"Nana Adventures"

I have arrived! I flew into Seattle to visit a sweet little family . . . and got to meet my newest grandchild. She is so sweet, so calm and when she smiles, it melts my heart. She has beautiful eyes. I am so amazed how alert both her and Julia are, even from birth. They will be great friends. Lillyanne too! She is such a girly girl and a mother. Andrew is all energy but has such a soft side. I cherish the early mornings with him and Lillygirl. . . where we talked and enjoyed the quiet.

So here is Lilly with her sweet little sister . . . Susan! My newest grandchild!



Amanda, Angie's friend, came over and we put Susan in the outfit that she wore when she was a baby. Susan looks adorable, doesn't she?



I had so much fun. Here is my crazy Andrew Spiderman caught in his own web!



I love them all! Thank you for such a great time.

Love from Nana

Starring . . . Julia Jetti Jones!

Sweet Julia entered into the world on May 3rd, 2010! What a joyful occasion! I have so MANY pictures of her...and it takes forever but I'll try a few.


She was tiny and light and so fun to finally hold. She makes her Nana very happy.


I got a call early that morning. Charlyn wasn't sure it was even happening since Julia wasn't supposed to come for at least 3 weeks . . . but we quickly got THAT figured out and her and Ben headed to the hospital. I had a bit of a drive ahead of me but they kept me posted thru my cell. Ha! Suddenly things were happening. Julia had to come by emergency C-section. I missed the birth but so grateful that everything was alright. Isn't she beautiful?

She's here!!!!

Our sweet little wiggler is here at last . . . born Sept 11th at 10:18
pm. Her name is Susan Jolene . . . . She was 8 lbs. 2.4 oz and 20 inches long. Angie says she "seems to be a very calm and sweet baby and we are so excited to have her in our family!"



How did she get her name? Andrew wanted to name her Lilly and after some research, it was discovered that Lilly in Hebrew is Susan . . . so Susan it is. What a great story Andrew will get to tell when he gets older. It was a wonderful surprise for Susan to be born on her Great Grandma Jolene Walker's birthday . . . so she was named after her in her honor. So now you know!

Love is in the Air!

Looks like we have another wedding in the works! :) Not a big surprise!


Tim and Kat are officially engaged...and their life together will begin on December 17th. They are getting married in the Salt Lake Temple at 2:20. Not sure of any of the other details but we will let you know.

Ahh, I forgot to take pictures. sigh Well, I know how to fix that.

Angie is due any time. This little one of hers loves to kick and she feels it's feet all the time in the ribs, in the sides, everywhere. We can't wait to meet this little squirmy one. We love him/her beyond measure already.


Love to all,
Renee

Happy First of September!

I've always loved September. It means the end of the 'hot' summer and onto school, cool nights, and more yummy things out of the garden.


So I'm back to freezing peaches and nectarines and the kids are back to school.


Life is delicious!!!!




It has been such a busy summer...and I have to admit, I've been feeling tired. Look what is in our yard! David, with the help of whoever he could talk into helping, has been way busy too. He should be more tired than I am.



So now we will stay Warm and cozy!!!

Here's to the Busy Days of Summer and the cool crunch of September.


Happy September!

Don't let that couch win!!!!!

Heh, SuperPat!!!!

You think you've got me. I heard the couch calling my name and to my shame, I listened . . . but never again. I may owe you $2 already ...but NO More! I refuse to listen. These tears will be turned to sweat. I'm back home with my shoes ON and we aren't taking this lightly. From now on, we are going to be moving!!!! No more Golden Corral! No more PizzaPie Shop! I will not subcomb till I get my 4 walks in!

Thanks to my short vacation, I now have a new layer of fluff under my peelings. . . but it is about to go- Forever!!!!! Get your walker out and lets get moving again. We CAN'T let the couch win. If you do, you will be a Tator forever and then Darth wins!!!!!!!!!

Help Me!!!!!!!!!!

Love,
Momma Spud

The Deal!!!!

