TEENS X 2 - Memory 6 - Home Alone

A couple of MONTHS ago, my middle man Riley turned 13. I blinked and my rambunctious boy has become a teenager. Join me over the next several days (or it might take me months)  in a walk down Riley's memory lane. 
 

I am in the process of attempting to earn a terrible mom blogger award.  Riley has now been 13 for 2.5 months and we are just on Memory 6.  I will justify myself and say it has been a WILD 2.5 months for the Pressons.  However, I am trying to redeem myself!

 

Clark worked out of our home for a couple of years for a company based out of Texas.  I LOVED it!  I have no problem spending 24/7 with my husband!  One of the nice things is that I could leave 3 year old Riley home with him to run quick errands.  Another nice thing was that he vacuumed in between office calls!  One memorable day, I told my husband that I was going to run pick up Avery from 1st grade and that Riley was taking a nap.  He was on the phone, and waved to me as I ran out the door. 

 

Avery's school pick-up line was always. so. long.  Like 45 minutes long.  On the way home, I stopped by our friendly, neighborhood Sonic to get my WONDERFUL husband his favorite drink.  I was probably gone a total of an hour and twenty minutes.  As I pulled into our driveway, I saw my precious boy sitting in the front window SOBBING.  Of course, my heart started to race.  I looked around for Clark's truck and it was gone.  I ran into the house, and Riley rushed to me.  "Daddy weft me, Mama, he weft me!"  Once I got Riley calmed down, I found out that he woke up and walked to Daddy's office.  When he got to the door he could see Daddy leaving out the front window.  Daddy was "Weaving in his twuck!"  That was Riley-talk for "Leaving in his truck."  Needless, to say I got on the phone right away.  Daddy had forgotten that Riley was asleep in his room and had rushed out the door to a job site.  I will never forget that sad little face, watching out the window, waiting for someone to come home.  Pitiful!

 

It took us several days/weeks/months/years to forgive Daddy.  I put many post-it notes all over his office whenever I left Avery or Riley after that!  Needless to say, Daddy DID NOT get his favorite drink from Sonic again.  For a very, very, very long time. 

TEENS X 2 - Memory 5

A couple of weeks ago, my middle man Riley turned 13. I blinked and my rambunctious boy has become a teenager. Join me over the next several days (or it might take me months)  in a walk down Riley's memory lane. 

 

Our oldest son, Avery, will tell you that his favorite time in life was when he was an only child.  That lasted for 2.5 years, which I am certain Avery remembers little of it.  He was highly disappointed with his first look at Riley, because he was way too little to play basketball.  However, the boys soon became fast friends.  They did everything together, including getting in trouble together.  Avery was always the leader, the hero, the superstar, and Riley was the adoring little brother tagging along after him.  They have always had someone to play ball with, fish with, write on the walls with, break bones with, and so on.  They have remained very close as they have grown into teens.  Both boys have their own set of friends and different activities.  But, you can always find these two together when we are all at home.  This makes my heart glad.  They often  talk long into the night.  Sometimes I sit at the top of the stairs and eavesdrop.  At times I laugh, sometimes I cry because now they talk about girls, cars, and football stats instead of batman and robin, but mostly because I am amazed at the men they are becoming.  I am thankful they will always have each other.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Teens X 2 - Memory 4

In a few days, my middle man, Riley Lance will be 13 years old. I blinked and my rambunctious boy has become a teenager. Join me over the next several days in a walk down Riley's memory lane as we lead up to this special birthday...

Memory 4.  I debated about adding this memory.  Between Riley's food allergies, asthma and other situations, I did not want his 13th birthday blogs to be full of gloom and doom.  However, this is such a part of Riley's life that it just needed to be added. 

Riley started having colds and ear infections at such a young age.  It always took about 3 rounds of different antibiotics before the doctor was able to clear his ears of infection.  I remember feeling so frustrated and so sorry for my sick little baby.  I am thankful I did not know the road ahead.  Riley was diagnosed with asthma before he turned one.  We were very familiar with prednisolone, steroids, and breathing treatments.  The emergency room visits became more and more frequent.  The doctors could not get his asthma under control.  They actually knew us at the Jackson Madison County General Hospital.  We would walk in the doors and almost immediately be taken back to a room.  They would soon start Riley's IV's and it took several of us to hold him down.  He screaming broke my heart.  We used to call it his "Buzz Lightyear," because the nurses would wrap it up so that he could not pull it out.  He thought it looked like the laser on Buzz Lightyear's arm.  After awhile, the novelty of the laser wore off, and as we would enter the hospital he would plead, "No Buzz Lightyear, Mama."  Each time we went to Illinois to visit Mom and Dad we would end up at the ER, because the weather change would affect his sinuses and set off his asthma.  It was a hard time for my boy.

By the time Riley turned 2 we had been admitted to the hospital several times.  I always thought it was ironic how they would pump him full of steroids and breathing treatments and tell me to keep him as calm as possible.  HA HA.  My two year old, confined to a bed and many wires, and calm?  We were up to 8 medicines a day ($$$)  to keep his asthma in check, and our pediatrician finally said he did not know what else to do.  He was unable to help us any longer, so he sent us to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville.  This was hard.  Clark was trying to continue to work and Avery spent much time with Nana and Papa Presson.  Riley went through more tests and doctors than I can remember, but we had such wonderful doctors that helped begin the slow journey of controlling his asthma.

I felt the Lord's presence with us so strongly during all of this time.  So many were praying for us.  Each time we would head off to the ER I would call my family in IL, and they would begin to pray.  Many times, I could see a difference in Riley's breathing even before we would get to the hospital.  Often, I would have to take him in the middle of the night and Clark would stay home with Avery.  Many times I sat in the hospital room and did nothing but pray the oxygen numbers up and up and up until they would get into the 90's.  And then, sit and cry when they leveled off and Riley's chest would stop heaving and begin to rise and fall normally.  Sometimes it is good to go back and see how the Lord has walked with us through life's trials. 

