Hangin' on!

Several nights ago, I walked into my living room and found poor Woody hanging from the blind pull. Things like this no longer surprise me. I once opened the microwave to 15 two inch green army men pointing their weapons at me. Batman finds his way into my Christmas nativity each year, and at any given time, you can find super heroes at the bottom of my purse. However, I did draw the line when I opened the shower curtain to find a Darth Vader mask gazing at me.

Woody is one of my favorite Pixar characters, and brought a smile to my face after a particularly long day. He reminded me of the Thomas Jefferson quote, "When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on!" This was just the advice that I needed after a particularly long day.

I am moving into a brand new phase of motherhood. Just when I had the whole elementary school, lets learn our colors, work on our manners, learn to be responsible with your toys, get along with your brothers, put the toilet seat down, parenting kind of stuff worked out...it all changed. I am now officially the mother of a tween. Dictionary.com states that a tween is a youngster between 10 and 12 years of age, considered too old to be a child and too young to be a teenager.

My first born son, is 2 months from being 12, and things are different around our house. I'm not sure I'm ready for the changes. I have attacked my computer and googled everything I can find on parenting a tween. The common thread is that a tween is not at all predictable! And I like predictable! A predictable child makes seems safer to me. A non-predictable son...well, you get the picture.

In a one week span I experienced Avery being a part of a locker room fight...getting his first detention (for an entirely different reason than the fight)...finding that my very organized son is no longer organized when it comes to bringing homework home, taking his trumpet to school on the day he has trumpet lessons, and forgetting to tell me that he has football practice on the day I have scheduled a dentist appointment...AND...realizing it was time for Clark and Avery to have "THE TALK." Many questions followed in which I would love to blog about because they are beyond hilarious, but have been warned not to!

I miss the soft scent of baby lotion. It has been replaced with sports deodorant that is sprayed liberally and often. I miss the times that we sang the Wheels on the Bus one hundred times in a row. It has been replaced with the Ipod and ear plugs. I loved sitting down and coloring together, and now we spend hours at the table on fractions and looooong division. I miss trying to come up with answers to Avery's constant flow of creative questions. Now I'm the one asking a zillion questions, in hopes of getting just a few details about his day. I miss the hours he would spend banging on pots and pans while I cooked supper, and now he grabs his football and heads outside.

Yes, things are changing. I'm learning to have a relationship with my son in a different way. I'm learning football stats and players as well as if they were my neighbors. I'm trying not to hug in front of friends, but relish the tight squeeze around the neck at night when no one is around. I'm learning that cuddly PJ's aren't as cool as boxers and an old t-shirt. But most of all, I'm learning to make the most of these tween times. I'm going to tie a knot in the end of my rope and hang on, and like Woody I'm going to plaster a smile on my face and pretend to like that my children are growing up. I might have to grab a friend (like Woody has Chubaka) for support during this new phase. But most of all I'm going to pray longer and harder, and once again place my sons in the hands that loves them more than I ever will. And remind myself that He has ordered their steps, and He is holding the end of the rope that I am hanging so tightly to.

Happy Fall Ya'll

Happy Fall Ya'll! That is the way we say it in East Tennessee! I'm lovin' the fall weather. I have my front door open and my patio doors open. Abundant breezes! Some of my facebook friends have been asking for my Taco Soup Recipe. I must admit it is not my creation! I got it from my sister who got it from our friend, Debbie Lewis...recipes taste even better when they are from friends! I am making it today. We are heading out to Townsend, TN for some bike riding and picure taking by the mountain stream. My crock pot will be simmering at home...just love crock pots. REALLY love the bags that go in crock pots and make the clean up easier! This is for you Karen! Love ya...

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup

1 chopped onion

1 - 16oz. can undrained chili beans

1 - 15oz. can rinsed black beans

1 - 15 oz. can drained whole kernel corn

1 - 8oz. can of tomato sauce

1 - 12 oz. can of chicken broth(sometimes I add more than this)

2 - 10 oz. cans of Rotel

1 package of Taco Seasoning

3 whole, boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Add first 7 ingredients to crock pot and stir. Add Taco Seasoning and stir until thourghly blended.

Lay raw chicken breast on top of mixture. Press slightly until just covered by soup ingredients.

Set for low heat, cover and cook for 5 hours. Remove chicken breast and shred when cool enough to touch. Add chicken back to pot and stir.

Cook on low 2 more hours.

I garnish with crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, grated cheese, chopped FRESH cilantro, and squeezed lime...VERY YUMMY SCRUMMY!

Hope you enjoy! Let me know if you give it a try and how it turns out.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Points to Ponder

Yet he has not left himself without testimony:

He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons;

he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy."

Acts 14:17

Happy 9th Birthday Riley Lance! XOXO

Happy Ninth Birthday to Riley Lance. Nine years ago today, I was officially 3 days overdue. I had been dilated to 2 for a month, the doctors had been telling me for six weeks that I could deliver any second. Second after second passed and NOTHING happened. Talk about an unhappy pregnant woman. I had been walking our neighborhood day after day, hoping to “get things moving.” I’m sure the neighbors were relieved when he was finally born. However, Riley had decided to wait…and wait. Finally, the doctor admitted me at 11:00 and Riley Lance was born at 2:00 on a beautiful Thursday afternoon. Weighing in at 7lbs., 14 ounces and 21 inches of absolute perfectness. He was beautiful. Those big brown eyes, soft brown hair and big dimples stole my heart the second I saw him. Thank you, Lord for the blessing of my sweet son...

My dear Riley, when I think of you I think of so many things. The main thing I love about you is your relationship with the Lord. I love to watch you worship in church. It is with such powerful sincerity. Your faith amazes me. You exemplify childlike faith. I have walked in your room in the middle of the day and have seen you on your knees in prayer, for no reason other then you want to spend time with the Lord. You never go to sleep at night unless you have spent time reading your Bible. The Lord has something great for you in life…sometimes it scares me to

think of the places you might go in Him, because they might be far from me. However, all that matters is that you are in the center of His will.

From the second you were born, you and Avery have been a team. I love the way the two of you laugh and play together. I hope are always like that. I think it is awesome the way you are starting to let Avery know that he doesn’t ALWAYS know everything! You are also a wonderful big brother to Landry. I know he tries your patience sometimes, and just get ready, because he probably always will.

You bring more happiness to Daddy and me than you will ever know! I hope this birthday is a special one. I can’t wait to see your face when you open your present. I KNOW you are going to love it! May this 9th year bring you much happiness.

I love you forever,

Mama XOXOXOX

Go, Go Gadget Flyswatter...

I have missed blogging, I have missed face book…I have missed all of YOU! I started training for a new job on August 31. It has stolen all of my usable brain cells, seriously. I have been on the waiting list for this job for a year and a half. Although, it wasn’t a great time to be taking this on, I just couldn’t pass it up. It is one of those jobs that if you have your computer – then you can work – in your jammies at home, at your husbands office when you are supposed to be working on his reports, while your on vacation (but who really wants to work while you're on vacation?). That is the positive side of the job. The negative side is that it is HARD!!! Selina also works for this company. She describes it as trying to learn Japanese- it is very similar to that…then you have to type it – even harder. Each morning I get up at 6 a.m. to upload my work, and I feel new gray hair begin to sprout! I am determined it is NOT going to beat me…no matter how many hours, days, weeks, months, years, decades, it takes me to conqueror…I will be victorious!

