.005-05:00

Yeah---it's snowing really hard at our house right now. We have just come back in from playing in it. The kids had a blast as you can tell from the pictures. Warren loves it, he calls in "NO" and it is so cute. Hope everyone is getting some snow and having as much fun as we are. We have just finished warming up with some hot chocolate. Now we are chilling in front of the TV.

Marlee Hayden Brittingham

2009-01-16T22:52:00.003-05:00

She is finally here. Robby and Wendy had their baby yesterday at 4:24pm. She is beautiful. She was 9 lbs even and 22 inches long. Mama and baby are doing great and came home this evening. Carson loves her new baby sister and is just the best big sister.

I can't hardly believe it................

2009-01-16T22:47:00.000-05:00

Been meaning to post these pics......

2008-12-28T21:14:00.007-05:00

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"I think he is telling Nana how he wants his hair cut :)"

Warren had his first haircut the week before Christmas, Decemeber 18th. He was such a good boy, of course a little candy helped him along. He did not really have a lot of hair to cut, so it was more like a hair trimming.

Wyatt also had his class Christmas party on Dec. 18th. We had so much fun. I was elected (or volunteered by Wyatt, not sure which) to bring the cupcakes again. I was wishing that I had not spent so much time on the halloween cupcakes at this point. However, I could not send any old cupcake after sending the other, so off to the kitchen I went the night before after work to create some "cool cupcakes" as Wyatt referred to them. They turned out pretty good, even though the snowmen looked as though they were melting by the time we got to the party. Oh, well the kids did not care. They were excited to figure out all of the components of the decorations on the cupcakes. This time we made, Santa faces, snowmen, Christmas trees and Rudolph faces.

On Saturday Dec. 20th we had a special suprise.....Santa came by on the firetruck. Of course Warren was excited as we awaited him to get to our house. The sirens did not scare him (he got excited each time he heard them), but boy did Santa scare him. It was ok, Wyatt helped him out and told Santa what he and Warren were wishing for. a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gg9aNBnQL-0/SVg2fHwPM7I/AAAAAAAAAcA/FJJMC_Jv0Po/s1600-h/IMG_2282.JPG">

Well, I think I am caught up with my posting now. I am done rambling about our crazy life now.

One more....this is a face only a mother could love....isn't she cute. We are just loving Miss Molly to pieces. She is such a sweet girl. Finally I have an alli in a house full of men.

Hope Santa was good to everyone.......

2008-12-26T22:52:00.003-05:00

Finally finding time to post some of our Christmas Pictures. We had such a great Christmas. The boys got everything on their list plus a very special gift that they had no idea they were getting. Heck we did not even know they were getting it until a few days before Christmas. Santa delivered the newest member to our family. Meet Molly the Pug. She is very adorable, sweet and full of energy. The boys just love her to pieces and Warren pronouncing MOLLY is the sweetest thing you have ever heard (it sounds like ma-wee! Wyatt also got a new bed, bunk beds. Santa was pretty slick, he replaced Wyatt's old bed with the new one without waking him up and Wyatt awoke in his new bunk beds. Wyatt was pretty excited to think that Santa picked him up while he was sleeping and put him in his new bed. Warren got his ride on Choo-Choo he was wishing for. Well, we hope that Santa was as good to everyone else as he was to us. Take care and hope you enjoy these pics and videos. Merry Christmas everyone.

Photo Tag

2008-12-11T20:32:00.002-05:00

So here is my photo.....

This is my fourth folder, fourth photo:

This is such a precious memory. This was Warren at 20 weeks. I though for sure after seeing this that he would be a thumb sucker, but he never was (thank goodness). This seems like yesterday and now he is almost 2.

and since Issy, tagged 2 of the four people I would have and she would have been the third, I give up on tagging four other people.

I encourage everyone to paricipate in this next year...

2008-12-11T13:19:00.004-05:00

We have participated in the Samaritan's purse shoebox drive for the past few years. It is really rewarding and great project to get kids involved in. I have attached a clip from Rev. Franklin Graham from this years shoebox drive. This is very touching....

Wyatt's First Hunting Trip

2008-12-01T07:15:00.003-05:00

On Saturday Todd took Wyatt hunting for the first time. They had a really great time up at Catfish lake. Wyatt was all decked out in camo from head-to-toe, until he "fell in to a mud hole." Thank goodness mom sent a change of clothes in the goody bag. They saw a dear and some turkeys, but no meat to bring home. Oh, well!
Wyatt got to shoot his (or Todd's old) BB gun over the lake, he thought this was really cool. The pics are after the mud hole incident.

Wyatt's Mayflower Project

2008-12-01T07:02:00.003-05:00

Wyatt's Thanksgiving Project---we had so much fun (helping Todd make it). And it Floated---yeah!

We are the Champions.....Go Wildcats!

2008-11-22T20:53:00.003-05:00

Wyatt had his championship football game today. They won 36-18. They did not lose a game all season. He has had such a good time playing, but we are all glad the season has finally come to an end. Not to mention we almost froze to death at the game today. Wyatt is very proud of his medal he received at the ceremony at the end of the field after the game.

When life gives you mud puddles, our boys say "Jump in Them"

2008-11-15T17:31:00.005-05:00

Wyatt and Warren had to try out their new boots and what better way than a mud puddle. They had a blast! Hope you enjoy these pics as much as I did watching them be little BOYS! Hope everyone is doing well. Remember GOD loves you!

