Blessed Christmas 2010

Dearest Joshua and Luke,

Christmas has been a lot of fun this year. We enjoyed the old traditions and maybe even started a few new ones. This year we visited the Middle School in town to visit with Santa Claus. It turned out to be a perfect day complete with visits from many of the familiar characters that we know and love.

We also enjoyed driving through the Way Of Lights to see Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem. It was a beautiful evening, filled with many sights. Luke has his Christmas performance in Miss Pam's class. We were so proud of him for singing his heart out and doing all of the hand motions. My personal favorite was "Oh my Lord."

We were very blessed to have Aunt Amy and Uncle Ray's family here with us for Christmas. They traveled through some snow and ice to make the journey to see us. And we are so glad that they did. You both really enjoyed playing with Isaac and Levi when they were here. It is always so hard for you to see the cousins go to Grammy and Papa's house to spend time with them. Some day you will better understand how important it is for all of the cousins to have their special time with the grandparents. Even though we live closer to Grammy and Papa, I know that you do not get to see them near as much as you would like. They used to stop in and see you more often when we lived about ten minutes closer, but the visits are far and few between now for many reasons. We will reflect on this another day.

It was an awesome experience watching both of you get to know Uncle Ray, Aunt Amy, and your cousins better and better. We do not get to see them as much - mostly due to how far away they live. They are a wonderful family. They bring a lot of joy to us. Isaac is a bright boy with a kind heart. He plays so well with both of the boys. Sometimes he still calls Luke - "Baby Luke." And Luke likes it, but only when Isaac says it. Levi is so sweet and a snuggler, too. He will give you hugs and kisses. So darling. Aunt Amy and Uncle Ray played with you both a lot, too and were so interested in what you were playing and doing.

This was a sad year without Papa Ed. He has been such an important part of our lives for so long. Even though we know that he is in heaven, we miss him here a lot. Please continue to pray for Nana. Please pray for strength to get through these most difficult times and peace for her heart. She is struggling so much this year with missing Papa Ed.

Here are some highlights of the Christmas season:

The cousins - (from bottom up) Isaac, Luke, Joshua, and Levi at Grammy and Papa's house

Isaac and Joshua with a snowman built on Christmas Day. The snowman has on a Grizzlies baseball cap and a pink scarf. He also has a carrot nose and Oreo cookies for eyes.

Grammy reading Joshua's new Star War's book to Joshua and Isaac.

Aunt Tina, Grandma Nichols, and Mom

Aunt Amy and Uncle Ray's family on Christmas Eve

Luke singing at his performance - "Oh My Lord" (He sings it "Oh My Word." He knows what he is supposed to say, but he is still working on saying his "l's" correctly - so cute!)

I love you both more today than I did yesterday.

Love,
Mama

Friends - Lesson #581

This entry was actually written on 2/27/10, but never published due to the fact that I could not find the pictures that I wanted to go with the entry. So here it is. Some things have changed....like Luke has been potty trained, no more pull-ups, etc. but my feelings about friends are still the same. I still feel exactly the same way today as I did on 2/27/10. I think I will feel exactly the same way on 2/27/50. :)

"Good friends are like stars......You don't always see them, but they are always there."

Dearest Joshua and Luke,




Both of you know that each month, I spend two hours after school meeting Susy (or Susy Q as you both affectionately call her) at Applebees for catching up on each other's lives. (Sometimes Lana comes, too which makes it an extra special treat.) I am so lucky that I have had a lot of really good friends through the years. Great friends I grew up with, wonderful friends when Daddy and I were first married, when I started teaching, etc. There are wonderful people and friends that I have met in various phases of my life. Susy is an exceptional one.





First of all, it is difficult for me to take the time away from you at home. Might I add, that neither of you make it easy for me, but I know that some day you will understand the importance of this friendship. Susy was teaching first grade when I got hired to teach first grade as her teaching partner. From the first time I met her, she was a true professional in every sense of the word. She was an excellent role model for the teaching profession (and still is!). I am sure that is what immediately drew me to her. Susy has made me a better teacher and person (something friends often do). We are opposites in a lot of ways and have lived such different lives, but somehow we are almost always in sync. I miss not being a part of her daily life when we worked together, but, I know we can pick up right where we left off even if we have not seen each other for months. And every time I leave Applebees, I am in a great mood for days afterwards. It has been so much fun catching up on each other's lives and talking about the future.