So this is a call out to SuperPat! I want in on the deal. Every week I don't get these feet of mine moving at least 4 days, I owe you a dollar!!!! I can count walking or dancing or running (did I say running? I mean puffing!), or any other form of exercise that makes my heart beat hard for at least 10 minutes (which does not include when my kids do crazy maneuvers when they drive). How do you like that for a deal? Let me Know!!!!! Ha - You may be rich, you may be poor...it just depends on my Shoes and ME!

We'll take you on SuperPat - you and your walker against me and my feet!!!!! Any day of the week!!!!!

Love,
Momma Spud

PS I love you. Don't think I'm going easy on you. I may look like Mashed potatoes and fluff but under all that is a real tough rump roast!!!!

Guilt, shame or just slow?

Okay, I'm wondering if I'm just guilty or is it I'm a little slow? Thinking about all that SuperPat does to get moving made me think - Either I'm Queen of the Spuds, sprouting on the couch myself or I'm very slow. I hope it's not true but it feels like I'm getting slower every day! Hmmmmm. So three days ago, I decided enough was enough. If Super Pat could do it, I could too. I got off the couch, put my dance CD in and started to Cha Cha etc. I discovered it was rather difficult to learn all the moves at once. Who knew that Dancing could be so energetic. Besides, I was a bit winded. Next thing I knew I was headed outside to run around the house but my shoes thought differently. They took me up the hill and onto the canal. It's like they were on auto pilot. Last year I did alot of walking up there. . . so they knew where to go. . . or maybe that's where SuperPat gets his strength - from his shoes??????

Wow, My shoes knew what they were doing. The view was breathtaking. . . how could I have forgotten. The air was still a bit cool, a slight breeze kissing my cheeks as well as the sun. I could see over the valley - It looked lush and green in spots- brown and tan in others - just like a patchwork quilt. I'm doing this again!!!!!

So Super Pat, since the computer won't ever let me say anything on your blog, (I am NOT a spy although I do have many eyes, including the ones on the back of my head), I've done two walks and two dances in two days and one more day of walk shopping . . . for a total of 3 days in a row. No shame anymore! See, I AM related to the Darth Tator but who knows what lies beneath his peelings? or mine either for that matter. More to be seen in new episodes of the Potato Saga or is it Potato Saggin? Go Pat Go! Don't let them feet Defeet you!!!!! They are your friends. We can't wait for the unveiling or is it the peeling? Stay tuned.

The Contract

So what is in the contract?

I solemnly swear that I, Daniel Atwood, will buy Pat Roe Ann's, IF by the next time he visits, he can walk for the whole visit; however, IF he cannot, he owes me Roe Ann's.

Aha! Do I smell a loophole? See what it might be!!!!

Darth Tator's is a little more clear...
I, Reed Atwood, will give Pat Ferguson $100 and lose 15 lbs. by Thanksgiving or Christmas of 2010 IF Pat is walking without any cane or walker by Thanksgiving or Christmas of 2010. If Pat fails to meet this goal, he will do 100 walks around the house.

So is all agreed?
Please sign in!!!!!

Super Pat vs Darth Tator & Dan the Man!

It all began with a challenge! Would Pat be able to walk by Christmas? The stakes are high. Wouldn't it be amazing, though? That's when Reed said he'd pay Pat $100 to do it. Hmmmm. That got Pat thinking. He was the one doing all the work. What did Reed want to add to sweeten the deal? No pain - no gain, right? Reed would lose 15 lbs AND pay Pat 100 bucks if he could walk by Christmas. Sweet! Pat couldn't pass up that offer. Then Daniel cut into the deal. Daniel would buy Pat Roe Ann's if he was walking by Christmas. Even Sweeter. (Whenever everyone comes home, it is now tradition to go to Roe Ann's at least once!) So they wrote up the deal and signed their names. The Challenge is ON....

But wait! I heard Reed has lost 5 lbs. Could it be true? How is Pat doing? We know he is our Superman. Which one do you think will win? Better keep that walker hot, Pat. The race is on. Don't let Darth Tator win.

Go Pat go!!! Go Pat go!!! Go Pat go!!! Make Darth Tator lose!

Fun in Seattle

Through rain and wind and sleet and hail and even snow, we made it to Seattle on March 31st. (I think April Fool's Day came a day early.)

