Just want to thank Him!

The Pressons, along with the rest of the world, will be saying goodbye to the past year and having high expectations for 2012.  Each new year is a huge clean slate.  The promise of change, reevaluating, and renewing is intoxicating.  We walk through the memories of the past year, and wonder where the new one will take us.

In all honestly, our 2011 began very bleak.  Clark and I were desperate for a miracle, and knew that we had nothing else to do, but put it in the Lord's hands.  I am thankful to say that the Lord did give us exactly the miracle that we needed.  It was not a small miracle, it was one of those HUGE, only God can do, kind of miracles.  The kind that you weep, travail, and fast for years, kind of miracle.  To God be the glory!!  I can not thank Him enough for placing this miracle in our hands.  May I never forget what it felt like to need this miracle.  May I always show compassion for others that are desperate for their own miracle, just as we were desperate.  I am so thankful for this trial that Clark and I faced, because it taught to us to reach further, stretch our faith, be more of what the Lord wants us to be.  It showed both of us necessity of relying fully on Him, because the next trial will require it.  More strength for the journey.

I hesitated to post this blog.  In fact, part of me feels guilty for knowing so many of my friends "end of the year reminiscing" is not ending on such a high note.  However, to those of you that are still in the thick of your trial, please be encouraged that HE IS ABLE.  He knows, He cares, He listens, He provides the need, and He does take us to the mountain for rejoicing after leading us through the valley.

As we begin a new year, let's put our needs in His capable hands once again, and fully trust Him.  Trust God with all your heart, your soul and might. You and I can not solve every situation. We can not fix everything that is broken. Only God can. He promised us that He can bring peace, and can give us the deepest desires of our hearts. He can redeem the years the locusts have eaten, and He delights in blessing, YOU,  his faithful child!  Happy New Year to you and yours!  May you grow in Him through life's valleys, and let all of rejoice with you on your mountaintops in 2012!

The Presson Family 2011 A to Z

The Presson Family 2011 AtoZ

As for me & my house, we will serve the Lord.

Both front teeth “missing!” (Landry)
CIA has kept Clark veerrryy BuSy this year!
Downstairs building addition for Clark.
Excellent report cards from all 3 scholars.
First year of Homeschool for Riley, Landry & Mom
Grades 1, 5, & 8
Home is where the heart is!
Ipods & Iphones
Jetskiing, fishing & swimming @ Green Lake, WI
Kindergarten Graduation
LSU wins SEC Championship! (Avery only!)
More family moved to our area! :)
No hope of ever being caught up with laundry.
Online Scrapbooking & Blogging
Pizza, Pancakes & Pinterest
Quest for ALL missing socks is still ongoing.
Riding bikes and electric scooters
Soccer team for Avery
Trips to our beautiful Smoky Mountains
UT game for the first time for Riley!
Very, very blessed with love of family & friends.
Wasabi's (our favorite) for Avery's 14^th!
Xtra hugs and high-fives
Youth Camp for Avery for the 1^st time.
Z...Never enough zzzzzzzzzz's.

Women's Espirit Christmas Article

I was asked to write the following article for The Women's Espirit website,http://www.womensesprit.org/mylife/mylife.pg1.html, and I thought that I would share.  Stop by and browse the site.  It is filled with touching, spirit-building articles!  Merry Christmas to all of you!

'Tis the season of gift giving! As mothers, we enjoy giving gifts to our children. We plan birthday party details from the invitations, to the cake, down to the color of the plastic ware.

Our Christmas decorating and planning begins in early November. We bring out our inner "Martha Stewart" and bake, shop, wrap, get glitter everywhere, and bake some more. All of this is done in the hopes of seeing glowing faces on Christmas morning. We sit back in our comfort chair, wrapped in the love of the moment, and congratulate ourselves for another well-planned Christmas season.

This is all well and good. Our savior is a gift giver. He created the beauty of this world for our enjoyment. He has unwrapped and has given us the gifts of healing, happiness, forgiveness and grace. He gave us the ultimate gift by laying down His life for us. There is no greater love. Even our children are a reward from Him!

As long as you are within your budget, don't feel guilty for the good things that you do for your children, family and friends. The holiday season is a special time for rejoicing, for merriment, and spending time with the people most important to you. It is the most wonderful time of the year!

