Bama Mom now Grams

And Baby Makes Three

2011-07-09T18:16:00.000-07:00

We have been waiting for the past 9 months to see if we were gaining a new grandson or a granddaughter. As with tradition, my son and his wife, Mary Avery, like surprises and don't find out the gender until the baby is born. On the afternoon of June 24th, my third grandson made his way into the world!! Noah Maxwell Wigley weighed 9 lbs 10 oz and was 22 inches long. Thankfully he wasn't as big as Matthew, who weighed almost 11 pounds! He is just as handsome as his two big brothers.

That night the boys made some artwork to give to their new brother. John Michael was especially excited to show Noah what he had made for him. If Noah only knew that John Michael doesn't really enjoy art, he would have appreciated the fact that his brother wanted to make this picture for him. John Michael couldn't wait to take it up to the hospital and give it to him.

This was the first time that my daughter, Janna, was able to be there when one of her nephews was born. She is a school teacher and both of the other boys were born during the school year so she wasn't able to travel to Arkansas. John Michael and Matthew love their Aunt Janna and she adores them.

The boys love to give Noah hugs and kisses. Matthew has already given him a body slam while Noah was lying on the bed. Noah took it like a champ! haha I know that all three boys will be best friends as well as brothers. Noah is the perfect addition to our family and this GaGa is so blessed to have 3 beautiful, sweet grandsons.

Tomato Tortellini Soup on a Snowy Day in Bama

2011-01-11T15:57:00.000-08:00

There are still several inches of snow on the ground here in Dixie today. We received about 5 inches on Sunday night and the weather still hovers right around freezing. Nat is stranded ...well not stranded...but has been at his Dad's house since Saturday. They have had a football filled time and I am having fun at home being in charge of the tv controller! HA! Hopefully he gets home tomorrow.

Today, since I'm bored and love to cook, I made some Tomato Tortellini Soup. The original recipe was given to me by my daughter-in-law. I changed it around a little because for one thing I didn't have all of the ingredients in her recipe and also because I was trying to reduce the calories and fat some. I thought it was really good and will also try her version to see how much better it is with the half and half. I posted a picture of it on my FB page and several wanted the recipe, so I will just post it here. I will also tell you the ingredients in the original recipe.

Jane's Tomato Tortellini Soup

1 can Campbell's condensed soup
1 1/2 - 2 soup cans milk ( I used 2 %)
1 can Progresso Tomato Parmesean Low Sodium Soup(they also have a great tomato basil soup)
1/2 teas. dried basil or Italian seasoning (I also used some parmesan garlic seasoning that I have)
1/2 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes packed in oil (I used these, but really think they aren't necessary)
1 package of Buitoni 3 cheese tortellini, prepared as directed (found in refrig. section of store)
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Cook tortellini as directed, drain and set aside.
In dutch oven, combine condensed soup, milk, and Progresso soup. Add seasoning and sundried tomatoes. Heat through, stirring occassionly. Add cooked tortellini and shredded cheese. Heat several more minutes stirring until cheese melted. Serve with toasty bread, yeast rolls, or grilled cheese.

(I topped mine with 6 cheese Italian Cheese for a little extra creaminess! Enjoy!

In Mary Avery's recipe she used:

2 cans condensed low sodium tomato soup, no Progresso soup

2 cups 2% milk

2 cups half and half

2 cups vegetable broth

1 tea. each of onion powder, garlic powder, and dried basil

The rest of her recipe is the same as mine. Hers would make more soup, but mine has a higher ratio of pasta to soup. So if you would like it to be more "soup-like" and a little richer, hers would be a better choice. Either way, oh so yummy!

Chicken and Dressing

2010-11-29T18:19:00.000-08:00

I've had several emails or messages wanting my chicken and dressing recipe. To be honest, I really don't measure anything and until Mary Avery asked for it, I really didn't have a recipe. But here is the "recipe" for those of you who have asked for it.

Jane's Chicken and Dressing

2 – 3 large chicken breasts, cooked and torn into bite size pieces
         (Save a little for the gravy)
        (or buy rotisserie chicken and pull chicken off bone)

2 cans cream of chicken soup

2 cups of chicken broth (canned or use the broth if you cook your own chicken)

½ large onion chopped

3 – 4 stalks of celery chopped

½ stick of butter

1 pan of cornbread cooked and cooled (do day before if you want)

½ bag of Pepperidge Farm stuffing mix
    (I use the bag that says wheat and white bread seasoned)

¼ teaspoon sage or ½ teas. Poultry seasoning

2 eggs, beaten

--Saute onion and celery in butter. Set aside.