We met up with Emilie Atwood at the Puget Sound Naval Museum and then to lunch because the skies decided to pour on us. That is spring time in Seattle. When we were done the sun came out just for us so we walked through a small park where there were cones and fountains set on timers. When the wind blows, you can get wet so it adds a bit of excitement. Then we explored the USS Turner Joy, a small destroyer permanently parked at Bremerton. It is so much smaller than the USS John C. Stennis that Emilie has been stationed on. I have a post card with 3,000 Sailors and Navy Officers standing on the deck and that doesn't include all the planes etc. We can feel safe, knowing our Navy is protecting our country. Emilie looks beautiful by the way. It was so nice to give her a few hugs and spend some time with her. Later, Lynn and Angie treated us to Indian Food (from India) at a restaurant near their home. It was our first time and so delicious.




We had lots of good food every day we were there and enjoyed Angie and Lynn's home. The Fish Tacos, Gumbo, and the sandwich picnic night were all big hits besides the wonderful Orange Craisin Scones Easter morning. Daniel turned 17 on Saturday so we had an indoor hot dog roast with all the trimmings and a brownie topped with ice cream, whipped cream and stripped with Chocolate and Carmel sauce. I can't remember the name but Oh So yummy. His smile says it all.

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Dad got to do a bit of pruning. He enjoyed that. Angie and Lynn's place is really great, lots of personality and so much potential. I thought you'd like a glimpse.


...and then we hit a few of the beaches and a park our last full day there. Seattle is an amazing city but not more amazing than our family there. We love you all... and so glad Loren got to enjoy your company for a time.

Pat's Before Video

It was a first attempt...and a very courageous decision. Melissa and Pat were going to make a trip to Idaho without any wheelchair, just a walker. That meant he would walk from the plane down some stairs and thru the terminal and thru the double doors. Not only that, he would need to get to the Van on his own power.

But he did it! Here is proof!
This video was taken at the first of his visit here. I wish we would have taken one when he left. He was standing much more erect, not looking down at his toes, and with much more speed and agility just after that one week of no wheelchair. We are so proud of him. He did it!!!

Due to technical difficulties or my lack of magic button pushing abilities, this video will not be seen at this time. I do have it on my computer -proof that it happened!!!! I just can't get it to load. You'll just have to come see me to view it. (Sneaky, aren't I?)


PS He survived a rather nasty Faceplant at Wal-mart when he ventured out to do the crazy Atwood Black Friday Shopping trip at 4:00 in the morning. Isn't he Superman for sure?!!!!?

A tribute to Patrick

Sometimes life takes unexpected turns. Sometimes things happen that seem too painful to bear. Sometimes our loved ones are taken from us before we are ready . . . and we cry out in agony . . . but when those times happen, we must trust in His wisdom and His ability to make all things right . . . and then the miracles happen.




That miracle is Patrick himself.


Seventeen years ago today, there was a huge tragedy. Carbon monoxide filled Patrick's home and took his Dad, his Mom, his two brothers, and his Grandma. Only Patrick survived . . . and only after being to the brink of death and back. How could he go on?



But he did. After many trials and difficulties, he came to the point where he wanted something different. I often wonder if his parents prompted him to seek for it, too. They wanted something better for him . . .

The life his family had before the accident was a bit scary. How could God stop such pain from going from one generation to another? He had to have someone strong and brave and willing to give his all for them. And so we come back to Pat - a young man willing to go thru whatever it took to save his family. He is AMAZING!

There is nothing he can't do. He has shown that. He has overcome many things. Now the huge miracle - the highest hill he must climb...but although his real family can't be there, we can!!! He has been our inspiration, our rallying call, our warrior. There can be no better cheering section!!!! We are behind you all the way, Pat.

We know you have proved that God loves all His children by what you have accomplished already. He wants you to walk and you are - with a walker for now but someday you will throw the walker away. There are still So many blessings in store for you. Someday you will know how thankful He is for your willing sacrifices. Pat, we love you!!!!