Non-blogging excuse #2 – Last Saturday, Clark and I made the yearly flu shot trek to the pediatrician with all 3 Presson boys. Landry was clueless about what was going to happen until Avery and Riley jumped up on the table with just their boxers on. It took Clark, the nurse, and me to get Landry’s jeans down, as soon as we managed to get them down he would yank them up again – screaming and kicking all the way! We finally got the pants down, by this time the nurse and I were both in tears, and Clark had that, “oh yes, you are getting this shot,” look on his face. The three of us barely managed to hold him down and give the dreaded shot. Whew, mission accomplished!

Two hours later, Avery lay down on the couch…very still…Avery is NEVER still. He stayed in that same position for 2 days with severe headache, chills, and stomach ache. So much for the flu shot. I kept him home from school on Monday, because he still wasn’t eating. Monday afternoon, Landry was very quiet. Landry is NEVER quiet! I took one look at him, and knew his temperature was rising. For the next two days he ran a high temp, hurt all over, coughed, coughed and coughed some more. Riley woke up Wednesday morning and said he couldn’t eat breakfast. Riley NEVER misses breakfast! As the day went on Riley got sicker and sicker. By Wednesday night, his temp was up to 104, and he started vomiting, two hours later Landry started vomiting. The night seemed endless and my little men were miserable beyond words. We went back to the pediatrician on Thursday and they both tested positive for the flu. This continued until Friday night. All 3 boys started eating, running, jumping and being their normal wildman selves. I said a prayer of thanks and determined to complete at least one load of laundry before trying to get a full night of sleep in almost a week. I began to feel pressure in my chest, next began the chills aches pains, coughing and so on…no other words but MISERABLE. I had to stay in bed all day Saturday. I NEVER stay in bed. Sunday morning at 4:30 my temp was still up to 102 and my chest felt like an elephant had stepped on it ( I am NOT exaggerating…I never exaggerate!) Landry was still coughing and it had a new wheezing sound to it. Clark INSISTED we were going to the ER. I cried, I begged, I pleaded…he would not give in. So, off we went. I was so sick I did not even fix my hair…this is big for me…much to my husband’s dismay…I curled my hair, while in labor with all 3 boys before going to the hospital. The doctor found a spot of pneumonia in Landry’s left lung…decided that I had more than the flu…and prescribed 2 shots, along with antibiotics and steroids. The nurse said they liked to inject the needle in a muscle, because the antibiotic stays with you longer. I wanted to tell her she would not find any muscle where she was headed with that needle, but decided she would find that out on her own. I am finally starting to feel like myself again. I am literally sweating out the sickness hour after hour. I have never seen flu like this in all of my almost 12 years of motherhood. At some point during the week, I updated my status on FB. I wished for a flyswatter to swat the flu bug that had taken up residence in our home. My fun friend Lizzie added a comment of “Go, Go Gadget Flyswatter!” LOL!

Before signing off I must say that Clark has been wonderful beyond words this week. He has grocery shopped, cleaned vomit buckets (ewww), done laundry, kept the house clean, helped me in the wee hours of the morning with the boys, and on and on and on. He even picked out A & R’s church clothes for Sunday school AND ironed them…something he has never done. Avery’s clothes matched, however, Riley had on a gray and burgundy plaid shirt, a navy and baby blue argyle sweater, with khaki pants. AND I let him go to church like that because I was just too sick to care…NOW you know how awful this flu really was for me! LOL!

Please wash your hands after reading this…I am trying to keep anyone else from catching it!

Adieu August...

Another month is at its end. Avery and Riley started school last Monday. Although we enjoyed every second of summer, it felt wonderful to get back into a real schedule again. Avery is in the 6th Grade (Sis. McCreary) and Riley is in 3rd Grade (Sis. Triplett), at Apostolic Christian Academy. They are growing so quickly. I am proud of the young men they are becoming. I pray Clark and I can raise them to be stable and steadfast in the truth. Avery made the JV Flag Football Team. He is the smallest guy out there, but in his mind he is BIG stuff!

Our Praisen’tations Choir (2 yrs – 5yrs.) sang last Wednesday night. Landry has definitely overcome his fear of singing in front of a crowd!

Two of our Homebuilder Connect Groups had a traveling dinner. I served the main course at our house. Menu: Strawberry Spinach Salad, Spicy Chicken Spaghetti and Cheesy Garlic Bread.


I went a little Fall Crazy during a visit at Hobby Lobby. The 50% off fall items screamed “Make an arrangement!” Of course,I obeyed. One does not say “no” to Hobby Lobby. Even the PPP must give in!




My Dad is still suffering with severe case of Meniere’s disease. I have not seen him this sick since his colon cancer in 1997. It is so hard to see him like this…such a helpless feeling. However, the Lord has been reminding me of his faithfulness both in scripture and in song. He is my constant comfort…I need a faith that NOTHING can shake. Even when I do wonder why, I can endure with a faith like that – even if I never find out why! (recent devotion book nugget.)

May you have a blessed week. I’m looking forward to seeing just what God is going to do in our lives!

Points to Ponder
“Be strong and courageous…
For the Lord your God goes with you:
He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6

5 Minutes to Happy

I have been singing the blues lately. The main reason being my dislike of aging ailments. My parents and in-laws are getting well-acquainted with them and I wish, for their sakes, that this wasn't the case. The second reason being a very faulty thyroid issue...which is a life-time, get over it and deal with it kind of problem! Moving on...last night I found a magazine article about going from blah to bliss in an instant. Here are a few of the tips that they suggested to jump start JOY in 5 minutes or less...

* Start a blog - Did that...so I'm going to blog in the started blog. :) See, it is already helping.

* Soak up the sun - would love to, but it is raining...However, I DO love the rain!

*Touch your toes - it opens up your hip joints, which is where most people store tension. Hold the position for a minute, then slowly roll up...TRY IT - it works - feels great, and good for the "I've had three children" excess area.

*Show off your moves - get up and dance! "Any form of movement will release endorphins and elevate your mood." I will try this AFTER shutting all of the blinds and locking myself in the bedroom so no one can catch a glimpse of this! Some of you are laughing while you are picturing me busting a move...see this really does work!

*Break out of the box - do something new. The magazine suggested getting a tattoo. Pretty sure that one is out for me. I'll have to think on this one and get back to you. I am open to suggestions.

* Mark your calendar - plan a special event and stick to it! Clark and I very rarely follow through with planning a date night. I'm going to set one soon. He is my favorite adult person to spend time with...except at a museum!

*Be generous - I did this one this past weekend and it feels so wonderful to give! I slipped some $$ in a certain someones Bible after they loaned it to me during Sunday School class. I know it will brighten her day when she finds it.

*Turn the negative to positive - List 5 things that have gone wrong this week, then read them aloud. I know this sounds counterintuitive, but they say it works...

1. After picking up Riley from speech therapy this morning. I drove to school to drop the boys off instead of driving to work. They have NOT started school YET!

2. Bought a pair of non-returnable pants for Avery that do not fit.

3. Thought I had all school supplies purchased. Reread the list and I'm missing several essentials.

4. Avery, Riley(twice), and Landry ALL spilled their drinks on themselves at the restaurant on Sunday.

5. I had to chase after Meggie (my boys' dog) in the rain, and the mud, in my heels, in the dark.

Okay, I'll agree with them...NOW it seems pretty minor. I guess a little perspective can go a long way!