--Crumble cooled cornbread and mix together with stuffing mix.

--Stir in onion, celery, butter mixture
   then add 2 cans cream of chicken soup,
chicken broth, sage or seasoning and mix together well.
(At this point I take a bite to see if it needs more seasoning, and…really…
   I just want a bite…Ha!)

--Then add in the 2 eggs and stir mixture well.

--In a 9 x 13 baking dish, put about ½ the mixture, then put your cooked chicken on top of that layer. (I usually moisten the chicken with a little extra chicken broth). Then add the rest of the dressing on top of the chicken.

Bake at 325 about 30- 45 minutes until brown and slightly firm to touch.

Easy Gravy

Buy two packets of chicken or turkey gravy mix and prepare as directed.

Add about ½ to whole can of cream of chicken soup.

Add 2 chopped boiled eggs and some of the cooked chicken chopped up.

Arkansas Lovin' and Memphis BBQ

2010-02-03T18:00:00.000-08:00

We recently returned from a visit with Jordan, Mary Avery, and our two precious grandsons (and of course Jackson, the bichon). John Michael was sick when we got there...roseola and then very congested and just feeling yucky in general. He demanded a good bit of attention, so I'm glad our visit came at a time when we could be some help. We spent a lot of time reading books, watching TV, and wiping his nose. HA! This first picture pretty much sums up how he felt for most of our visit.

Matthew is growing up so fast. He recently had his 2 month check-up and weighed in at a solid 15.7 pounds!! But considering he weighed almost 11 when he was born, I guess that's about right. He is just the most pleasant baby. He hardly ever cries and when he smiles, his whole face just lights up. Here is a picture of him on his 2 month old birthday with his Gamps. I think Matthew has more hair than Gamps!

John Michael was feeling better by the time we left, but then Matthew caught the cold. At least he didn't get roseola and run a high fever. We had a great time loving on our grandsons and just spending time with them all. Our time there flew by, as always. Why does time seem to stand still when you're at dentist office, but flies by when your spending time with your grandbabies? Before we knew it, we were on our way back home.

We stopped for lunch in Memphis at Interstate BBQ. I'll use John Michael's words to describe the food...
mmmm....mmmm....mmmmm! They were featured on one of our favorite shows, "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives". We have a couple of the DD & D books and are checking them off as we eat at them. We are eating our way across America....haha. I ordered a "small" BBQ and fries. Nat ordered a "small" BBQ and a dish they are famous for....BBQ spaghetti. I can say that it was different and pretty tasty.
Their BBQ was excellent and the sauce was amazing! We have several other places in Memphis to check off our list, but we will definately make plans to eat there again.

A death, a move, a birth, and another birth

2010-01-13T17:10:00.000-08:00

Not sure why I haven't posted in such a long time. I suppose that I started this blog when I lived in Virginia to keep in touch with my family and friends that still lived here in Alabama. I also wrote about the updates on my mom and dad's health so that those who wanted to know could keep informed. Since my last post, my sweet mother passed away. She was the kindest, most loving mother with the prettiest blue eyes ever. She left this world with those she loved most at her bedside. Oh how I miss her still today. This picture was taken not long before she married my dad.

My husband retired several months later and we moved from Virginia back to Alabama. We lived in my parents house for about 6 months...making improvements and getting it ready to put on the market while we looked for a house to buy. We sold their house a week after it was listed. We moved across town into a house in the same neighborhood as my son's in-laws, which makes it very convenient when they are here visiting from Arkansas.

Now comes the exciting part of this story. Nat and I became grandparents for the first time on May 8th, 2008! What a day that was! We got the call from AR about 1 a.m. that Mary was in labor and they were at the hospital. The next several hours were a blur, but within just a few hours, Mary's mom got us a flight to AR and we made it to the hospital just in time to see our grandson, John Michael Wigley, born at 12:46! A day that I will never forget! He weighed 7 lbs 12 oz and was 21 inches long and was the most beautiful baby.

He will be 2 years old this May and is the love of our life! His big blue eyes can just melt your heart!

On John Michael's first birthday, Mary Avery and Jordan, surprised us all. John Michael came out of his bedroom wearing a "big brother" t-shirt. None of us noticed for several minutes, but we were all so excited after we found out the news. Nat and I left the next day with John Michael, Jordan, and Mary Avery for Disney World. Jordan celebrated his first birthday at Disney World, so we decided to keep the tradition! We all had so much fun and John Michael was a perfect child the whole trip.

