drum roll please....

I know I have been slack in updating this blog, and I appologize to those of you who are faithful checkers (followers, stalkers, whatever you call yourself). In short, here's the 4.1.1. on what's going on in our lives::

JACK BROTHER IS WALKING!!!

This sweet little man will be 11 months old next week and has been walking since this past Saturday/ Sunday! He is still some seriously sweet sugar but every now and then this little monster pops out of him and pitches some serious fits...of which we'll be working on correcting (atleast as soon as the "hilariously cute" wears off with his Mama!)

Riley Grace is an ***ALL STAR*** soccer player!!!

We recently spent 2 weekends playing soccer with the 9 and under all girls "All Star" soccer team. Riley Grace made some AWESOME plays this year and was definately one of the leading scorers on her team! We were so proud of the girls that played in the district and state tournaments. Their team also came home with the "Best Sportsmanship" trophy, of which the referees voted on! Way to go girls!

These sweet cheeks will be turning 3 in one week!

I really could just cry! I cannot believe its been 3 years. She is an absolute JOY (well, atleast most of the time)! I know I should be recording more of these days...Some of her favorite things right now are::

-playing school with her sissy-

-going to work with her daddy in the mornings-

-trying to carry Jack around (...she's only 4 pounds heavier than him)-

Some of her great phrases lately::

-Mama, I need my oysterlizer (moisturizer)-

-Sissy, you are not the boss! I am!-

-peanup and jelly =peanut butter & jelly-

-Maggie was telling Memama (Russell's grandmother Jane) something and I interrupted her and began to talk to Memama. Maggie says, "Excuse me, Mama. Excuse me, Mama. I was trying to tell Memama something." As Memama said later, well atleast we know she understands the "do not interrupt" idea.-

-"Mama, Uncle Alan calls me Rudy" (with a huge smile!), every time we pass Wachovia bank-

Happy 3rd Birthday Maggie Ruth! We love you Rudy!

This post is random!

Well, its back to rubber bands around cabinet doors, bedroom doors shut (to keep him out) and moving all movable objects out of this boy's reach! He's mastered crawling and is now pulling up on everything and pulling out everything!I could very possibly be done sweeping the kitchen floor, he consumes anything he finds- such as this piece of oreo he found under one of the barstool. Healthy breakfast!

He got tubes put in his ears last Thursday and is doing great! He's still a happy baby although he's decided he DOES NOT want to be constrained to a carseat! Riding is not is favorite pastime by any means.
Maggie Ruth and John Luke have had a good time together lately. I think Rudy just loves the fact that someone will do what she wants them to do (or atleast most of the time he will). John Luke also seems to like her attire...he's sporting some of it himself.
I actually didn't get the cutest picture (good thing- his daddy would probably shoot me). John Luke decided he wanted to wear MR's yellow polka dot short shorts! It was priceless.

A couple of weeks ago Maggie Ruth, Jack , and I made our way down to Destin to spend a night with Mendy and her boys.

The ocean was unbelivable! In all my days going to Destin it has been ages since it was this nice. It was like sitting in the most beautiful clear lake you can imagine. There were no white caps to be seen anywhere.

Mendy and I just sat in the edge of the water with Andrew and Jack while Maggie Ruth and Ty played... it was PERFECT!

Jack (mostly) and Andrew were taste testing the sand most of the time.

Ty and Maggie Ruth are "Two peas in a pod"...Holy Cow they are so much alike!

Thank you Mendy, for inviting us!

One last "summer" hoorah for the cousins... Its always kind of been tradition that we'd get together to swim and have pizza on the Friday night that Ryles comes in for the weekend, well this was only the 2nd time we managed to do it this summer. And by the way, it won't be long before we'll add one more cousin to the crew. Kristen Sue and Josh are expecting their first child in April!!! We can't wait to meet this sweet baby.

And finally...Ryles started 4th grade!

Well, since I'm apparently never going to take the time to download some pictures off of my camera and show you just how much has been going on here on the farm (and our travels away from it) I'll just give you our life in words...