However most of us, me included, are guilty of sheltering our children from the needs of those around us. Sadly, there are thousands of children without presents, sugar-sprinkled baked goods, nativities, and lights. This year, strive to teach your children the true spirit of giving. Help them see that the Lord gave them life's entire blessing for one special purpose - that is that they might give in return. Teach them that the greatest gift of all is to give!

There are so many ways for your family to reach out this year. Sponsor a child for the year though Compassion International, take your children on a shopping trip to buy several warm blankets and pass them out to the homeless in your community or bless one of our missionary families with a surprise package.

Plan a family grocery outing and take non-perishable food items to your local food pantry. Shop for gifts and surprise a child that is in a local hospital or purchase sweet smelling candles for the elderly in nursing homes and bless them with a hug and a gift. Perhaps there is a family in your church or neighborhood that has suffered through this economic downtime. Take Christmas to them!

The opportunities are endless. Our family is contacting our local foster care organization and adopting a child for the season. We plan to have a party and ask friends and family to bring a gift for our beneficiary, and then take all of the gifts to his foster home. Most importantly, involve your children in every aspect of this outreach. They will remember this act of giving more than the decorations, endless homemade cookies and candies, or the wrapped purchases under the tree!

Do your best to make memories with your children this Christmas season. Show them that Jesus is why we do all that we do. His greatest gift to us is LOVE. The greatest gift that you will ever give your children is also LOVE. Purpose in your heart to give them the best mother that you can possibly be. Live your life in a way to be their example. Love simply, love deeply. Then, on Christmas morning when they open their perfectly wrapped gift, you will know in your heart that you have truly given them the very best gift of all!

The Sounds of Christmas

I heard it yesterday.  A distinct tinkling that I hear at some point during the Christmas season each year.  The sound of a piece of my white nativity clinking against something, usually the floor.  Riley quickly assured me that all was well, "Mama, the wise man fell against the donkey, but both of them are fine!"  Last year, I contemplated purchasing a new nativity set at a Hobby Lobby half price sale.  However, I decided my current one has too many memories, and has been through too much to be replaced.

Almost every piece has come in contact with the super glue at one time or another.  Our angel is resilient in her efforts to proclaim the birth of the Christmas baby.  Her wings have been broken off several times.  Riley once felt that she needed help with her guarding duties and added Spider man and Batman to the rest of the stable crew.  Due to incorrectly applied superglue she looks rather chilly.   Several years ago, I noticed one of the sheep was missing.  I went searching for my lost sheep.  It was found outside.  In the grill.    One wise man lost his head.  It is back on, but just a bit crooked.  The shepherd boy was also decapitated, and has been reattached by the powers of super glue.  Sadly, one wise man was shattered beyond repair.  His space is empty in the packing box.  Poor Mary only has one hand, and a camel has been MIA for many years now. 

One day, when my house is empty and quiet, I am going to make tiny t-shirts for whatever nativity pieces remain.  In all of my spare time, I will embroidery them with the words, "I survived the Presson boys."

December ONE!

December 1st!  The celebration has begun!  I broke out my Christmas sweater and wore it today.  I have had it since Riley was an infant.  He is now 11, so you can imagine what it looks like.  I am a firm believer in tradition!  I put my decorations up a bit early this year, and now I am happy, happy that I did.  I can just sit back and enjoy the reason for the season.  I thought I'd share our 2011 Advent Calendar.  We are all excited about it, even Avery, although he would never admit it!  Please note that this is not a photography blog, therefore the pics are far from professional!  I found this idea on Pinterest and mixed it will a little Presson. 

Each bag has a name on it.  If your name is on it, then you get to open it.  The first 3 bags have scriptures in them.  One for each of the boys.  They have to memorize their scripture and say it each time, before they can open the next bag with their name on it.  The scriptures are from the beautiful nativity story.  The rest of the bags are filled with goodies galore.  Slinkys, Legos, coupons for lunches alone with Dad, candy, coupons for staying up 30 minutes later than your brothers, an iTune cards or two, and a few dollar bills.  However, the last bag does not have any gift in it.  We are each going to write a letter to Jesus, telling Him what we are giving Him in the coming year.  I am hoping by the end of this month that we, like the Wise men of long ago, bring priceless gifts to the babe in the manger.  Merry Christmas!

Oh, How Pinteresting!

I have been avoiding Pinterest for several months now, however, I caved!  And, I am so glad that I did!  Vintage Apple is having a Pinterest Party so I thought I'd join for the first time.






