Monday, April 22, 2013
Sleep Number Bed ....
It would appear that we are sleeping but not :-p ....
Although we did enjoy checking out the sleep number bed as our good friends Ken and Ginny looked on and took this picture.
It was "red shirt Friday" and most Friday's Terry and I remember to wear our red shirts in honor of our troops! It was also a snow day which was a pleasant surprise! I stayed in my pj's most of the morning and then in the early afternoon about 4:30 we met the McMillan's at Milton's a quaint little restaurant in Crystal for some dinner before heading down to the Minneapolis Convention Center to check out the Home Improvement Show. We walked around and literally laid down as we checked out all the show had to offer. Ginny and I of course found much to laugh about and we convinced the men to buy us some home made salsa and jam and wait for us while we both got our wedding rings cleaned. After leaving the show we traveled back to Milton's to order the Banana Foster (to die for) dessert. We ordered it to go and then went back to Ken and Ginny's and enjoyed the vanilla bean ice cream with fried bananas topped with an amazing Carmel sauce. Overall a won.der.ful evening of fun with friends!
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Happy Birthday to my Favorite Daughter-in-law!
I love when I hear my older brother Pat introduce me or tell others that I am his favorite little sister ... I often wonder why he states this and then I am reminded I'm his only little sister. It's kind of like that with Renee. When I say my favorite daughter-in-law, because we only have one son, Renee is my only daughter-in-law ... but she truly is my favorite. I could not ask for a more caring, sensitive, loving and supportive daughter-in-law! I love everything about this girl and I love that my only son choose her to spend the rest of his life with. so ... A very Happy Birthday Renee!
Friday, April 5 came around and we were happy to be together as a family again for Friday night pizza. We were especially grateful to celebrate Renee and her birthday along with our littlest, back form Afghanistan, daughter's new friend, who happens to be a boy, named Dustin's birthday too. (I'm pretty sure that was a run-on sentence) :-)
(Hence the reason the cake states: Happy Birthday Renee and Dustin).
We have a family tradition of Friday night pizza. When our kids were little we began to have Friday night pizza which often included a movie and games. When our first grandchild was born more than five years ago, our daughter said to us ... let's start our Friday night pizza time again so .... each Friday we gather together to have pizza. Any of the kids that are available come.
On Friday night, April 5 at 6 pm we gathered together to celebrate Renee!
I realized as I typed this blog post that when my only son Adam had a birthday I did not write a post about him (sorry Adam) but it is easy to include him on this post. It's easy because Adam is married to Renee. Adam and Renee have a tradition of having not just a birthday celebration but a birthday week celebration. So we had fun starting out Renee's birthday week celebration because her actual birthday is not until today April 13th!
So Renee here's to your birthday week which I am sure has been and will continue to be fun for you. We love you so much and we pray for this year ahead as you welcome the next generation of Pederson boys into your (our) family to be a blessing in every way. Praying for you as "God's chosen woman, holy and dearly loved, may you clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience ... and may you continue to love with genuine affection and take delight in honoring others. We love you very much!
Faith, Hope and Love ....
Friday, April 12, 2013
Get Clarity With Gratitude
Ok I'm doing it again ... stealing my oldest daughter's post
just like I steal my singing daughter's pictures:
Get Clarity With Gratitude
Sometimes things get fuzzy. Where you want to go, what you want to do, and who you want to be can get a little out of focus. When things get out of focus for me I get cranky. I suddenly am “put out” by all the things that need to be done. I am irritated by the ones I love. I feel overwhelmed by my state of lack (read: all the stuff I want but don’t have).
All of this is a clear sign it is time for me to bring in gratitude.
There is never a time we don’t desperately need gratitude but it is ever more apparent when we are reveling in confusion and negative thinking.
I felt that over the weekend. After an awesome homecoming with my sister Ashley + a fun afternoon with my family I found myself “put out” by the following evening’s event with them.