Jack hit the 7 month old mark while we were away this weekend. We spent the weekend in Montgomery at the ALFA Commodity Conference (3 nights of not sleeping, a scary accident in the hot tub, leftovers of a virus without enough clothes= one long trip). He is now a sitter and a crawler! Life is changing fast. He's no longer content in a device that might hinder him from moving- high chair, jumperoo, CARSEAT, lap, stroller, shopping cart, CARSEAT...maybe you're getting the picture. He is fully aware that if he weren't stuck in these places he could be moving about freely...makes for a new personality we've not seen yet and a temper I knew was hiding way back in there somewhere. He's thrown a few fits, arched his back and attempted to throw himself to the floor in an all fired effort to keep from being strapped down to anything. With all of that said, he's still one of the sweetest baby boys I've ever known. Even sweet boys can make a HUMONGOUS mess though. Let me tell you about our week last week, which included hundreds of dirty diapers, stained outfits, piles of disgusting matter in places I wasn't sure I'd ever get it all out of... Never mind! I'll spare you the details! Stomach viruses can make a mama NUTS!!!! (or maybe I should say more nuts)

Maggie Ruth....................Maggie Ruth.................. well, she's still Maggie Ruth! High strung, high maintenace, full of laughs, demanding, copying evey move Riley Grace makes. She keeps me laughing all day! Sometimes I'm laughing to keep from crying- just kidding. She's asking TONS of questions, "Mama, why you doing dat?, Mama, when we goin' dere?, Mama, when Grandmama coming to see me, Mama, when Daddy going to be home, Mama, Mama, Mama, Mama...." I love these days of my life!!! She told Russell last week that she didn't want to go to work with him anymore because she didn't like riding the tractor. She just wants to go to the shop to socialize with all the men, drink Mt. Dew, and eat popcorn. Her attention span is very much like her Mama's- poor child!

Ryles started 4th grade today! She's growing up WAY to fast. She's even acting "growny-er" (not a word- I know). She told me last week while we were shopping that she would, "need some 4th grade clothes." I'm giving up smocking and hairbows for the first time - some of you know how sad that really is. Her teacher is Mrs. Beverly Moore and I am so thrilled! God is good and we're looking forward to a fabulous year.

My Kelly's Kids trunk is here and I will start trunk shows on Thursday. Looking forward to being busy with that but praying I don't get too far behind on the rest of life while I'm at it!

And by the way, that handsome little fellow getting a bath in the tub (in my last post) was my daddy. Jack is a good mix of Wiggins and Wells!

a random blog...

Just thought I'd share with you a tad of what I should have blogged about this last month...

Maggie Ruth had her first bungee trampoline experience while we were in SanDestin at the ALFA conference. She LOVED it and kept throwing her head back trying to do a flip.

This is the crew that was in attendance for the Wells' weekend at Lake Martin. And we traveled all the way to the lake to do this...

and this... (Me, Amanda, and Bradleigh Kate)

Does anyone have a guess at who this handsome little fellow is??? I'll give you a few days to guess before I tell you-

Skoot naked...

This was the sight I found when I went out to check on Maggie and Caroline this afternoon. I ran back in to get the camera, took the picture and then asked what happened... she'd sat in a puddle in the wagon. And yes, for those of you who are having a stroke- I did explain to her that we don't go around without our clothes on!

Happy 1/2 Birthday Jack Brother!

No teeth, just lots of slobber. Not sitting up, just rolling from one place to the other. Loves all baby food and starts kicking and swinging his arms when he sees it come out. No fussing, all smiles (all the time- and I'm serious!) A head full of spiked blonde hair. 19lbs. 4 oz. of sweet sugar!

Its hard to believe 6 months ago today, Jack was just a few hours old! Kind of sad to think those few months are gone forever...but the best is yet to come! He is still the sweetest little baby God ever created. He has the sweetest personality. He just smiles an drools all day long. He did, however, have to go to the doctor today for his first sick visit. He caught a cold while at the lake this weekend which also led to some serious fluid behind his left ear. So we're working on getting him back to his healthy self ASAP.

We had a wonderful 4th at Lake Martin with almost all of the Wells'. There were 29 of us there and 5 of them were missing. Uncle Mike and Aunt Maria were gracious enough to open their home on the lake to all of us and I am so grateful they did. Its been about 8 years since we've all been together (other than when Grandmama Orene passed away). There were the 3 brothers and their wives, their 8 children (minus one) and 5 spouses, and the 10 great grandchildren for a grand total of 29 humans in one house!!! If I find any extra time between now and Thursday (when we leave for the beach for a week) I'll get a post done on our lake trip.

Until then, have a great week and be safe!

Happy Father's Day...

...to the two best looking, blue eyed men in my life!

the third one is in the picture too!

at Kim's...

