Kevin Celebrates Birthday at Rucker Johns

Farrish gives Kevin his favorite cake - a "cookie cake" for his birthday!

Brenda's Great Niece's Cakes

http://cbaileycake.com/

"Hey, this is my great niece's web site check out her cakes."

Brenda Harris

This is an email from my friend Brenda. Thought you'd like seeing these really unique cakes her niece has made. Just click on the link above and then click on the Gallery.

Mindy Returns from a Dive Trip to Indonisia

Robin James' wife, Mindy

"I am back safe and maybe sound from a 5 1/2 week dive trip to Indonesia. I have forwarded a link made by Anna DeLoach, a professional marine videographer, who was one of the marine naturalists I incessantly pestered on this trip. This blog is of the first two weeks of our diving adventure. The photos and short videos are much better than my point and shoot photos. I learned a lot of marine biology on this trip. "
Mindy

This is the link to the blog she mentioned: http://fishid.com/marinelifeblog/?p=979

Gracie in Hospital

Janene's granddaughter, Gracie, (Hugh's little girl) was having a breathing issue last night and went to the hospital. They are giving her breathing treatments, but say her lungs look fine. She'll be in the hospital until tomorrow for observation. Janene said Hugh suffered from the same problem when he was young and they never determined the cause. Please keep little Gracie in your prayers today.

Lindsey & Megan in Wedding Over the Weekend

Lindsey is 3rd from the left & Megan is 2nd from the right

Lindsey, Beth Whitehurst's daughter, and Megan, who traveled to Aruba with us to watch the kids, were in a wedding in Greenville this weekend. I'm posting a couple of pictures.

Mike Bartholomew, My Cousin, is Teacher of the Year

(Mike lives in Spring Hope)

CTE announces Teacher, Professional of the Year
Contributed to the Telegram
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Deandrea Williams, business education teacher at Northern Nash High School, was named Career and Technical Education Association New Professional of the Year at the annual banquet on May 4.
On the same evening, Mike Bartholomew, agriculture education teacher at Southern Nash High School, was named CTE Association Teacher of the Year.
Each year the CTE Association recognizes two outstanding teachers.
One with three or less years of experience is selected the New Professional of the Year, and a veteran teacher with four or more years of experience is honored as the Teacher of the Year.
The association is composed of Career and Technical Education teachers in the Nash-Rocky Mount Public School system.
Williams, the CTE New Professional of the Year, joined the staff of Northern Nash as a lateral entry employee and has taught computer applications, career management and digital applications in the business department.
She also serves as track coach and varsity cheerleader advisor.
Professionally, she is a member of the Institute of Management Accountants, the N.C. Association of Educators and the Future Teachers of America.
Williams said that teaching has been the most rewarding experience of her life besides becoming a mother.
One of her coworkers said that Williams’ professional demeanor, efficiency and attention to detail make her an exceptional role model for her students and for her fellow teachers.
Another coworker said that Williams’ students always have a clear picture of what is expected of them in her classes and she always maintains a positive classroom environment.
Bartholomew, the CTE Teacher of the Year, has been employed by the Nash-Rocky Mount School system for 16 years and has taught classes in horticulture, animal science and aquaculture. He serves as 4-H club leader, department chairman and as a member of the Southern Nash High School Leadership Committee.
He is one of four advisors of the Southern Nash High School FFA chapter, which has been selected three times as North Carolina’s best FFA chapter and as one of the top 10 FFA chapters in the nation.
Professionally, Bartholomew is certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in early adolescence through early adulthood.
He is a member of the N.C. Agriculture Teachers’ Association and the National Association of Agriculture Educators.
A coworker said his calm and cool personality tends to have a calming effect on his students and the other teachers in the department.
Another coworker said that he is always willing to lend a hand to coworkers, students or past students and to others in the community when the need arises.

