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.

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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