Here are just a few things that I have fallen in love with...

Source: s22.photobucket.com via LaTrisa on Pinterest

I am making this frosty on Saturday.  I'll post a pic afterwards.

Source: flickr.com via LaTrisa on Pinterest

Using my brother's homemade jalapeno jelly for this one!

Source: secretsofasupermommy.blogspot.com via LaTrisa on Pinterest

The boys are definetly waking up to their bedroom doors looking like this on Christmas morning.

Source: offbeathome.com via LaTrisa on Pinterest

Landry could occupy himself for days if he had a Lego wall like this. ( I have already asked Clark to make a small version of this, just need to find the green Lego backboard now.)

Source: tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com via LaTrisa on Pinterest

I have the PERFECT steps to create this on!

Source: ow.ly via LaTrisa on Pinterest

One of my favorite Pinterest Quotes.

Happy pinning to all of my Pinterest Friends!

Happy 7th Birthday to my baby boy, Landry Clark Presson!  Time gives you no warning - it just speeds by!  I have mixed feelings about that!  Landry told me that he has been waiting for this day since he turned six!  I wish I had a printout of all the things that churns through my boys mind, because he keeps it busy!  I love his sense of humor, the fact that keeps his big brothers on their toes, and that he is a carbon copy of his Daddy! He is in 1st grade this year, and is an amazing student.  I know, because I am his teacher.  He gives hugs and kisses often, and tells me that I am the best teacher in the whole world, except for Sis. Kirby!  lol!  He loves learing to write cursive, and does it with a passion and perfection that can only come from Landry!  He has recently discovered an intense love for football.  Avery and Riley are teaching him to play it in the backyard of the afternoon.  He watches it by the hour, with all of the other males in my home, and only cheers for the teams that Clark cheers for.  He thinks his dad is the all knowing knower of football.  Happy Birthday, Landry!  I am excited to see where life takes you, but I would be so happy if it would just slow down a bit!

The day we met Landry, doesn't seem possible that it was 7 years ago!

Happy First Birthday!  I would love to go back and squeeze that baby one more time!

Two years old!!

Three!  Starting to be a big boy!

Four years old! 

FIVE!!  5555!!  He has officially lost the baby look! :(

Six years old.  Mini Clark!

SEVEN YEARS OLD!  I pray you have a fun-filled year of memories

that only a seven-year old can make! 

May you always ask the Lord to order your steps! 

I LOVE YOU!

xoxoxox

I have joined many facebook fans on a Thanksgiving Trek through the month of November.   However, my today's thankful post can not be written in a facebook sentence or two...

Day 12 - Today I am thankful for the Word.  Ezekiel described it as "honey in my mouth."  Job said it is "spiritual food for the hungry."  It was a "lamp for my feet" to the Psalmist David, and  "joy and delight to Jeremiah's heart." 

There is NOTHING that can soothe my troubled mind or bring peace and joy to me like the WORD of the Lord.  It is more precious than gold (Psalms 19:10), renews my mind (Romans 12:12), and penetrates my thoughts and attitudes.  (Hebrews 4:12).
 
It is a love letter to me from my Savior. 

A few things he whispered when I needed...

LOVE - The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Jeremiah 31:3

PROTECTION -  "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High, Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress;  my God, in Him will I trust."  Psalms 91:1-2

GRACE - "For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." Psalms 84:11

SALVATION - "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:38

Here are some promises he gave me when I was...

LONELY - "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;" John 14:16

WORRIED - "Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philipians 4:6-7

IN NEED - "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us."  Ephesians 3:20

And a few nuggets when I felt...

INSECURE - "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"  Phil 1:6

WEAK - "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"  Psalms 27:1

SICK - "My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. " Psalms 73:26

Instruction when I want to be...

A BETTER WIFE - "The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain.  She does him good and not evil all the days of her life." Proverbs 31:10-13

A BETTER MOTHER -  "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.  And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.  And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates."

 Deuteronomy 6:6-9

*******



I am so thankful that I walk by boy's bedrooms at night, and see them getting strength for their own journey in His Word, and for the man that calls us into the livingroom so that we can read His Word together.

"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart."  Hebrews 4:12

Happy Fall Ya'll! 

Just a few pics from past Fall fun!

My first born pumpkin'.

Avery - 18 months - I loved this pic!

