Birthday Party in Detroit Lakes

Terry and I and his grade school friend Steve and his wife Helen traveled today to Detroit Lakes. We met up with another grade school friend Joe and his wife Karen. We had a lovely dinner out and celebrated Terry's birthday and then returned to Joe and Karen's home to a homemade carrot cake birthday cake! Tomorrow the guys will enjoy another day of golf while the women shop. So grateful for another year alongside this man! Happy Birthday Terry. I love you more!!

gratitude = grand parenting # 1113-1120

1113. 27.5 degrees outside in Minnesota

1114. extended time to read and write

1115. 23 days until I arrive in Texas

1116. the gift of hearing the train in the background

1117. an opportunity to pray

1118. family and Friday night pizza

1119. clean clothes fresh out of the laundry

1120. a new grandson Holden Arthur Pederson

Dear Eden

Dear Eden,

Even though your birthday was just a week ago I have been thinking about the letter I would write to you now that you are 5. I am surprised how quickly the time has gone because it seems as though it was just yesterday when you were born. I think about you often and am reminded of you each day as I look at the art work on my fridge ....

It's such a good picture and an even better reminder for me to eat healthy even though I forget at times. I am so proud of the young lady you are and how you love to share and be kind to your sisters. You will always be the "middle" child and your mommy knows just what that's like as she was a "middle" too. I am looking forward to the months ahead when God brings a new baby to your house weather it be a sister or a brother I know that you will make an excellent "big" sister. I am certain that you will want to help in many ways because you are a good helper! I want you to know how much I miss seeing you because you live in Dallas but how often I think of you and pray for you. Hoping this year of being 5 years old is a great year for you. You are a gift from God! 

Happy Birthday Eden. Nana loves you more 

however Jesus loves you most!

I'm Glad Nora is 3!

Today I am glad and rejoicing that God has made this day, 

this birthday, 

October 20, 2014

This 3rd Birthday to celebrate 

Nora Lynn Davis

Happy, Happy, Birthday Nora

Nana loves you more however

Jesus Loves you most!

May Nora be built solidly on the foundation of Jesus, and grow in Your grace with a conscious sense of Your presence. May she continue to be built up with Your wisdom, favor, truth, love, life, faith, strength, and thankfulness.

Words written in red

When I sat with my grandson on Friday night and I listened to him read Frog and Toad Together I was pleased to hear another generation read. I want to never take the ability, art, and privilege to hold a book, touch it's pages, read it's words and have the words wash over my life and change me for granted. 

It is the reason I practice the "daily office" as some call the discipline to read the word daily 

It is the reason why the gift of a book is my first thought for giving

This year 2014 I had a desire to give the gift that keeps on giving so I looked over and through my bookshelf. I handled and touched and reread some books and some that had handwritten notations and prayers I had jotted down during the times I read the books.

It is the reason why when my Tx daughter turned another year older I passed on The Mother's Topical Bible

It is the reason why when my son turned 30 I passed on a devotional I had read at different times over my life span in Christ of thirty seven years

It is the reason why I passed on My Daily Light to a good friend. She is one who continually reminds me, instructs me and holds me accountable to the reading and applying of the word  

When my grandson was reading Frog and Toad together and he read their "lists" I was reminded of the things on my list this year....

passing on books that had depth and meaning in my life 
books on prayer, classics like Pilgrims Progress, books with journaling pages and character traits 

my prayer this morning is that the next generation of Pederson's in a time of computers, i phones, kindles will never loose the desire and ability to touch the pages, read the words especially the words written in red

Two Birthday's Celebrated

Kelley Catherine Larson born August 9, 1986 

Ashley Laura Rode born August 6, 1988 

... celebrated their birthdays this year together at the Grosser"s cabin on West Fox Lake in MN. These two girls have shared birthdays every year of their life except one year when Ashley was at boot camp and another year when she was stationed overseas. Although they are very much individuals this is a highlight for both of them to share this time together. This year was especially fun for us as a family to celebrate during our vacation time.

(except for missing the Davis family in TX)

We had a great time of opening gifts and eating cupcakes made by the little hands of Sid, Pru, and Lenny.

 

Since Baby Beckett was asleep during the party time he 

enjoyed his cupcake the next day.

Dear Kelley and Ashley I am so proud and grateful to 

call you my daughters.

I am praying that this coming year of 2014-2015 is a year of great blessing from the hand of God!

I love you both so much more! mom

Baby Beckett Turns One!

Hard to believe this little guy turned one on July 28th .... His dad and mom planned an awesome 1st birthday party at a nearby park.

Let the Celebration Begin!

First a lot of food was eaten by all Beckett's family and Friends

Then the games were played ... loved this game where all the party friends tried to convince Beckett to come to his favorite toy

Then it was time to open presents

Finally a homemade monster cupcake (specially crafted by Beckett's mom)

Happy Birthday Beckett! Your life has been a testimony of God's grace, peace and healing. I am praying that God continues to use you in a mighty way. I love you more, however Jesus loves you most!