Prayers for Baby Born This Morning

Caroline Edwards works at Coastal AgroBusiness in Greenville. She is requesting prayers for a baby born to a co-worker's family:
Update on baby Thompson. Tony is our Company VP of Sales at Coastal AgroBusiness. His daughter went in to surgery about 1 am this morning.
This update from Tony:
Linda's OBGYN just came in with good news about Linda! She is doing very well. She had a spinal block and did not have to be put to sleep for the surgery.
She will be in the recovery room for about two hours.
The baby was born a few minutes ago! He weighs 1 pound and 3 ounces! Jake said he came out kicking which is a good sign. We got to see him for a few seconds. The NIC nurse said he is doing ok so far. He is on a breathing tube and going to incubator. His name is Griffin Wyatt Thompson. He and his parents need lots of prayers!

Madison Hobgood Attends Her Prom

Madison is the daughter of my friend, Constance Wetherington, who lives in Kinston. Constance and I worked together at DIMON. Wanted to share these pictures of Madison's Prom.

Our First Snake this Year

I HATE snakes, I HATE snakes!!! If any come calling, I plan to help them meet their fate.

This week, on Wednesday, I casually walked by the door to our sunroom and lo-and-behold, saw this 6 foot, slinky slithering across the front patio! I screamed, scared Ed to death and ran for the shovel. After a few funny and scary minutes, he was dead-thank goodness.

New Baby

"We have a new addition to the family. His name is Christian Makanaka."

Charles Mandizha

(I worked with Charles at DIMON. He now works at BB&T in Wilson in the IT Department and is originally from Zimbabwe, Africa. Congratulations to Charles, Miranda and their family addition!)

Goose Catcher for Hire!!!!

McClain decided to "try" to catch a goose today when he was visiting and guess what? He took off running and returned with a baby goose!!!!! Don't worry, the baby goose was quickly returned to his mommy.

Congratulations to Jeremy & Kristin Shaw

Jeremy and Kristin Shaw from Bethel have a beautiful little girl, Riley Jo, who was born this weekend. So now Logan has a little sister. Jackie and Tracy are very proud grandparents.

2010 Whitehurst Pig Picking

Crockett Runs in Parks Race on Saturday

Alma (Ed's sister) and her husband Crockett were here for the pig picking over the weekend. He participated in a local race on Saturday and was captured crossing the finish line! Congratulations.

Steve's Obituary Sent From Lolly

My Dear Friends,

Dad's funeral arrangements are below. Unfortunately we were informed by the Greenville Daily Reflector that they are unable to put Dad's obituary in the paper until Tuesday. It will be in the News & Observer and Clayton Star tomorrow.
Thank you for your support and prayers through this difficult time in our lives. I can honestly say dad felt blessed to have so many friends and family who loved him so much. I'm happy to know my father is in heaven now. Dad is fishing on a river in the heavens.


Much Love,

Lolly

MCLAURIN at PINECREST
12830 US 70 West
Clayton, NC 27520
Phone: 919-553-7143 CLAYTON: Mr. Steven C. “Steve” Williams, 58, passed away on May 15, 2010. Funeral service will be held on Monday, May 17, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at McLaurin Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Michael Tolar officiating. He is survived by his wife, Cindy B. Wall of Clayton, daughter, Lolly Jane Williams of Surf City, mother, Clara W. Williams of Greenville, step-son, Brandon G. Wall and wife Tamie B. of Clayton, brothers, Ronald H. Williams and wife Judy of Farmville, Ken Williams and wife Martha T. of New Bern, 2 grandchildren, Cameron D. Wall and Averlie Grace Wall and his dog, Rusty. Steve’s passion was his never ending love for family, friends and his strong faith. Spending time fishing with his kids and grandkids kept a smile on his face and joy in his big old heart. He was loving, romantic and a dedicated sweetie to his wife, and a kind, gentle and loving dad to his daughter and step-son and his grandkids, family and friends. Spending time as Captain of our boats while fishing and swimming on the Pamilco River was always a good day. He fought bravely and with dignity as he lived and cherished each moment and celebrated life with passion and grace. Flowers are appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Centers of North Carolina 4101 Macon Pond Rd. Raleigh, NC 27607. The family will receive friends Monday, May 17, 2010 from 2:00 until 3:00p.m. at McLaurin Funeral Home. A celebration of life reception will immediately follow the service at 4:30 p.m. at Morning Glory B&B for family and friends. Condolences may be made to the family at www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com. Arrangements by McLaurin at Pinecrest, Funerals & Cremations, Clayton.

