Caden suits up for varsity!

Caden learned last evening that he would be suiting up for varsity for tonight's game. This was exciting news for him. He understood that actual playing time would be minimal or more than likely none, but he was happy non-the-less. So, we played Lyons tonight and had a pretty good lead throughout the entire game. 5 min left in the 4th quarter, and Caden goes in! Of course, I wasn't expecting this at all, so I didn't have the camera with me. He finished the game having 2 great shot attempts which was awesome! All in all, he got his chance to play with the big boys and he did reasonable well. I am proud!

Goodbye 2009. Hello 2010!

Happy New Year! It's 2010, and I'm excited for what this year holds. I'm pretty sure it will just fly by, so I plan to take it all in and enjoy myself. My brother is finally in Dallas with his family! We are just thrilled to have them closer! I think they are planning a trip to KS this month as Steph starts her new job in Feb. Steve will be on the hunt for a job. He is ready to get back to work for sure. As for Miss Mia, she is growing fast! I hear that she has been getting more ornery also. I can't wait to see her, it's been 3 mos...too long indeed. I don't see how anyone would want to discipline that sweet little thing...lol.

Well, only a few more days off from work and school around here. Then it's back to the old bump and grind. Kids go back on Tues. They've been staying up till the wee hours of the morning and sleeping till after noon everyday. I've actually enjoyed the quiet mornings with Michael out hunting and the kids snoozing.

Lastly, we experienced a "first" this past week. On New years eve, Caden drove ALONE to his Aunt Kristy's house. This was a little frightening for me as I watched him back out of the driveway and go around the corner. Ha! Their house is literally AROUND THE CORNER! Anyway, I was nervous and proud to say the least. Now I know what my mom was going through every time we left the house. Bless her heart!

Wishing you all a blessed 2010 full of love, joy, and happiness!

Christmas Letter 2009

December 2009

Are you like me? Do you blink and it’s Christmas again? I know I say this every year, but I really feel like I just sent out these letters not too long ago. It has been a wonderful and busy year for us. Kids are growing up leaving us adults to quieter times at home. This time of year is always a little crazy with basketball games, band and vocal concerts, parties (Christmas and birthday), and just the awesome festivities of the Christmas season. We hope this letter finds you and yours healthy and happy this Christmas.

Caden is a sophomore and is turning 16 in a little over a week. He was a varsity letterman in football and is playing JV basketball. Wildcat singers and band occupy some of his extra time, and he was selected to District choir again this year. He earns a little income by umpiring in the summer and refereeing youth basketball. He is excited for a missions trip to Peru in June 2010. His highlight this year was seeing his Steelers play in KC.

Kobe just turned 12 and is a 6th grader. He had a great football season and has started basketball. Hard to believe this is our last year for youth sports. Kobe plays the piano and trombone, but his newest passion is the electric guitar. He loves music and was so excited to be recently selected for honor choir.

Mia, my beautiful niece, turned 1 in Sept. We were able to fly to Cali to celebrate with her. This past summer, we made the 35 hr road trip through the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Vegas, LA, San Fran, and Yosemite. It was a long trip, but we got to see Steve, Stephanie, and of course, Mia. We are looking forward to them being closer as they are moving to Dallas this month. I know my mom is excited for sure but, she really did enjoy her many trips to the sunny state of California over the past year.

The girls are growing up fast. Sara (16), and Valerie (15), both had great volleyball seasons. Emily (12) is the only one playing basketball this year. Sara manages to be a responsible driver and all three girls are a little “boy crazy”. We don’t get to spend as much time with them as we would like, but they are turning into gorgeous and confident young women.

Michael is still working for Agco is Hesston. The company has laid off many employees, but so far he is still safe. He is currently off for a 2 month shut down, but is keeping busy with our roofing company and our bathroom remodel. I really don’t want to talk about the remodel. This is a happy letter… He is enjoying his time off hunting as well. I am still working 3 days for Dr. Jensen in Hutchinson. Most of my extra time is occupied with the kids’ activities and sports. I realize that my time with them is short, so I try enjoy every moment I can. I get to travel to Peru with Caden in June, and am really looking forward to sharing this experience with him!

God has truly blessed our family this year. We know that no matter what happens, God is good. We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a great 2010!

Love,

Michael & Kim Caden & Kobe Sara, Valerie, & Emily

Read our family blog - klittlejohn2008.blogspot.com

Caden 15
Kobe 11

Valerie 15
Emily 12
Sara 16

Mia age 1
photo taken by Aaron East

Caden's Sweet 16!

So, Caden turned 16 yesterday! Last Friday was the last day of school till the new year, so we decorated the yard in honor of my oldest child. It was adorned with skunks and a sign saying, "Our little stinker Caden is turning 16!". I still can't believe he is that old. I remember his childhood like it was yesterday. He always wanted you to look at him and what he could do. He loved being photographed and especially videoed. When Kobe came along and Caden had to share in the spotlight, he had a time adjusting. He loved his baby brother and was always looking out for him (not always the case nowadays). Even though I am sad to see him grow up, I am proud of his wonderful compassion for life and those he cares about.

Caden had his first bball game last night. He is playing JV. They played @ Clearwater and lost by 6. Caden had 6 pts.

Kobe's 1st 6th gr game is today. Hopefully he will be able to use what he's been working on, the drop step.

This evening is Caden's mixed choir KMEA performance. He has been @ WSU all day practicing.

Happy Thanksgiving! Unless your name is Kobe.

So, Kobe is sick. He has strep and is down for the count. Non-functional, and in pain. I feel so bad for him. I have had my share of this sickness until I finally had my tonsils removed when I was 25. Haven't had it since. Not sure how he got it. We went to the KC - Steelers game last weekend. Did some shopping in Lawrence and in KC. Could have been exposed pretty much anywhere. Praying the antibiotics kick in SOON. Poor guy.

Non-the-less, I am so thankful for my family and loved ones. We have lost some dear ones this past year. But the memory of them still lives strong in our hearts. We are blessed to have so many of our family and friends nearby. God has led us to a wonderful church and some amazing pastors. We have a place to call home, food on the table, and clothes on our backs. Thanks be to God for the greatness in our lives!

Kobe is 12!

Twelve years ago today I gave birth to my youngest son. I can remember it like it was yesterday. He was a good baby, and loved to watch his older brother dance and jump around him. He's grown into a young man whose sensitive side makes him an awesome kid! He got straight A's this quarter, is musically skilled in piano, guitar, and trombone, and is friend to many! He just learned he made honor choir after auditioning in sept. I am proud and full of joy to have him as my son!

Both boys have started basketball. I was unable to attend Caden's football award banquet cuz of a CE trip to Vegas. He earned a letter this year, which was great! Caden was also selected for district choir which is a big accomplishment!

Thanksgiving is a week away, with Christmas not far behind. Time is a flyin by! Birthdays definitely make you realize that...