Even though I do not see Susy as much as I used to, I feel extremely blessed to have her in my life. I know there will be a day when there will be more time for big girl beverages, lodge meetings, afternoons by the pool, and time to do even more together.You both are working so hard at developing friendships. Please remember the golden rule - to treat others as you would want to be treated. Be aware of other people's feelings and work diligently to make everyone feel included. Especially watch out for those people around you that need a friend and be a friend to them. Smile a lot, too. People like to be around other people that smile. And listen to others (don't always do all of the talking), be honest and respectful to your friends, and always be there for them especially if they are sad, mad, etc.I see you both beginning to do these things with your friends. We are so lucky to be surrounded by wonderful people with our neighbors, friends at the Atrium, your schools, Karate, everywhere we go. Thank goodness!












You should also know that I have been very blessed with friends throughout many phases of my life. So many people are special to me that I can not mention them all in fear of the fact that I may leave one out! And I do not ever want to hurt my friend's feelings. You will feel blessed with your friends some day, too if you are only a fraction as lucky as I have been!











One quick story from the week:About 6:30am this week, I heard a noise coming from the boy's bedroom. Joshua had just crawled into our bed a little bit before, so I knew it was not him. As I walked into the bedroom, Luke was sitting on the floor in front of his dresser, putting a new pull up on. He explained that he woke up and could not get to the bathroom fast enough so there was pee in his pull up. He was certainly taking care of himself. Not only did he put a new pull up on, but he put his pajama bottoms back on, crawled back into bed, and said, "I am all set now." Then, he went back to sleep until 8 am. What a little guy! Luke is wearing underwear all day now! Way to go, Luke! He wears a pull up at night, but just about every morning it is dry when he gets up! Yeah Luke!







Love,

Mama

P.S. If you read this blog earlier in the week, you may have noticed an entry at the bottom of the blog that is missing. Due to confusion about the paragraph, I deleted it. The paragraph was about Grammy and Papa's status back on February 27, 2010. Luckily, it has improved, but I did not want to confuse anyone with it. Sorry for the confusion. Thanks for your interest in our family. You must be important to us that you care enough to read about the things we do. :)

I Really Love Ya Brother!

Dear Joshua and Luke, Yes, you two boys really do love each other. You are so lucky to be brothers and friends, even if you do not feel that way every moment of the day. I know you both feel that way most of the time. This is the conversation from last night as I lay at the bottom of the bed waiting for you two to fall asleep:

Joshua: "Luke, I really love you."
Luke: "I really love you, too."
Joshua: "Can I hold you?"
Luke: "Yes, Josh. Just don't make me hot."
Joshua: "Do you want to sleep in my bed all night?"
Luke: "Yes, I do."
Joshua: "If I get up to go in mom and dad's room, I will wake you up and take you with me.
Luke: "OK."
Joshua: "I mean I will try my best and remember to get you."
(And just for the record, Joshua did not get his brother in the morning when he came in.)

What a sweet conversation! Just melts my heart! Here's a little background. Both of you really like sleeping in our bed. Most of the time, you come into our bedroom at various times of the night. Dad and I are really proud of you when you manage to stay in your own beds until morning when mom gets up to get ready for work. We have tried many incentives to motivate you to stay in your beds, but none has worked very well. I am not sure why, but I can tell you that I really don't mind much. I do know that you will not still be sleeping in our bed when you graduate from high school, so it will be OK. I am often reminded that our time with you is so short. You both will be grown up with your own families in the blink of an eye. If you want to lay in our bed to be close to us, for warmth, comfort, whatever, that is OK for now.

"I would like a batman set for Christmas!"






"I would like a 'How to Train Your Dragon set. And I don't know what else. Surprise me!"

Joshua and Luke going on a bear hunt at the St. Nicholas party.

Joshua and Luke posing with St. Nicholas.

Boys - Do keep in mind that our patron saint - St. Nicholas - reminds us that it is our responsibility to take care of the most vulnerable in our community. This includes small children older people, sick people, etc. While the Christmas season is a wonderful time for several reasons, let us remember that it is Jesus's birthday. Let us look at what we can do to help Jesus do his work on earth.

I love you more today than I did yesterday.

Love,

Mama

Top Ten Things I Am Thankful For.......