*Send out good vibes - Text 3 friends and tell each of them one thing you like about her. Your words will make them and you feel good...okay, if you know me at all you know I am a horrible texter (not even sure of what a person that sends text is called.) So I'll do this here...

Selina Arwood - you are my forever friend, you love me no matter what...you love my children no matter what(even when they push over lockers in the gym!)

Jen Henson- Recently, much of your life has been lived in the valley, and yet you have let the Lord strengthen you. In return you have strengthened others...AND...you are an awesome Mama to sweet Bradyn.

Christy - You are a person that has gone through the storm of life that I never want to face, and you have allowed the Lord to give you joy again!

...this is probably my favorite jump start to JOY! I need to do it everyday.

*Think of the good stuff! - Spend a couple of minutes reflecting on your blessings over the past 5, 10, or 15 years. Recognizing and acknowledging your growth and blessings will provide an immediate sense of gratification. You'll be cheered instantly...this would take MANY, MANY blog posts! I will name my top 4 blessings in the order they were given to me...CLARK, Avery, Riley and Landry...

*This is my own jump start to joy...one of my favs sung by the FAC Sanctuary Choir...

"When you are lonely, and feeling kind of blue, I know somebody who can fix it for you! His yoke is easy, his burden is light...just take it to Jesus...He'll make it alright!"

I feel so much better!!! Hope this helped to jump start your joy! (for more ways see the June 16 edition of Woman's Day)

Points To Ponder...

Hebrews 12:1-2

"Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith"....

You don't have to be PERFECT, you just have to keep runnin'!

(thanks, Candy!)

Road Trip with the Trendsetters

We have a busy group at our church that always seem to be into something new and exciting. They are the senior citizens. Please, don't dare call them senior citizens, because they are too busy to know that they are. They are called the Trendsetters. Due to the illness of my parents, Clark and I were able to attend a Trendsetter trip in their place. We had a fun day, and learned that the FAC Trendsetters are much like the energizer bunny. They keep going and going and going and going...

We all piled on the bus at 8:00 a.m. sharp. I received many wonderful compliments on how young I looked for my "senior citizen" age. A dozen compliments is a great way to start the day. Clark and I got on the bus with a big cup of coffee. However, I soon learned that most Trendsetters travel with a thermos of coffee and they drink it all day and long into the night. Perhaps that is the reason they are able to keep going and going! We first went to Waynesville, NC. It is a quaint little mountain town with shops that I could have spent the entire day in. Art, antiques, furniture, and even a thrift store. It was wonderful! However, I did not buy anything except for gifts, so Clark was proud of me! Our wonderful group leader, Bro. Zehender told us to pack snacks, and so I packed a small bag with nuts, some chocolate, and a couple of cereal bars. I felt I had really prepared for the trip. Wrong again! When the Trendsetters pack snacks they bring coolers full of delectables. Ham rolls, cheese cubes, crackers, cookies, candy in all forms, carrots, apples, bananas, and even sushi! Not only do they practically pack a complete grocery store, but they also share every snack that gets pulled out of the magic coolers. We were continually passing snacks to the back of the bus, and around to the front again. Needless to say, we did not go hungry.

After our lunch at Ryans (a Trendsetter Favorite) we headed to Cherokee, NC. Our first stop was the Oconaluftee Indian Village. It takes you back to 1759, a time that you get to witness the challenges of Cherokee life. Have I mentioned that the challenges of 2009 are a breeze? We watched villagers hull canoes, make pottery, weave baskets, and participate in their daily activities. We toured this in the midst of a mountain downpour. I was very glad that I had packed an umbrella (thanks for the tip, Bro. Z) Many of our especially trendy Trendsetter ladies made this soggy trek in their hose and high heels. I was loving my untrendy flats! I enjoyed my tour with Ray Bryant as he pointed out which of the villagers were not real Indians. I was afraid he was going to start a real Indian war with a few of them, and I had left my tomahawk at home! We all enjoyed the talk with John Walkingstick. He pointed out many things about the Cherokee beliefs...such as they believe there is only ONE Great Spirit, the number of completion in seven, they only dance in times of thanksgiving and times of requesting needs from their Great Spirit. I was having to hold Clark back, because he was feeling a preaching spirit coming on. Sheila and I also decided that we were a part of the Long Hair Tribe.

We also toured The Museum of the Cherokee Indian. When Clark is in a museum it is a LONG and painful experience. He reads every little sign, and stands in front of each display for hours to soak it all in. I was thankful Bro. Z had us on a schedule. While in the museum I saw Yoko standing for a long time in front of one display. At first I thought she had caught Clark's museumitis, however, she stood there so long that I started to worry about her. I walked over and asked her what was wrong. In her broken Japanese/English she said, "I push dis button to see what dis does. I keep waitin, keep waitin, and no pocus a-focus!" I explained that it was out of order. She was very disappointed! I will never say "hocus pocus" again, "pocus a-focus" is much more fun! (Yoko was also the one who brought the sushi - Bro. Carpenter had some with his morning coffee!)

Later that evening we watched the outdoor drama, Unto These Hills. It centers on the arrival of Europeans and the forced exile of the Cherokees to Oklahoma on the infamous Trail of Tears in 1838-1839. It was very sad to know that what you were watching had really happened. Bro. Z recommended that we bring a cushion since the mountainside theatre seats were not comfortable. I did not heed this advice, due to the fact that I felt I had plenty of "natural" cushion, however, I recommend TAKING A CUSHION! It is a long drama for the behind. One unforgettable moment was the eagle dance. I was very worried that the loin cloths were going to give us a glimpse of a little more Indian than we had bargained for!

Once we were on the bus...you guessed it, more snacks and coffee! Clark and I slept some, however, Faye and Ray were just as spirited as when we had gotten on the bus that morning. The very BEST part of the day was that Clark and I got to spend several hours together without focusing our every second on an 11, 8 & 4 year old. It was wonderful to just be with each other! We even held hands on the bus like teenagers :)! We got home at 1:40 a.m. the next morning. A trip with the Trendsetters is not for the weak. You must be able to keep going and going and going!

Cory McCool - Somebody Prayed For Me

I just found this clip of the McCools singing at our church, and thought I'd share it with you...Cory has been in heaven for a couple of weeks now, however, his family is still here missing him. Please continue to pray for Jina and Bro. Spencer & Sis. Joyce McCool. Although Cory no longer needs our prayers, they do. Each of them is walking through a valley unlike anything I have ever faced. Thank you for your continued prayers!

Updates...doctor visits, prayer request and tee times.

I must admit that I am great at getting things started, but not always good at finishing them. Hand-painted glassware, personalized picture frames, and scrap booking, just to name a few. I even tried selling some of my handmade wares at a flea market and failed miserably. However, my mom loved all of them, and they are proudly displayed in her china cabinet. Thank you, Mom.

Many of you have told me that you need some closure details on some of my blog beginnings...once again, good at starting...not so good at finishing. So...here goes...

MY DAD ...thank you for all of your prayers. My dad got so much better the weekend of their 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration. The whole family had such a wonderful time. We laughed, cried, ate delicious food (including 6 dozen boxes of Krispy Kreme Donuts), played our favorite games, and laughed some more. Unfortunately, his Miniere's Disease has continued to worsen. The "spells" of severe dizziness, weakness and vomitting just about have my parents house bound, so I am asking for your continued prayers. God has given my family so many miracles, and I know another is on its way.