Andy and his Chef

2008-11-02T21:46:00.005-05:00

We had a great time Trick or Treating. Warren thought this was really cool, all we have to do is ring their door bell, hold out our bucket and wha-la...we get candy....COOL. After we would leave one house he would point to the one next to it and grunt as if to say, what are we waiting for....Candy awaits us and it is only a door bell ring away. Wyatt posed as an iron chef as we walked down the street and at most of the doors with his arms crossed. We were so excited that his chef coat came. We were pushing it, but it was delivered Halloween day while he was at school. He was so surprised when he got home and it had arrived. Now what to do with all that candy?

----------------HAPPY HALLOWEEN---------------check these out...........

2008-10-30T21:15:00.009-04:00

Wyatt has his class Halloween Party tomorrow and we were asked to bring cupcakes. Last year at his Halloween Party, I was really slack and bought the cupcakes. I decided to make up for it this year. Check out these creations. Wyatt and I had so much fun coming up with these ideas and creating them. It took me all day today in the kitchen to finish them, but the look on Wyatt's face when they were done was well worth it.
There is a:

Cauldron with a spirit rising from it:
-cauldron is rice crispy treat molded and dipped in melted chocolate chips.
- Ghost marshmallows
- candy corn flames under the cauldron

Witches hat and broom:- Oreo with small Reese cup on top and then a Hershey kiss on top of that
- broom is a pretzel stick and a shredded wheat cereal cut in half

Cemetery:- Fudge covered graham crackers and pumpkin marshmallow

Vampire Bats:
- Small Reese cup with face done in icing
- wings are half of lg. Reese cups with divots cut out for the wings
- Moon marshmallows on a pretzel stick

**No I didn't think of this all on my own. The Internet is a wonderful thing. I did embellish and change things up a little. But we got our ideas online.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE------HAVE FUN TRICK OR TREATING

I am thankful......

2008-10-15T21:16:00.003-04:00

I just came across this and thought I would share it. I can only imagine the pain and trials that special needs children and their parents face. This is really a wonderful analogy. I am thankful for what God has given me and thankful that I have 2 healthy chidren.

"I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......

When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."

"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."

But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.

The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.

So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.

It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."

And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.

But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland."

"A Day at the Farm"

2008-10-10T21:22:00.003-04:00

Wyatt had his first field trip of the year today. We went to the big town of Cove City to a family farm. The McCoy Farm or "A Day at the Farm" was so much fun. The kids got to see all kinds of animals, they were even able to feed some of them. Since this was a Dairy Farm or used to be, we heard a lot about milking cows. The kids even got to make butter. It was really cook, they had cream in mason jars and the kids shook the jars as they sang: Shake, Shake, Shake that cream and pass it to your neighbor.
After a few minutes of being shook, the cream seperated and made the best tasting butter you ever had. Then we had a picnic lunch and an ice cream dessert. Well, then we were off, back home. Wyatt really enjoyed his trip to the farm and so did Warren, Mama and myself.

Probably last trip of the year :(

2008-10-06T21:59:00.003-04:00

Well, Sunday we went out in the boat for probably our last trip of the year. The boys had a great time. We tried to go fishing, but after a VERY SHORT time and a blow toad later we gave up. We soon discovered that Warren is not ready to be a fisherman and Wyatt got bored with it very quickly. Well here are a few pics from the way back to the dock.

Check out the wind blown/sunscreen look!

Warren's Aly Dart Pics

2008-10-05T21:24:00.002-04:00

CHECK OUT ALY DART'S BLOG. SOME OF WARREN'S PICS ARE UP, ON THERE. I MAY BE A LITTLE BIASED, BUT THEY ARE TOO CUTE. HE LOOKS SO GROWN IN THE THIRD ONE. THE LINK TO HER SITE IS ON THE LEFT SIDE OF OUR BLOG. SHE REALLY DOES GREAT WORK.

Taking time to catch up............

2008-09-23T21:41:00.007-04:00

Well, life has been a little crazy around our house lately. A stomach bug has now officially made its way through our entire house. It started with Wyatt a week ago this past Sunday. I was the lucky second person to obtain this wonderful illness on Saturday. Then on Sunday Warren christened Todd's new truck after leaving Wal-Mart. Then without fail Todd came down with it last night. Well, I am glad to say that 9 days later we are all doing much better. At least it was a short lived bug.

In the mean time we have had to have our carpets steam cleaned thanks to this bug. Which meant last Tuesday night after work we had to move all of our furniture out of our living room and then of course rearrange it on Wed. evening. The good part is that our carpet looks almost like new. I never thought a little steam could work miracles (if you had seen our carpet that had been tortured by two little boys you would understand what I mean by a MIRACLE).

Wyatt is doing good in school. He is very excited that he has been able to keep his clothes pin on the "smiley face" about 50% of the time. The other 50% his little jabber jaws cause him to have to move it or he has way more fun turnng his pencil into a space ship instead of writing tool. We're getting there after many threats and bribes (which tactic we use,just depends on the day).