My 2nd lil punkin' - one month and 10 days old. 

 I could jump in this computer and kiss those cheeks off!

 My Harley Boys!!!! 

Riley - 18 months (this was in the midst of his reign of terror)

Avery -  4 years old

King David and King Solomen - first month living in Maryville - 2 weeks before Landry's arrival!

So handsome!

Awww....love!  Cowboy Landry - almost 2 yrs. old.

 

2009

2009 -

I will always remember this night.  Landry was so scared to be outside after dark since Clark wasn't home.  It is written all over his face!

Happy Fall!  I am sure we will be making more fun memories tonight!

Memorable Monday Moments

I feel sorry for Monday.  She has a terrible reputation and no friends.  I googled quotes about her, and found this one... "Tear my hair out, slow roast me over a fire, pull off my eyebrows strand by strand, push pins through my fingernails, ...do anything to me, anything but a Monday."  Ouch!  That is harsh!  Poor Monday!

However, my last two Mondays have certainly been Mondayish!  On the weekend before last I spent about 3 hours in our homeschool classroom, preparing for the coming week.  I was one proud homeschoolin' Mama!  I was ready for my day/week...or was I? 

We were about one hour into our morning.  We had finished with Bible and Phonics for Landry, and started on Arithmetic for Riley.  Suddenly, Landry got that, "I have to go to the bathroom NOW!" look on his face, and went running up the stairs. 

Sadly, the door to our upstairs (the place where all the bathrooms in the house are located) was LOCKED!  We are still not sure how this happened.  Luckily, I had my cell phone, and called Clark, fully expecting him to come to my rescue.  Unfortunately, he was on his way to Kentucky!  Then I remembered that my Dad who is a PRO at coming to my rescue was at Dollywood.  By this time, our perfectly scheduled and organized Monday is a mess, and Landry is doing the potty dance at the bottom of the steps.  I broke out Clark's tools.  I tried many, many different things:  screwdrivers, nails, screws, paper clips, a clothes hanger, bobby pins, scissors, and even a golf tee.  Nothing was opening the door.  Riley's suggestion was to use a crowbar and tear the door down.  We vetoed this due to the cost aspect.  Landry's suggestion was that it would be great if he was Luke Skywalker and then he would use his lightsaber.  We vetoed this idea for obvious reasons.  By this time, I am sweating in a very unladylike manner and getting close to tears (no surprise there.) 

AN HOUR AND TEN MINUTES LATER, after continuous attempts, Landry actually saved the day.  He suggesting using a small paintbrush from our art table.  I used a hammer and flattened the end of it, put it in the lock, turned it, and heard a glorious "CLICK."  Just call me Mrs. Macgyver!

Landry made a beeline for the bathroom, and I stopped and pondered that no matter how prepared I am for a day, life just gets in the way of the best laid plans!

I will have to save today's Mondayish moments for another blog.  Thankfully, someone DID come to my rescue! ;)

Happy 40th Birthday to Clark! (we are getting old!)

Happy 40th Birthday to my favorite person in all the world!!!  I could say a million things about the man that I married, however, my expressive vocabulary is limited in comparison to how much I admire, love, and respect him.  Thankfully, Hallmark can say it perfectly.  I picked out a birthday card for him that truly expresses how I feel. 

In the words of Hallmark...

For my Husband, a man after God's heart -

"Those who fear the Lord are secure;  He will be a refuge for their children."  Proverbs 14:26

Because you seek Him

as your source of wisdom,

you're a wonderful leader...

Because you depend on Him

to be the strength of your heart,

you're a loving husband...

Because you pursue His best

for our lives and home,

His blessing and peace are here.

There is nothing else

that could make me feel

more honored than sharing my life

with you!

"The steps of good men are directed by the Lord.  He delights in each step they take. 

Psalms 37:23-24

I am married to a man that is all of these things and more.  I have loved being married to him, raising three boys with him, and look forward to growing old with him!  He is my life's greatest blessing.

This is a side of Clark that few see, but that definitely exists!

Happy 40th Birthday!  <3



Riley turns 11!

My middle man, Riley Lance, turned ELEVEN last month.  We had a fun family party with his best friend, Nathan Ferguson.  Before everyone came over to celebrate, we went to our local bowling alley and bowled a few games.  The youngest man of the family beat the sockeroos off of the rest of the boys, and he thoroughly enjoyed rubbing it in.  Later grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins stopped by for pizza, cake, and of course, PRESENTS! 