A huge traffic mess on the way to my parent’s house, my mother’s request that we “shutdown all devices” for the night so that we could be present and participate full heartily, a food plan I am following right now that meant my inability to partake in evening pizza and cake all led to an incredible “pissed off’ feeling.
Imagine…being “irritated” by a request for being present. Whew!
The last few minutes of the drive out to the boon-dox (yes that is the official city my parents live in) I finally got my gratitude on.
- My lil’ sis is home from Afghanistan. SHE IS HOME!
- I get to hang with her new BF.
- My parents are facilitating love and joining as a family.
- The kiddos will be there.
- Kelley always gives a rocking time.
- More opportunity to hang with my bro and sis-in-law who I don’t see nearly as much of as I’d like to.
I love my life. I am so grateful for this awesome family. I GET to hang with them and laugh and love. Yes. That FEELS like clarity.
As I delve deeper into Danielle Laporte’s Desire Map I can see that I deeply DESIRE gratitude. And how, above all gratitude offers me even more of my other desired feelings. Really you could set gratitude at the foundation of all desired feelings and be one step closer to building the life you’ve always dreamed of living.
This month in IntenSati class (@PrAna 10am on Saturdays) join us for a great workout and deeper conversations on clarity. This week we bring more clarity through gratitude.
A little fun work for you: Every time you have a pen and are writing down: your grocery list, your to-do list, a note to a friend, a entry in your journal, or a reminder to your self, include a single gratitude. One thing you are grateful for in your life.
If you don’t use pens (frankly lots of us don’t) every time you: send an email, a blog post, a FB update, a tweet, a VM, or add an appointment in your calendar, include a gratitude. One thing you are grateful for in your life.
If you do it I guarantee you will have more clarity by the end of this week.
This months affirmations:
Now I am the voice
I lead not follow
Every day I show the world
Joy is possible
I forgive and I surrender
Practice makes perfect
My state is clear
I do what I love, I love what I do
I am ready, willing, and able
I am grateful
I play full out
Without a doubt, Watch me
Watch me
Focus on the good
Have faith in the possible
Get stronger every day
Live full and free
Watch me Now!
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend”. Melody Battle
I’d love for you to share a gratitude in the comments below. Get your clarity rolling right now!
xoxo, LVA
Extra! Extra! Read all about it!
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon committee has a busy week
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon-Monticello steering committee members had a busy week getting ready to welcome home the 257th Military Police Company.
More than 400 yellow ribbons were tied in town and along the route the unit will travel when it rolls through Monticello Thursday afternoon. Welcome home organizers asked the public to line the unit’s anticipated point of entry and route through town to the Monticello Community Center.
“I handed out over 100 posters but I have no idea how many were downloaded online,” said Michele Hertwig, steering committee member and owner of MAJIRS! Advertising and Design.
The committee met Monday night to finalize its plans for the 257th Military Police Company’s welcome home celebration.
The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon-Monticello steering committee meets the first Monday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Academy Room at Monticelllo City Hall.
“We have just finished our action plan and will be submitting it to the director of military outreach (DMO) and the Yellow Ribbon Recognition Program Review Board for approval,” Hertwig said.
The BTYR program provides a network of resources and volunteers to assist soldiers and their families as they serve our country.
“Our mission is to develop a Yellow Ribbon Network that will unite, honor and embrace those affected by military deployments,” she said. “Actively showing support will help to enable a successful transition all the way home.”
At a higher level, a Yellow Ribbon County unites key areas and communities throughout a county to create a comprehensive network that connects and coordinates county-level agencies, organizations, resources and employers for the purpose of proactively supporting service members and military families.
A Yellow Ribbon County connects and supports communities to provide support at the local level.
The 257th arrived at Fort Bliss, Texas, March 23 and completed its demobilization process after arriving. The 257th Military Police Company partnered with the Afghan National Army to support operations in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom during its overseas deployment, said Capt. Troy Hyland, who commands the company.