July 27th .... The Golfer's Birthday

70 Things that I love about you, 

from the one who loves you more, 

for your 70th birthday

1.         I love that you love the Lord
2.         I love that you me well
3.         I love your faith
4.         I love how you care for me  
5.         I love how you are the best daddy in the world
6.         I love that you are the best father-in-law in the world
7.         I love that you are the best bumpa and love your    grandchildren so much
8.        I love that you rejoiced in my healing of M.S.
9.        I love that you are full of faith
10.         I love your generous heart
11.         I love how you love others
12.         I love your persistence
13.         I love that we have laughed together
14.         I love that we have cried together
15.         I love that you are a good friend to many 
16.         I love sitting on the couch with you
17.         I love hearing your voice on the phone
18.         I love your selflessness
19.         I love your thoughtfulness
20.         I love your devotion to your family
21.         I love that you promised your life to me on August 10, 1973
22.         I love watching you walk by faith
23.         I love your sincerity
24.         I love that you love me no matter what
25.         I love when you have showed me His way through His words
26.         I love that you are my encourager often
27.         I love that you are humble
28.         I love that you are compassionate
29.         I love your wisdom
30.         I love your kind heart
31.         I love how you are at times open with your emotions
32.         I love hearing you pray aloud
33.         I love your love for serving
34.         I love that you are teachable
35.         I love your smile (without your 2 front teeth)
36.         I love your encouraging cards to me ( I have saved every one)
37.         I love your hugs
38.         I love how you have prayed for me often
39.         I love that you are a book-lover
40.         I love that you are honest
41.         I love that you are available
42.         I love that you are a thinker
43.         I love that you are a person of integrity
44.         I love that you are positive (most of the time)
45.         I love that you are enthusiastic (some of the time)
46.         I love that you are intentional
47.         I love that you love to help others
48.         I love that you are comfortable sharing your life with me
49.         I love that you are not afraid to share your values
50.         I love that you find joy in the simple things
51.         I love that you are gentle
52.         I love that you are self-controlled
53.         I love that you are strong
54.         I love that you are confident
55.         I love that you show your love for me by running errands
56.         I love that you will kiss me at red lights
57.         I love when you sleep by my side at night
58.         I love when you fix me steak and baked potato      
59.         I love that you fill my car up with gas
60.         I love when you mute the TV just to hear what I have to say
61.         I love that you are willing to vacuum every week  
62.         I love when you rub my feet
63.         I love that you were willing to teach me how to play cribbage
64.         I love when you read aloud to me
65.         I love that you fix, super glue, and replace anything that is broken
66.         I love when you get take-out for dinner and bring it home for me after a long day at work
67.         I love that you drive me around
68.         I love that you buy me candles, and Caribou and coffee lovers it like-it ice cream from Cold Stone
69.         I love when you bring home daisies
70.         I love that it is your 70^th birthday and my wish for you is that you will be blessed by this gift of all that I love about you!  Terry you are my best friend and the love of my life and I love you so much more!

Here's pictures of the 6 course meal that Adam and Kelley prepared for their dad.

Carrie flew in to surprise Terry and we enjoyed a dinner with adults only. After 2 and 1/2 hours of eating, drinking, laughing and overall fun we were off to the living room at Adam's. 

We watched as Terry opened a few of his 70 letters from friends and family, (a gift Carrie planned) his photo book of pictures of him from ages 1-70, (a gift Kelley planned) and other gifts given. He stated this was the best birthday celebration ever!  

#70neverlookedsogood

Lenny turns 4

It's already August and I am a bit behind however I believe in writing late rather than not writing at all. So I want to tell you how proud I am of my granddaughter, Lenny. 

She is the youngest of 3 with an older sister and an older brother. She often does not have to speak as her sister and her brother "go to bat" for her. In fact, this nana sometimes has to ask the older sister and/or brother what she has just said to me. In spite of the fact that I love this girl she is a Bumpa's girl. She prefers the love and the lap of her Bumpa.

Lenny May be the littlest in the Larson family but .... she is in love with baby Beckett. I love to watch her take care of his needs, play with him and watch over him. 

Lenny you have an amazing spirit ... I pray that some day you will know Jesus Christ in a personal way. I love you more however Jesus loves you most! Happy 4th year of life ahead!

It was 39 years ago, even though Lisa would like to think only 29 years have passed

Thirty nine years ago today I sat at Fairview Southdale Hospital thanking the Lord, the all-wise creator  for creating Lisa Ann Pederson. As I sat in the chair I was able to praise You, Lord for the honor of having created my first daughter in Your image, personally formed by You, for Your glory. Even though at this point in my life, as a new mom, I did not have a personal relationship with You Jesus, You were looking out for Terry and I and our good as we became parents for the very first time. How grateful I was for this day and for you Lisa. 

Today, I thank God for your strength and ability and for every desirable trait that the Lord has given you for surely He has been good to you. Loving that today is the day I get to celebrate your life, who you are, and who you continue to become as a young women.

I love you Lisa so much more and I am so grateful for your life and that you were my first, my oldest, my daughter! I  hope and pray  you have a wonderful birthday year filled with many blessings from the Lord as you choose to follow Him daily!