RILEY ...THANK YOU JESUS, the stuttering is improving. We took a trip to the doctor and Riley began to stutter while conversing with her. Her jaw about hit the floor when she heard the severity of it. She began to question Riley about how it made him feel when that happened. With 8 year old sincerity he answered, "I HATE it!" She got right in Riley's face, and kindly but firmly told Riley that his stuttering was not going to last forever...that it WOULD go away. It seemed as if his whole body shuddered with relief. She also told him a simple trick of stopping his sentence and starting over again. This has worked wonderfully. She gave me several papers to read on how to help Riley through this time. I also need to heed her advice in many spiritual matters. I could get through so many trials if I have the mindset that it is NOT going to last forever AND if I stop when I began to speak doubt about a situation and start over with faith. The stuttering still pops up every now and then, but Riley has improved leaps and bounds...or verbs and nouns! :) We will be starting speech therapy again soon for some other troubles (or as Riley would say...twoubles)...so please keep praying for him!

AVERY ...we were recently trying on clothes for the upcoming school year (starting day is August 24) and he has officially moved up to size 12 pants and size 5 shoes! We are on the GROW!

LANDRY...Clark took Avery and Riley to Jackson last week for a SFC Golf Tournament. Golfing is a DNA strand in Presson blood, and it runs thick...almost as thick as the eyebrows. Landry and I had a restful and quiet weekend. I SO needed it! We ate microwaveable food all weekend, and I read an entire book...so blissful. However, the quiet was starting to get to me by Sunday morning, so I was more than ready for the return of my men.

Other Presson Happenings...

*Clark has put me on the Presson Poverty Plan, also known as a new budget. I really have been trying...stay faithful saints...I will get there one day!

*** My mom has had cataract surgery on her right eye and getting her left eye done next week.

*** Avery has joined facebook and I am Farmtowning vicariously through him!

*** August is our most expensive month (not a good time to start the Presson Poverty Plan)...book fees, tuition payments, and school supplies just to name a few...I am so thankful for the Lord's bountiful continued provisions.

*** We got to see Michael, Stacey and Dylan Spencer while they were vacationing in the mountains. It was so good to visit with them. They were such an important part of our lives when Avery was an infant and toddler. So many wonderful memories. Dylan is such a little miracle since his kidney transplant. I could listen to him talk for hours. He is such a little man.

*** My niece Amber turned the big 30 on Saturday, and her son, Joseph will be 2 on Thursday! Happy Birthday to both of them!

I think I have tied up all the loose ends and maybe unraveled a few more! Blog hugs to you all...AND this weekend is tax free weekend in Tennessee! Please think of me while you are enjoying the savings, due to Clark's PPP {presson poverty plan} I will not be participating... :)

Lines By Landry Part 2

Our hearts are still aching today. The "home going" services for Cory are beginning. Clark and I had another discussion last night about not understanding the Lord's ways, and yet knowing at the same time that he is still able. I know the Lord will carry Bro. & Sis. McCool and Jina on the journey they have before them. My friend, Brenda, ministered to my heart in a blog on the bitter and sweet. So today I thought I'd mix in a little sweet with the sadness that has seemed to settle over so many of us. And, in my opinion there isn't anything much sweeter than words of wisdom from a 4 year old...especially MY 4 year old...

Mama, I really wish you and Daddy would get married so that we could be a REAL family! At this time, I dusted off the wedding pictures to show him that we really were a real family.

Did I have a Daddy when I was three? Once again, we had the family discussion and concluded that Daddy has been a vital part!

Landry: "When you are blind it means that you don't have any hair." Mama: "No, Landry, when you are BLIND you can not see. When you do not have hair, it is called being BALD.
Landry (after much quiet speculation): "I'm sorry, Mama, but you are just wrong!"

We are discussing Disney next year...only a possibility at this point. My mom was telling Landry about the many Disney trips we used to take a when I was a little girl. Landry: "Grandma, WHY didn't you come pick up me, Avery, and Riley and take us too!!!"

The latest, that is my abosolute favorite... "When I hug you it feels like all of the blood rushes to my heart."

Points to Ponder...

"Thou hast turned my mourning into dancing, thou hast...girded me with gladness."

Psalms 30:11

The Lord called Cory to come home...

My heart aches tonight for the loved ones of Cory McCool. He passed away this evening after a brief battle with colon cancer. So many feelings have washed over me as the tears have fallen. First came shock, sadness, anger, and frustration. I remembered when I first met Cory many years ago in Aurora, IL. Bro. Spencer McCool came to preach our Youth RIOT Revival Services. Cory was short back then and a little pudgy...I thought he was such a cutie. He played the drums for his dad and Bro. Denny Livingston. During the day services, Cory kept turning around in the pew trying to make all of us girls laugh. Imagine my surprise when he walked into our church in Maryville last month! He was the tallest McCool I had ever seen! His testimony was so touching, preaching so anointed, and his singing was indescribable. Blessed with such a beautiful and talented wife, father to 2 gorgeous children. In frustrated anger I told Clark, "This was such a waste...why?...I didn't expect this...I expected a miracle." I'm sure I'm not the only one who felt this way. As a wife, you can't imagine losing your husband, as a mother, you can't imagine losing your son...and I can't help but think of the loved ones that are suffering in their loss.

I was running late this morning for the office. As we pulled out of the drive way, I remembered that we had not taken time to pray. I turned off the van and told the boys we were going to have a few minutes of prayer. We prayed for Bro. Cory McCool, asking the Lord to heal his body and strengthen his family during this time. The Lord knew when he heard my prayer that He WAS going to heal Cory this very night, just not in the way my fleshly heart was asking. After I told my sons the sad news tonight, Clark and I had another time of prayer. After I questioned and gave my frustrations to the Lord, I was able to feel his presence. I am so thankful that he knows our end from our beginning, and has ordered each of our steps. Sometimes our children go visit with friends or go to church camps, and even though we know they are having a good time, there comes a point when we know that it is just time for them to come home. And tonight, I think the Lord just thought it was time for Cory to come home. Our time on earth is not the complete story of our life. We must wait until heaven for the rest of the chapter...At death we won't leave home - we'll GO home!(Rick Warren - The Purpose Driven Life)...so goodbye for now, Cory...your heavenly father thought it was time to come home!

FAC Sanctuary Choir - "You Are Worthy"

This is our church choir at our 25th Anniversary Services a couple of weeks ago. If you're looking for me, I'm wearing a black dress with a big pink flower.

81 and counting...

Happy Middle of the Year! My oldest son is officially 11 1/2. When you are eleven the half year mark is very significant. It is not significant when you are 36. Avery has always been on the small side...from the moment he was born. He came a surprising six weeks early...in December of 1997 instead of January of 1998, just tipping the scales at six pounds. My father in law, being the CPA that he is, was so excited that we could count him as a tax rebate for '97. He has always been the shortest in his class, and the thinnest. I keep trying to reassure him that this will not always be the case. I know this, because I see how much food he packs away in his 11 year old body. It is eventually going to catch up! However, today we reached a milestone. I took him to the doctor for a sore throat that looked very strep throatish. Before going in the room, shoes must come off and the dreaded scale must be faced. He always gets upset, because for the past two years he has not been able to pass the 75 pounds mark. Today he was FINALLY up to 81 pounds!!!! I heard the Hallelujah Chorus playing over the speaker system, and fireworks exploded in the background. He turned and gave me a high five that made my heart smile. We stopped on the way home to get him a Big Mac. We are now striving to reach the 85 mark. Secretly, I would love to keep him little for as long as possible...