According to Hyland, the main focus of the unit’s demobilization process during its recent stay at Fort Bliss was decompression.
The 120-plus members of the 257th Military Police Company left Minnesota May 28, 2012, for training prior to their overseas deployment. According to a Minnesota National Guard Operation Enduring Freedom unit overview background sheet, the unit conducted operations in the northeastern part of Afghanistan.
Sgt. First Class Dennis Galvin is the 257th Military Police Company’s non-commissioned officer in charge. He flew to Fort Bliss to assist the unit with its de-mobilization process. “I am the full-time staff behind NCOIC and did not deploy with the unit,” Galvin stated.
The unit completed numerous medical and dental exams, mountains of paperwork and counseling re-employment, education benefits, medical benefits and re-integration during its stay at Fort Bliss.
According to Galvin, the 257th arrived at the St. Cloud Regional Airport Thursday afternoon at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the secured Minnesota National Guard Aviation Facility.
The public wasn’t allowed to greet unit members there. Buses transported unit members to the Monticello Community Center.
By Tim Hennagir on April 4, 2013 at 9:24 pm
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon-Monticello steering committee members had a busy week getting ready to welcome home the 257th Military Police Company.
More than 400 yellow ribbons were tied in town and along the route the unit will travel when it rolls through Monticello Thursday afternoon. Welcome home organizers asked the public to line the unit’s anticipated point of entry and route through town to the Monticello Community Center.
“I handed out over 100 posters but I have no idea how many were downloaded online,” said Michele Hertwig, steering committee member and owner of MAJIRS! Advertising and Design.
The committee met Monday night to finalize its plans for the 257th Military Police Company’s welcome home celebration.
The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon-Monticello steering committee meets the first Monday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Academy Room at Monticelllo City Hall.
“We have just finished our action plan and will be submitting it to the director of military outreach (DMO) and the Yellow Ribbon Recognition Program Review Board for approval,” Hertwig said.
The BTYR program provides a network of resources and volunteers to assist soldiers and their families as they serve our country.
“Our mission is to develop a Yellow Ribbon Network that will unite, honor and embrace those affected by military deployments,” she said. “Actively showing support will help to enable a successful transition all the way home.”
At a higher level, a Yellow Ribbon County unites key areas and communities throughout a county to create a comprehensive network that connects and coordinates county-level agencies, organizations, resources and employers for the purpose of proactively supporting service members and military families.
A Yellow Ribbon County connects and supports communities to provide support at the local level.
The 257th arrived at Fort Bliss, Texas, March 23 and completed its demobilization process after arriving. The 257th Military Police Company partnered with the Afghan National Army to support operations in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom during its overseas deployment, said Capt. Troy Hyland, who commands the company.
According to Hyland, the main focus of the unit’s demobilization process during its recent stay at Fort Bliss was decompression.
The 120-plus members of the 257th Military Police Company left Minnesota May 28, 2012, for training prior to their overseas deployment. According to a Minnesota National Guard Operation Enduring Freedom unit overview background sheet, the unit conducted operations in the northeastern part of Afghanistan.
Sgt. First Class Dennis Galvin is the 257th Military Police Company’s non-commissioned officer in charge. He flew to Fort Bliss to assist the unit with its de-mobilization process. “I am the full-time staff behind NCOIC and did not deploy with the unit,” Galvin stated.
The unit completed numerous medical and dental exams, mountains of paperwork and counseling re-employment, education benefits, medical benefits and re-integration during its stay at Fort Bliss.
According to Galvin, the 257th arrived at the St. Cloud Regional Airport Thursday afternoon at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the secured Minnesota National Guard Aviation Facility.
The public wasn’t allowed to greet unit members there. Buses transported unit members to the Monticello Community Center.
Tuesday, April 09, 2013
Welcoming Home Ashley and counting the gifts from His hand!