Here are a few of Riley's ELEVEN favorites in celebration of his ELEVENTH year...

1.  Favorite Food - mac n cheese (this has been the #1 food fav since he left the baby food stage.)

2.  Favorite Dessert - brownies - specifically his Grandma Joan's brownies.

3.  Favorite Past time - playing video games.

4.  Favorite Video Game - Backbreaker - he describes this game as football on steroids.

5.  Favorite Sport - Football (as well as every other male family member)

6.  Favorite Teams - Titans (pro) & UT (college)

7.  Favorite Friend - Nathan Ferguson

8.  Person he admires the most - his Dad, and I quote, "...because all that he does for our family, he   always  puts us first before himself."  so sweet!

9.  Favorite place to be - Dollywood

10.  Favorite song - anything by Toby Mac

11.  Favorite story in the Bible - when the Lord brings the Israelites out of Egypt, because God shows    His Power in so many ways in this story.  Like when he gives manna, sends a cloud by day and fire by night. 

I love you, Riley.  I love the way your eyes light us when you talk, and the way you squeeze me each night before you go to bed.  I pray the love that you have for the Lord continues to develop into something that you can never turn your back on.  Your peace, contentment and joy can only be found in Him!  xoxoxoxox

Mike Brockmeyer

My heart hurts tonight for my friend, Angie Brockmeyer.  Her husband's funeral visitation is happening now.  I can not begin to imagine the heartache that she is feeling.  I can only pray that she is able to feel the Lord's peace enveloping her and her two children. 

The Brockmeyer family have held a special place in our hearts, since the time that we built a home in 1999.  Ours was one of the first to go up in the subdivision.  We anxiously waited for neighbors.  It was so exciting when Mike and Angie built the home next door to us.  They had a son that was a few months older than our 18 mo. old Avery, and their daughter was six.  It didn't take us long to form a friendship.  We celebrated birthdays together, had picnics in our backyards, and shared snacks and toys.  Avery and Mackenzie were inseparable. 

Mike and Clark were inseparable at times, too!  They spent hours in our yard talking the evenings away while the boys played together.  I remember when Mike first became a police officer, and Angie was so proud of him!  I always loved the way Mackenzie looked so much like Mike, since Avery looked nothing like Clark!  Mike loved his children so much! Kayla's sports events were the highlights of his day.   Mackenzie was playing in the back of Mike's truck one day, and fell out and broke his arm.  I think Mike felt the pain more than Mackenzie!  Because of Mike's shift at the police station, he was often home during the day.  When Riley's due date approached, I began fervently walking the neighborhood in hopes of encouraging Riley to join us.  Every time I would pass the house, Mike would cheer me on!   When I was diagnosed with cancer, Mike and Angie were there to encourage me and pray.  One Halloween, he and Clark took the kids out for trick-or-treating.  Riley's asthma had been terrible that week, and he was unable to go with the others. Mike felt sorry for him and brought him over a big bag filled with candy. Mike helped me pull off a surprise 30th birthday party for Clark, even though he said he almost gave it away a hundred times!  Saying goodbye to our family-like neighbors was hard when we moved to East Tennessee!  We often went by to visit when we whenever we visited Jackson.  Thank you, Mike for being such a wonderful friend and for all of the memories.  Please know that so many are praying for Angie and the kids and believing that the Lord's peace will carry them through this trial.

The following is borrowed from The Jackson Sun...

JPD officer Brockmeyer dies at 38: Former airman's cancer had come back in August

Brockmeyer

 

 

Jackson police officer and former airman Michael Brockmeyer died Friday night after a long battle with leukemia. Brockmeyer was told in June that he was cancer free, but in August his doctors told him his cancer was back.
Members of the community banded together on behalf of Brockmeyer as his condition worsened and his 180 sick-time hours dwindled.
About 20 officers decided to take turns working his shifts, and a schedule was worked out so someone would be covering his shift every day through the end of the year.
In May, officers organized a benefit cookout that raised $6,000, and the family received donations from businesses in the community, such as HaliHannigan's Cupcakery, which donated 10 percent of its cupcake sales and all customer donations on June 30 to the family.
Brockmeyer, 38, had his infected gall bladder removed in March, and his white blood cell count was still high after the surgery, so doctors sent his blood to the pathology lab. The family said the cancer diagnosis was a shock.
He was receiving a new round of chemotherapy at Vanderbilt Medical Center.
Police Chief Gill Kendrick said that it is with deep regret that the Jackson Police Department announced Brockmeyer's passing late Friday night.
Brockmeyer had 10 years of service with the department and worked in the Uniform Patrol Division.
Kendrick also requested on behalf of the Brockmeyer family that their privacy be respected at this time.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by George A. Smith & Sons North Chapel. Visitation is scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Englewood Baptist Church.
The service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Englewood, followed by burial services at Highland Memorial Gardens.