His football team the mighty "Wildcats" has now won their second football game. He is very excited about this. He however told his Nana today that he liked football much more when they were just tackling the red tackling dummies (he's too funny). He is really enjoying this cooler weather, he told me he can run faster since the wind is blowing cool air.

Beware if you see him anytime soon. He got his school fundraiser and is on a mission to get the top prize. Well, at least he is a boy with a goal and on a serious mission. I told him maybe he should set his goal a little lower, but oh no he MUST sell 100 items, or so he thinks. He told me today he would just take his book, order sheet, a pen and visit every neighbor in our entire neighborhood. Now can't you see him strolling down the street as "Wyatt the door to door salesman."

As for Warren, he's doing just great now that his "tummy bug" is gone. He is just loving life and waiting for somebody to ask him to go "bye-bye in the car." There is no doubt he is his mother's son, he loves to "Go." He loves to watch the school bus come by our house in the morning or as he calls it the "B." Hey, I think it is pretty intelligent that at age 19 mos he knows what letter words start with. If he tells you "P" yes that is his term for "please." He is just too cute and growing up way to fast. He follows Wyatt every where like a lost puppy dog---it is so cute.

Well, Todd's 33rd birthday is tomorrow. I asked him how it felt to be "old," his response not that great. We are planning to cook out hot dogs this weekend. We'll try to call everyone in the next day or so, but probably will be Saturday evening around 6:00pm. Hope to see you then. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABE

Here are some of the most peaceful moments of my day!

We have BIG News!!!!!!

2008-09-03T20:12:00.002-04:00

Well, we have some really big news as of tonight. Warren went pee on the potty for the first time---yeah. We are so excited. I know it may not happen again for a while, but I am thrilled. As many of you know we battled potty training with Wyatt for what seemed like years (ok--it was years). I just hope and pray it will be much easier this time.
We have had the potty out in the boys bathroom for about two months and occasionally Warren will sit on it, most of the time with his diaper on. Tonight he was in desperate need of a diaper change. He had walked into the bathroom and I said come here and lets take off that droopy diaper. I told him lets try sitting on the potty, so he did. He suddenly got this very serious look on his face. When he stood up there was pee in there. I was so excited I started shouting. Todd and I made a really bid deal out of it and Warren run around the house laughing and clapping he was so excited. He got a candy reward and thought he was king of the castle for about 10 minutes.

TODD'S NEW TRUCK

2008-08-27T20:18:00.004-04:00

Todd finally got the truck of his dreams today. Well he did have to settle for a few things that he did not really care for, but over all he is tickled pink with it. I am so excited for him, he really deserves it.

First Day of School

2008-08-25T21:34:00.002-04:00

Wyatt went back to school today and had a great day. Mrs. Coronado is so sweet and Wyatt just loves her.

Now is he a stud or what?

The real life "Message in a Bottle"

2008-08-20T21:16:00.003-04:00

This is a friend of mine that I have know since I was five years old. This is such an amazing and sweet story! Just thought I would share it with everyone!

Message in a bottle comes full circle

A simply written note tossed into the ocean 20 years ago by Angie Fulcher Goodwin, left, then 10 years old, and found five years later by Thomas McGrath, right, of Tipperary, Ireland, has fostered a life-long pen pal friendship. The two met for the first time Tuesday in Atlantic. (Helen Outland photo)

NEWS-TIMES
Published: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:08 PM EDT
HELEN OUTLAND

ATLANTIC — A reunion 20 years in the making took place in Atlantic Tuesday afternoon when Thomas McGrath from Tipperary, Ireland, and Angie Fulcher Goodwin of Atlantic met face to face after years of writing letters.

Their friendship had come full circle. As a 10-year old, Mrs. Goodwin, who is now 30, sent a message in a bottle, that Mr. McGrath retrieved five years later in Ireland. The two corresponded, but it wasn’t until this week that they met, a surprise visit Mr. McGrath planned in order to meet his American pen pal.

Mr. McGrath arrived in Carteret County Monday night, and traveled Down East the next day.

The story of their friendship began on April 4, 1988, Mrs. Goodwin along with her sister Stephanie and best friend Megan Kimry decided to put a message in a bottle and launch it into the ocean from the shores of Core Banks.

Mrs. Goodwin’s parents, Mike and Ann Fulcher, have a camp on the banks and were on one a family outings when the girls came up with the idea of a message in a bottle.

“We took a glass bottle and put the letter in it,” Mr. Fulcher said. “We waited for the outgoing tide and the girls threw it overboard.”

According to Mr. Fulcher, the next morning they found the bottle washed up on the shore and once again it was thrown into the Atlantic Ocean. They watched it disappear over the horizon.

On a beautiful June morning five years and 5,000 miles later, the bottle washed up. This time it was on Dingle Beach on the western most tip of Ireland.

“I had gone to the beach early for a walk,” Mr. McGrath, now 53 years old, said with his soft Irish brogue. “It was about 8:30 a.m., and as I walked the beach I spotted this bottle about 200 yards ahead.”

Mr. McGrath said the beach, near his Tipperary home, is pristine and clean, so it was unusual to find any debris along the shore. He retrieved the bottle and to his delight saw a note inside.

“The top was rusted shut to the glass bottle and being impatient, I broke the bottle to retrieve the note,” he said. “You can imagine my surprise when I read the note and saw the date it was put to sea.”