I am continuing to count my gifts ... my grace gifts .... there are many these past few days
and here are just a few including pictures:
| The families wait .... Ashley's battle buddy's (Lauren) parents |
| The biggest thank you card every for the returning soldiers (the very top and far right panel was signed by the 900+ students and staff at Edinbrook Elementary where I work) |
951. the embrace, the hugs, from the littlest back from war safe and sound
952. dinner as a family at Benihana's (Lenny was fascinated by the food being cooked before her wondering eyes)
953. welcoming Ashley home to Plymouth
954. a husband, adult children, and grandchildren loving one another well
955. relationships built on the faith of Jesus Christ, who He is, and all He has done for us as a family
The gift list, the gratitude list is all about His goodness ... and when I think on these things He is most pleased!
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Promote Your Love from LVA
When I saw Lisa today at class she asked if I had read her post from Friday. I had not; but now I have! And because I want this written piece for years to come I am reposting it here on my blog. I have to say that the Why I love Easter is the part that stirs my heart!
The
Best Guacamole Ever. With A Disclaimer.
PYL:
The Best Guacamole Ever. Why I Love Easter. And A Disclaimer.
Guacamole is one of my favorite foods of all
time. My homemade guacamole has received many accolades via friends,
party-goers, and family.
“This is the best I’ve ever tasted”.
“No way, what do you put in this stuff it rocks!”
“Will you bring your guac to my party?”
Disclaimer. There are two women in my life who make better guac
than I do. Morgan Luzier and Cindy Campbell-Lashley. I don’t know…maybe a
little more love goes into it than I have to give. I’ve been to many
restaurants, parties, and the like. I would always rather eat my guac. Unless
one of these two spectacular women are making it.
But, you are going to get my recipe (below). And it is pretty
darn awesome!
I’m hanging with the fam this weekend for Easter. I love it. I
love them. I have the blessing of a hugely supportive and loving family and
while we get into it big at times, we always love big, always. So Sunday I’ll
be Easter egg hunting with my adorable nephew and nieces. We’ll be missing two
major parts to my fam, my sis who lives in TX(she adores my quac) and her
family, and my sis in Afghanistan (also loves my guac, and she doesn’t like
guac, Huge props! She is scheduled to return home next week. SO Grateful for
her safe return).
My job is to make the guac and bring it. Roger that. Can do.
I love Easter because I don’t spend nearly enough time with this
amazing arsenal of support also known as my immediate family. My sis Kelley,
her adorable kids, and quiet but solid hubby. My bro, Adam, the amazing
transformationalist and shining example of resiliency and inspiration, with his
loyal, loving and ever sweet wife (plus the awesome little nephew growing
inside her), and my parents, who taught me above all, LOVE.
It is why I love Easter so much. LOVE.
You may or may not be a fan of the Bible, Jesus, and God (I have
had my moments of struggle) but one thing I can say is that Jesus demonstrated
a life of LOVE. Whether or not you consider him a messiah or just an extremely
rocking human that offered this world a better view and left it better (Let’s
be honest. Dogma is what creates the negative view on him, not his actual life
or message), I believe you can agree with me on some of his most poignant
words.
“Love your neighbor as yourself”. This is huge. If you don’t
love yourself how can you love others? And if you repeatedly judge, chastise,
and criticize…well then this speaks to how you deeply feel about yourself. Pay
attention to your insistent thoughts of others, for they are a reflection on
how you truly view yourself.
And then his final words.
“Forgive them. For they know not what they do”.
What finer lesson could we receive from this life? Nailed to a
cross by many that swore an oath of loyalty to him. Mocked by the masses.
Humiliated in front of the world and tormented. These were among the last words
he offered in this life.
“Forgive them. For they know not what they do”.
Ultimate. Radical. Unconditional. Forgiveness.
Available to you. If you so choose. To accept what is.
Whatever is spoken, thought, or acted out against you. Forgive
them.