Prayer Needed

Hello friends! Just wanted to stop in and ask for prayer. As you know, we are celebrating my parents 50th Anniversary this week. We are leaving soon for the mountains. However, my dad has gotten VERY sick. He suffers from Miniere's Disease. It has stolen his hearing and caused many other problems. Unfortunately, he had a sever flare-up last night on the way to church. He ran across another lane of traffic and into the ditch due to the severe dizziness. Luckily, Randy was with him and was able to get in the drivers side and get him home. This dizziness is followed by horrible vomiting. Thankfully, he is not vomiting as of this morning. My mom is very worried about him. Please pray for him this weekend. This is a special time for my parents, and I want both of them to be able to enjoy it. God is able! Thank you, my friends! Love to you all!

My Parents Story...50 Years in the Making

As many of you know my siblings and I are in the midst of celebrating my parents 50th Anniversary. We have family coming in all week by land and air! Such fun times. We are going to the mountains on Thursday to stay in a chalet for several nights. All 32 of us...in one place...chaotic bliss. We just love being together...even in the crazy times. We are having a reception for them on Saturday. My sister Lisa will be reading the following post that the two of us wrote. I am so thankful for the heritage my parents have given me to pass down to my boys. Such blessed memories. God is so good...

This is the love story of Gordon and Joan…

Gordon Charles Widener moved to the Aurora, IL area from Missouri to find work. He worked on the Carlton’s farm. He also attended church with them. Joan had moved to the area with her family from Arkansas. They also began attending the First Apostolic Church on Clark Street in Aurora, IL. This is where they fell in love. Joan and Gordon’s dating days were filled with lots of excitement. Joan would often practice walking down the aisle in the hallway of her home with a lamp shade on her head. Gordon did not court her in fancy style. He picked her up for dates in the bread truck that he used for one of his jobs. It didn’t have a passenger seat, so Joan had to ride around on a milk crate in the truck. The young couple was married at The First Apostolic Church by Rev. Billy Lewis. Ruth Leggett, Joan’s sister, and Donald Carlton, Gordon’s friend, stood up with them.

Mom and Dad married with a whole lot of love, but very little money. But they were so happy that they didn’t care. Mom often says that they didn’t even know that they were poor. Dad worked at the Aurora Paper Board and they lived in a small apartment. They shared a hall way bathroom with the other apartment tenants.

Fourteen months after their wedding day, on September 20, 1960, Lisa LaDean was born. They were so happy and thrilled with their little family. However, it did not stay little for long. Thirteen months later Charles Lance was born and a year and a half later Laura Anne was born. During this time, they lived in a small home on Fifth Avenue in Aurora, and thought it was a mansion. It was a busy time with three toddlers. Mom always says how Dad had time to help her with the babies. He always took part in whatever was going on. Gordon and Joan also added to the excitement by moving from IL to Arkansas and back to IL during the toddler years. When Lisa was four, they moved to 1315 Durham Drive, and this is where the Widener family settled. School life started for the three Widener children. We all attended Gertrude Scott Smith Elementary. The school yard connected with our backyard so we have many memories of walking to school knowing Mom was watching and walking home for lunch knowing Mom would have it ready for us. It felt like we had our own personal playground in the backyard.

Mom and Dad were at the beginning of raising three teenagers and life was good, but suddenly it got better. Mom and Dad told the three of us that our family was going to have a baby. Laura began crying (Laura always cried about everything) and said that she thought Mom was too old to have anymore babies. On July 4, 1973, LaTrisa Hope was born. She was everyone’s baby, and still is the baby of the family.

The four of us grew up in a happy home. Mom made sure every event was special whether it was a birthday, school event or Christmas. Our home was filled with love and prayer. Summer was a happy time; we played until dark. When Mom wanted us to come home she would stand on the back porch and yell at the top of her lungs, LISA, LANCE, LAURA and LATRISA -- SUPPER!!!! (The whole neighborhood knew the Wideners were getting ready to eat)

The most important thing of all was that we were raised in church. We were taught who God is and the importance of having a relationship with him. We all grew up going to the First Apostolic Church of Aurora. What a blessing! What a heritage to have and to be able to pass on to our children and grandchildren.

Mom and Dad always worked so hard to make a wonderful home for our family. If you walked into our home you would hear lots of laughter around the dinner table. Dad always worked hard to provide for our family and make sure we had all of the extras that we wanted. He came home at night after a long, hot day of working on construction equipment being sun burned, tired, and dirty. He always carried in his lunch bucket, and set it down in the kitchen so Mom could fill it up for the next day’s lunch. Mom always had a big dinner ready, and we loved being there together. They guided the four of us through childhood and teenage years (3 teenagers in one household at the same time along with a toddler) At times, life brought ups and downs and sometimes even tears, but our home was always filled to the brim with love.

Christmas was one of our favorite times at the Wideners. Mom and Dad always bought us LOTS of gifts. Lance could not wait to open presents. He was always up before everyone else, sneaking peeks of the presents under the tree. We have all inherited this Christmas craziness, and we still have enormous Christmases with LOTS of presents for everyone. It is insane how many gifts are there when we all get together. Another favorite memory is our big 4th of July celebrations with the Bryant’s…to celebrate LaTrisa’s birthday.

However, things quickly changed around our home. Lisa, Lance and Laura began having weddings of their own…and the empty nest started. It was very hard on Mom and Dad when the three older kids started homes of their own. But life quickly sweetened with the arrival of Amber Paige. Mom and Dad have always been the best parents, but they took being grandparents to a whole new level! The day Amber was born in 1979 Mom RAN from house to house in the neighborhood telling everyone she had arrived. Then came Amy and Leslie. Mom and Dad were ecstatic over their 3 granddaughters. Then Chad came and he taught everyone what being a boy all was about! Later, came Meaghan, Ammon and Evan. Mom and Dad were there for the birth of all the grandchildren, usually hovering around in the waiting room, sending up lots of prayers for the new addition. They were always so excited about adding more little ones to their family and had more love to share. During that time Dad, Mom, and LaTrisa moved to Plano, IL. Later Laura’s family moved around the corner from them. We have so many wonderful memories of the times in Plano.

Then, Mom had another big wedding to plan, and that was LaTrisa’s. This event was very bittersweet. Although it was a beautiful wedding day, LaTrisa moved away from the family to Jackson, TN. This was a very hard time for Mom and Dad after having everyone within minutes of their home. What a change. However, that change later brought the non-stop energy and excitement of Avery, Riley and Landry.

The grandkids have so many memories of their own. Grandma always planned big picnics throughout the summer with Papa cooking on the grill. Our nights included bubbles and sparklers, with Grandma having the most fun of all. One of their favorite memories is spending the night at Grandmas and waking up to big breakfasts of chocolate syrup and biscuits or homemade strawberry crepes, with fresh strawberries from Papa’s garden…IF Chad and Ammon had not picked and eaten them all.

Amy and Leslie always cried when it was time to go home from Grandma and Papa’s house. Without fail, Randy would always say that if they did not stop crying they were not going to come back anymore. This only made them cry harder. They all loved the long summer days of playing in Grandma and Papa’s swimming pool, and then sitting on the deck and eating snacks and popsicles while they were dripping wet. We always got together as a family to dye Easter eggs. Then the big Easter egg hunt where everyone got a turn hiding and finding them was always a fun hit.