Our next several months were spent waiting to see if we were going to have a little granddaughter or another grandson. They had decided not to find out what sex their second baby was going to be. Don't they know this drives grandmothers crazy! haha It was kind of fun to have a surprise waiting for us though. And what a surprise it was. On Nov. 24th, 2009, Matthew James Wigley came into this world. Our "little" fellow weighed in at a whopping 10lb 14 oz!! And was 22 1/4 inches long! Wow! He was not even able to wear newborn diapers...haha. He was every bit as beautiful as his brother and is just the sweetest little baby.

They are both so adorable and we love them so very much. We have spent a lot of time traveling back and forth from Alabama to Arkansas. It is very hard living so far away from them, but Mary Avery does a great job on her blog, http://mary.wigley-family.com/ . She posts almost everyday with pictures and details of what is going on day by day. John Michael calls me GaGa so I might have to change the name of my blog. HA! The boys are growing up way to fast for this grandmother and I just always look forward to the next time that I will get to see them. Never soon enough.

Whew! That's the last 2 years abbreviated into one post! Maybe I won't wait quite so long before posting again.

Can't forget Sami

2007-04-09T12:21:00.000-07:00

It just dawned on me that I never gave an update on my sweet Sami. Last October, she started losing weight and sometimes would lose her balance. I took her to the vet and he ran many tests and determined that she had liver disease. She was 14 years old, but except for losing her hearing about a year ago had been in good health. We tried medications and special diets. She continued to lose weight and didn't have much of an appetite. About a week before Thanksgiving she stopped eating altogether, except for a few occasional Cheerios and also quit drinking water. I knew the time had come to put an end to her suffering. It was the hardest decision I've ever had to make. The veternarian provided us with some time alone with Sami before she came back in to start the procedure. It was a very calm and peaceful death. It has now been almost 6 months and we still miss her dearly. I'm not sure if dogs can go to heaven, but if they can....my dad is the happiest man in the world!

Snow at Easter

2007-04-09T05:12:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that we had snow the day before Easter!!! And they talk about global warming!

Beautiful Wedding

2006-08-07T09:06:00.000-07:00

It's official.....My baby is now a married man!!! He and Mary Avery were married Saturday night at 12th Street Baptist Church. The whole weekend went by soooo fast. My husband and I arrived in Gadsden about 4:30 Thursday night. The next day I attended the bridesmaids luncheon which was held at the Anniston Inn Restaurant (a beautiful place!). The food was fabulous. From there, I rushed back to Gadsden to decorate for the after-rehearsal dinner that we hosted at the Gadsden Country Club. I yanked my husband up from a nap to help me get everything over there...haha. We decorated, met with the events planner and head waiter, then rushed home at 5:15 to change clothes and be at rehearsal which started at 6:00!! Whew....It's tiring me out just typing this! The rehearsal went very smoothly and we headed to the GCC about 7:00. The food was wonderful...prime rib, cold seafood(shrimp, oysters, crab claws), seafood bisque and beef stew, tilapia, chicken, pork medalions, mashed potatoes, beans, salad, potato salad, rolls, and for dessert "chocolate decadence" served in champagne saucers! It was all very good. Then we had a champagne toast. My husband, Nat, gave a very touching toast. It was a great night. The kids presented the grandparents and parents with embroidered hankies. Mary Avery gave her dad one that said "I will always be your little girl". She is so sweet! Mine said, "Thank you for raising your son to be the man of my dreams"...made me cry. They also gave the parents Waterford bowls....wow! beautiful!
The next day I dropped Nat off at the hotel around noon to be with Jordan, Mary's dad and her brothers, and the groomsmen...and I went to the Woman's Club to spend a couple of hours with Mary Avery, her mom, and the bridesmaids. Mary Avery already looked beautiful and she wasn't even in her gown yet. Then about 2 we all headed to the church for pictures. My daughter, Janna, met us there...she looked very pretty too! Everything went so smoothly. The bridesmaids were so lovely and the groomsmen very handsome. I can't wait to see all the wedding photos.
The wedding was absolutely beautiful and the bride was radiant!! The music was so nice and the soloist sounded heavenly. Jordan's face lit up as he saw Mary coming down the aisle! I was just hoping he wouldn't faint!! It was the perfect wedding....you couldn't have asked for anything more. Then we all went to the GCC for the reception. The decorations and flowers were spectacular and the food was once again exceptional. It was wonderful to see so many of my friends and family that attended. The band played the type of music that Jordan and Mary Avery requested...such as songs from the Rod Stewart Songbook...old romantic songs and jazzy type songs that everyone enjoyed. They sounded great. The first dance went off as practiced (the twirl at the end was a nice touch! :) )
Both the bride's cake and the groom's cake were beautiful (and tasty too!). Around 10:45, Mr. and Mrs. Jordan Wigley left in the limo for their yet-to-be disclosed honeymoon location. Her dad and I were both handed envelopes (not to be opened until they were gone) that contained the itinerary. Not even the bride knew where the honeymoon was going to be. As soon as the limo rounded the corner....we tore open the envelopes to see that they were spending the first night in Birmingham at the newly opened Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort (looks like a castle!), then heading to Atlanta to spend one night before flying to Cancun this morning! I talked to them just before they flew out and so far the honeymoon has been great and I'm sure this next week will be like paradise. Our families are so blessed!!!
It was a weekend that I will never forget...and I know one that THEY will never forget!!