When you make a mistake. Hurt others. Deny yourself the
worthiness that is your gift upon arrival in this world. Forgive yourself.
Forgiveness. Available to you. Whenever. Wherever. You are
willing to receive.
Enjoy this Friday, whatever your religion, belief, or state of
mind. If you are a lover, a hater, a protagonist, an antagonist, an ally, an
enemy. Judgmental. Perfectionist. Addicted. Saved. Willing. Resistant. Open.
Closed. Whatever you are, wherever you are….you are loved. You are forgiven.
Xoxo, LVA-
And now for more goodness…here’s my recipe. Enjoy it!
Prep time
15 mins
Total
time
15 mins
This is the best recipe for guac ever. Excluding my friends
Cindy and Morgan…maybe they put a little more love into it. I don’t know. So
this is possible then the third best guac recipe of all time!
Author: Lisa Van Ahn
Recipe type: Appetiser
Cuisine: Guacamole
Serves: 6
Ingredients
·
6 large avocados
·
2-5 tbsp. of cilantro, chopped
·
1 red onion, diced
·
1 fresh lime-maybe two if you are feeling lime-y
·
4 tbsp. of pace pic ante salsa
·
1 tbsp. of sriracha -more if you like it spicy
·
1-1/2 tsp. of worcestershire sauce
·
Kosher Salt
·
Fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
1. Cut
avocados in half, pull out the pit and scoop out the pulp into a bowl.
2. Chop
3-5 tbsp of cilantro and add to the bowl. Add up to 5 tbsp. if you love
cilantro.
3. Add
diced red onion.
4. Squeeze
1-2 limes over the bowl. More lime if you love it.
5. Add
pic ante, sriracha, and worcestershire.
6. Mix
with a hand held immersion blender until well blended but still a bit chunky.
7. Season
with a healthy amount of salt and pepper and mix together with a spoon.
8. Serve
with chips. Or be particularly healthy and serve with fresh crudit’e.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
The beginning is coming to an ending .....
MONTICELLO, Minn. (WCCO) – For 124 Minnesota soldiers, the war in Afghanistan isn’t over — it’s just beginning.
Three weeks after President Barack Obama said all troops would be out by 2014, friends and family said goodbye to members of the 257th Military Police Company as they left Wednesday, just days before Memorial Day.
“I don’t have any insight on [the war] ending, because mine’s just starting,” said Spc. Zach Haugen.
Soldiers and their spouses find Obama’s anticipated ending date hard to believe.
The 257th will be responsible for teaching and coaching members of the Afghan National Army.
It was the first departure ceremony and deployment for a majority of the soldiers, including Haugen.
Haugen has 1-month-old son and a 2-year-old daughter. He says that missing his kids early years will be the most challenging thing for him and his wife.
“She’s holding up strong for now,” Haugen said. “Next week, it’ll be a whole different story.”
The soldiers will leave for training in Fort Bliss, Texas, on Monday before going to Afghanistan in the spring. They’re expected to return in the summer of 2013
See the video by following the link ....
.http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2012/05/23/more-than-100-minn-soldiers-leave-for-afghanistan/#.T73DOY2uyTQ.facebook
Monday, March 25, 2013
Counting Gifts
941. Spring Break
942. friends who sit at hospital beds
943. a father who loves his girls well
944. a strong Spirit when the body is weak
946. a hot apple blast and "talk time" with the oldest
947. a son and a daughter-in-law bringing the gifts of supper, a movie and themselves
948. "We haven't broken down, so I'd say pretty good!" said Kelley (my so very positive daughter)
949. Texas Girls
950, His grace, His love, His mercy and His protection over this family of mine
loving you all so much more as I remain In His Arms today! B.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Stateside
just a bit tired
yep stateside
End of conversation until I woke up this morning and thought it had been a dream. I texted her and she reassured me that indeed she was stateside. I have a happy, happy heart to know that my littlest is safe and sound with her feet planted for now in TX .... soon to be in Minnesota!
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