Then came Mom and Dad’s big move to Tennessee. WHAT A CHANGE retirement brought. We were happy for them, but missed them in IL. This came with many phone calls back and forth several times a day. To this day we all talk to them on the phone several times a week. We love coming to their home in the Smokey Mountains. We are so thankful they have a home with many bedrooms and bathrooms. However, we still have big family gatherings in Tennessee. All four kids and many grandchildren were together at their home for this past Christmas. We all get down here every chance we get. And luckily, LaTrisa and Leslie’s familys have gotten to move to the area with them.

AND let’s not forget the fabulous five great grandkids, Gavin, Joseph, Kayla, Hailey, and Lucas. They are a joy to us all!

All our lives, we have known much love, prayers, family togetherness, lots of laughter and some tears along the way. Our family has had our share of pain and sadness, because of sickness, cancer, major injuries and scares down through the years. But through it all God has been with us, we have been bound together with love and it has kept us all close to each other no matter what came our way.

We are a blessed family.
2 people
4 children
4 spouses
12 grandchildren 3 grandson-in-laws
5 great grand children
50 years
ONE GREAT BIG LEGACY!

Mothers, Remember Lot's Wife

She was running, stumbling, getting up and falling again. Sweat was stinging her eyes, and Lot kept screaming to not look back. Every time she looked at him she seethed inside. The night before, he offered her daughters to a group of perverted men, and she hated him for it. Thankfully, two strangers had saved her girls from unspeakable defilement. However, today they were making her leave her beautiful home, precious jewels, and fine linens. Because of this, she was beginning to detest these so-called angels. They said God was going to burn the city. Who was God anyway? She had left other daughters, grandchildren, and son-in-laws in Sodom and Gomorrah. Perhaps, if there was a fire, they would rescue some of her fine things, and she could secretly return to get them.

If she wasn’t so frustrated, she might even find the situation laughable. Why run from the wrath of a God she no longer served. Why seek shelter in the arms of a God she no longer believed existed? She hadn’t always felt this way. Once she had lived in the tents of Abraham. The blessings were innumerable. At times the presence of Abraham’s Lord was so thick that it felt as if you could touch it. Her marriage was happy. Her children were healthy. For the most part, they honored God and His ways. One day, Lot returned to their tent and told her they would be moving close to the beautiful cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. She was ecstatic. Abraham never allowed them to have any fun. A little excitement was just what she needed.

She loved her new life. The people of Sodom and Gomorrah didn’t want to know Abraham’s God, but she and Lot were able to hold onto both God and the world. Then, her family got so caught up in the pleasure of life that they slowly let the ways of God slip from their grasp. They began to assimilate the ways of their heathen neighbors until they couldn’t even remember what it was like to dwell in His presence. She became cold, careless, and disobedient. Not only had she moved into Sodom, but she allowed Sodom to move into her.

A spirit of regret began to seep into her soul as she continued to run from her beloved cities. The guilt of not holding fast to the truth for her children’s sake began to overwhelm her. Perhaps it wasn’t too late. Maybe she could convince the angels to go rescue her children from the doom that was coming.

She called out to them as they ran, but her voice was silenced over the explosion behind her. The smell of brimstone burned her nose, and her back stung from the heat of the fire. It was happening just as the angels said it would. Lot was screaming to run faster. The fire roared louder. She could hear the screams of her neighbors and friends. Suddenly, her mother’s heart struggled past the desire for worldliness, and tried to reach for her unsaved children. She didn’t want to loose them to the fire. The pain of being responsible for her children’s lost souls caused her to feel complete devastation. She turned around to point them to safety, turned back to point them to God, turned back…

We know this Biblical story’s terrible ending. Some of the details of the account have been expanded, but the message remains the same. Sin brings death and destruction that affects more than our selves. Most people assume that Lot had only two daughters, but scripture tells us this is not the case. Lot says to the Sodomites in Genesis 19:8, “See now, I have two unmarried daughters.” Later in verse 14, he “spoke to his sons-in-law, who had married his daughters,” meaning Lot and his wife had other married daughters. Finally, the angels tell him in verse 15, “Arise, take your wife and daughters who are here…” implying he had daughters elsewhere. When God rained down fire and brimstone, Lot’s wife’s daughters, sons-in-laws, and possibly grandchildren died a graceless death.

History would have changed in Lot’s family if his wife had taken a stand for righteousness. If she had held kept the boundaries that Abraham, her pastor, had set for the safety of her family, her children would have had the opportunity to be saved. Her daughters that were rescued on that dreadful day birthed the Ammonites and the Moabites. Both of these nations were hostile toward the children of Israel for generations to come.

There are few things in scripture more solemn than this. When Jesus referred to Lot’s wife in the New Testament, he was not warning the Pharisees, but was warning the church. Perhaps he was speaking directly to mothers. Remember Lot’s wife. Remember the daily decisions that you make for your self and your children may cause irreversible consequences. Find a place to pray. When you feel pulled towards the world, fight for the salvation of your children as much as you would fight someone that was physically harming them. The soul of our children is a mother’s greatest responsibility. The pleasure of sin is for a season, but the heartache it brings is for eternity. Mother’s, remember Lot’s wife.

Independence Birthday!

Independence Day has always been extra exciting to me...ALWAYS! The main reason is because it is my birthday...and the birthday of our country :)! My mom as raised me to be very BIG on tradition. As a child, my big day started out with PRESENTS, breakfast at Pancake House in downtown Aurora, parade, humungulous fantabulous picnic at Faye and Ray's (this event brought more PRESENTS!...I am the baby of the family, it comes with the territory). The cherry on top of the day was fireworks in Batavia with all of my family and friends. Sweet memories, sweet life!

Fast forward to 2009. The Pressons dressed in our red, whites, and blues. This is a necessity, almost as important as the presents...almost. We filled up on $40 worth of pancakes at Ihop. I kept thinking how much CHEAPER they would have been if I had made them at home, but it was, after all, my birthday. Then a wonderful picnic at Mom & Dad's, complete with PRESENTS, homemade ice cream, red white and blue birthday cake from Leslie, bubbles, and balloons. My 36th birthday ended with fireworks in Townsend at the foothills of the mountains with family, friends, and PRESENTS. Blessings with a bang!

Did I mention that my cake had 36 candles on it? Well it actually had a number 3 candle with six candles next to the 3. It was the redneck version. I will blog on the age of 36 later...it may take several days to work up the courage...

MY 3 GREATEST PRESENTS EVER...

Leslie brought a pinata filled with goodies! FUN!




Fireworks in the foothills...this was the first year that Landry wasn't scared...Presson progress!

Happy Birthday America, I LOVE sharing my special day with you!

Super Kids Camp has been... well...super!

Super Kids Camp has been...well...super. Avery and Riley attend a camp each year that our church sponsors. It is on our church grounds. They "bunk" in our school classrooms. It is three days filled with focused fun, and a life changing spiritual emphasis gets snuck in there too.

The beginning of the week was busy with getting them ready for camp. Washing and packing play clothes, casual church clothes, extra clothes, sheets, blankets, wash cloths, towels, etc. It's always fun to buy all of the travel size bathroom necessities. I keep my Sharpie handy and label everything...including their boxers! That way most of it comes back home.

This year I also had to cook and pack all of Riley's food and concession snacks due to the dreaded soy allergy. Thank goodness for my wonderful zip lock bags and containers...I SERIOUSLY would be a mess without them. I got all of Riley's meds packed and instructions typed in case any emergencies came up. Finally, all of the work was completed and the boys were taken to camp.