My Dad

2006-05-24T06:07:00.000-07:00

Sorry that it has been so long since I've posted an update. As most of you know, my Mom and Dad have been in and out of the hospital since November. I spent almost 9 weeks helping to take care of them and returned home the middle of February. At the end of February, my Mom was readmitted to the hospital, so my dog, Sami, and I returned back to Alabama. We had planned on returning there in a couple of weeks anyway, but I had looked forward to spending several weeks at home for a little R & R with my husband. But the Lord definately had a plan for me being there that week. My Dad, who had been in declining health, passed away on March 4. Had my Mom not been hospitalized that week, I wouldn't have been at my father's bedside when the Lord called him Home. It was a very peaceful death... with me; my sister,Sandra; my daughter, Janna; my dog, Sami; and his caretaker, Ann; surrounding him. He hadn't eaten anything the day before, but at about 5 a.m. he asked if he could have one of those lil' frozen ice cream cones that we kept in the freezer. He SO enjoyed his sweets ( I guess that is where I get that from!) and he ate every bite of it. He passed away a little bit after 8 a.m. Ahh..can you think of a better way to leave this world? Surrounded by your family with an ice cream cone in your belly! My Dad was loved by all who knew him and we all miss him so much.

I just returned from a trip back home to visit Mom for Mother's Day and to attend my son's fiancee's graduation from Univ. of Ala. Mary graduated from the U of A's School of Nursing. We are all so very proud of her. And lord only knows...we sure could use an RN in the family!! haha My daughter and I went the night before graduation and were treated to a very nice dinner with Mary's family. My son also drove in from Arkansas to be there for the weekend. It was great to see him...a very nice Mother's Day weekend.

Mom is doing better, although she did lose sight in her right eye. She is still weak, but has a good appetite (yes, she also loves her sweets) and is getting around pretty good with her walker and help from her caretaker Ann (an angel sent to us).

I will be headed back to Alabama toward the end of June for another visit and to attend a bridal shower for Mary and make final arrangements for the after rehersal dinner.

Neptune Festival

2005-10-03T06:03:00.000-07:00

Let me first say...I love living near the beach!!! Even though we didn't go much this summer due to my hubby's foot injuries, I am trying to make up for it.

One of my good friends, Sandy and I went to Grandview Beach on Thursday. It's a very secluded beach with no facilities, but a great place to look for shells and beach glass. We had a great time although I did get sunburned. It was such a nice day...in the mid 70's with a breeze...I didn't put on sunblock until we had been there for an hour or two. I'm sure my dermatologist will not be pleased next week...haha.

Then yesterday, I went to the Neptune Festival at Virginia Beach. What great fun!!! This festival stretches about 25 blocks along the boardwalk at the beach. There were hundreds of arts and crafts vendors, of course all the great smelling food, a surfing tournament, professional volleyball tournament, fantastic music, and my favorite...the sand castle competition. People from all over the country sculpt BEAUTIFUL sand creations. Of course my favorite was the elephant. It looked so realistic and also reminded me of the University of Alabama's big win over Florida on Saturday!! ROLL TIDE!!

There's gonna be a wedding!

2005-09-19T06:37:00.000-07:00

Well...it's official. There's gonna be a wedding!! My son, Jordan, proposed to his girlfriend, Mary, this past weekend! They have been dating for over 5 years. He called me 2 weeks ago to tell me that he had just picked up the most beautiful ring in the whole world. I have to agree that it is beautiful...although my own is a sentimental favorite.

He flew into Birmingham Thursday around noon, then drove to Gadsden to visit with my parents and to have "the talk" with her parents. He wanted to do everything the proper way...at least the proper "Southern" way...and ask for their permission to ask for her hand in marriage. After he got their blessings, he drove to Tuscaloosa where Mary is a nursing student at the University of Alabama....ROLL TIDE ROLL!