Dearest Joshua and Luke,

This has been one of the best Thanksgiving's ever! Our family has so much to be thankful for. Here is my list so far. The list is not in any particular order.

1. My Family - Being your mom is the best thing I have ever done in my whole life. Being your mom is my most favorite thing. I love how God created each of you exactly as you are. And Eric - I couldn't have done it without you. :) You are always there to support me and help me in raising our boys.

2. I am thankful for the sounds of family in our house. I love the sounds of the giggles, laughter, stomping on the floor, lego blocks, Magna blocs, pages of books, pretend light sabers clashing together, coloring (yes crayons make a sound), craft sticks, etc. And I love how those sounds are magnified when our extended family comes to visit.

3. I am thankful for grandparents who love my boys so much. The sound of grandma reading a book to Luke or talking with Joshua about whatever he is doing.

4. I am thankful for the people in my life that inspire me and encourage me to be a better person. People who listen to me, and offer support when I need it most.

(The kids making the traditional Thanksgiving turkeys from fudge striped cookies, chocolate covered cherries, chocolate frosting, and candy corn.)

5. I am thankful for the children that I get to see every day at work. These children inspire me to continue my work as well as give me so much hope for the future.

6. I am thankful for the community that I live in. My community respects life and children. They help to provide a solid and supportive environment for my family to live in.

7. I am thankful for St. Nicholas Church and Father Hitpas. St. Nicholas is a great church community to raise my boys in. I love what it has to offer our family. I love the fact that Father Hitpas is one of my favorite people who inspire me to be a better person each time I listen to him.

(Grammy is reading from the book of Genesis to the family. Grammy just gave the boys a stand for the bible to rest on while at the prayer table. Luke is especially proud of it.)

8. I am thankful for my family and friends. I have been so blessed with people in my life. I feel very lucky to be surrounded by friends and family that love me very much.

9. I am thankful for other fellow bloggers who have inspired me to be as diligent as I can about blogging for my boys a few times each month. I love the other blogs I read and keeping in touch with other family's lives through this form of communication.

(Ethan and Joshua playing in the sandbox in the backyard.

Luke and Elsa are in the house watching Peter Pan, Luke's favorite.)

10. I am thankful for each of you reading my blog right now. You must be special to my family that you are reading about us. I would name names, but I do not want to risk not mentioning someone really important to us. Thanks for being who you are.

Joshua's November journal entry from school:

(Turkeys eating nuts and berries, little bugs, and seeds.)

Another journal entry:

(I am glad the pilgrims and Indians met.)

Elsa, Joshua, and Luke giving thanks during "The First Thanksgiving Play." Ethan was playing music on the piano in the background.

I love you both more today than yesterday.

Love,

Mama

Walking Toward a Cure Continued.....

Dearest Joshua and Luke,

A few weeks ago Joshua's team, Joshua's Jedi's, walked toward a cure and raised over $600 for food allergy education and research!!! Thank you so much to our family and friends who helped us reach our goal. The support of our friends and family goes a long way. Friends who prayed for others with food allergies as well as those who donated money to this cause that is so near and dear to our hearts. Also, thanks for your kind messages and words of inspiration. We will find a cure or keep working toward a better way to deal with life-threatening food allergies.

What was supposed to be a two mile walk around Creve Couer Park turned into a 5K. It was a gorgeous day - sunshine filled the sky - and our family joined 535 other walkers to walk toward a cure. It was a great event. Afterwards we went to the Old Spaghetti Factory on the landing to celebrate.

I love you both more today than I did yesterday.

Love,

Mama

I Think I Smell A "Cigarit"