Sleep was only a dream during those years!  :)  One weekend, Clark was in Texas for a meeting and my in-laws were in North Carolina. Of course, Riley's asthma started to rattle in his chest.  Avery, Riley, and I ended up at the ER on Friday night and back home in the wee hours Saturday morning.  By Saturday night I was exhausted.  I was determined to get a bath in between breathing treatments.  I filled the tub and relaxed in the water.  It was then I realized that I had also filled the tub with all of Avery and Riley's bath toys.  I was so exhausted that I just left them floating in the water!  I have laughed about that so many times.  All I could think about was that I needed sleep, my husband,  and my mom and dad!

I was diagnosed with cancer when Riley was almost 2.  The night before I went in for my second surgery we were in the ER with Riley.  He was limp in my arms from struggling to breath and the doctor told me that he was going to have to admit him.  I begged him not to.  It was midnight, and I was supposed to leave at 5:00 a.m. for the hospital in Memphis.  He told us that if Riley's oxygen levels could reach 95 then he would send him home.  That was one of the times that Clark and I prayed the numbers UP!  I could not imagine being in one hospital and my baby being in another.  Thankfully, the numbers went up, we were released!  Nana took care of Riley at home, while MY mom took care of me in Memphis!  God is so good!

Good news!  Riley's asthma is better than it has ever been.  We are down to only 3 meds which is GREAT for Fall!  We still see the specialist every six months.  Riley gets a bit frustrated because he is unable to pass the breathing tests without two breathing treatments each time.  At his last appointment, his lower lungs were only working at 50%, but we are believing that they will be at 100% at our next one.  The doctor is also considering taking him down to 2 meds which is also good news!  I thank the Lord for how far he has brought Riley!  I am so thankful that He never leaves us nor forsakes us, and as I look back I see that He has been with us every step of the way!

Teens X 2 - Memory 3

In a few days, my middle man, Riley Lance will be 13 years old. I blinked and my rambunctious boy has become a teenager. Join me over the next several days in a walk down Riley's memory lane as we lead up to this special birthday... 

I failed to mention in my previous "Riley" blog that although he had serious stinker tendencies, he was also sweeter than sweet.  He knew how to turn on the charm and make this mama's heart melt!  We soon discovered Riley had a few more serious problems than his stubborn mean streak.  Grandma Widener came to Jackson for a visit, and I took her to my favorite downtown restaurant.  It was a quaint, little, hole in the wall place that had the yummiest chess squares in the world!  I realized that I did not have any baby food with me, so I asked for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  My little guy was only 9 months old so I tore off a few teeny tiny bite size pieces for him to snack on while we enjoyed our lunch.  On the way home, I noticed that Riley was coughing.  Upon closer inspection I realized his skin was getting rashy and his face was starting to swell.  I still had no idea what was happening.  We were completely unfamiliar with food allergies. 

Mom and I were growing more concerned by the minute.  By the time we arrived home, all of Riley's symptoms had worsened.  I thought perhaps he had gotten a cleaning product from the restaurant on his skin, so I put him in the bathtub.  I then realized that all of his little body was swelling to unrecognizable proportions so off to the ER we went!  We soon found out that peanut butter was the evil culprit.  This began a series of tests in which we found out that Riley was allergic to several other foods.  We also began carrying epi-pens and benadryl with us everywhere and still do today.  Thankfully, Riley outgrew the majority of his food allergies, but not peanuts or other tree nuts. 

Later, in 3rd grade, Riley began having more rashes around his mouth with swelling and numbing in his throat.  We found out that he had developed an allergy to all soy products, and peas.  Food allergies are a very scary thing, and they have caused much fear in Riley's life.  It has gotten harder as Riley has gotten older.  He is often away from me socially with friends.  However, I am thankful that the Lord has His hand upon Riley and can be with him even when I am not!  The Lord promised that He would build a hedge around Riley, and in Him I put my trust!

 

This picture was taken three days after Riley's first allergic reaction.  Mom and I were so shaken up that we didn't think to take any pictures before that.  My sweet baby boy. 

"But let all who take refuge in you be glad...

Spread your protection over them,

that those who love your name

may rejoice in you."  

Psalms 5:11 NIV

Teens X 2 - Memory 2

In a few days, my middle man, Riley Lance will be 13 years old. I blinked and my rambunctious boy has become a teenager. Join me over the next several days in a walk down Riley's memory lane as we lead up to this special birthday...  

Memory 2 - Riley was such a sweet, happy baby!  His face lite up in a smile if you just looked his way.  I wrote in his baby book that he had "miles of smiles" and his smiles were "big, bright, and contagious."  I nicknamed him Smiley Riley... 

 

    Alas, all good things must come to an end. Riley hit his terrible twos at the early age of 15 months and my, oh my they lasted a llllooonnggg time.  I changed his nickname from Smiley Riley to Riley Roo, because he was like a little bouncy kangaroo.  My beautiful boy became quite the terror.  I cried myself to sleep most nights wondering what I was doing wrong, and thinking I was raising a menace to society!  Riley knew how to throw a professional temper tantrum.  The roll in the floor, scream to the top of your lungs, kick, bite, and fight kind of tantrum.  He felt quite comfortable to do this anytime and anyplace; church, the doctor's office, the store, relatives homes, friend's homes, and especially restaurants.  I remember several times when we would order our dinner and Riley would decide that he did not want to be there.  After letting the entire restaurant know how unhappy he was, I decided to sit in the car with him while Clark enjoyed his dinner and fed Avery.  Of course, I sat out there and cried.  We finally gave up on eating out.  Riley attended a Mother's Day Out program 2 days a week, and sadly, they asked us to leave due to Riley biting everyone in his class including his sweet elderly teacher.  I can laugh about it now, but I was not laughing then.  I was crying.  ALL the time.   Riley's Grandma and Nana were praying, for both Riley and me.  And guess what?  We made it!!  At the age of 3.5 my mean, cute, little monster was replaced by the calmest, sweetest boy anyone could ask for.  As Nana Presson always says, "This too shall pass."

