Ice Fishing and Family Fun

Last night my mighty fishermen returned from lake Charlotte. It was a warm day for Minnesota at 35 above. Every man woman and child must have been on the lake. I opted out due to a slow recovery from a virus. 

My son counted over a hundred ice houses yesterday on our neighboring lake. I could just imagine the set of Grumpy old Men back in the day. If you want a good likeness of how things are really done while ice fishing, that movie is very accurate. Although I can't vouch for the content. It's been years since I've seen it.

They ended up bringing home several crappies (pronounced CROPPIE) and a northern pike a friend didn't want. I can almost taste the fish frying! Yum! It was a great outing for our two youngest sons. Their Grandpa and his dear wife shared the day with them. We had the pleasure of eating dinner with them and playing some board games afterwards. It was a wonderful day for all of us. 

I'm grateful for extended family to share our lives with. Even though we don't believe the same way as far as religion goes, we have a deep love and respect for each other and enjoy spending time with each other. 

Sally has been the greatest support to our boys and is their step grandma. It's heartwarming to hear Matthew tell us that she's sent him another care package in Russia. All the family enquires about both our sons and how their doing.

 This week we find out how Elder Otis's journey to Siberia goes. He's being transferred and has to travel two days by train to the coldest part of his mission area. It's so cold that your eyelashes gather ice after only a few minutes outside. Brrrr! A far cry from Elder Otis's area in Los Angeles. But both our boys are changing lives and learning so much about themselves. Jason has two Alex's that wish to be baptized soon. He has such a huge capacity for love of his fellow man. He's sees past the the exterior and finds his brother or sisters heart within. 

This week, I have a writing goal. After months of writers block, I'm going to work on my novel. I could sure use your prayers at this time.

Quote of the day:

"Reach out to help one another. All of us need help from time to time. We need encouragement. We need friends who will stand by us through thick or thin. I ask each of you to be that kind of friend." ~Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley