Lesson #573 & 574: Blessings & Looking Out For Our Most Vulnerable

John O'Leary & Joshua

Dear Joshua and Luke,

A few months ago I heard that John O'Leary was coming to town with his message of hope and inspiration.  I got tickets for the three of us in hopes that you would get something out of his message.  I was introduced to John O'Leary a few years ago when he spoke at our first-day-of-school teacher workshop.  I could not forget his powerful message, and I wanted you both to hear it.  I knew that he could put into words a message I want you to remember ~ especially on those days when you are feeling like, "Why me?"  And we all feel that way sometimes.  Mr. O'Leary came through with his message of how you just have to ask yourself, "Why me?" and look for the blessings in your situation.(Lesson #572)  I will be very honest in telling you that sometimes it is much easier said than done, but it is a powerful message that will do you well if you remember and put it into perspective at the right times.  You can also pick up his book, "On Fire," and read about the choices he made in his life.

My handsome sax player

Luke participated in his first band concert of the year.  He debuted with his alto saxophone in style and sounding awesome!  No bias here either!  He sounded fantastic!  An added bonus was that Grandma Bonny joined us to share this special evening performance.

Lord - please help me serve you -
and not fall up the steps tonight.

Luke also debuted for his first time serving at mass.  He listened to Father Bill at the training at church last week.  One of the many reasons we love Father Bill is his ability to make you feel comfortable no matter what else is going on.  He told the servers that they needed to make sure that they looked holy while they were serving - his only real requirement.  Luke will certainly do that as I made him practice before serving.  I am so glad that you both want to help with the  liturgy at church each week.  I am proud of you for taking this step. Not only did you complete the training, but you also volunteered to serve two nights in a row! Once for the Immaculate Conception and the following night as a substitute for the regular server who got sick.  How nice that Grandma Bonny surprised you at church by coming in to see you serve!

Luke serving the first time at St. Nicholas

Seeing the movie in style and in pure comfort!

On Sunday we joined Joshua’s confirmation class for a movie at the newly remodeled theater.  We watched the movie Wonder.  Then, we joined your class for pizza and a discussion about the movie.  I was glad to  be there with you.  I also enjoyed the discussion about the movie, and listening to your peers share their thoughts.  It was a great experience that left me feeling good about the other kids that you spend each Sunday night with in class.  

I hope you each took a lot away from the movie, and remember it for a long time.  I hope you
remember how to stand up for others when you see that someone is not being treated fairly.
 I hope it reminds you to do the right thing with how  you treat others, even when it is not popular
and when it is not the “thing” to do.  I hope you always look out for the most vulnerable among
us  and stand with them. (Lesson #574) This is part of doing God’s work that we are all
commissioned to do.  

I love you both more today than I did yesterday.

Love,

Mom

P.S. Just in case you were worried about the status of our Christmas tree, you will be happy
to know that the tree is up and twinkling with many bright lights! There are no ornaments
on the tree yet, but it is a work in progress. More to come.....

Lesson #571 - It Is OK Not To Put Your Christmas Tree Up

Luke with his donations to Spencer Kennel

The Day After Thanksgiving....

Dear Joshua and Luke,

These days Christmas celebrations and decorations are starting earlier and earlier.  Halloween candy is not even off the shelf before Santa Claus and decorations are abound in the stores.  You might even hear from others how their Christmas trees are already up, Christmas cards are sent out, all their shopping is done - and more!  That is good for them, and they might feel more relaxed, organized, and ahead of the game.  But you do NOT have to feel guilty if you are not as far along or if you have not even started with your preparations. In the same way, it is OK NOT to feel bad if you do not take your Christmas tree down the day after Christmas.  You should not even feel bad if you go back to work and your Christmas tree and decorations are still proudly displayed. And if you do not believe me, then just remember Father Bill's homily from this last weekend or Miss Martie's lesson from the Atrium. 

First of all, the whole process of preparing for Christmas by decorating trees, buying presents, etc. is rooted in the secular world.  Take a step back and think about what preparing for Christmas meant 2000+ years ago as the world waited for our dear Baby Jesus to be born.  Imagine what that was like for these people who waited and waited, who had been hearing stories about this great King that was to be born..... Talk about faith and a whole lot of patience!