In the practiced print of a child, Mrs. Goodwin introduced herself, her sister and her friend.

“Our names are Angie, Megan and Stephanie,” the note read. She wrote the date, where they were from and “would you please right back.” She included her phone number and her address.

The note and the miracle of it ever reaching the Irish shore touched Mr. McGrath, who started corresponding.

“I am so glad I was the one who found it.” he said. “The most beautiful friendship evolved from it, and I am so glad I am here today to meet Angie face to face and to give her a big surprise. My heart is full. I am nervous, and I am excited.”

Mr. McGrath said he knew Mrs. Goodwin was married and now had two children.

“It would be all but impossible for her to reach Ireland with two small babies,” he said. “I wanted us to meet while we could. So, I have come here.”

The surprise was a success. Mrs. Godwin works as a nurse at Carteret Clinic for Adolescents & Children in Morehead City.

Having no idea the surprise awaiting her, she rushed to return to her parent’s home in Atlantic to pick up her children, where they stay while she works. A traffic jam in Beaufort had her running late and frustrated. As she exited her car, her parents met her in the yard telling her there was someone there to meet her. They directed her to their neighbor’s yard across the street on Core Sound where Mr. McGrath stood waiting. As she approached Mr. McGrath, she recognized him and her body straightened and her mouth opened.

“I know you!” she squealed as she rushed to her long-time pen pal. “I know you from your pictures!”

As the pair hugged and began talking, Mr. McGrath presented Angie with a copy of the letter she had sent so many years before. He also showed her the framed original, but said it was his to keep.

“I never expected this,” she said softly as she held the original. “Even when we threw the bottle into the ocean I thought someone in Ocracoke or Hatteras might pick it up, but I never expected it to make Ireland. Today is so amazing. It is so special that the bottle, and our letters after that, have meant so much to Thomas that he would come here today.”

According to Mr. McGrath, a retired purchasing contractor, scientist in Ireland had shown him the ocean currents in which the bottle had traveled to reach Dingle Beach. In the five-year trip it had avoided any number of events that could have destroyed it.

“It was meant for me to find the bottle,” he said.

The note in the bottle is a Fulcher family tradition. Over the years more bottles were put to sea, but none crossed the ocean. It is a tradition that will be carried on. Mrs. Goodwin’s children, daughter Riley, 8, and son Bodie, 3, have already sent their own bottles to sea.

“You see what a wonderful thing can happen,” she told the children as she showed them the note and introduced them to the man who found it.

As he stood eating his very first, freshly picked fig, Mr. McGrath reflected on the ocean and the beauty of Carteret County.

“This is a magnificent place,” he said as he looked out over the sound. “It would take very little for me to come live here. Everywhere I have been, I have been treated with exceptional kindness and it has touched my heart.”

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/26314841#26314841

Thought we would share some pics from our weekend!

2008-08-11T22:11:00.004-04:00

He is just too cute...I know I am a little partial, but come on!

I can't believe how big he looks in this pic, but then again he did turn 18 months this weekend!

Wyatt, Warren and I had a chance to tour this cool stealth Army Protype boat at Cedar Island this weekend. Isaiah Smith is in charge on this boat and got permission to bring it in to the ferry terminal. Wyatt thought this was pretty awesome. The guy on board when we went gave Wyatt a grand tour and let him sit in the seats and touch some of the equipement. This was totally cool!

This was also really cool. Angie, Riley and Bodie brought this octupus that Buddy caught earlier today over to Granny's house for the boys to see. Of course the boy in Wyatt said he just had to hold it!. Oh, yes Warren was dying to touch it!

Is this not the sweetest pic ever! Grandaddy does love his little boys!

Hail to the Wildcats

2008-08-11T22:03:00.004-04:00

Wyatt is loving him some football, he has found his sport I believe. He waits all day until it is time to get dressed for practice. This is so different than when he played soccer, we practically had to shove him out on the field then. Now he is ready to go, minus the running before practice. He is usally the last one to make it back to the starting point after the lap around the baseball field. Oh, well he has short legs, we have to give the guy a break.

Oh, by the way mom gets a little excited at practice......

Hattie and Taylor's 4th Birthday Party

2008-07-27T21:52:00.005-04:00

Today we went to Hattie and Taylor's grandparents house to help them celebrate their 4th birthday. We had a great time! In Wyatt's words, "It was awesome." I think that just about sums it up. They had a clown painting faces and tying balloon animals, much to my surprise the boys were not scared of her at all. Wyatt and Warren both let her paint their faces. He are a few pics from their fun day.

Fun in the Sun at Cape Lookout!

2008-07-14T21:23:00.006-04:00

Today after church we went over to the Cape. It was such a beautiful day. We threw anchor over by the marsh just before we got to the lighthouse and had a picnic on board the boat (this is much nicer than sand all in the food). Todd just had to get a line in the water and yes the wildlife officer had to stop and check him for his license. Oh, thank goodness he decided to bring his wallet along that contained his license. After a quick meal of fried chicken, strawberries and egg salad sandwiches we were on our way to the beach.