Dearest Joshua and Luke,

I know it has been a while since I have posted, but things have been very busy. Just last weekend alone, I was at Children's Hospital with Luke due to his difficulty in breathing with his asthma. We had called the doctor's exchange Thursday evening, and started Luke on predisone, but by Friday night, Luke's condition had worsened - even after two doses of oral predisone! So...Saturday included a nice nap for Luke and mom. When I got home from the Emergency Room at 4;30 am, I had noticed that many pumpkins had been smashed in my neighborhood, including mine. I was sad and mad. I was mad at whoever came onto my porch and smashed your cute little painted pumpkins that you painted with Grandma. Who would do that? I was sad that I had to explain to you that some people do not think about others, and just aren't nice. But we decided that we needed to pray that they become more like Jesus. On Saturday we said goodbye to Daddy's Ford Ranger. A lady slowed down in front of him to glance at a yard sale, and Daddy hit the back end of her car. Luckily, no one was hurt, but it is not worth fixing at this time, so bye bye truck. The truck originally belonged to Papa Mort and for a brief time to Uncle Luke. Daddy has had the truck quite a while, and it has been nice to have around as a third vehicle. I have been sick, too, but my symptoms seem so trivial compared to your colds and asthma. Sunday was spent getting new shoes and a coat, but we had time to walk along with both of you as Luke rollerskated around the trail and the neighborhood, and Joshua rode his bike. It was so much fun, and a great day to be out in the neighborhood! What a weekend!

On the way home from pictures at church and dinner at O'Charley's, Joshua said, "I smell something bad. Really bad." I said, "I don't smell a thing. What does it smell like?" We smell a lot of skunks in the woods behind us. Finally, Joshua said, "I smell a cigarit." I repeated several times, "A cigarit? What is that?" Finally, Joshua told me it was a long thing that you smoked." I said, "Joshua, where have you heard about a cigarette?" He said, "You told me about it." With lots of thoughts in my head, I told Joshua that now I knew what he was talking about, but I did not think he was smelling a cigarette. Daddy and I explained that cigarettes were bad for you, and not a healthy choice. It was not a conversation I was expecting to have now, but the interesting thing was that Joshua or Luke has never asked us about smoking or what people are doing when they have seen someone with a cigarette. So....I told Joshua that when he learned about being drug-free a few weeks ago during Red Ribbon Week. Cigarettes were not a healthy choice for our bodies. Then, Joshua talked about a few people that he has seen with cigarettes and nothing else was said. I am sure that we will have many conversations about it years from now. I can say that we have talked a lot in your short little lives about being healthy and making good choices for your body. This includes cigarits - cigarettes - and so many other things. I hope you never experiment with cigarettes or any other drugs or alcohol. I can tell you that Daddy and I will always be involved with what you are doing, and how you are doing for a very long time. What you do will be our business for a long time....at least until you are 30. Cigarettes are not cool and are not good for anything. We will talk more about this......

Here are other pictures from the last few weeks:

Joshua posed with Fred Bird at A Walk for the Cure in Creve Couer Park last Saturday. Joshua's Jedi's raised over $500 for this walk. This was supposed to be a 2-mile walk, but one hour into it, we started thinking that we were walking further. Somehow the trail got mismarked, and we actually did a 5K. Wow! Way to go, guys! Thank you so much to our friends and family that supported us! Your friendship, thoughtfulness, prayers, and donations meant so much to us!

Joshua and his best buddy from school. They were sharing books at the book swap while sipping hot cocoa and eating teddy grahams at Family Reading Night. Notice the cool jammies! Luke wanted to know what the police would do if they found out that we wore pajamas to school!!!!



Batman and Darth Vader - how scary! We had so much fun trick-or-treating this year. We walked around our new neighborhood, and we must have had about 250 trick-or-treaters at our house. Thank goodness that Aunt Tina and John joined us for dinner and passing out candy. They passed out candy most of the time that we were trick-or-treating with the boys. It was great spending time with them. Aunt Tina and I had fun reminiscing about our favorite Halloween times growing up.

I love you more today than I did yesterday.

Love,

Mama

Never Give Up - Life Lesson #703

Dearest Joshua and Luke,

Earlier this week, I was sitting on the couch going through Joshua's school folder, and Luke came over to me, leaned on my knee, and said, "I give up, Mama." I have to say that I was quite startled since I had never heard Luke or Joshua ever say these words before. I immediately put all the papers down, and said, "Luke, What's wrong? Why do you give up?" Luke said, "I can't find my mask. I've looked and can't find it." So many things were going through my head, but mostly my thoughts were....What do you mean you give up? You can't give up. You are only 3. Where did you ever hear that giving up was an option in life? A few seconds later, I said, "Luke, don't give up. Did you look in your room? Playroom? Living room? Etc. Then, I went on to explain to him that we don't ever give up on something we really want, and I was sure that Luke really wanted to find his batman mask.