Joshua at the Band Concert featuring
his trombone

The real celebration took place on Christmas Day (or a day close to that) when Baby Jesus was born. His believers were so excited that Baby Jesus was finally here, even if this King came in the shape of a little newborn who made His first appearance in the world in a stable because there was no room for Him at the inn.  At Church, we spend a few weeks preparing for Christmas, and celebrate on Christmas Day.  Then, we continue the celebration for three more weeks until Epiphany.  We start singing the Christmas songs on Christmas Day and continue singing them long after kids are back to school and parents are back at work.  Long after Christmas presents have been returned, the new year has started, and we are looking forward to the next holiday. 

So lesson #571 is meant to tell you not to feel bad if your Christmas tree is still not up and it is already a week after Thanksgiving.  It is OK not to have your shopping completed, Christmas cards sent out, or presents bought.  And - it is OK to be one of the last people to take down your tree. Keep celebrating for as long as you'd like!  Or at least until Lent begins....




While we may not have our tree up yet, we are starting to prepare for Christmas.  We have put up some outside decorations and started a little shopping, but we have been busy with a few other things.  Father Bill gave some great ideas about preparing for Christmas, and helping to make more room for Jesus in our daily lives as Christmas approaches. More on that in a future lesson.

Luke playing w/ Bella and her "coon"

Luke has been busy thinking about his love of animals, especially dogs. As of right now, he wants to be a veterinarian and save all the animals of the world.  Luke has one of the biggest, caring hearts I have ever known.  He has been trying to talk us into buying him a red bone or a German Shepard/Golden Retriever mix for hunting.  While I am not ready or willing to entertain another pet, Luke decided to donate some items to Spencer Kennel in O'Fallon.  We went shopping the day after Thanksgiving for our furry friends.  Luke used some of his own savings to buy dog food, treats, and toys.

Joshua dreaming of a drum set

Joshua has been busy preparing for Mary Poppins, the next production at Althoff High School.  The production is after Christmas.  Joshua has also been busy trying to talk us into buying him a drum set for Christmas.  Drums would be the fourth instrument he has played since school started this year.  I am not sure if he is going to get this top item on his wish list, but he is definitely having fun thinking about it. 

I love you both more today than yesterday.

Love,
Mom

There's A New Chef In Town

Happy Thanksgiving 2017

Dear Joshua and Luke,

Happy Thanksgiving 2017!  Joshua has shown quite an interest in cooking this year.  This summer he worked on making spaghetti, tacos, and many a frozen or convenience dinners.  Joshua decided he wanted to cook as much of the Thanksgiving dinner as possible.  We started the night before with baking a pumpkin pie and making cherry jello salad.  We watched Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving as we prepared these items.  Luke gave us support by taking care of Bella and entertaining her while we worked in the kitchen.


The next day I got up early to start the turkey.  Joshua was not happy that I started in the kitchen before he got up.  Joshua immediately jumped in with peeling and cubing sweet potatoes and regular potatoes.  Next, he worked on putting the ingredients in the crock pot for the sweet potatoes.  I helped a little more with the mashed potatoes.  I explained to him that timing is everything with making mashed potatoes.  He still helped  with adding the butter, milk, salt, pepper, and a little more salt! Joshua also stirred and stirred the homemade gravy.  I managed to prepare the croissants while Joshua took a quick break watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade,  It was great having a special assistant in the kitchen!

It is important to note that Luke did his part in the Thanksgiving preparations by again entertaining and watching Bella, feeding her, taking her on a walk, and being her best buddy.

The new chef in town!

Once the food had been prepared, Dad had the job of loading everything into the van for our small commute to Highland, IL.  We wanted to share our dinner with Grandma and Grandpa Litteken. We pulled up to the nursing home and unloaded the food, drinks, utensils and everything to eat our Thanksgiving dinner.  Grandma had reserved the conference room for us to enjoy our feast.

A fun game of Clue with Grandma - who dun it?

What an awesome dinner!  Thirty minutes later, our tummies were full, and Joshua was feeling like a million bucks!  And he should have!  He did a great job of cooking so much of the dinner!  Grandma brought one of her infamous cheesecakes - cherry cheesecake. Yum!  Yum!  We had to be out of the conference room by 5:30 pm so we had to solve the crime quickly with our game of Clue.