A few pics of my lil' menace.

 

 
Can't you just see meanness all over that face?  I would love to be able to give it a smooch one more time!

 

 

 

Teens X 2 - Memory 1

Thirteen days from now my middle man, Riley Lance will be 13 years old. I blinked and my rambunctious boy has become a teenager. Join me over the next several days in a walk down Riley's memory lane as we lead up to this special birthday...

     Clark and I were so excited to find out we had another baby on the way! Morning/all day sickness set in and the excitement dimmed a bit. We told our happy news to our families on Mother's Day of 2000.

     We decided to find out if this baby would be a boy or a girl, and I was so excited to find out it was another boy! The thought of 2 little boys growing up together seemed so sweet. Little did I know of the energy that 2 little boys could create!
     My pregnancy with Riley seemed long! I had a busy 2 year old and it was a HOT summer in Jackson, TN. Avery made a 6 week early appearance so the doctor checked often to see if this new baby would do the same. All signs pointed to delivery being about 5 weeks early, so my mom made the trip from Illinois to Jackson, TN to help take care of me, Avery, and the new baby. Once she got here, the baby decided he was comfortable right where he was. The closer his September 18^th arrival date came, the more I walked the neighborhood in hopes of getting something started. My neighbors cheered me on each day as I walked and walked. They were as happy as I was when my due date arrived. The date of arrival came and the doctor said that nothing was happening so we would WAIT and come back in three days! What? I was one, BIG, unhappy Mama!
     Three days later I went back and was immediately sent to the hospital. I checked in at 11:30 and four short hours later at 3:26, Riley Lance Presson made his grand entrance. My heart was so full and I fell deeply in love with my second boy. He weighed in at 7 pounds, 14 ounces, and was 21 inches long. He had a headful of thick dark brown hair, deep dimples, and was an armful of perfectness.

Dear Riley, I would have wept with sadness on that day if I would have known how fast these 13 years would go by. The Lord made you in such a unique way. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that one day I am going to have to let you go and let Him have His way in your adult life. I am thankful for the few short years that your Dad and I have left to mold you into the man that the Lord plans for you to be! I love you with all of my heart!  Always remember, I loved you first!
Love, Mom

What does RICH mean?

Several weeks ago, I picked up one of Isabella's friends for an afternoon of play.  As soon as she was safely buckled in, my van was filled with a flow of girly chatter.  They discussed things such as the fact that they both had on silver shoes, to the flowers growing by the side of the road, to the need of a snack as soon as possible.  Little talking girls quickly grow up into big talking girls.  Their futures and growing up was just one of the many topics covered in the short 8 minute drive to our house. The little friend said she wanted to be very rich when she grows up.  Isabella was puzzled by the term "rich" and asked me what it meant.  Before I could squeeze in a word, her friend gave her a kindergartner's definition - "Rich means that you live in a very big house, and you have lots and lots and lots of stuff."  Isabella proudly sat back in her booster seat, and said with a very smug smile, "Well, if that's what it means, then I am already rich!" 

 

I had to smile at her confidence because I know we are definitely not rich in terms of big houses and lots of stuff.  However, I am thankful that, in her little way, she feels that she is rich in what she claims as her own.

 

I recalled this conversation as I sat and watched the news footage of the recent Oklahoma tornadoes and of the fires that consumed hundreds of acres in Colorado.  Homes, vehicles, valuables, "stuff" gone in an instant.  I watched as parents gathered their children close, and told stories about how they gripped their babies by their arm as the wind tried to take them, and how they dug through the rubble to pull out their loved ones.  They cried, hugged their families and said that none of it mattered.  It was all gone, but what mattered most was still there.  It was all just stuff.  

 

In the face of those tragedies, the Lord reminded me how rich I really am.  If all of the "stuff" were taken away, but I still have the One who promised to never forsake me, then I am rich beyond my wildest dreams.  Wealth that I wouldn't trade the world for!  Lord, let me look at your blessings all around and, like Isabella, be thankful that I am "rich" in the things that really matter. 

How long have you been in the waiting room?

My 2 littles are learning about PATIENCE in Sunday School.  The teachers have taught them a catchy little tune that Landry often sings.  Oh, how I struggle with PATIENCE.  I am a right now kind of girl.  Patience is one of those ongoing virtues that I am striving for, to say the least.  Sadly, my faith often waivers in the times of learning to wait.  I can honestly say, I do not doubt that God CAN or WILL, but have trouble with WHEN! 

"P-A-T-I-E-N-C-E
 you want it right now, but you can't have it right now,

you got to wait for it, wait for it!"
 (Landry & Isabella's Sunday School song)

Joseph waited 17 long years for his promise of leadership instead of imprisonment.  Sarah waited for decades for her promise of motherhood instead of barrenness.  The children of Israel wandered 40 years before settling in their Promised Land.  Forty years of sand, grumpiness, and mumbling when they had been promised a land flowing with milk and honey.  Last night, Clark brought it to my attention how all of their woes suddenly came to an abrupt end.  Moses died and Joshua became the new leader.  In the first chapter of Joshua, we read how the Lord renews Joshua's faith and gives him instructions.  Instruction that are good to heed regardless of what situation we are facing.

Be strong and of good courage...meditate day and night upon the book of the law and it will not depart from thee...be not afraid or dismayed...  (Joshua 1:1-9)

Good stuff!  THEN the Lord instructs him to tell the 2 million plus Israelites to pack their food and belongings that they will be leaving the wilderness, passing Jordan and heading to the promised land within THREE DAYS.  Forty years to three days.  When the Lord says it is time for the trial to be over, then it is over.  When it is His time for the blessing then it happens!  Go in and posses the land which the Lord has given!