He waited until Friday night to propose. He made reservations at a nice restaurant which they had eaten at several years ago to celebrate the anniversary of their first date (my son is so romantic even if I say so myself). Then after dinner he suggested they take a stroll around campus. He took her to a historic house on campus which is gated and usually locked, but on this night the gate was open. They went inside and this is where he popped the question. She said YES! Of course with such a beautiful ring...how could she say no...haha. A beautiful ring for a beautiful girl!!

Nat and I are so proud to welcome her to our family and are looking forward to what I know will be a beautiful wedding!

Back home in Virginia

2005-09-10T13:33:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh.....nothing like your own bed! My mom is doing better. She was in the hospital for a week and then at Gadsden Rehab for a week. It is hard to see your parents get old and unable to do so many things they used to do easily. But on second thought, so many of my friends lost their parents at a much earlier age....I know that God has blessed my family by letting us enjoy each other for all the years that we have received. It was a very trying month for me. Between staying with mom at the hospital, taking care of my dad at home, being away from my husband for a month, and getting my house in Alabama ready to sell, I felt overwhelmed at times. Your prayers and God's love are what carried me thru the past 4 weeks. Please continue to keep my parents in your prayers. I anticipate having to make more frequent trips back home.

Janna is coaching high school volleyball this year. Her JV team won their first game!! Her varsity team is yet to win, but they only won one game last year....so at least Janna can't do much worse than last year's coach...haha.

Jordan called me today to tell me he picked up the engagement ring today that he ordered for Mary and that it was the most beautiful ring in the world! He is so excited!! He is going to Tuscaloosa to propose to her next weekend....but shhhhh .. it's a secret. They are getting married next August. Sigh....my baby is all grown up. And they grow up so quick...just enjoy them.

Sweet Home Alabama

2005-08-10T11:51:00.000-07:00

I'm heading back to Alabama tomorrow for a visit with my parents. Dad has fallen two times in the past week and now Mom isn't doing well. She is very weak and her hands are shaking so bad she can't even hold a cup. My sweet dad is even having to ice their morning cinnamon rolls! Every morning....Pillsbury cinnamon rolls.....I can think of worse breakfasts!! haha
So tomorrow Sami and I hit the road again....11 hours with me singing along with my favorites songs. Course Sami is hard of hearing now...so she doesn't complain!! Keep us all in your prayers!

2005-08-06T13:31:00.000-07:00

Deja Vu

Welllll...here we go again. Yesterday, my husband and I were at an offsite meeting (aka party) at his boss' house. We were having a great time....cool drinks, Boston Butt, chocolate chip cookies...when my sweet husband decided it was time to cool off in the pool. Being the kid at heart that he is, he does his best cannonball into the pool as I watched from my comfy beach chair. I overheard him say to his boss (who also jumped in at the same time) .."You're not going to believe what I just did." Although I couldn't hear what he told him, I knew what it was. My poor husband tore a ligament in his foot AGAIN! He had surgery on the right foot in April and was in a cast for about 3 weeks on that foot, but before he could get out of that cast...he tore a ligament in the left foot and was in two casts for a few weeks. He had been cast-free for about a month now but has been having some pain still. Soooooo...I guess its back to the doctor again on Tuesday for yet another cast. Bless his heart, it's so discouraging. Keep us in your prayers. Thanks

2005-08-03T16:11:00.000-07:00

Sami

Here is a picture of my dog Sami. She loves me and my family but hates everyone else! She sleeps about 16 hours a day...what a life! Of course the 8 hours she is awake are the 8 hours that I am trying to sleep....haha. No matter...I love her anyway.

2005-08-02T15:45:00.000-07:00

First Posting...

I lived in Alabama for 40+ years until I met the man of my dreams and moved to Virginia. We have been married for over 4 years now...how time flies!! I have 2 wonderful children. My daughter, Janna, graduated from Jacksonville State and teaches PE at an elementary school in Alabama. She also recently got her Masters Degree as a Reading Specialist. My son, Jordan, recently graduated from Univ. of Alabama(ROLL TIDE!) and now works in Arkansas as a computer security technician. I am SO proud of them!

My husband is retired from the Air Force and still works with them as a civilian. He also has 2 children. His daughter, Wendy, graduated from Florida State and works in the DC area. She is just starting a new job working with a charity organization that specializes in Christian adoptions. His son, Mark, is working for a local cable company while still working on his degree. They are both great and we are very proud of them too.

I have enjoyed being a housewife for the last four years, but I am going back to work part-time teaching computer to elementary students at our church's school. I taught computer in an elementary school in Alabama before I moved here and really enjoyed it. The only one who will be unhappy to see me go back to work is my dog Sami. She is an 11-year-old Shih Tzu who has gotten very used to me catering to her every need 24/7 !!