Joshua & his new favorite foods

One of the best parts of the day was seeing how much Joshua ate for dinner!  He discovered that he really liked stuffing.  He even mixed it with turkey and gravy!  Not too many people probably get excited about their child eating so much for dinner, but a mom of a child with so many food allergies would see this as a huge victory!  I think it had a lot to do with him preparing so much of the food.  Whatever it was, there was a lot to be thankful for!







We ended the evening by watching TV and turning in to bed early.  At one point during the day, I told the boys what I was most thankful for:

*Both boys top the list (and Bella of course!)
*Family, including another Thanksgiving to share with Grandpa, Grandma, Nana, etc.
*An abundance of food to prepare for our dinner (and to always fill our pantry and fridge)
*A nice home to prepare food in (and to shelter us so well the rest of the time)
*A great job serving my community and the best families
*The ability to participate and do so many things we want to do.

One  last note....this is our third Thanksgiving without my mom,Grandma Nichols.  Three years ago she left us to join Grandpa Al in heaven.  We talk about her a lot, and still miss her every day!

And more!  I am one blessed Mom!

I love you both more today than I did yesterday!

Love,
Mom

Here Comes a Raccoon

Dear Joshua and Luke,

Yesterday was the first official coon hunt for Luke and his dad. In early September, Eric and the boys attended a trapper’s camp at Carlyle Lake.  For  most of the weekend, you both learned techniques and information about trapping animals.  While both of you have been very interested, Luke has found a new passion in coon hunting.  This passion was solidified this year as Luke read Where The Red Fern Grows.  Luke’s love of animals, especially dogs, has shown through.  

Lucky for Luke, Luke and his dad have been out several times with Mike, a new friend and avid coon hunter. They met at the trapping camp.  Mike has shown Luke how his dog, Ann, has been trained to trap and hunt coon.  While Luke still dreams of his own red bone puppy, he gets to enjoy Ann and her tricks with Mike and his friends.  

Luke bought wader boots, a hunting jacket, a coon call, and a hat with a flashlight attached to it.  After a short time in the woods, Ann did what she has been trained to do.  Well - almost.  She tracked a possom first.  Then, she found a racoon clinging onto a small branch.  Mike shot the racoon.  His son, Quinton, skinned and cleaned the coon for Luke, and gave Luke the coon to take home!  Luke could not be much more excited.  He could not wait to tell Grandma the story about this coon.  Grandpa will certainly love the story, too.

I love you more today than I did yesterday.

Love,
Mom

Headin' West - 2017 Vacation #1

Dearest Joshua and Luke,

It has been a long time since all of us went on vacation with Daddy’s siblings and their families, but we did it! We all met at Uncle Luke’s house, and ventured to Moab, UT the next day.  We spent our first day at Arches National Park.  What an amazing place!  Arches everywhere! The next day was spent at Canyonlands.   I stayed home to get caught up on some work, but Canyonlands proved to be a lot of fun for all of you, too.  

We went to church in Moab the day we arrived.  It was a small, quaint Catholic Church.  We really liked the priest.  He reminded us of an important lesson that I have not thought about in a while.  It was Pentecost Sunday,  He talked about how we are taught to breathe deeply to calm down.  He reminded us to “breathe in the holy spirit” when we most need it.  I have been trying to remember that this week.  It has been relaxing, but things always come up to remind yourself to take it easy on yourself.

One highlight of the trip was renting a UTV for a drive through the mountains along the  Colorado River.  I am not sure who had more fun - you or Dad.  I was a little nervous - ok, a lot nervous - about the whole ride from beginning to end.  You both seemed to like at a lot.  I am glad I tried it because I have learned that I will never do it again.  But at least I have tried it, and I know enough to make an informed decision about it. One afternoon was spent at the local swimming pool and  

Another day was spent in Silverton, CO and Ouray, CO.  It was another gorgeous drive through the mountains and along the Million Dollar Highway!  The sights were spectacular.  We spent the morning at a Gold Mine in Silverton.  You went inside the mine and learned about being a miner.  The most fun was panning for gold, copper, and ore when you came out.  Each of you found a small bag of gems!  