My husband's words encouraged me, and proved to me yet again that the Lord knows right where we are.  My prayer devotion for today in my handy dandy devotional book encouraged me even further...

Lord, I know that doubts and confusion don't come from you.  On days when everything I know to be true is challenged - and I feel like I'm walking through a fog that won't lift - be my source of truth and light.  Bring me to complete trust in you.

Harriet Beecher Stowe said it this way, "When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you till it seems as if you couldn't hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that's just the place and time that the tide will turn."

The waiting room of patience is hard!  Like Joshua, be strong and of good courage, be not afraid or dismayed. Forty years might be in the process of becoming three days!

A Misunderstood Mother - The Witness Mother's Day Article

Happy Mother's Day!  I had a good one.  Actually, it started last week, heehee, thanks to my eager husband.  But, that is another blog for another time.  Sis. Carpenter, the ALJC Ladies President and the first lady of our church asked me to write a Mother's Day article for the magazine, The Witness.  There are other articles that you might enjoy reading that can be found here http://aljc.org/apostolic-witness-archives/.  I had some peeps that love me ask me to post it on my blog.  I am thankful that the Lord chose me to be the Mama/Mom to Avery, Riley, Landry, and Isabella.  Motherhood is the only job that I have EVER wanted! Even though it is a more than full-time job with no vacation days,  nothing can compare to it!

 

A Misunderstood Mother

It still hurts to talk about that long ago day. The anguish comes rushing back, my eyes fill, each breath causes pain. The shock on my husband’s face when he heard about the oxen was heartbreaking. Then we heard about the sheep, camels, crops, and servants. Gone. It seemed impossible. My husband was a perfect and upright man that feared the Lord. How could this be happening? However, the servant's voice grew dim, as yet another servant ran into the room. “Sir, I am sorry, but your ten children...all are gone”. The room swayed, the sound of my screaming was deafening to my own ears. Our ten children were dead? I could not take it in. Ten times I had endured the pain of childbirth, only to have it forgotten as each new baby was placed into my arms. Ten lives nurtured to love, honor and respect Jehovah. Now, only ten freshly dug graves. My very existence as a mother had vanished. Each waking thought had always been about my ten treasures. What would I cook for dinner? Were their clothes washed and tidy? Would the life lessons Job and I tried to teach sink in? Now what was I to do? My purpose for living was gone. Grief was my constant friend.

Weeping, I found comfort in the arms of my husband, but not for long. Job suddenly became very ill. I feared for his life. I begged Jehovah not to take him from me also. I felt as if Satan was seeking to destroy us. Our luxuries were gone. I was begging for bread in the city gates, and now Job was suffering beyond anything I had ever seen. Each night, his cries of agony mingled with my groans of grief. Day after day he experienced acute sicknesses. Again, I felt helpless. There was nothing I could do to ease the pain of my husband. Finally, in the midst of longing for my children and desiring relief for Job, I uttered the words that I would give anything to take back. Words spoken at the lowest point of my life, forever recorded in history and indelibly burned into my memory - “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9 NIV)

I wanted to rewind the moment. What had I said? I had spoken so cruelly while trying to hold onto a thin line of remaining sanity. I saw my husbands eyes fill with more pain. He reached for me, tried to console me with his disease-ravaged hands. "You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" (Job 2:10 NIV). Those around thought that he had rebuked me, but I know my husband's love. He did not say I was foolish. He said I sounded like one of the foolish women. In other words, “Honey, you do not sound like yourself. It is the grief and suffering that is speaking for my steady, faithful wife. Let's remember God's promises. Let's remember his goodness to us even during this trial.”

However, those around misunderstood me. They criticized and looked past my grief-stricken heart and called it a heart of stone. My arms were empty of my children. I could feel Satan fighting every second of every day, and now this terrible misunderstanding. I came to realize the power of the spoken word. I had added one more wound to the many already inflicting Job. I can not say that I felt Jehovah's presence, but I do know that I did not feel his rebuke. Surely, if God was displeased with me he would have told me. He certainly did not hesitate to rebuke Job's friends. (Job 42:7-9) Even if Job forgave me, I was unable to forgive myself. Jehovah willing, Job’s wounds would heal, but the wound from my words would never be forgotten. The scar that I would take from this trial would be the scar of being forever misunderstood.

Our sufferings lasted for almost a year. I steadfastly cared for my husband, trying my best to make him comfortable. I joyfully recall the day that I saw some of the pain leave his eyes. The day he asked me to put away the potsherd pieces that he had scraped his sores with was a day of rejoicing. I slowly felt Satan's hold on us slip away, and in its place the warmth of Jehovah's presence filled my home again. Job and I were able to look back at the wonderful memories of our ten children and smile. However, the day that will forever be etched in my heart is the day that Job felt well enough to wrap me in his arms. Oh, how I had missed his touch, needed his touch. I no longer felt misunderstood, I felt redeemed.

Our family and friends began to gather. They brought gifts of silver and gold. Our flocks began to multiply. Job was able to rebuild and Jehovah's blessings were upon us. I shared in the experience of the doubling of our wealth. Even though I was the one that had wounded with words, I still partook of the blessings. One beautiful, glorious day, I felt the movement of a child in my womb. I knew then the heart of my home had begun to beat again. Jehovah blessed me nine other times afterwards. Me, the misunderstood wound-maker, was given ten of the most beautiful children in all the land. Job and I lived long and saw four generations of offspring. Our end was greater than our beginning.

As women, we love a happy ending and the story of Job is just that! Also, as women we sometimes speak with our minds instead of our hearts. Proverbs perfectly states that the tongue is mightier than the sword. Job's wife found this to be true, and so have each of us, time and time again. Our schedules get busy, our lives become unorganized, debt piles up, and sleep evades us. So what do we do? We wound with our words. Sadly, we usually speak in haste to those around us whom we love the most. As soon as the words are spoken, we are filled with regret. With the Lord's help, we understand we are not vicious or bitter people, and thankfully His forgiveness can heal misunderstandings.

