A Letter To My Freshmen

Dear Riley,

Your very first day of school seemed such a short time ago, and yet today, you start HIGH SCHOOL! Unbelievable!  I remember your first day of Kindergarten well.  I was teaching that year, and Dad took you to class.  I was welcoming my new students, but my heart was down the hall with you!

To say that I am proud to be your mom is an understatement!  There have been thousands of times since you were a little boy that I just wanted to scream to the world, "He's MY kid, and he is amazing!"  For instance, there was the time you were four years old and so excited to sing in Kid's Choir. You squeezed those big brown eyes tight, threw your hands in the air, and worshiped as hard as you could through "Jesus You're My Super Hero."  Just the other day, you and I were running errands, and I couldn't find you in the store.  You were a few aisles over, helping an elderly gentleman with his groceries.  I had to control the tears, because it was of those heart-bursting moments.

Of all of our family, you and I are the most similar...from our love to being at home, to needing our own space, from our grumpiness ;) to our craziness, to our deep love for family.  Our similarities have created a special bond between the two of us that I will forever treasure.   I have known from the time you were a small boy of the Lord's call on your life.  He made it very clear to you a couple of years ago at Strong Tower.  I pray you never forget the realness of that moment.  There was another time when I was crying out to the Lord in Avery's room.  I was questioning the Lord and pleading with Him for his healing.  You wrapped your arms around me and spoke to me about faith, and all things working together for good, and the promises of the Lord to never forsake us.  As a mother, I am supposed to be the leader/encourager/faith builder, and yet you were the one allowing the Lord to use you to minister to your mom.  It was then that I knew.  His plans for you were beyond mine.

Does all of this come without a price?  No.  Does walking the narrow path make life easier? No.  Are trying times coming up during your High school years?  Yes.

One thing that Dad and I have stressed over the years is that you must have a daily walk with the Lord.  Bible reading and prayer is essential - every. single. day.  Where much is given, much is required.  And you have certainly been given much.  High school years are a turning point in so many ways.  Make sure you are steadfast in your relationship with the Lord.  If so, when temptation comes (and it will) you will have the ability to flee.  It will be a shaping time in your life.  The devil tries his best to destroy young men from every angle.  Know that it is coming, but also know that you have the authority with the power of the Holy Ghost to overcome anything he sends your way.  You would make a handsome trophy on his mantle.  Dad and I will fight with everything in us to keep that from happening, but the ultimate decision is up to you.

....Stay close to your brothers.  I know one of them drives you up a wall at times, but they will always be your closest friends.

....Choose your other friends wisely.  Make sure they are building you up spiritually and not tearing you down.

....Continue to be a leader, but know that leaders are ultimately lead by the Lord.

....Keep powerful men in your life, such as your dad and your pastor.  Their voice of wisdom can speak through the "noise" of this world.

....Always be an example to your little sister.  Show her what being a man of God really is, so she will know how to decipher the genuine from the fake.

....Be safe, think before you act - especially for your mom's sake. :)

....Do your best in your academics and sports.  Take pride in trying harder.  Push yourself to do more, to be more.

....Have fun!  Laugh often every day.

....Never doubt how much dad and I love you and know that we are cheering you on in everything you do in life!

I love you,
Mom
XOXOXO

Boys 2 Men

I feel I really "get" boys.  I have had quite a bit of experience.  When boys are little they can be overwhelming.  They fight, get dirty regardless of what you threaten them with, they jump - all the time, break bones frequently, do things in the backyard that they should do in the bathroom, and the list goes on.  And 30 seconds later they are no longer 4 years old, but 16.  Suddenly, they are MEN, and as a mom you can't help but feel crazy proud.  

Two of those crazy proud moments that I don't want to ever forget happened today.

I dropped Avery off in the heart of the Smokey Mountains with his cousin, Drew.  We needed to stop first to get him some pain meds.  I pulled into a mountain gas station.  For those of you that live around here, you will know these places have plenty of "personality."  A few of the local men were hanging around the front door.  Avery told me that he would go in for the medicine.  I said no, since I knew just what to look for, and we were running late (shock).  He said, "Mom, there is no way I will let you go in a place like this by yourself!"  So, my handsome, blond bodyguard and I ran in for the Advil - together.  Yep, I love him.

Later, I was in the busy mountain metropolis of Pigeon Forge with Riley and the 2 littles.  The tourists were driving like they were in New York City.  Evidently, vacation mode had not set in.  Riley made sure that his sister and I were walking closer to the bridge, while he walked between the traffic and us.  My heart melted. 

Although the teen years are not always full of pure pleasantness, there are many unforgettable moments. Like today.  My niece, Leslie, once told me the Lord gave me all of these boys because I am the type of person that needs someone to take care of me.  Lol - I couldn't agree  more!  My teen boys will soon be taking care of some other lady, so I am going to enjoy it as long as I can!

The above pics were taken on Mother's Day.  Told the boys all that I wanted from them that day was a Mom selfie!  :)

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

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!

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

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!! 

A Great Man Named Clark by Riley Presson

I was looking over Riley's school papers this evening and ran across this descriptive paragraph that he wrote about his Dad.  It made me smile!

Man Named Clark

Clark always fixes breakfast every morning.  He does chores that Sis. Presson tells him what to do.  He is very tall, about 5 feet 11 inches tall.  He has a job at CIA.  Also he works hard for his family.  So that is what Clark does for me and my brothers.

This makes be smile because...I am not normally called Sis. Presson at home...and Clark is usually called Dad...but my favorite part... and I quote..."He does chores that Sis. Presson tells him what to do!"  I love that man AND his middle boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy 10th Birthday Riley Lance

September 21, 2010...Riley is TEN years old!  A decade worth of memories of my middle man!  Riley has a smile that lights up his face!  He wins hands down as my most emotional son!  He definitely has the most kissable cheeks in our family.  I remind him of this every night.  When Riley loves someone, he loves them with all of his heart (especially his Mama, I am not braggin', just statin' the truth!)   He is stumbling into those tween years making the emotions go up and down even more.  Seems like not so long ago, that he was so mean that I cried myself to sleep every night!  He started the terrible twos at about 15 months and stayed in them until 40 months.  And then all of a sudden, a sweeter than sweet boy stood in the place of my frightening toddler...and he has been the same ever since.  Happy Birthday Riley Lance.  I love you with all of my heart! 





"My son, if your heart is wise,

My own heart also will be glad."

Proverbs 23:15