"I have not greater Joy than to hear that my 

 children are walking in the truth." 3 John verse 4 

In case you want to learn more and participate in the Best Boot Camp Ever click the link below:

http://lvafitness.com/fitness-training-minneapolis/

Saturday Fun!

My dear sister, Mary Catherine turned 70 years old on Saturday and we celebrated by walking around Lake Harriet in honor or her ... so very fun! Here's a few pictures. Enjoy!

I think there were at least 70 people there ... the golfer and I are waiting to begin the walk. I made it all the way around the lake!

We really look alike and we also look much like our mom

From left to right me, my brother Pat, my sisters Mary Catherine and Diane and my brother Tom

Happy Birthday Renee!

I am so very grateful for this young woman, my daughter-in-law, Renee, and the celebration of her life today! I have been totally blessed with the most amazing, caring, loving, and kind daughter-in-law. 

I love her as the wife to Adam (my son) and the mom to 

Beckett (my grandson). 

I love the way she smiles and brings encouragement to my family and everyone around her. 

Renee, you are strong and sensitive to the needs of others.

I am thankful you are, who God has made you to be, a woman, full of grace and mercy. 

Happy Birthday ... I love you so much!

30 years young .... Happy Birthday Adam!

30 things I love about you .....

1.   I love that you love the Lord
2.   I love your faith
3.   I love your persistence
4.   I love that we have laughed together
5.   I love that we have cried together
6.   I love your devotion to your family
7.   I love your strength
8.   I love that you are not afraid to share your values
9.   I love that you think of others often
10. I love your smile
11.  I love your goofiness
12. I love your hugs (even though I have to get on my tippy-  toes to reach you)
13. I love that you are a thinker
14. I love your tender and gentle heart
15. I love that you love to read and write (this was not the case when you were 1/2 the age of 30)

16. I love seeing you on TV
17. I love how you take care of your sisters
18. I love your courage
19. I love your generous heart
20. I love that you like to golf with your dad (so I don't have to)
21. I love that you are a good friend to many
22. I love our Friday night pizza times together
23. I love your humble heart
24. I love that you love me no matter what
25. I love watching you live out your faith
26. I love that you have prayed for me often
27. I love that you are comfortable sharing your life stories to help others
28. I love how handsome you are (a mother's point of view, but it's true)

29. I love that you look just like my grandson :-)
30. I love you that you are 30 years old today ...

Happy Birthday Adam!


Adam and Renee enjoying winter

 

Adam and Friends from TC at his surprise Birthday Party 

Annika is Six

Dear Annika

Oh how I wish I could be with you in Texas today to celebrate your 6th birthday yet,  I am so grateful to have been with you this year after your came home from the hospital. You know, Diabetes type 1 for a 6-year-old is a big deal; taking shots and learning to count carbs when you are just six can be and may be hard at times 
but ... remember it will never be too hard for Jesus as He will always care for you

One of my favorite stories in the Bible was when Jesus was 12 years old and his parents could not find him. His mother and father were anxiously searching for him 
but ... they found him among the teachers and leaders. After that "Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and Man." Luke 2:52

This is my prayer for you today on your 6th birthday that you would grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.
Bumpa and Nana hope you enjoy your birthday package ... 
We love you more but ... Jesus loves you most!

Eden is Four

Oh Eden how I miss seeing you and celebrating your birthday. I also missed writing a post / letter to you this year so ... even though it is a bit late I want you to know how proud I am of you ... of the young girl you are becoming. I love your smile. When your mommy was 4 years old she was a big helper around the house  just like you. She used to unload the dishwasher like you and she helped with her little brother and sister just like you. 

I am praying for you Eden that you would "put your trust in God and never be shaken." Psalm 125:1

Happy Belated Birthday .... I love you so much more! Nana  

Here's the Birthday Girl!

Wow hard to believe that this one is 5 years old today. We were able to hang out for a little while at Nana's house this morning because I did not have to work. The presents and the big birthday bash will be in the morning.

As you can tell by the sparkle in this girls eye she is a gem. One of her love languages is touch. I know because she loves to hug and I love to get hugged!

Pru I am so grateful for you and I pray for you often. I know the Lord has great plans for your life. I love that in preschool this year you are not only learning more about letters, art, and writing your name but that you have an opportunity to learn more about Jesus too. You are a beautiful girl! You have a caring spirit and you love to help in any way you can. I love you so much more!

Happy 5th Birthday!

Nora is 2

Nora,

Oh My! It is hard to believe you are already two. It seems like such a short time ago that I met you as a baby and spent time rocking you in my arms.

I remember our first car trip together to go and see Aunt Ashley just before she left for Afghanistan. You were such a good traveler.

I remember going to the pool and holding you in the water as your sisters splashed around us.

I remember you liked to throw your Cheerios off your tray.

I remember you coming all the way to Minnesota this summer and how much you laughed and talked.

Tonight I remember how much I miss you and look forward to holding and hugging you again soon ..... Happy 2nd Birthday Nora .... I love you more, Nana






Nora is 2