Perhaps you have not been the one that has inflicted pain with your words, but you have been the wounded one. Words cut deep into our heart and our memory. They seem to resurface at the oddest times and continue to cause pain, sometimes years later. Job has taught us many lessons, but perhaps the greatest lesson of all is that Job became intimate with one who wounded him. In his tragedy he found triumph. Not on his own, but with the help of his misunderstood wife. Job's story proves to us that Satan is the author of all misery and that God’s grace is more than enough to support us through any trial. But the ending might not have been a happy one if Job had not been willing to get close to the one who had wounded him.

What new chapter could be written in your life today if you were able to become close to the one that wounded you? What burden could be lifted if you cleared out the misunderstandings of life, and began afresh and anew? No, Job’s wife never forgot that day when things fell apart in her life and when she spoke from her grief, but she also refused to let that moment define the rest of her life. As women, may we always pray King David’s prayer in Psalms 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.”

Thank you note from Landry.

Landry was sick last week.  What started out as severe allergies, turned into a sinus infection, and then to pnemonia.  However, he is much better and VERY excited about returning to school today.  We were able to spend many days and nights together so that was the up side of the sickness.  One Presson House rule is when someone is sick they get to sleep with Mama.  Poor Clark.  Landry also watched many games shows this week due to trying to keep him calm with all of the albuterol we were puffing into him.  One particular episode showed a woman that did not win the beloved car, but she did win a day at the spa and several expensive beauty products.  Landry said he was really happy she did not win the car, because she REALLY NEEDED the beauty products.  He said this with all seriousness and kindness, however, it still made me laugh.  He was also missing his classmates and talked often about them.  One day, Riley brought home a packet of get well wishes from his classmates and it excited him beyond words!  The next day he wrote a thank you card, and of course, this Mama thought it was cute, so Clark scanned it in so I can keep it forever! 

 

Sweet Memories of Bro. Chester

One year ago, April 16, 2012, Bro. Chester came to his journey's end.  I have thought so much of Sis. Chester today.  Her facebook posts of the past year have been filled with encouragement and words of love.  She continues to show what a true lady she is even in this difficult time.  May the Lord let his warmth and peace fill her day. 

 

I have wonderful memories of Bro. Chester, and Clark has many.  Last night he spoke of the times that Bro. Chester taught the Lighthouse boys a few basketball skills.  Clark talked of how Bro. Chester taught them more in a couple of hours than anyone else had ever taught them.  He spoke of Bro. Chester being the "man-in-charge" at camp, but yet working and cooking right along with the rest of the staff. 

 

Bro. Chester loved to hold Avery when he was a tiny.  He always said Avery reminded him so much of Justin as a baby with their blonde hair and blue eyes.  I have a wonderful picture of Bro. Chester holding Avery up to the basketball hoop in the gym at church and Avery holding on for dear life.  Avery was fascinated with balls when he was a toddler and Bro. Chester made sure that he had plenty of them to play with (and me to clean up!)

 

Bro. Chester gave me a phone call one day.  He was in need of a personal secretary at the TN UPCI District office.  He told me that he would love for me to take the job. He explained the hours would be 8-5, Monday to Friday.  Sis. Hazel Hilliard was retiring, and he needed someone to "attempt" to fill her shoes.  I do not believe that was a possibility!  I was so honored that he believed in me enough to take on this great responsibility.  A part of me wanted to say YES.  But, there was another part of me that had a 3 year old Avery and a 1 year old Riley, and just couldn't imagine being away from them for that many hours during the day.  Clark and I prayed about it, and several days later I had to call back and tell Bro. Chester thank you, but no.  I explained that I would love the position, but I wanted to be with my boys as much as possible during this time in their life.  Bro. Chester told me he had a feeling of what my answer might be, but wanted to ask.  He said no one had ever turned him down for any better reason!  He always knew how to make anyone feel good about themself!

 

The last time that Clark and I were able to see Bro. Chester we showed him a picture of Isabella, and explained that we were taking steps to adopt her.  He said she was a lucky little lady. 

 

We are the ones that are not only lucky, but blessed to have known such a man as Bro. Chester.  He impacted so many lives with his consistent, steadfast walk with the Lord!  I know he would tell us today that  the joys of heaven are worth the journey to get there!

Happy Siblings Day!

According to Facebook, today is Siblings Day.  I seriously could write sibling memories for hours, but thought I'd share just a few.  One of my EARLIEST sibling memories was my first day of pre-school.  Let me clarify, that I RARELY had been away from my mom in my 4 short years of life, so this was major trauma to me.  I remember how scared I was of all the strangers in the class.  (This will be no surprise to my family.)  I began to cry and scream hysterically.  LUCKILY, this pre-school happened to be at my siblings High School.  Oh, I forgot to mention that they are all mUcH older than me.  heehee!  The teachers had to go pull my sisters from class to take care of me at my new pre-school.  That was just the way I wanted it too. 

I  remember that Bub would play with me more than my sisters.   No matter if it was playing in my kiddie pool or riding my pretty purple bike with the white banana seat, he didn't mind to join in!

I never called them by their names.  They were Sissy, Bubby and La La.  That hasn't changed much.  They are still my Sis, Bub and Laura(she gets her real name.  Landry has his own name for her, Aunt Larla.) 

Sis and Bub gave my little life a culture shock when they married and moved from our home when I was 5 years old.  I missed them both so much and would go spend the night with them and their spouses.  Sis would actually write me letters and mail them, even though we lived in the same town.  Whenever Bub took his own baby girl, Amber, to the glorious Chuck E. Cheese, he would come pick me up too. 