Steve Williams, My Cousin, Passes Away

Aunt Catherine called this morning to let us know that Steve passed away on Saturday morning around 6:15 a.m. His funeral will be Monday in Clayton.

The visitation is from 2-3 and the funeral and graveside will be afterwards 3-4. They will be having family and friends for refreshements at Morning Glory Inn. If you would like to send flowers you can send them to the funeral home or to her step-mom's house. That address is: Cindy Williams 461 East 2nd St. Clayton, NC 27520. She told me she would be there until Tuesday.

Update from My Cousin, Rebecca Jackson

"Jim Dunn is recovering slowly from major surgery on his aorta, which was enlarged and they had to put a huge bypass in..
Billy Ray and I have been taking turns with other family members looking after him since he has been released from the hospital.
He is ok now, but it has been slow. The surgery was in April.
Other than Jim, our family is doing well. The two UNC granddaughters have finished this year and have a busy summer ahead.
The others are busy as well, with summer jobs., mission trips and youth activities."

Rebecca

My Aunt Clara, Steve William's Mom

My cousin, Kathy Cooke, emailed today to let us know that Steve's mom, my Aunt Clara fell at Cypress Glenn this week. Here is Kathy's email:

"I had a message from Mom today while we were in Huntersville checking on things at the house. She said that Aunt Clara fell yesterday and didn't break any major bones, but did break some bones in her face and was all black and blue in the face. Mom and Dad were with her all day. Martha spent last night with her. I haven't been able to talk to Mom and Dad since I got home, because they had gone to church tonight for a pig - pickin. So I will call tonight to get the lasted on Aunt Clara."

Steve Williams Update

"Steve had a very rough night. None of us got much sleep. We had to increase the pain medicine throughout the night in attempt to keep him comfortable. He is finally resting peacefully again. His best friend from California, ‘Brent’ is here and staying with us throughout the day and night. He has enjoyed spending a few moments at time with him as they eminence their old times together as he is awake.

Continue to pray for us as we continue through this very difficult weekend. He has great family and loving friends who continue to be by his side as he continues on his journey.
Thanks to everyone who continues to support and love us."
Cindy

Beth's Foot Surgery

Beth, Judson's wife, had foot surgery yesterday. I believe they inserted a rod and removed scar tissue. She is home and doing well on crutches.

Prayer Request from Caroline Edwards

Tony works with me at Coastal and this will be his first grandchild..Caroline Edwards

Email from Tony:

"Linda is once again in good spirits, after being admitted to Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte at noon yesterday. As we talked yesterday, the placenta had separated some from the uterine wall and caused some bleeding. The bleeding stopped and she is stable from that. Late yesterday afternoon, they put her on complete bed rest, not even to get up at all out of the bed. I was told there is very little or no amniotic fluid left. Dennis checked last night with the specialist at ECU and called me to say a baby can survive for several days in this condition and there may be some pockets of fluid that the sonogram might not pick up. We met the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Specialist before we left the hospital last night. We left at that time so Jake and Linda could talk to him privately. Linda called later last night to tell us what their options are at this point. If she goes into labor today, there is nothing whatsoever that they could do for the baby.If she holds on until Friday, they will give her the maternal-fetal medicine this Friday to help with lung development. This is a week earlier than the original plan. As I understand, the medicine has three components, a steroid for his lungs, an antibiotic, and something to halt contractions. As of Friday she will be 23 weeks along and between week 23 and 24 is the most critical time in a pregnancy due to the lung development. The specialist told them last night that there is only a 38 percent chance without having major birth defects before the 24th week. On the first day of week 24, it doubles to 76 percent. Also, they would have to do an extensive C-Section because of the position of the umbilical cord to his head. So if the baby should come between week 23 and 24, Jake and Linda have to make a decision by the end of today to decide to what measures they want them to proceed in saving the baby. As you know, Linda has a heart as big as Texas and the will and determination even larger. Obviously, the best thing that could happen is that she could hold on until 24 weeks or later to increase the chances. Ultimately, we have placed all this in the hands of GOD!"