Our Newest Adventure

The two youngest Pressons have embarked on a new and exciting adventure! Homeschool!!  I am on the journey with them and loving it!  My heart yearns to be at home, and I also love to teach!  The combination of the two equals homeschool!  Riley is in the fifth grade and Landry in first.  Riley enjoys all things literature and history and detests arithmetic, a boy after mine own heart.  Landry loves every single litte aspect of learning, which makes teaching him so much fun!  We have now been in school for a month.  Many changes have been made since our first day.  I am learning to try things differently and be open to adjusting our schedule.  I am so thankful for this special time with Riley and Landry!  It is not always perfect and smooth, but I know the three of us are learning so much, especially about each other. 

The following pictures are a tour of our classroom that my incredible husband built downstairs, with mucho help from our nephew, Brad!

 Landry's job is to update our day and weather each morning.

 Shhh. He is taking a Penmanship Test.

 The Popular Art Station

 Landry is marking his vowels and special sounds.

 Ready for the day!

 My shelves - my favorite part of our room.  Thank you, Brad!

 My desk :)

 Landry is DEEP in thought!

I pray that the Lord will bless our time together!! 

Battle of the Shoes

The battle of the shoes has been ongoing at the Presson home since school was back in session.  I will not name any names to protect the innocent.  I will just call him Son. 

Son needed new shoes to start the school year that matched the uniform code.  Mom was surprised at how much his foot had grown over the summer!  She was even more surprised when the full impact of the cost of "mens vs boys shoe price" sank in.  Sadly, this was not the only shoe surprise with Son. 

Son made the Soccer team at school.  Much excitement was felt, and this required another trip to the store for the beloved soccer cleats!  Two weeks into school, the uniform shoes were MIA.  Gone. Vanished.  Mom reminds Son of cost of new shoes.  She then tells him to wear his Sunday go-to-meetin' black shoes with his school uniform.  The next day, only ONE of the church shoes makes it home in the gym bag.  Now THREE shoes are MIA.  Mom is not happy.  Nope, not happy at all.  She refuses to go buy MORE black shoes.  His only choice was to wear non-uniform brown Wednesday go-to-meetin' shoes to school, and hope that the administration does not notice Son's blunder.

The much anticipated first soccer game day approaches.  Mom reminds son to get all necessary school and soccer items packed in his school bag.  Son gets frustrated at Mom's constant reminders.  Mom and brothers pick up Son from school and take him to his first soccer game.  Amazingly enough, the family arrives early to the game.  Mom (always trying to save time when time can be saved) tells Son to go ahead and get his brand new awesomer than awesome soccer cleats on, so he will be ready to hit the field when the rest of the team arrives.  Son digs through his gym bag.  The soccer cleats are no where to be found.  They are MIA, along with the uniform school shoes, and one of the Sunday go-to-meetin' shoes.  Son quickly remembers that he left his cleats at home, even after all of the friendly reminders from Mom.  Mom drives WAY over the speed limit to get home, grab the forgotten cleats, then drives WAY over the limit AGAIN to give the cleats to Son before the game starts. 

The next day Son is tired from the hard exhertion of his first soccer game.  Mom is tired from the battle of the shoes.  In his state of tiredome, Son forgets to pack his P.E shoes for gym class.  At this point he knew better than to call Mom and ask her to bring his shoes.  Instead, he "sells" part of his lunch to a class mate in return for borrowing his shoes for P.E, and comes home from school very hungry. 

Thankfully, the trauma of the loss of food prompts him to recheck the school lost and found.  Son discoveres all 3 missing shoes!  Mom is happy.  Son is happy. 

Son has only been in school for four weeks.  Please stay tuned for the next episode of the Battle of the Shoes in the weeks to come, and kindly add Mom to your prayer list.