As I got older, they made sure they were a huge part of every aspect of my life.  My brother convinced my dad to buy my first car from a friend of his.  It was a small Buick, but the I was missing so we called it the Buck.  The best part about my first car was that my brother always made sure it was filled with gas.  I hardly ever had to pump my own gas, thanks to both Bub and my Dad.  Much to Clark's surprise, and thanks to Bub, I felt that the men in my life were responsible for pumping my gas.  All these years later, my husband still takes care of that chore.  :)

I had my own bedroom at Laura and Dean's house.  As a teenager, I spent almost all of my weekends there, because they lived closer to my friends and church.  When I went to college, my sisters gave me huge surprise going away party, and were in the thick of my wedding planning. 

When Avery came along, the three of them were just as excited as my mom and dad.  Sis drove all the way down to Jackson for his first birthday party and we planned a huge celebration.  For Avery's second birthday, Bub bought him the biggest battery powered dump truck he could find.  Laura still hands out money to my kids when she comes to visit.  Landry and Aunt Larla go out on a "date" each time she visits, and it always includes a trip to the toy aisle.

When I was in the at my weakest during my cancer surgeries and treatments, Laura and Sis drove down to Jackson just to put up my Christmas tree, because I was too sick to do it.  That is one of my favorite "Christmas" memories.

When we moved to Maryville we took a BIG pay cut.  I was 7 months pregnant with boy #3 and we needed a larger vehicle for our growing family, but money was tight.  Sis told Randy to get busy and get us a van and of course, he got right to it.  I will never forget the Sunday afternoon she called and said that our vehicle worries were over.

My sisters are my closest prayer partners and my brother fell in love with our Isabella the second he met her.  As an adult, I see what a blessing they are in my life!

I could go on and on and on. But I won't so Happy Siblings Day to Sis, Lance and Laura.  Love you all so very much! 

Sometimes you lose your hard hat!

I was driving to my parents house yesterday, and worrying.  I really try not to.  I know I shouldn't.  Nevertheless, I was.  Worrying about 3 big dental bills this month, about my constant battle with laundry, and groceries that needed to be purchased in the midst of making 3 different school pick-ups and basketball practice and so on.  Worrying about a heavy burden that has  overwhelmed my spirit for months, frustrated over the fact that no matter how hard I try, I can NOT get it all DONE! You know how it is, your basic Mom stuff, frets, and fears.

 

In the midst of my fretting, the traffic came to a stop due to a flagman and road construction.  It was windy, and the flagman was having a difficult time keeping his STOP sign from turning to the SLOW side.  While trying to make sure traffic was indeed stopping, his hardhat fell off and rolled down into a deep ditch.  He turned back to see if any of his co-workers could help.  They couldn't hear him over the sound of the machinery.  He could not let go of his traffic sign to retrieve his mandatory hard hat from the ditch.  His frustration was very evident!  Let go of the sign to get the hat, and confuse the traffic?  Carry the sign down into the ditch to get the hat, and still confuse the traffic?  I had to chuckle, and sympathize with him, "I know how you feel, mister, I know how you feel."

 

Thankfully, at these times of frustration and worry and I still know the Lord's shoulders are stronger than all of my worries.  He will bear my burdens.  I am quietly reminded of one of my favorite scripture nuggets, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known unto God, and THE PEACE OF GOD, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:2.

 

May you be reminded of this today, especially if your worries are mounting and your hard hat has blown away.  He wants us to be anxious for nothing, tell our worries to Him, and He replaces them with peace!  Happy Thursday!

 

 

A Poem about Riley by Shirley Jones

Thank you again, to Sis. Shirley Jones for writing another beautiful poem about our middle man, Riley.  The memories of this time in our life came flooding back.  Our boy was oh, so very mean.  His terrible twos went far beyond the norm.  Ten years later, we are blessed with an amazing young man.  He is caring, kind, compassionate, funny, God-fearing, and strong in his faith.  Thank you, Sis. Jones for praying for our boys and helping mold them into who they are today. 

Riley Lance Presson

 

Two little boys whose lives are so precious

A mother's love, which is so kind and so gracious.

When the cares of this life sometime weigh you down
A smile from your boys will take away every frown.

To rear them in church is your greatest desire
You want them to know God's love and His power.

Through the months and the days, through the years yet to come,
Your prayer every day is that God's will be done.

Yes, two little boys who can bring you grief and despair.
Will bring you more joy with which nothing can compare.

For the month of March, in two thousand and three,
We've prayed for your children to be all they can be.

Riley has a strong will, we all know this is true.
But his strength from the Lord will help him know what to do.

I pray for his future, God's will to pursue.
But whatever he does, God's word remains true.

To train up a child in the way he should go,
Your prayers and tears will be worth more than you know.

One day when your older, and your body's tired and weary,
You'll get a phone call from Riley and your eyes will get teary.

It may take awhile, for him to understand.
All those spankings and corrections helped to make him a man.

So hang in there, Mom. Keep your arms around dad.
Keep memories locked in your heart on the days you feel sad.

God's working His plan for you and for Clark.
He knows of the days you took a shot in the dark.

He remembers the times when you both raised your eyes,
And thanked Him for placing the stars and moon in the skies.

Life may not be perfect. In fact, it's far from it.
Just keep right on praying when you clean up the vomit!

Riley is just two. One day he'll be four.
It will seem but a moment since his feet touched the floor.

Yes, the years will pass quickly. One day you'll stop and sigh.
He'll be getting into a car, driving off and waving bye.

You'll smile and you'll say with tears in your eyes.
I have done all I can I've even taught him to pay his tithes.

One day when he gets older by his side you'll proudly stand.
This little boy you have treasured has become quite a young man. 

Shirley M. Jones March 22, 2003

My little stinker, about the time this poem was written.  I would love to grab that face and smother it in kisses!

