Monday Blank Page on Tuesday

I think I indicated my intention was to write at least once a week on Monday's and here I am, already having missed one week and even a day as it is Tuesday, September 23 ...

I'm OK with this as it is the beginning of a new school year and it tends to be a busy time for me .... however some things that I find myself grateful for today are:

The end of one season and the beginning of another:

Last Summer Friday morning donuts

Back to school shopping at MOA with Girls Group (that's Catherine under that bear costume)

A new school year at Edinbrook Elementary serving alongside of several teachers in the area of EL (English Learners)

A new part time job at LifeWay, Maple Grove

A new ministry at NHC Life Groups (an opportunity to serve with the golfer)

The color of the leaves changing as I walked home from church this past Sunday reminding me that He never changes

The good health of all of my family members and the eager anticipation of two new grandchildren this winter

Another birthday celebrated; Sid turns 7

The start-up of a new ministry year with HopeWatchers 

The continued discipline of growing in prayer, the word, and the fellowship of believers

Just an overall gratefulness for Who He is and how much He loves me!

It's Monday

Yep, It's Monday and now that it is fall and school has begun I have a loose intention to blog on Mondays ... we will see how this goes!

My check list 

1. week six of a second job (check)
2. week two at Edinbrook Elementary (check)
3. week one of Sunday School (check)

Since I am still getting used to this new schedule and I am extremely tired this post will be a Monday favorite pictures post ...

I love school supply season!

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!

May, June, July Highlights

On May 23rd He ...

Gave her ....

... over to Him

What a blessed day we were able to celebrate as a family on May 23, 2014 with our youngest daughter marrying Dustin, our newest son-in-law. As the story goes they met in the army and spent months getting to know one another overseas in Afghanistan and were engaged in October, 2013 with the celebration of a wedding in May, 2014.

In June we had a couple of birthday celebrations but I don't have pics downloaded  yet so on to July .... 

In July we celebrated a visit from the golfer's sister from Washington. As the golfer and his sister headed to their all-school reunion in Bagley, I headed to the Red, White, and Boom 1/2 marathon to see my only son at the finish line! Awesome running and so much fun with the family too!

Then I had my first bath time with Beckett along with my first date day Friday for the summer with him. It was supposed to be boy's date day but Sid was with his cousin ....

Lost

I was lost this morning in my conversations in 

my head with my Father

I was lost in thanking and praising Him for the ability to be on my knees scrubbing my floors

I was lost in repeating the I am sorry for ....
Then I was lost in the thought of knowing I am forgiven
I continued to be lost in thanking Him yet again for the home (not to be mistaken with a house) He has blessed the golfer and I with
Then I was lost in thoughts of thanking Him for family, my immediate family and my family of origin
I was lost in the thought of praising Him for all the progress we have seen in my dear sister-in-law Marlee who had a stroke the end of May

Marlee and I during a visit

Marlee during a PT session

Then I was lost in praying for my brother Pat and the adjustments he will make in order to bring his wife home for the hospital

I was lost once again in thanking and praising Him for the ability to be on my knees scrubbing my floors

linking up with Lisa Jo for 5 minute Friday a day late here:

In my inbox today ... can I hide my sin from God?

JEREMIAH 23:24 24 "Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?" declares the Lord. "Do not I fill heaven and earth?" declares the Lord

Wow this was in my inbox today and was very convicting of my sin that I try to hide .... 

Really, do I think I can hide sin? 

I'm so sorry Lord. Please forgive me. 

And thank you Jesus for taking my sins upon the cross today!

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/