Had to have a snowball fight in the snow!

We spent the afternoon shopping in Ouray and taking in the local culture.  We finished with dinner at Maggie O’s and a long drive back to Moab.

The last day we spent in Durango was another relaxing day!  Dad and Joshua went with the others on mountain bikes for a 15 mile bike ride. Luke and I stayed back and made origami guns.  We had to make another trip to the local dollar store for glue, more tape and paper, but we made quite the creations!

It was wonderful to spend another great vacation with the cousins.  Who knows when we will be able to do it again?  The cousins are growing up!  I was glad that they were able to spend the night in the same room.  The only concerns were not enough outlets for all of the electronics and making sure that beds got rotated so the guys did not have to stay every night on the floor.  

We were all glad to get home after being away for ten days.  It was a blessing that Bella got to stay with the Haas family,  She also got to stay at a new boarding place and daycare.  She seemed to enjoy herself.  Luke requested that they send pictures and give updates to us almost daily,  They also posted a video on their web page.  It was fun thinking about Bella with friends and having so much fun.  She was glad when we finally picked her up, and I  know we were thrilled to see her again!

I love you both more today than yesterday.

Love,

Mom

Welcome 2017!

Dearest Joshua and Luke,

A huge welcome to 2017!  One of my  many New Year's resolutions has been to continue this blog!  I have seen how you carefully pour over the earlier editions of this blog, and I know how important it is to you.  It is important to me, too.  One day I want you to have this blog when I am not here so that you can think about our wonderful memories and remember the important things - as well some of the not-so-important things that have happened in our lives.

This year you rang in 2017 with Grandma Bonny.  We met for mass.  After mass Grandma took you to dinner.  You guys played Monopoly with Grandma and watched Harry Potter:  The Flesh Blood Prince.   The next day you visited with Grandpa at Legacy.  Grandma took you to see at the Lory Theater.  Seeing moves with Grandma is a favorite of both of yours (and all of Grandma's grandchildren)!  Grandma said you were both asleep before the drop dropped at midnight, but that's OK.  Remember - it is always midnight somewhere!  Dad and I were actually wake for the ball drop.  We even celebrated with a little sparkling juice!  It was a very quiet New Years Eve, but perfect for us.

Dad and I went out to dinner - just the two of us.  We were going to go to the movies, but the theaters were  busy so we decided to rent a movie at home.  We watched USS Indianapolis.  It is not easy to find a movie that we both like, but this was a winner.  We both like movies based on true stories.  We both highly recommend it when you get older.  Right now neither of you would like some of the bloody scenes where the soldiers get eaten by sharks.

New Years Eve has really changed for us since you two came along.  We used to spend New Year's Eve going out or having parties.  We ran into one of my besties, Lana, at the restaurant where we were both having dinner.  We reminisced a moment over New Year's Eves past as Miss Susy's house. We would dress up in our best back dresses and party purses.  We talked about the special New Years Eve party for the Millennium in 2000 as well as the parties when Lana was drinking O'Douhls instead of our other regular adult beverages.  It was always a blast!  Susy knew how to throw a party, and it was always so much fun!

New Years Eve would not be complete without New Years resolutions.  Joshua goals for this year include:

1.  To stop drinking Ski.

2.  To brush his teeth at least once per day.

3.  To get on the varsity wrestling team.

4.  To get on the Track and Field Team

5.  To get along better with Luke.

Luke's goal for this year is to brush his teeth at least once per day.  Mom and Dad have already decided to adopt a healthier lifestyle and make better choices for our health, including eating sensibly and exercising.

Christmas break this year was busy, but fun.  Joshua was more busy than usual with play practice for The Elf Jr. Musical and wrestling practice.  Joshua started practicing for The Elf the days after Thanksgiving.  He also practiced every day after Christmas until the two performances on December 28 and 29th.  We were so proud of you for playing an elf and the Macy's Store Manager.  Performing in plays and performance in general has become one of your favorite things to do!  You are great at it, too.  Your enthusiasm is contagious!