Whew! I had been telling myself how I was going to enjoy the time while they were away. It would be nice to just have Landry, and be able to give my undivided attention to him. That part really was nice! We dropped the boys off at 4:30. Riley called me by 5:30 to see what we were doing. I was secretly very glad he called! We went to service Wednesday and Thursday night and saw both boys. Our evangelist, Jeremy Joice, was incredible! He is SO on their level with fun and in ministering the Word. They both seemed happy, sunburned, and renewed in their walk with the Lord.

Yet both nights I came home from church lonely!!! Although, I knew they were fine, I still worried about them. Crazy, I know. It just can't be helped. It is a MOM thing! Clark did not seem to have any problems falling asleep or staying asleep the whole time they were gone! The phone rang at 4:00 this morning. Clark answered, it was Avery calling from his cell phone. He needed to go to the bathroom and was scared to walk down the dark hallway. Clark told him to wake up his counselor, and promptly fell back asleep...even snoring! How in the world do men do that! I was immediately awake and worried. I sent Avery a text to call me if he needed to. One minute later he called. I finally convinced him to wake his counsellor. He tried several times...the counsellor is also a man who can sleep through my child's emergencies. I tried to talk him into using his phone for a flash light so he could see to go down the hall way. He said he was too scared to do that, and he would just sit there until daylight. By this time, I also need to use the bathroom. However, I would not! If he could wait until daylight so could I. I was worried he would fall asleep and have an accident. THEN he would really be upset. We sent texts back and forth until 5:15...continually discussing the bathroom dilemma. All the while, my wonderful husband is sleeping soundly. I considered driving to church and shining my headlights in the front doors of the JRS Life Center so Avery could see to walk down the hall! Thankfully, I saw a glimmer of sunlight and told him the sun was coming up, and the hallway would no longer be dark! I finally received the text..."I peed, I finally got to pee!" It was wonderful news! I responded, "Good, I'm going to sleep now!" A few minutes later I received another text that simply said..."Thank you, Mama." And that my friends was worth all of the washing, packing, worrying, lack of sleep, and texting for an hour and a half.

Tonight is the last camp service, and I will be bringing my boys home. I am looking forward to a good nights sleep!

Daily Prayer for the Lost

Several years ago, our weekly choir practice was interrupted by a telephone call. It was one of those phone calls that makes your heart speed up and stop all at the same time. A young girl from a neighboring church had been in a horrible car accident. She was in intensive care and her injuries were life-threatening. My pastor's wife asked that we all find a place to pray. Our sanctuary was immediately filled with the sound of travailing prayer. We all knew this young girl. She was beautiful inside and out; a role model for the youth of our church. We reminded the Lord of the many wonderful attributes that this young lady possessed, and of what potential she had for His work in the future. We wept and pleaded for her life, we claimed healing for her injuries. At the end of our prayer time, my pastor's wife said that she knew the Lord had heard our prayers and felt He had already touched Becky's broken body.

My pastor's wife then went on to ask us how long it had been since we had prayed over a lost soul like we had for our friend that had been injured. Had we wept for our co-workers, neighbors, and loved ones that were destroying their life with sin? Had we reminded the Lord of the potential they had in His kingdom? Had we pleaded with the Lord to save their soul? A quietness settled around us as we began to think of those that needed not a physical touch but a spiritual healing. They were headed for death. Had we travailed for their soul?

The youth of our church have recently returned from youth camp. They have brought home a renewed vision to see lost souls saved. It has spilled over into my heart. So many times, I try to minister to the needs of the saints around me. A meal cooked for a new mother, a card sent to a person going through a tough time, a token of love bought for a friend in need...all of these things are well and good, but how often have I travailed for the sinner? I am ashamed to admit the burden has not bowed me down in prayer lately. I am trying something new this month. I am writing a different name of a lost soul on every day of my July calendar. If the Lord can go searching for the one when the ninety-nine are safe, then the least I can do is bring their name to Him in prayer. My prayers, along with others, for Becky touched the throne of heaven and she received a miraculous healing. Perhaps my prayers will make a difference in the lives of Lance, Billie Joe, Rebecca, Natasha, Daniel, April....

One Tree at a Time

Most of you have read this in one place or another, but I wanted to add it since it is MY story. I wrote this in November of 2007. It is wonderful to look back and see how the LORD brings us through and out of whatever trial we are facing. One day we can look back and say, "Thank you, Jesus!" Love you all.

I held my breath. I knew the moment was coming. We rounded the bend in the road, and I heard the little scream I had been anticipating. “Look Mama, look! It’s the mounts…it’s the mounts!” My two year old finally glimpsed the majestic view of the Smoky Mountains! He had seen this same sight many times before since my parents had recently retired to the popular area, but he never ceased to be amazed by them. To him, they were the most massive things that he had ever seen, and he was in awe of them.

His older brother was, and still is in his own opinion, much wiser than the excited toddler. He calmly stated the mountains were really nothing special. “You see Riley; mountains aren’t very exciting at all. When you get up close, all that is there is just a bunch of trees!” My husband and I laughed, because it was such a typical response for our oldest son.

However, as we continued curving along the highway the Lord kept bringing my son’s comment to my mind. I was, at that very moment, struggling with a large mountain in my life. Cancer. From the time my doctor gave his diagnosis that one little word continually bounced around in my mind like a pinball in a pinball machine. Cancer…boiinngg…cancer…boiinngg…cancer. In fact, I had just been through two surgeries to remove the cancer from my body. My husband was taking my boys and me to my parents so they could help take care of me until I had healed enough to begin my treatment. Mountains…yes, I knew all about mountains.

In fact, my mountain seemed so massive in my life that I felt I may never be able to climb it. The weakness, the mood swings, the exhaustion, the sickness… it seemed they were pushing me down my mountain instead of over it. The Lord began speaking to me in that still small voice that always makes me sit up and pay attention. The mountain isn’t really that powerful. When you get up close, all that is there is just a bunch of trees. At that time in my life I didn’t have the strength to conquer the mountain, but I sure could take down a tree. The next day I was able to take down another tree, and the next day another.

The children of Israel received manna for one day. The Lord didn’t provide enough food to take care of them for the entire journey, but He provided enough strength for each day. The Bible tell us in Matthew 6:8 that the Lord knows the things we have need of before we even ask. The chapter continues on with the Lord’s Prayer and instructs us to pray in this manner. “Lord, give us this day our daily bread”…Lord help me conquer this tree today to get me one step closer to going over my mountain. He didn’t promise to give us enough leftovers to have strength for next week, next month, or next year. But he did promise us our daily bread. After many months of daily taking trees down I realized… I had gone over my mountain!

I recently celebrated the five year anniversary of my cancer treatment. The Lord added so many blessings to my life during that time. My doctors were not sure if I would have more children, and He blessed my husband and me with a third beautiful boy. I am proud to say that I can see the beauty in the mountains that life may bring…even if the Lord and I have to take them a tree at a time.

Catching Up...

It's Friday! I wasn't going to type this morning because my thought patterns are very random at the moment, and I have a sneaky suspicion that most of this will not make sense. Clark and Rich would say that I have a plethora of thoughts today. The very large Starbucks coffee could be to blame. AND I need to be typing the seven reports that my husband/boss left on my desk this morning. (I work for Clark, for those of you that are unaware of this.)

Just to catch up on the last few days...

*Nana & Papa Presson have been here this week, as well as cousin Drew. We had a great and relaxing time while they were here. The boys think that Drew is the greatest! AND he brought his Wii, Ipod touch, and blackberry. It is nice to have a cousin with wonderful toys! My in-laws are so special to me. They raised my incredibly, wonderfully handsome husband (again, keep the large coffee in mind). We had a picnic in Cades Cove that was just perfect. Landry has deleted my pictures...so unless Clark can find them, the memories will not be visually be posted! :(.

**Landry and Riley have swimmers ear from spending so much time in the pool. This is a new ailment for us. It is very painful, and the ear drops are VERY expensive.

***As all of you know, Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett passed away yesterday (Thurs., June 25). We were watching the news last night...as I am sure many of you were. Riley looked at me with his beautiful hazel eyes full of tears, and said, "Mama, God has given them many chances to live for Him before they died, and I think he got tired of giving them so many." WOW... that boy amazes me. I love him so much it hurts sometimes.

****This morning Avery reminded me that we have been so busy with Nana & Papa being here that we have not taken time for morning prayers. He said that with all the deaths that happened yesterday, he thought we needed to make time for it today. Again, WOW...thank you Lord, for giving me this 11 year old conscience.

*****On the lighter side...

Wednesday's Van Vernacular...

Landry - "Mama, when I grow-up I want to be a heart-throb."

Riley - "You will have to wear a suit everyday, because heart-throbs always dress-up."

Landry - "That is fine with me!"

Mama - "What exactly do heart-throbs do?"

Landry - "They take girls out on dates."

Of course, I had to post this on FB. My friend, Cheryl Morey, responded that he is already a heart throb. I must admit, I have to agree with her! Have a wonderful weekend everybody! Take a few minutes to count your many blessings!

Letting Go of the Rope...

Why is it sometimes difficult to believe that God cares about the small details of our lives? Sometimes I feel I have more faith for the BIG stuff then I do the SMALL stuff! Death, disease, and disaster...no problem for God. But today I have been playing tug of war with God over one of the little things. My middle man Riley has a little speech trouble. He is very aware of the problem and is constantly troubled by it. And in the past couple of weeks he has developed a very noticeable stutter in addition to the other difficulty. His frustration gets to the point that he gives up in mid-sentence when he can not over come the stuttering. When my boys hurt, I hurt.

The Lord has renewed my faith several times today, by bringing instances to mind that prove to me that Riley is in HIS hands. Riley has suffered with asthma all of his 8 years of life. There was a particular circumstance when he was 2 that came to my mind today. I was battling cancer at the time, and Riley's asthma had flared up. I was to be in Memphis the next morning at 6 a.m. for my second surgery to try to remove the remaining cancer from my throat. I did not want to leave my sick little man. Riley's breathing became so labored that we knew we would have to take him to the ER. We were a sight! My sister had to take me into the hospital in a wheel chair and Clark carried Riley in. The nurses did not know who to take care of first! The ER doctor told me at midnight that Riley was going to need to be admitted. I was devastated at the thought of my baby being in one hospital, and me being in another 75 miles away. I begged the doctor not to admit him. He told me if they could get his oxygen level up to the 90's then he could go home. I remembered how we prayed and watched it steadily climb to 94. Riley was able to go home and be under the care of his Nana Presson while I returned to Baptist Hospital in Memphis for the next several days. I know the Lord touched my son that night in a very real way.

The Lord also brought to my mind yet another asthma incident. Riley's worst one ever. About a year and a half ago Riley's asthma took a quick turn, so I took him to his pediatrician. He upped all of his meds and added an extra steroid. Two hours later, we were at home and Riley began having a severe attack. The coughing and the gasping were unlike anything I had ever heard before. Fear and I got to know each other really well that night. Clark was working late so my niece Leslie called 911. My sweet, sweet son looked at me and said, "Mama, I'm not going to make it through this one." Those are words a mother never imagines hearing. I immediately responded that yes he was going to make it, all the while calling on the name above all names. The Lord had already stepped in the room before the EMT could get to our house. As they rushed into the house with oxygen and whisked us off to Knoxville Children's Hospital, I knew that the miracle worker had triumphed over fear once again.

Then the tug of war began. I was thanking the Lord for the miracles that he brought to mind, reminding Him that these were BIG things (like he didn't already know that)...and I questioned him about handling this small thing. I went through the evening thanking him for the miracle, yet doubting him in this "little"need. I read a quick devotion before bed, and the first sentence was..."WHAT MATTERS TO YOU MATTERS TO GOD." It went on to say "Who am I to tell the great God of the universe my little problem? " Mr. Max Lucado proceeded to tell me...

I am an heir of God.

I have a crown.

I am a holy priest.

I was chosen before the creation.

And more importantly than any of the above, I am God's child. As a result, if something is important to me, it's important to God.

So Lord, here is the rope. I'm declaring you the winner of tug-of-war. I'm putting Riley's speech troubles in your hands. I am believing you for the small things. Thank you for loving my son more than I ever could. He was your child long before he was mine. What matters to him, matters to you.

Lines by Landry

First of all, let me say how much I LOVE summer! I am enjoying my hiatus from Spelling lists, History tests, Reading vocab, and Science projects. The older my boys get the more I realize the necessity of Summer break for both students AND parents!

Each Summer we make a small investment in a blow up pool and the receive a huge return. Avery, Riley and Landry stay entertained for hours. This year we purchased a slightly larger pool. The box advertised two adult women and two children sitting comfortably in the pool. I concluded that it would be roomy enough for three boys to enjoy.

After the second swim of the day, Landry asked if Daddy could swim with him when he returned home from his trip. I told him that Daddy would be too big for the pool. Landry quickly responded, "Oh no Mama, there is room in this pool for Daddy and two ladies! LOL!

...I recently woke the boys on a Wednesday morning and reminded the 2 oldest that it was our churches day for fasting and they needed to choose what they would be fasting from. We proceeded to get ready for our day. I noticed that Landry ate breakfast, and then RAN to brush his teeth, and then RAN to get dressed, and then RAN to find his shoes. I finally told him that if he didn't stop running that I was going to spank him (please do not panic...I do spank my children when they need it, and they are better for it!). He stopped running and looked at me very puzzled and said, "But you said it was FAST day!"

...Landry went to the doctor with me a couple of weeks ago. My doctor is from a foreign country and has a very heavy accent. Landry sat quietly for a few minutes taking it all in...then he blurted out to the doctor..."Can you speak English?"

...Avery and Riley were imagining ways to spend $20,ooo if we had it...which we don't. Riley wants to buy a convertible car so we can put the top down on these 98 degree summer days. Avery wants to purchase every new game system and game possible...Landry wants to buy Spider man band-aids.

...We were in a very crowded Chick-Fil-A ladies bathroom. I was holding the stall door while Landry was inside using the bathroom. Landry exclaimed (very loudly to be heard over boy bathroom sounds)..."MAMA, IT WOULD BE SO COOL IF I COULD PEE ICE CREAM!" I looked for a hole to crawl into, but could not find one.

...It was Valentine's Day and I told my boys that we were going to make Daddy a surprise candlelight dinner. Landry busted out crying..."Those candles are going to BURN my mouth!"

More Lines by Landry to come in the future...he has many of them that make his mama smile, and sometimes even laugh out loud!

Points to Ponder

Genesis 21:6

"...God has brought me laughter,

and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me."