Wyatt and Warren had a blast as you can tell. Todd got so close to the ponies that we thought he was trying to take them for a ride.
Warren was trying to wash his feet off in the bucket, but was not quite as graceful in doing so as everyone else. Note all of the sand in his hair combined with a lot of sunscreen. This made for a great bath time when we got home. After washing his hair for the third time during the same bath his head was free of sand and sunscreen. I hope you get as much amusement out of this video as we have. It still is not as funny as being there. This did not go on for just a few moments, this was repeated attempts at getting his feet in the bucket. Yes he did finally get his feet in the bucket.
Wyatt got to be first mate on the way back to the dock and is very proud of his first solo captaining endeavor.

We are back from Vacation, but not because we want to be..........

2008-07-06T22:13:00.007-04:00

Hey everyone, we arrived home from our summer vacation this evening. We went on what seemed like a whirl wind vacation. Due to Todd just starting his new job the only weekend we could go was July 4th. As crazy as that seems we did it. We left after Todd got home from work Thursday evening and arrived in Williamsburg, VA about 10:30pm that night. The boys really did great traveling considering (Thank GOD for DVD players in cars). We were up bright and early the next morning (thanks to Warren) and headed off to Water Country. We had a blast there. Wyatt surprised us by climbing up this cargo net to slide down a rather large yellow tube water slide. After a fun filled day at Water Country we headed back to the hotel for baths and off to dinner at oh yes Wyatt and my favorite...OLIVE GARDEN. I ate so much salad and bread sticks I thought I would pop, and that does not include the seafood alfredo. The next day we were yes up again very early thanks to Mr. Warren, but that was ok. We had a big day planned for Busch gardens. We were there just as the park opened (we have never done that before). We had a great day until about 5:00pm when it started to sprinkle and then became a down pour. Of course Nana had wished for rain so some of the people would leave the park. Nana...don't forget that saying "Be careful what you wish for." Well, needless to say, we waited for quite sometime for the rain to stop, but it did not. We ended up leaving and heading for the hotel, but not before we picked up an endangered WHITE TIGER. Don't be too afraid he is a friendly little fellow. Well, after a quick in the hotel room dinner. We were off to bed, because now we have to face the drive home. I just really don't like leaving from a vacation. I never have. You have all that anticipation and it really ends to quickly. I don't think it would matter if I stayed for 2 days or 10. Well, here we are back home. Things went well on our drive home today. We stopped to see Aunt Judy and Uncle Dunk, but they were not home. The boys did really well. Warren took a good nap and "Tom and Jerry" kept Wyatt occupied. Well, now it is off to bed because tomorrow it is back the the "OLD GRIND" as my Mama would say.

Our Summer So Far......Has been Great!

2008-06-26T21:57:00.004-04:00

Hey everyone! Well, we are enjoying our summer so far. We have had a lot of fun playing in the hose this summer. We have not had as many boat or beach trips as we would like since Todd has had to work every Saturday since he started his new job (but, we are not complaining, those overtime checks will be nice).
Wyatt is excited that we are leaving next week for Virginia. We have a whirlwind trip planned for Busch Gardens and Water Country. I think we must be crazy to be heading there for the 4th of July. We would not have chosen that weekend, except Todd does not have any leave yet. He probably will not have any leave until this fall, so we are going to brave the crowds next weekend. The way I figure it is that it is busy there no matter when you go, so bring on the crowds.
I hope that everyone is enjoying there summer as much as we are. Warren loves to be outside as you can tell by some of the pictures. He loves to play in the hose and will squirt water right in his face and just keep on going.
They are both growing up too fast.....You can flip through this blog and see them grow up right before your eyes. It really goes just that fast.

God Bless You and come back to visit us often here at the Bridgers Bunch.

Wyatt is now Famous

2008-06-26T09:20:00.004-04:00

Much to our surprise last Friday evening we received several phone calls telling us Wyatt had made it in the Cartert County News-Times. His Daddy rushed out the door to the store for one of these papers, but when he returned he had not one paper, but four. Sure enough there was our Wyatt all smiles and being honored for reading so many books in the Accelerated Reader program at his school. We are so proud of Wyatt.

When we told Wyatt that he was in the paper and he is now famous he asked, "Does that mean I get a limousine now." Then at church on Sunday the preacher congratulated him on his achievement in front of the congregation and Wyatt said, "Oh, it was nothing." Such a modest child (Ha)!

School is out for the "SUMMER"

2008-06-05T22:06:00.014-04:00

Wyatt is very excited that school is out for the summer. I can't lie I am pretty excited that school is out also. On Sunday we had Graduate Sunday at our church and Wyatt was pretty excited to be honored as a Kindergarten Graduate.
Wyatt received his Kindergarten diploma today at his class party. He also received the Accelerated Reader Excellence award and another AR award. He read over 50 AR books this year. We are so proud of him and he is very proud of himself.We had a pizza party in his class to celebrate all of their accomplishments this year.

***************I cleaned out his book bag last night and started to cry as I saw all of the things from his classroom that were there since he started school. It is so hard for me to believe that he is done with kindergarten. Well, he is excited about summer, but is anxious about what next year will bring.