*****

I am happy to tell you that we did find the mask with very little trouble and not too much looking around. This may seem a bit trivial to some, but I feel that this lesson is worth sharing over and over or as much as necessary. I do not ever want my boys to give up on anything that they want to achieve (even if it is just a batman mask now). I want them both to know and understand that they can achieve anything they want as long as they do not give up and keep trying. I will refer them to some of the greatest people and their achievements that took some perseverance - Abraham Lincoln went to war as a captain and returned as a private. But went on to become the 16th president of the United States. Winston Churchill was retained in school, but later become prime minister. Albert Einstein did not speak until he was 4 years old, or read until he was 7 years old. He was even expelled from school. I could go on and on, but you get the idea. The other thing I want my boys to know is that we do not ever use the three words - "I give up." Mom and Dad will always be here to help you, assist you, support you, or to be here for whatever you need. We will do everything we can to help you.

Joshua took time out of his school field trip to pick pumpkins in order to be a cowboy!

Joshua and Miss Jan, Joshua's piano teacher. Even though getting in all the practicing is a challenge, Joshua is doing great with piano. He has even started playing songs without the letters on the notes. He can play "C D E" songs on the piano with no assistance! Look out Patty Cake and Step Up and Step Down songs!

Joshua and Luke enjoying the sandbox in the backyard.

Luke at the Shake, Rattle, 'N Roll Halloween bash. He is marching around with the sticks!

Fall Fun!

Dearest Joshua and Luke,

It has been a sad week at the Litteken's. One of daddy's very good friends, Larry Schmitt, unexpectedly passed away this week. He was in a bad motorcycle accident. We really do not see him very much. Both daddy and Larry have been so busy with their families the last several years, but they lived next door to each other since Daddy was 7 months old. They ran around a lot together in high school and growing up, but grew apart some since they both got married. Larry was a groomsmen in our wedding, too. He will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we will miss him. It also reminded us how precious life is, and to keep enjoying every minute of it.

You both had your very first sleepover at anyone's house. It came about kind of unexpectedly. Mom and Dad went out for our every other month Lookingglass Playhouse date while you both stayed at Grammy and Papa's house. When we got back, Joshua was almost asleep. He fell asleep listening to Grammy read Peter Pan. We tried to wake him to tell him that we were leaving, but he continued to sleep. Luke said that he was read to sleep at Grammy's house. I was a little unprepared for this, but I knew that we would be coming over to get you early at Grammy's house. On the way home, I kept thinking that Grammy was going to call us and tell us to come back and pick you up, but she never called. It was definitely different coming home and being here without you. Grammy said that Joshua woke up at about 4 am and asked Grammy if "Mom and Dad had left him here." Then, he went back to sleep. Both boys were disappointed when we came over to get them so early the next morning.

The fall weather has been great this week - lots of bike rides and time spent outside. Today we spent the afternoon with Grammy at a fall festival. We have gone almost every year since Joshua was two. There is always a hay ride, games, fresh apple cider, painting pumpkins, a bounce house and tons of fun. Then, church with Grammy and dinner with Grammy and Papa. We arre very blessed to have Grammy and Papa be such a big part of our lives.

Please pray for Nana. She misses Papa Ed so much. Please pray for Papa Mort. He seems to be getting weaker and weaker. It is getting harder for him to do anything. I love you both more today than I did yesterday.

Love,

Mama

Thanks to Christopher Columbus!

Dearest Joshua and Luke,

Thanks to Christopher Columbus we have had an amazing weekend! Fall and fun is in the air! On Friday evening, Dad and Joshua went to Pere Marquette State Park for owl watching.....Joshua calls it owl hunting, but let me assure you that there was no hunting involved. It started about eight o' clock in the evening. A two mile walk up the bluff - yes up the bluff - as they passed so much wildlife and nature. Joshua was such a trooper. Everyone that was there - about 150 people- were amazed at Joshua's stamina for the event. There was no light on the trails either. On the way down, Joshua actually fell asleep, and Daddy carried him down the rest of the way. A surprising thing happened at the end of the hike - Joshua woke up just in time to have Dad roast a hot dog and a few marshmallows for him. What a night for these two boys.

Saturday was spent playing and visiting with Grandma Nichols. We went to lunch together, and she came over and played with the boys in the afternoon and watched a movie with the boys in the evening. She even helped me go through toys in the toy room to try and make a little more room.

