Warren's First Beach Trip

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

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

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

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!

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!

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

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

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"

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

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

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

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

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

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"

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!

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

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

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

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.