A Poem About Avery by Shirley Jones, March 2003

Landry woke this morning and exclaimed, "It is Valentine's Eve!"  Tomorrow is a fun day of celebration that includes mucho sugar!  We shower the ones we love with cards, candy, flowers (hint to the Clarkster), and gifts.  We think about how much we LOVE the ones that the Lord has blessed us with.  However, do we think of all of the ones that the Lord placed in our lives that love US?  It feels oh, so good to be loved!  I am thankful for the many people that love me deeply for who I am, with all of my faults and flaws.  I am blessed to say the list is too long to name them all. 

 

I mentioned in an earlier post about discovering our treasure of  memories when cleaning up the basement.  I ran across two poems that I wanted to include in my blog.  I waited until Valentine's Day (Eve) to post them, because I was overwhelmed by feeling loved when I rediscovered them in our boxes of memories.  Sis. Shirley Jones took precious time out of her busy life to write this poem for us about Avery when he was 5 years old.  It was the spring before he started kindergarten.  As I read the poem aloud to Clark, I was warmed by her love for our us and our son.  She wrote it during a time that our Lighthouse ladies were focusing on each church family's children during our Daughter of Zion prayer.  Prayers for my children are priceless.  Thank you, Sis. Jones, for your  love and this beautiful poem that brought back so many memories!

Avery Matthew Presson

Avery is special, as a little boy he is fine

I hope that I get him as my prayer child next time
But whether or not, that pleasure I find
I will pray for your boys, as if they were mine.

I know how it feels to not have a little girl
No bows or frilly dresses, no long hair to curl
Little boys grow up, they become big and strong
But they are so special, because they are your own.

We'll always remember the boy their dad used to be
He has set an example for our son to see.

I'll always remember Avery running down the aisle
He would come into the office and always have a smile.
He was looking for his Papaw, his patience very short
When he could not find him, he got all out of sorts.

Next year he'll be in school, your days will be quiet
You'll still want to hug him, but he'll resist with all his might.
Pretty soon he'll grow up, a young man you will see
You'll remember how you held him and bounced him high upon your knee.

Yes, boys are so special, I wouldn't trade them for all
The girls in this world who are lanky and tall.

We love you and your boys, you've become a part of us
Although we're not related with pride we can burst.
I've kept them in the nursery, watched them grow through their years
You've done a good job, I pray God will calm all your fears.

You've done all you can to give them a good start in this world
You’ve worked and you've planned though your heart's been in a whirl.
God is still faithful, your burdens to share
He'll send peace to your heart when you want to pull your hair.

Avery has grown up, God's path he's been taught to follow
The day soon will come when he'll want to borrow a dollar.
He's played with computers, growing up with a cell phone
Just think about the good days, when you're sitting alone.

God has another soldier to fight his battles today
Through prayer and much fasting you are paving the way

Be happy and thankful, Avery's love you have known
He'll be there for a while, but one day he'll be gone.
To find his own place, and in God's service to stay
Another lost soul needs him to show him the way.

A dedicated life is all he has known
You can rest assured, he has had a good home.
To Grandparents and church family, a special boy he will be
He has many good examples hanging on his family tree.

I hear news of the war, the terrible bombs in the night
I think of our boys, my heart fills with fright.
God's love is always able to keep us safe through our life
He puts angels all around us to take away our fear and strife.

From this moment forward, God wants you to know
That he will walk with Avery, through the sun or the snow.
When you cannot be there, God is always around
No matter the troubles, His grace doth abound.

Avery has to travel, from your home to the sky
God's love will go with him, and that love will never die.
You can't sit back and relax now, although you’ve fought a good fight
Two lives have been born through you, and you've prayed with all your might.

Just keep right on praying, and singing your song
What seems like forever will not be very long.
Some day when you are older a man Avery will be
He may have many children for you to bounce on your knee.

Maybe he will have a daughter your spitting image she will be
You’ll smile as you hold her, and say, “I think she looks like me.”
God's love and His mercy are important to share
They are much more important than tying shoes or combing hair.

Avery is your little boy and he will always be
He may choose to be a postman, fireman, accountant, or maybe all three.
Of all the careers, he may choose with all his heart
You have done all you can, you and Clark have done your part.

Shirley Jones  March 22, 2003

My pre-k 5 year old Avery, close to the time this was written...during the time of The Patch!

Part 2 coming soon entitled, Riley Lance Presson.

Perfect Amount of Time

Landry's brain is rarely bored.  It always has many things zooming around in it at once.  Last week he asked me if I would like it if seconds were minutes, minutes were hours, and hours were days.  It didn't take me long to answer, "Yes, I would love it!  Just think of all the laundry I could do if hours were days.  I would never get behind.  Your brothers would never tell me that you were out of clean school uniforms at 8:05 in the morning.  I could have this house spotless before your dad comes home from work"...and on and on and on I went.  More time.  He was probably sorry that he had asked!

 

It is just like the Lord to bring me back to reality.  The reality of laundry that will never be caught up in a house of six.  The reality that the house might be fairly clean when all 4 kids get home from school, but messy once again before Clark comes home at night.  The reality that I will go to bed each night with many things left undone, because He has created my body to require rest.  I opened my devotional and read these words. 

 

"With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day."  2 Peter 3:8

 

Keep us from being slaves to time, Lord. 

You always create time and space for anything that brings you glory. 

Teach us to rest in the knowledge that time is in your hands. 

Whenever we think we don't have enough of it, show us you have plenty and are happy to share!  Thank you, Lord, for your generous supply of time.

 

The Lord put 24 hours in my day.  He created the sun to rise and the sun to set.  It was His perfect plan.  He created seconds, minutes, and hours for me to accomplish the things that bring Him glory.  Thank you, Lord for the time that you have given to me.  May I not wish for more, but use what you have given wisely.  Your plan is perfect.

Determined!

Clark and I were cleaning out the basement this past weekend.  It doesn't take long for me to find a box of memories.  The cleaning then comes to a stop.  We have to look through the boy's baby pictures, old love notes, handprints, and photos from our honeymoon.  It happens so fast that I tend to forget.  Forget how chubby their fingers were, how sweet they smelled in the morning (now they do not smell sweet in the morning!), and how much fun they were when they were climbing and jumping everywhere.  Life is so fast-paced that the important things slip by. 