2 of the 3 of my sweet kiddos (along with my sweet mother-in-law) and I loaded up and headed to Hot Lanta today for a quick visit with my sister (Kim) and my sister-in-law (Kristen Sue). We don't get to see either of them as much as we'd like so Mrs. Sharon and I ventured out of our comfort zone and made our way NE. Let me tell you that Mrs. Sharon and I trying to direct ourselves through Atlanta is like the blind leading the blind... but we made it all safe and sound...

so, Jack has decided to try sitting up.... Woohoo!!!! I'm ready for this. This boy is a CHUNK and it is quite the challenge to wrestle 19 lbs as I'm shoveling my food in my mouth (cause I might starve to death if I don't eat my next meal)!!!

Maggie Ruth is in love with Kim's humongus (sp?) bed... a king size for one very small person- makes no sense to me either, but I must say I'm a bit jealous!

My own future American Idol star...

However, her mama will not be a professional videographer any time soon. I don't suggest trying to hold a 2 year old while videoing...

Just for you Ryles...

Riley Grace is a fourth grader (a straight A 3rd grader-all year). Maggie Ruth is potty trained, sleeping in a big bed and without a paci. Jack is topping the scales at a hefty 18 lbs. Russell is finally cutting wheat. And I'm... well, still running around in circles. Another school year has ended. Vacation Bible School has begun. Church Softball is in full swing. It is hot and SUNNY outside. Thank you Lord for the sunshine (and the SONshine)! Thats just a short update of life here on the farm. I just cannot find time to sit down and update this blog very often although I have TONS I'd love to share... so here's an abbreviated version of the last month.

Riley Grace hasn't left for Brian's yet so she and Maggie Ruth have had some serious sister time! If only everyone could have a big sister like her...go cart rides, swinging HIGH, playing house or WalMart or whatever else Maggie thinks up, sidewalk chalk, swimming at Grandmama's, riding the combine with Daddy, four wheeler excursions all over the farm...

...and this big fat bundle of sweet sugar is taking it all in. In his regular laid back fashion, he doesn't miss a move his sisters make. I'm hoping a little tooth is about to make its grand debut otherwise he's going to gnaw my finger off. Thank you Aunt Kathy for Jack's shirt. It says "Jack's Gas Station" and although it wasn't meant this way, he is definately a little "gas station!" Happy Summer to EVERYONE!!!

This post is a little late...

My Mama and Daddy rented a condo on the beach in Destin over Spring Break. We left late Easter Sunday afternoon (Russell even went with us, although he had to come back early Wednesday morning) and the kids and I came home late Friday night. We had a ball! Monday we were stuck in the condo watching the severe weather, but the rest of the week was nice. A little cool, but beautiful. Kim was able to join us part of the time too. Somehow I didn't manage to get one single picture of her though. I wish we could do this lots more often.

Life's too short...

...not to take the time to share this image with y'all. Maggie Ruth is now officially her daddy's sidekick. When Russell told her it was hot outside and she might get sunburned she said, "I need a hat." So- an Easter Bonnet will do!

Jack Brother is changing everyday. I'm guessing he's right at 16lbs. and has begun to laugh. He's still that perfect baby I told you all he was!


And this sweet child is about to finish 3rd grade... HOLY COW I'm not ready to let her go for the summer! I'll need lots of prayers to get me through this summer because she's my 3rd hand when I need help- OFTEN!

I'm considering hiring a babysitter so I can sit down and blog...INSANE??? I've got so much I want to share and I can't find the time to do it.

Started "catching up" and never finished...

...probably never will. Life is a whirlwind... Jack will be 12 weeks old tomorrow (is eating cereal and weighs almost 13lbs.), spring is here, Maggie Ruth (well she's still the same ol' Rudy), Riley Grace is winding up her 3rd grade year, and I'm right here in the midst of it all.

I love looking at everyone's blog and do wish I could find the time to inform everyone of what's going on around here, but as most of you understand this computer gets put on the back burner most of the time. My house is never clean, my laundry is NEVER caught up, between a husband and 3 sweet children, I'm always feeding someone, my car seems to go up and down the road constantly, and I cherrish the time I get to spend with my family and friends... how could I possibly have time for a computer? Well, I'm neglecting ALL of that right now and I'll try to give you all a quick update of our lives here on Wiggins Farm... as you can tell in the new photo at the top of the page, we recently had some family pictures made. We had fun taking them and we got some really good ones.

In early March the Covington County Young Farmers hosted the Annual Petting Zoo...one of my favorite days of the year!!! We invite all the kindergarteners in the county to come out to the arena and see all the animals and farm equiptment. This year Maggie Ruth, Jacob and Caroline came out and got to hold a baby chick and duckling... Riley Grace is usually devasted that she can't skip school and spend the day with us.

Well, Maggie Ruth just "went to work" with her daddy so I'm going to take advantage of this opportunity...my house/laundry is now screaming at me. Maybe it won't be another 3 weeks before I find time to post again.