We declare this day a day of Celebration - not one of sadness. You have triumphed. You WILL see your family again someday...and many tears of happiness will be shed and many hugs will take place.

Countdown!

It's in the mail...Tim's birthday package. He will be 21 on the 29th. :) If you want to keep track of the countdown for when he comes home, just go to MissionSite.net and search for Tim Atwood. Click on the picture of him with his mission President and wife and a few other Elders. There is a countdown page somewhere -definitely on the links page. At midnight it will be 86 days left. :)

Other news! Loren is working on his mission papers but he shouldn't leave till after Tim gets back! Crazy!
Love you all!

He's IN!!!!

Great News! Tim, after much perseverance and persistence on his behalf, is now been accepted into BYU-Provo in the Fall. Yeah! Many anxious moments, though and HE gets to sign up for his own classes since he'll be back before the July sign up time. Yes, he should be back around June 7th. About 102 days but who is counting? :)

Two Delights . . . of our hearts!!!!

We couldn't ask for two sweeter Valentines...or could we? Sure, they have their moments but so FUN!!!

We love them both dearly...


and just think, more to come!!!!

Love to All!

Just have to love this bunch of mine! They are great fun...



While you were sleeping!!!!!

It's a Girl!

Just thought I'd let everyone know - the ultrasound is in and Charlyn and Ben's baby is a girl!!!! So fun. Now I'll be on the lookout for Pink!!!!

I can't believe January is almost gone. My New Year Resolutions aren't going so well but I'm not giving up yet. :)

It's kind of been stressful...trying to get Elder Tim's application in to BYU - the hang up is his endorsement paper from his Mission President. I don't even want to say what a nightmare it's been. I've done everything I can...all that is left is prayers.

Just the news about the rest of our crew. Melissa may have some changes at work but it will be good changes for her. Hopefully less stress and more pay. Meanwhile, Pat is helping a friend and his two boys and vise versa - they take turns going to each others' homes and Pat is working hard at his exercises and walking but don't tell Melissa. I think he's trying to surprise her... good thing she doesn't know about this blog!!!!! Reed is somewhere in New Mexico - recruiting people to work for Pinacle for the summer. Tim, of course, is down in Mexico preaching the gospel and working on his tan...well, I don't know about the tan part but he does look good (tanned) and happy in his pictures. He's got just over 4 months left. Daniel and Joel have enjoyed 'Church Ball' - Yes, you've got it - Church Basketball - that is! Joel is almost as tall as Daniel so that means neither of them are short. Becky has loved playing Volleyball! She's got quite the overhand serve and by next year should be able to serve from the backline. Just a bit more strength and pop to it. Maybe she can teach her old mother. hee hee David and I sort of feel like we are creaking along but don't count us out yet. It's a new year!

Happy 2010!

Could it be the Atwoods have had too lively a living? Hmmmm. No time to write so this blog has been booooor-ringggggg! I plan to fix that!

First of all - News for 2010. Charlyn and Ben are having a baby!!!!! They are due the 26th of May. We are all very excited. I hope to be there when this little one come into the world if they consent to it. . . and if I have enough time to drive there before he or she arrives. Then even more news - they both graduate from BYU-I in July - Wow! Charlyn has it worked out that all she has left this Summer semester is her internship.

Loren loved BYU-I and is off-track this semester. He moved to Seattle to look for work! He may come back to another semester at BYU-I in April or continue there if the job is good. (Two job interviews tomorrow.) He's staying with Angie and Lynn. Yes, Angie and Lynn did get the house and the water is running!!!! Rumor has it that Loren loves to play with Lillyanne and Andrew and they love to play with their Unckie Loren. In fact, Andrew is letting Loren sleep in his top bunk!!!! I can just see that! Lots of laughing and not much sleep going on but maybe...just maybe I could be wrong.

Oops, gotta go. My soup is boiling! More livin' to do. I'll let you know what the rest are doing later. Actually Becky has volleyball and the boys, basketball tonight and somehow I have to make sure 12 little cakes get made before tomorrow! We are decorating Birthday cakes and making homemade ice cream for Young Womens tomorrow.

Here's to 2010! I can't wait to see how it unfolds!!!!