I am determined to remember...

This week, Isabella prayed aloud for the first time at bedtime by herself.  Her prayer was so sincere and sweet.  She used the same phrases and wording that I often use in prayer.  That showed me how closely she listens to every word that I say.  Of course, I carried on about her proud I was of her.  When Daddy came home today, she whispered in my ear, "Tell him Mama, tell him how good I prayed last night.  It will make Daddy happy."  Memories.

 

Landry has been so excited about learning how to write a friendly letter in Language.  My boy loves to learn like no other!  He wrote a friendly letter to his Daddy and me.  It was complete with a heading, salutation, body and the closing.  It was addressed just as it should be, and I will keep it forever.  He thanked Daddy for working so hard for our family and told me how sorry he felt when my back hurts.  Memories.

Riley's last basketball game for this season was last night.  His team lost.  On the way home he told me how impressed he was with the opposing team.  They were kind and encouraging even though they were beating the daylights out of our team! He said the other team would make jokes to try to cheer them up, and compliment them when they did something good.   Riley said he wants to be that same type of basketball player when his team finally beats someone.  Something tells me that he will be.  Memories.

 

I seem to smother my oldest with heart to heart talks lately.  I realize what little time I have left with the boy that is almost a man.  In the van I began to question him about standards that we believe in.  I questioned if he would consider dating a girl that might not believe in particular issues as strongly as he does.  He firmly said, "No."  I asked why.  Because someday she might be my wife, and if she doesn't live it right now, then she won't then.  I asked him if he knew why some standards were so important.  His response was...without conviction she will not have a prayer covering over our kids or me.  Later, he asked me to sit with him to watch a uTube video.  He apologized because he knew I was loading the washing maching.  The laundry can wait.  Sitting and laughing with my first born can't.  The name of the video was People Are Awesome.  All I could think was how awesome my boy is.  Memories.

 

I am thankful for the ones that we can tuck away in box, but even more thankful for the ones that I can hide away in my heart.  May I remember to slow down and bask in the beauty of the moments that are fleeting.  May I let go of the negative and see the positive that is all around.  May I dwell on all that has been accomplished instead of all that went undone.  More challenges for the year. 

 

I am determined to remember.

We had church, Presson-style!

Landry and Isabella had some happenin' church goin' on in the Presson house this past weekend.  Isabella opened with praise and worship.  Landry had prayer for all of the sick stuffed animals and then took up an offering.  In Landry's words, "Hallelujah, Sis. Presson (Isabella) gave $167.00 in the offering tonight!!!" (Not sure where she got all that money from) But, according to Landry, she is going to receive quite a blessing in return.  Landry took his text from Matthew 5 and preached an amazing sermon on the Beatitudes.  I wish I had taken notes, because he had some powerful thoughts. (seriously!  He amazes me!)    Every few minutes he would leave his "pulpit" to help Isabella find the correct scripture that he was reading from. (so cute!)  After his fire and brimstone sermon to all of the poor in spirit and pure in heart, he asked Isabella to come sing a song for altar service.  Much to Landry's frustration, the Lord moved on her heart to end the service with a energized rendition of "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree."  THAT is when I laughed until I cried.  Landry was furious because there is no way that souls can be saved to that song!  Thank you, Mom and Dad for buying Isabella a Dora Explorer microphone for Christmas.  It has brought mucho fun-o!

Tethered to Him in 2013

Happy New Year!  2012 is over??  Seems impossible!  Everyone, everywhere is having New Year discussions of change, blank pages, resolutions, diets, and reorganization.  A new beginning...so fresh and clean!  Last year, I chose to pick a "word for the year" instead of making resolutions.  I think the Lord was chuckling when I chose the word CONSISTENCY for 2012.   http://pressonponderings.blogspot.com/2012/01/happy-new-year-2012.html.  It turned out to be a roller coaster of a year due to ruptured discs and a little girl.

 

Like the rest of you, I have so many changes and ideas for 2013.  I tossed around the idea for another "word for the year." However, after reading January 1 of my new devotion book, (you will probably be hearing frequently from my 2013 devotional!) I have decided to have a mental image for the year.  An image that is tucked away in my mind to help me as I attempt to reach new goals and plans. 

 

The following is part of the prayer in my book for January 1st...

 

Lord, I'm looking forward to this New Year.  It is full of promise and hope...challenges that will surely come...I know you have all the courage, strength, faithfulness, and love I need to meet each moment from a perspective of peace.  I just need to stay TETHERED to you in prayer.  Listening for your spirit to guide me...That's the key to a good day, a good year - a good life.

 

That word TETHERED jumped off of the page and took me wwwaayyy back to elementary school.  Our school playground was the typical late 70's playground.  A basketball hoop, dangerous monkey bars, swings, a cold metal slide, and squares painted on the pavement for the game of 4-square.  However, the favorite playground activity consisted of a pole mounted in the concrete with a rope attached to the top, and a yellow ball attached at the other end of the rope.  The tether ball.  We would anxiously await our turn for a chance to hit the ball to see if we could wrap it around the pole.  That poor ball took such a beating at times, especially from the bigger boys.  However, no matter how many times it was hit, smashed, or punched.  It never came loose from the rope. 

 

I need to stay tethered to the Lord in prayer in 2013.  Life might send me a hit and send me sailing off into the air. As long as I am tethered to Him, then my thoughts, actions and reactions will continually take me back to where I need to be. One definition of tethered is to be fastened so that you will stay in the set radius.  Tethered to God in prayer will keep me in the radius that God has set for me.  There is no place I'd rather be in the year 2013!  All of my plans, goals, and inspirations will be filtered and accomplished thru the connection that I keep to Him! 

 

"He who has learned to pray has learned

the greatest secret of a holy and happy life." 

William Law