*****************Here are some pictures of Wyatt's class and Graduate Sunday.Some of the pictures are of Wyatt's shirt for the last day of school. The front says "School is out for the SUMMER" and on the back is his class picture. Wyatt helped me create this cute shirt.

~~~~~Well we hope everyone has a great SUMMER BREAK~~~~~

God is great!

2008-05-29T16:37:00.003-04:00

Todd has been trying for the past several years to get on at Cherry Point, either civil service or with a contractor. Well, by the grace of God and a some help from Tony he received the phone call yesterday morning that he has a job in the fiberglass shop with a contractor. This could not have come at a better time.
We have been praying about this for a long time. God does answer prayers in his time not ours. Thank God for this blessing.

Warren's First Beach Trip

2008-04-28T22:17:00.003-04:00

Warren had a blast during his first trip to the beach yesterday. We took him and the other kids up to Cedar Island Beach. It was a beautiful day for the beach. I wanted to share these pictures.

We stayed at Cedar Island Saturday night and captured a picture of the beautiful sunrise over CI Bay Sunday morining.

The Dash

2008-04-24T21:36:00.006-04:00

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
And spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard;
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what's true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect
And more often wear a smile,
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is read
With you life's actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

Linda Ellis

(This picture is sunrise over Cedar Island Bay, My Granny loved to look out and see this. This poem was read at her the graveside today, I wanted to share it with everyone.)

Granny's Eulogy

2008-04-24T00:27:00.002-04:00

I am going to do this tomorrow at Granny's funeral with the Grace of GOD and Granny as my guardian angel. Please say a prayer for me that I can get through this with out breaking down.

A Celebration of Life....

Bernice Arlene Daniels Brittingham was born on March 30, 1925 to Arlie and Maude Daniels in Cedar Island, NC. She had four brothers, Edwin, Frank, Durwood, and Neil and one sister Gloria.
After marrying her beloved husband Bill they moved to Philadelphia for a short time, but it was not long before she was back on Cedar Island. Bill’s job would take them to Kinston, NC for a short time and then they came back to Carteret County. They spent several years raising their children in Morehead City before returning to Cedar Island. She and Bill were married for 31years. In that time they raised five children: Ralph Waide, Robert Derwood, Sandra Ann, Billie Jean and William Eber, Jr or “Buddy.” She was also proud of her grandchildren and if our math is correct there are 15 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Arlene held numerous jobs over the years. She worked at the shirt factory for sometime, before her and Bill opened the “Toot and Tell-It.”After returning to Cedar Island she worked at the Driftwood for over 20 years and Snug Harbor for 14 years. Her favorite of all would most likely be clamming.
Often in the summer time you could find her over on the banks shoals with a clam rake. She loved to be there and most times would catch almost as many clams as the younger men folk who had taken her clamming with them. She had her own clam rake and would know in a moment if it was missing, often calling Buddy to see if he happened to know its whereabouts.
Arlene dearly loved Cedar Island, but she also loved to travel and anyone whose has seen her refrigerator magnets knows that. However, her favorite destination was Springtown, Texas. Here she would stay for several weeks visiting with her daughter Billy and her family. Of course the highlight of this trip was spending time with Jessica. She loved Jessica and all of her grandchildren, with all of her heart and soul and they have been on many adventures together throughout the years.
In later years Arlene’s health started to decline, but it did not slow her down very much. She suffered from Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency causing her lungs to become weak. She was often short of breath, but she would just keep on going. She was recently hospitalized and after being discharged from Carteret General she went to Snug Harbor. However, before she could begin rehab she would find herself back at Carteret General. She was recovering from surgery but, she became weaker each day. On April 19th she was just too tired to fight anymore and went to be with her Lord that she dearly loved.
If you could use only one word to sum up Arlene’s life that would have to be: Amazing. For she was such an amazing mother, grandmother, mother-in-law and friend to many. We’ll surely miss you, but we know you are with us each step of the way, until we meet again.

In Memory of My GRANNY

2008-04-21T15:06:00.006-04:00

This post is really hard to write, I have been trying to do this since Saturday night. My beloved GRANNY passed away Saturday night about 9:15pm. She was a fighter through it all and tried hard to rally back. However, her tired and frail body could not keep going any longer. She will be missed greatly by many of us, but we know she is at peace now. She has been waiting a long time to join Grandaddy Bill on the other side of those Pearly Gates. I have no doubt that this is where she is now, walking with him hand in hand.

I was amazed by the number of people in her hospital room the night she passed away there must have been almost 20 of her closest family members there to bid her a final goodbye.

She was a good Granny and I know how much she loved her family. Her service has not yet been scheduled due to family coming in from out of town. I will post her arrangements later.

Tag--I guess it's my turn!

2008-04-16T21:57:00.004-04:00

10 years Ago:
April 1998: I was finishing up at Pamlico Community College with my Associate in Arts degree, which did not mean much by itself. From there I had a good summer and prepared to move to Greenville. Fall of 1998 was one of the roughest times of my life. I was so home sick and stressed at starting Nursing School at ECU that I thought I was going to lose it. I threatened on several occasions to pack my stuff and move back home. With the good Lord's help I made it through and stuck it out.