Last thing, if you have a moment, please say a prayer for my sweet friend Marrianne. She and her family are battling a lot right now... Her dad is struggling through chemo as he is recovering from major arm surgery (from the cancer), Jessa Ann (her 18 mo. old daughther) broke her leg on Sunday and is in a full leg cast, and John Harper and Rachel (her son and babysitter) were in a wreck this morning on the way to school. No one was hurt seriously but they think Rachel's hand is broken. You know, when you feel Satan is after you if feels like there is no way out... she knows God is in control, but it can just be so hard to see His plan in the midst of turmoil. She'd appreciate your prayers, I know!

Prayer Request

Kathy Nall, a very sweet friend of my family, passed away last night (Sunday). She has battled pancreatic cancer for over 3 years now. Her husband Tim and three daughters Ashley, Shelley and Stephanie will certainly need all the prayers they can get right now. Please lift them up in prayer these next few weeks.

Catching up...in no particular order

It's been quite a while since I've posted. I find it hard to sit down at the computer when my house is always a mess, someone always needs holding or feeding, or someone is crying...like right now- Jack is in his swing (not hungry or dirty) but fussing, and MR is on top of the kitchen counter (where I'm standing) leaning over in my face saying... "hold me mama, I need my nap"...HELP, its only 8:30 a.m.!

This past weekend we were in Montgomery for the Young Farmers Convention. We had a great time and the accomodations were so nice. We stayed down town in the new RSA Renissance. In most cases I'm dying to get back home to my bed, but these were way more comfortable than mine!

This is our County Photo... the others are Steven and Brooke Williams, Brian and Anna Ward, Ben and Liz Courson and their girls Anna Kate and Caroline.

Russell and the girls before our dinner Saturday night.

This was the view from our hotel window on Sunday morning. RG was at Brian's and called at 6:15 a.m. to tell us it was snowing. She was thrilled! ...beautiful view, isn't it?

At the YFC this weekend we had a silent auction where each county donates items to raise money. This was my latest little project and I donated these little t-shirts...

I've had fun playing with this new project and designing these little critters.

5 weeks and a regressing 2 year old...

I know they say its normal...I know they do, but that doesn't make it easy!!! Regression that is. (Dr. Pollard- my OB and Dr. E have told me this was going to happen)

This absolutely gorgeous little face is one very stiff challenge right now. She loves her "Jack Brother" with every bit of her being (that is unless he's being held by her mama) and she tries so hard to give him love all day long, only she doesn't exactly know her limits. There is not a place I can put Jack down that she can't get to him and lately I cannot turn my back. I found her about to sit on his head one day last week, she's tried to pick him up more than once, his eyeballs and nose are a fascination and she wants to "swing him high" in his swing. I have my work cut out for me, I know!

She has also decided that sleeping in her bed by herself at night is no longer an option, she's not able to feed herself anymore (an adult has to) and her legs don't work either (someone must carry her everywhere).

I'm trying my very best to make some time to spend just playing with her each day. These were some pics I snapped last week when we were playing hide and seek.

Jack was 5 weeks old Wednesday. Holy Cow how time flies! Five weeks really seems more like five days to me. (That may be because I'm completely deprived of sleep.) He really is the baby I asked God for. I prayed that I could have a low maintenance, easy going baby and he's all that and more. He ONLY fusses when he's hungry. Although he's not sleeping well at night right now, he's not crying or fussing he's just congested and can't breath well. I'm ready for the weather to stay warm so we can turn the heat off in our house (I think that's whats causing his problem- it does it to me.)

And lastly-

I honestly don't know how I'd do ANYTHING without this precious child! She is so much help and keeps me straight. How did I manage to raise her without her there to help me?

P.S. Park invitation open to any of you locals that like to venture out in the afternoons. The weather is finally changing a little and we've enjoyed several pretty afternoons there.

3 1/2 weeks old...

Time flies...when you're wrapped up in this sweet life!!! I can hardly believe he's been here 3 1/2 weeks. Here are a few updated pictures of he and Rudy.

(I had not seen any real resemblance in Maggie and Jack until this picture above.)

Jack is back up to his birth weight. As of last Friday he was 7lbs. 13 oz. again (an answered prayer). I was hoping we wouldn't have to begin supplementing and we haven't had to!!! He's growing and getting stronger everyday. Russell and I were talking just last night about how well he can hold his head up. He loves to look around at all that's going on in our busy house, and although we know he can't see it all, you wouldn't know it by the way he's cranking that head around.