Joshua on the far left as an Elf

Joshua as the Macy's Department Store Manager.  He is
grilling Buddy the Elf on what he is doing at Macy's.

Joshua also kept super busy with wrestling.  Joshua joined the Middle School Team in November.  Practice is every day through the week and some weekends.  In fact, he practiced a lot over the Christmas break.  Joshua enjoys the exercise and learning wrestling strategies.  I attended my first meet over the  break, and decided that I did not personally like wrestling very much.  Keep in mind, it was my very first time watching wrestling, but I found it to be awkward and different.  Joshua has not and the opportunity to wrestle at a meet, and I am OK with it.  I think it is going to be difficult to watch the first time or maybe every time.  I will support both of you in almost anything that you want to do or try.  I really appreciate Joshua's desire to try new things.

Merry Christmas from the Littekens! 

Since Joshua kept us so busy over break, Luke had a much different Christmas break.  He had lots of relaxing, a sleepover, and lots of TV and video games.  Luke likes to stay around the house more than  Joshua.  Me too, for that matter.  Luke is signed up to begin Tae Kwon Doe again in January.  He will also play on Shoot the Rock basketball again this year.  His days will be busier in January, and I know he will be said with much less video games and TV.

I  love you both more today than yesterday.

Love,
Mom

Welcome 2016

Midnight on New Years Eve

Dear Joshua and Luke,

2015 ended with fun and 2016 has started with just about as much fun....if not more! Dad and Joshua spent some Dad and Son time in Branson for a few days, just the two of them.  More on that at another time.  Luke and I had fun home going to the movies, staying in our pajamas and watching movies, and a sleepover with a best friend from class!

As Luke and I waited for Eric and Joshua to come home from Branson on New Years Eve, Luke went bowling with his friend, Tanner, and his family.  Once Eric and Joshua got back into the St. Louis area, we met them at Incredible pizza for pizza, games, go-carts, all kinds of fun.  Once we got worn out there, we went home and watched movies together. You were both determined to stay up until midnight to welcome 2016.  Luke made it, but Joshua was sound asleep by 10:45.  We DVR'd the ball dropping in New York City, and let him watch it the next day.  We tried to wake Joshua up at midnight, but he was very tired.

Bingo at Cruisin' Cousins 2016

We started the year with Cruisin' Cousins where all of the Litteken cousins get together and celebrate family. It is always a great time to catch up with everyone.  The boys played Bingo with their cousins.  (Thank you to cousin Marge for making the Bingo games and bringing fun prizes!)  Your Dad has a big family!  Grandpa Mort had 12 brothers and sisters.  That equals about 50 first cousins, their spouses, and so many more. There are lots of second and third cousins, too!  When you are a little older, you will get use to people always asking if you are related to one Litteken or another.  Chances are if they are from Clinton County, you are related somehow!

Second quarter ended at school, and I am so proud of you both.  Straight A's again for both of you.  You  two work very hard to learn as much as you can in school.  Joshua got to celebrate by taking a limo ride to McDonald's again this quarter.  What a nice treat just for doing the right thing.

Joshua's den singing the Pinewood Derby song

Joshua is so busy with school activities this year.  He started Read, Right, and Run earlier this month.  He has already been a member of the Environmental Club which meets twice per month after school.  Joshua meets with the Chess Club during one of his lunch times during the week.  And he is practicing to be Rafiki in The Lion King musical which they are performing in April!  This is all in addition to Cub Scouts, 4H, piano, and band.  Luke stays busy with Cub Scouts, 4H, and piano.  Both boys are looking                                                                                                                      forward to baseball season starting soon.

Joshua's Blue Race Car is in the second lane!

One highlight of the month was the annual Pinewood Derby.  Both of you worked hard on getting your cars ready.  Your cars were very fast!  Each of you spent time looking on the Internet for secrets and tips to make the fastest Pinewood Derby car.  Your cars were both fast and they looked awesome!  Luke was second place in his den and he won "Scout;s Choice."  That award is given to the owner of the car that most of the Scouts voted for!  What an honor!  Joshua's car was fast, too.  He placed 18th in the whole den!

Luke's Speed Racer is in the second lane!

I love you both more today than yesterday.

Isn't she cute?  

Love,
Mama