December of 1998 Todd and I became engaged and life just kept getting better from there.

5 things on my To-Do-List

1) Housework: mopping, dishes, dusting, vacuuming, LAUNDRY, making beds, cleaning toilets and tubs, etc.; it just never ends (this is a to-do-list all by itself)
2) Wash and vacuum my truck
3) Get my self as organized as I was before I had kids (Ha--yeah right)
4) Spend more time with my family
5) Become a better Christian

Things I would do if I were suddenly a billionaire:

1) Pay off all of our debt and our families debt
2) Build a beach house at Cedar Island
3) Hand out money like it was candy to deserving/needy families
4) Build suitable entertainment for the youth of this county
5) Buy Todd the Truck he has always dreamed of.
6) Start traveling

Bad Habits I have:

1) Tuning people out if I'm not interested
2) Being a little anal about having things in their place
(of course you would not say that now if you saw my house)
3) I'm sure Todd could tell you a lot more, but I can't think of any right now.

Things Most people don't know about me:

You may already know this? I am truly dedicated to caring for God's children. I believe that children are the greatest miracle ever and that they all deserve equal treatment and opportunity. I am disgusted at the way some adults can treat an innocent child. I hope in the future that I can make a difference.From my experience most of these worthless adults are allowed to continue abusing and neglecting their children. This creates such a viscous cycle, where these children grow up believing that this is the way children are suppose to be talked to and treated. It just makes me sooooo MAD!

I am also considering going back to school in the next 4-5 years to become a nurse practitioner. I keep talking about it, but I am not sure if I really want to go back to school. It was hard the first time and now I have a family and a full time job (which I can't quit--either one --just kidding).

Places I have lived in order:

Cedar Island, NC
Beaufort,NC
Greenville,NC
Beaufort,NC
Bettie,NC
Otway,NC

Jobs I have had in order:

Hostess/Cashier/Waitress/Caterer at Capt.Bill's
Jarrett Bay Boathouse Gift Shop
Carteret General Hospital
Carteret Children's Clinic

Wishing I was there now!

2008-04-12T22:21:00.002-04:00

I can't wait for our first trip back to the Cape this year. We did not get to go last year since Warren was just an infant. Well, we plan for him to get his sea legs this year. Today it was so warm, I just wanted to hitch up the boat, jump in the truck and head for the boat ramp. Of course you have to first stop at Food Lion for some fried chicken. What would an afternoon trip to the Cape be without fried chicken.
I just imaging being there now. Warm sand under my feet and a cool breeze blowing by (well unless it is the end of July or August, then it is hot sand under your feet and a stifling hot breeze blowing by). I'll take either just to be there. Just being out on the boat seems to resolve all cares and worries at least for a short while. It won't be long and we will set sail.
I can't wait to see what Warren thinks of the boat ride and beach trip. I am sure he will love it as much as his big brother does. Wyatt just can't wait to try out his new fishing rod that the Easter Bunny gave him.

Just wanted to share this beautiful picture of the Cape that we took about 3 years ago.

First T-Ball Game

2008-04-12T22:09:00.004-04:00

Wyatt had his first T-ball game today. We unfortunately do not have any pictures. I was helping Todd keep his kids in batting order and from picking flowers out on the field. I totally forgot to take any pictures. Todd was not suppose to be coaching, he was suppose to be helping. Some how he ended up coaching without any helpers. Well, except me. We really enjoy doing this. It can be very frustrating at times, but mostly very rewarding. Maybe after next Saturday's game we will have some pictures. Maybe if Sissy is there she can take some pictures for us.
Not to brag or anything, but Wyatt did so good today. He really seems to be interested in T-ball. Soccer is just not his thing. He hit and fielded good today. Who knows in 15 years he may be in the PROs. I hope he rememebers his Mama---HaHa!

Happy Easter

2008-03-27T16:00:00.002-04:00

We hope all had a Happy Easter. Warren had a great time. He was too small last year to really enjoy it. This year he got to have some M&M's for breakfast. This is a really special treat, because you can only do this on Easter and Christmas.

Wyatt was excited to wake up Easter morning to discover that the Easter Bunny had come and brought him a new fishing rod and tackle box. His tackle box served as his Easter basket and was filled with fun and sweet treats. He even had some grubs in there to go trout fishing with his dad.

Warren had fun at his first Easter egg hunt. He preferred to discover what was inside each egg instead of finding the eggs.

Wyatt loves hunting for Easter eggs, this was his second egg hunt this Easter. He had a egg hunt at Shevans Park with this class (they had a really good time).

Todd and I are so truly blessed to have these two very healthy and happy little boys. We are enjoyng every minute with them. I hope everyone had a great Easter.

"Grandaddy" or "Big Grandaddy"

2008-03-19T22:32:00.006-04:00

We got the call about 3:00am this morning that Grandaddy (Todd's Grandaddy) had passed away. He has been at Snug Harbor for quite some time now and has not really been "living" since Granny passed away about 2-1/2 years ago. He missed her terribly, but he misses her no more. I know that the two of them are walking hand in hand down those streets paved with gold.

I told Wyatt about Grandaddy passing (BIG Grandaddy as he refers to him) when I picked him up from school today. I did not want to upset him before going to school today. I told him that Big Grandaddy had died last night, but he went up to heaven to be with Jesus and Big Granny. He questioned me with: When is he coming back down? I said, Baby he is not coming back, but he is OK he is happy now. He thought for a few moments and said...."Well, I guess I am going to have to send him my picture on balloons too. For Christmas we sent Big Granny one of the boys Christmas pictures on a bunch of helium balloons up to heaven. I guess we are going to have to get some more helium balloons to send some more pictures up. This conversation showed me just how much wisdom these little ones have and just how innocent they are.