Sunday began at the Atrium for us. What a great way to start the day. We had atrium and church. It was a great message at church that we all brought home. Father Bill reminded us to be thankful and express our gratitude for God. He challenged us to think about how we can do this more deeply each year. Joshua and Luke have been discussing what they are thankful for all day.....which is kinda nice. It reminds us all. Before bed tonight, the list included mom, dad, Joshua and Luke, the swing set, hots dogs, marshmallows, and chocolate of course - and the new sandbox. It was a beautiful evening sitting out in the backyard with the fire pit, yummy food, and the beautiful timber behind our house. What a great night!

Joshua bowling for the first time at Molly's birthday party.

Sarah took Luke to the pumpkin patch.

I love you both more today than yesterday.

Love,

Mama

Lesson #657 - Always Love Life

Dearest Joshua and Luke,


Both of you have been doing great at school! I am so proud of both of you! Luke loves going to Miss Pam's class. He talks about the books that Miss Pam reads aloud. He also loves playing with Gracie and Daniel. He has really settled into the program. It is wonderful how excited he gets to go to school (Tool as he so sweetly calls it!) and to bring his projects home.


Joshua has been loving school, too. He talks about loving every minute of it, but I know that he is especially fond of recess. He has also mentioned that he loves the rhyming game....aka Dr. Heggerty for my teacher friends. At home he is writing like crazy. I can not keep enough white paper, construction paper, colored pens, markers, colored pencils, etc. at home. He is making weather graphs, signing the weather choices in sign language, looking for "popcorn" words everywhere we go. (Those popcorn words really do pop up all over the place!) He is writing notes and making maps on the concrete with chalk. I am amazed that he drew a world map with England, Ireland, France, Belgium, Minnesota, Mexico, and all of these faraway places on it. I am amazed at his interest in EVERYTHING!!!!! Which takes me to lesson #657 - Always Love Life.



Boys - Always keep the love of life that you have right now. Stay busy, involved, be willing to try new things at least once, make new friends everywhere you do, and always keep things fun and lively. Both of you are so willing to try new things, make new friends, and have an extraordinary zest for life. Always keep that philosophy of life.



Currently, both boys are involved with soccer (Go Orange Lions and Coach Daddy!), and both boys will be attending the Atrium beginning this Sunday. Joshua also attends the Kids Community Bible Study at school and piano lessons. Luke also attends Shake, Rattle, 'N Roll and Little Gym. Even though you are so busy with these activities, Daddy and I work really hard to keep you on a regular schedule. We also make time for books, naps, outside playtime, and good old fashioned free time. I think you are pretty lucky kids, but then again, I think I am the luckiest mom in the world.

Here are the boys exploring a tank after watching the Blue Angels in awe!

Wow! That was spectacular!

Here are the boys at Highland Speedway looking for Lightenin' McQueen and Mater in between trips to the concession stand to get hot dogs, nachos, root beer, chicken strips......


I love you both to the moon and back and back again.
Love,
Mama

We Love You, Papa Ed!

Dearest Joshua and Luke, This was a very sad and difficult week because Papa Ed in now in heaven. We are happy to know that he is not suffering anymore. It was most difficult to see him suffering in the nursing home. At least now, Papa Ed is in heaven with all of the other angels.

Let me tell you about, Papa Ed. Before you were even born, Papa Ed and Nana bought you so many presents. They bought you your beautiful bassinet which I hope to use with your children some day. They also bought your bed, changing table, and dresser among many other things. Papa Ed was so excited when Joshua was born - only five short years ago. Papa Ed, Nana, and Aunt Lisa were immediately at the hospital when I went into labor. They anxiously awaited by the phone for the call that you were coming. After 24 hours of a long labor, they were in my room before I went into surgery for the c-section. Over the next four days, Papa Ed came to visit you several times throughout the day. He was working his roofing business, and he would stop in to see you four or five times during the day. He bought all of the nurses donuts so that they would take extra care of us. :) He also bought a huge, "It's a Boy!" balloon for us in the hospital. He was such a proud grandpa. Papa Ed and Nana both showered you with so much love and attention when you were a baby. They would come over and visit often. There was something very special about you for grandpa (and Nana). Papa Ed was such a big guy holding a tiny little you with such love in his eyes.