Steve in Critical Condition

"Steve is critical again.. His white count is at 29,000. We are just trying to keep his pain under control. We have called the family back in. Things are beginning to shut down. He goes in and out with limited conversation. Please continue to remember us."
Cindy

Eagle Scout Project Approved

Last night, Scott and Christopher attended the East Carolina Council Eagle Board Meeting. Christopher's Eagle Scout project was approved by the board. He will be building 2 grills at the new park in Bethel. Andrew Conger, also in the Bethel Troop that Scott leads, will be doing his Eagle Scout project, as well. Congratulations!

Ed Jr's Grandson, Alex

Last night Holly, Ed Sr's granddaughter, spent the night in the ER with her son, Alex, who was hurt at a baseball game. What was initially thought to be a concussion and a broken nose ended up being only a mild head injury and no broken bones. He's a lucky young man. His mom will be giving him some Motrin and hugs today until he's feeling better!!

Mother's Day Celebration

Looks like Myrtle had a great Mother's Day!

Ed Jr & Wendy's Son, Maverick

Yesterday, Maverick (3 years old) was involved in a golf cart accident and ended up being airlifted to Pitt Memorial Hospital. He came home this morning and is doing well except for many scapes and bruises. He did have some stitches on his ear. I think Wendy is planning to take him to the orthopedic doctors tomorrow to confirm that there were no fractures. Please keep him in your prayers that he will continue to improve.

Update on Steve Williams

"Steve has held his own through the weekend and has stabilized. They are trying to get him to drink a little smoothie or milkshake off and on. We have been rotating family staying with him off and on. His brother, Kenneth will be staying with him Sunday night and I will be in the office on Monday.
It would be nice if he could stabilize to the point we could have him brought home and I could arrange for full-time Hospice and some private care at home.
Thanks for your support and continue to remember us."

Cindy

Steve in Critical Condition

"Steve took a turn for the worse last night and things are not looking good. He is essentially critical. All the family and close friends are here with him. The doctors have him resting comfortably which is our goal at this time.

Thanks for all your support, prayers and concern as we go through this difficult time."

Cindy

Update on My Cousin, Steve Williams, Please Keep Them In Your Prayers

"Steve’s condition has taken a turn for the worse. He now also has an infection. His body is so weak and fatigued that he can’t seem to fight anything off at all. They’ve started some antibiotics. He is very close to critical and will probably be headed to ICU unless there is some improvement. He is a very sick man.

They suspect he may have peritonitis as the infection. They think it is coming from all the fluid buildup from the intestines and surgery and that it has become infected with a bacteria that normal bodies would fight off.

The team of doctors are in here now and they are putting him back on IV’s.

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we go through this difficult time.

His brother Kenneth and his daughter Lolly are in route to the hospital now. "

Regards,

Cindy

Primary Election Day

Don't Forget to Vote Today!

Happy Birthday Livy

Livy's 3rd Birthday Party!!!

Olivia is Ed Jr's granddaughter, Holly Whitehurst Braddy's daughter

A Dancer in the Family!

Michaela Jones, a prima ballerina!!!

This is Angie Robb-Jones' daughter

WYSA Sleep-over

Soccer sleepover at Angie Robb-Jones' house!!! Boy, did she have a house full of young ladies!!!

(Angie is Ed's niece)