I am sad to think that Warren will never know his "Big Grandaddy", he only got to meet him once. But, he will surely know how wonderful a man he was. Todd told me last night that he thought of him as a daddy. I responded to him, surely you do he was the only daddy you ever knew. He was much more than a grandfather to Todd and his siblings he was the male role model and father figure they never had. He will truly be missed by them and many, many more!

Wyatt's "OUT OF THIS WORLD" Party

2008-03-10T14:36:00.003-04:00

Finally---here are some pictures from Wyatt's Birthday Party. He had a great time. His cake turned out really well. My mom made it and then it was a group effort to decorate it. It did not take nearly as long to make this as it did Warren's thank goodness.

An "Out of this WORLD" Birthday Party

2008-02-16T22:01:00.003-05:00

We are planning an "Out of this WORLD" Birthday Party for a very special little boy who is almost 6 years old. We hope to see everyone there to help us celebrate his special day!

Happy Birthday Warren

2008-02-13T20:04:00.006-05:00

We had Warren's party on Saturday, it was so much fun. I have attached some pictures from his special day. It's hard to believe that he is already a year old. Next week our other little man will be celebrating his 6th birthday.

Warren's Grumpy Day

2008-02-07T22:44:00.000-05:00

Warren was so grumpy today. Who knows maybe it's because he is going to be one tomorrow and starting to become a toddler!
He has the attitude of a teenager already. If he does not get his way he screams, stomps his feet and turns red (until he gets his way or wears himself out, which ever comes first).
He was so tired that he did not even get his face washed before he fell asleep in his high chair. It did not last long though.

Wyatt's Awards Ceremony

2008-02-07T22:39:00.000-05:00

Wyatt has really improved since the beginning of school! He was unable to get the citizenship award the first 9 weeks, because he had to move his clothes pin to many times.
He got the citizenship award this time and only missed perfect attendance because of one sick day. We are so proud of him!

Warren's Almost the BIG "ONE"

2008-01-31T13:25:00.001-05:00

Yeah it's true he is almost "1"
It does not seem possible that he is almost one. It just seems like yesterday we found out he was on the way. Come and help us celebrate Warren's B-day if you can!

Sad Day!

2008-01-24T22:25:00.002-05:00

I am sad to write that Dr. K passed away this evening. As most know he has been fighting esophageal cancer for the past several months. Tonight he suffers no more, but I am sure he is rejoicing in heaven. He was a wonderful person who cared for many children during his career. He has traveled many roads during his life, but they all had one focus and that was to care for others. He has taught me so much over the last 6 years. Most of all he has taught me that caring for God's children is a precious gift. I have been blessed to have shared in his life and had him to be a part of mine. He is truly a part of my family. He is irreplaceable---as many have said--They just don't make them like him anymore--that could not be more true. Please keep his family in your prayers. He will be truly missed in our office, hospital, and community.-----Brenda

Warren's First Steps

2008-01-20T15:34:00.000-05:00

Warren took his first steps last night just before bathtime. We were in the bathroom getting ready to get into the tub. He was standing beside me and took 2-3 steps from the toilet to the tub. He was so excited he didn't know what to do with himself (it was either that or when I yelled for Todd to come see I scared him)!

He also had his first taste of pizza last night. Todd went to No Name and picked up pizza, I cut the crust off of a piece and gave it to him. He ate the whole thing and loved it!

Here are the pictures

2008-01-12T20:12:00.000-05:00

I figured it out, finally. I know this is simple for most people, but it takes me a little while. Here ae some more recent pictures of our monkeys. They have started playing together some. Wyatt even lets Warren come in his room sometimes. I know this won't last, but it is sweet while it does.

Inspired by Danielle

2008-01-12T19:20:00.001-05:00

I have to admit that this was all inspired by Danielle. I read her blog and thought this was a great way to keep up with people that we don't get to see all the time and the ones that we do. Our boys are growing so quickly. It is just amazing to think that this time last year our family was 3 and now we are about to celebrate Warren's first birthday.

Wyatt will be 6 years old soon and I just can't believe it. He is growing so much each day. He loves school and his teachers. He is learning to read and so much more. Todd and I are just amazed at how much he has changed since starting school in August. He has such a sweet spirit and is a very loving kid. He told me earlier today that I was the best mom he ever had.

Warren is quite the handful these days. His personality is so different than Wyatt's. He is a very sweet and happy little boy, but not nearly as laid back as Wyatt was at his age. He has to be constantly occupied by something and most things don't last long. These days he is trying to develop quite the little attitude, but then don't we all have that side. Then at night when I hold him while he drinks his bottle, I can't imagine what life was like before him. Then comes 3:00 am when he still thinks that he needs a bottle or just wants to be sure tha he is not alone (we are not sure what he is thinking). I try to make myself remember that one day he will be all grown up and I should treasure these moments, but my sleep deprived body just wants to sleep.

I often look at these two amazing little boys and wonder what I did so right to deserve such a blessing. My life has truly been blessed. I was raised in a wonderfully loving family and now I have my very own wonderful family. I have been blessed with a wonderful husband for almost 7 years and two beautiful little boys. What more could I ask for. Sure there are things out there that we all wish we could have, but when it comes down to it I am BLESSED.

Now if I can figure out how to post pictures with this I will do so.