Then, there was Luke. Nana was at the hospital before I was the day I was scheduled for the c-section. Papa Ed came later to meet you. I am sure that he was at work during the time that you were born. Again, he was smitten by Luke. You could tell what a proud Grandpa he was. Again, he came over to our house and visited after you were born.

I have known Papa Ed for about 18 years. From the first time I met him, I knew he was a good man. I mean a good man. He was kind, gentle, loving, and he was the kind of guy that would do anything for you. And he did. He would always say, "How are you teach?" He was so proud of me being a teacher. When I started my job as a first grade teacher, he made me a book shelf, easel, and mailboxes for my students. It was all made with so much love for me, teaching, and children. He always made me feel special and like a member of the family...like I had known him my whole life. Ed was knowledgeable about so many things. We had Ed look at so many houses that we wanted to buy because we knew that he would be able to tell about the construction of the house. Ed was every bit like a father to me. And he took such good care of my mom, Sandy. They were a loving couple. I miss him so much.

Joshua and Luke - I know you will always remember Papa Ed because we will talk about him, look at pictures, and keep him with his through telling stories about him. I know we will see him again someday in heaven.

I love you both so much.

Love,

Mama

I Love You Stinky Face & Piano Man

Dearest Joshua and Luke,

Yes, Luke loves the "I Love You Stinky Face" book. After requesting the book several times, Luke has started to read the book himself. It is so darling how he turns the pages and "reads" exactly what he thinks is happening on each page. His words are almost exact, but it is soooo darling. He gets impatient while I am reading Joshua a story, and he "reads" himself. Gotta love it!

Joshua is the piano man! He has started piano lessons with Miss Jan each week. He can already play a few songs - Rain, Rain Go Away and the Halloween songs - and we are so proud of him. We are having a little difficulty fitting in two or three 10-15 minute practice sessions each day, but we are working on it. Currently, we are working on one practice session each day.

Luke started a Little Gym class this week and loves it! He is talking a lot about his teacher, Miss Jaime. I am so glad that he likes it. He even does the class by himself, so that is a big step for him.

As you can see, Daddy is coaching the Mighty Orange Lion soccer team. Luckily, both boys are on the same team. The boys are so proud of daddy being their coach. And Daddy did a great job, even though he pulled a calf muscle playing "Catch the Coach" the first few minutes into practice. I love the picture of Daddy and Joshua chillin' after the first game!

Joshua is adjusting well to kindergarten. He loves it! He has been so tired each evening. I am a little disappointed with the 8:00 pm bedtime because we just don't have enough time to play, but we will all get used to the schedule. Luke misses Joshua a lot each day, but it will get better once Luke starts Mother's Day Out after Labor Day.

I love you both more today than yesterday.

Love,

Mama

Look Out Kindergarten! Here Joshua comes!

Dearest Joshua,

This week marked Joshua's first day of school in the 2,275 days of school that you will have between now and high school graduation. You may have another 1, 050 if you are planning to go to college and graduate school for 2 years, maybe even more days if you continue on.

Here is some advice for you on the many days of school ahead of you. Kindergarten is a time when you will learn many of the things that will be guiding principles in your life. For example, basic rules of life such as share, play fairly, put things back where you got them, flush and wash your hands after using the toilet and before eating, say you are sorry when you hurt someone or do something wrong, and never hit or hurt other people. Spend a little time every day drawing, coloring, writing, napping or resting, eating healthy foods and snacks, playing, and working. Also, please remember the Golden Rule - to treat others like you want to be treated. The other guiding principle that I always tell children is to always pretend that your mom and dad or someone that you respect and trust is sitting next to you. If you would say or do something despite their presence, then you are probably doing the right thing. If you would not say or do it while this person was there, then it is probably not the right thing to do or say.

Other random advice for you is to always ask questions, do more listening than talking, and always be respectful. I do not ever expect for you to be perfect, but I do expect that you always do your best and say you are sorry when you have hurt someone.

You are a great young man! I am so proud of you and all that you have already become. I will always be here for you, and love you no matter what.

I love you more today than I did yesterday.

Love,

Mama

P.S. Happy birthday to Nana! We had so much fun spending lunch with her at Olive Garden. Both boys loved playing and drawing and sitting by Nana. She is so special to us! Please send extra prayers our way for Papa Ed and Nana. Please pray for peace, comfort, strength, and better health for them!