Fish Houses and Winter

Thought I would put some pictures out here on how our winter has been this year. We've probably had about 50 inches of snow which isn't that bad but it's been so stinking cold that it hasn't melted. I keep thinking we still have about 2 - 2.5 months before we'll see the ground and I mean without snow. I'm really hating this northern MN winter life.



Here is a picture of Max when we went outside 1 day. His paws were getting pretty cold - he's lifting the 1 paw as it was freezing up on him.

This is a view from my office window at home. We had 6 fish houses out in the bay this year. The ice is about 20 inches thick. Alot of weekend activity with people driving their cars out there and fishing in the open (no houses). The houses have to be off the lake the last week in February or first part of March.

The last 2 nights we've had -13 temps at night. I made chili this week and instead of putting it in the frig I just put it out on the deck. Frozen solid in the morning.

This Sunday Clayt and I are becoming members of Bethany Lutheran church in Nevis. It is a small church but is a wonderful church. We started going to it last October. The first Sunday there was new members Sunday. I could tell immediately this was the church we were meant to join. I thought we should just cut to the chase and go to the front of the church and join with the others on that day but we went through the usual routine and will join this week.

I joined the Hannah Bible Study circle. They are the 'working women' as the other circles have the retired ladies in their group. It's a very fun group with a wide range in ages. We're reading the book 'Facing your Giants' by Max Lucado. I'm really enjoying it. I highly recommend it.

Please continue to say a prayer for my niece Jaclyn. Chemo and radiation are going well for her. I love her and her family so much. I know Jaclyn's giant is her cancer. There is a saying in the book that I really like...

Focus on giants -- you stumble

Focus on God -- your giants tumble

www.caringbridge.com/visit/jaclynguthmiller

Take care - talk to you later...

Jaclyn - My Hero

The last 10 days have been a whirlwind for my niece, my Godchild, my Hero - Jaclyn. On 01/15/09 she was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cervical cancer. The next 2 days involved CT and MRI scans in Sioux Falls (SF) and then by the grace of God, her sister Katie was able to setup 2nd opinion appointments at the Mayo Clinic in AZ on 01/20. But first, on 01/19 Jaclyn had a PET scan in SF and then the Guthmiller family and my twin sister, Coleen (Jaclyn's mom) all boarded a plane to AZ. The next few days were a blur for Jaclyn and Judd. Judd took notes and Katie was medical interpreter. Jaclyn unfortunately was the patient. Jaclyn started chemo Friday 01/23 and Saturday 01/24. Sunday was a day of rest and on Monday 01/26 she goes in for her radiation prep work. They all head back to SF on Monday afternoon. Life as they once knew it is now different. Follow Jaclyn's story at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jaclynguthmiller
Jaclyn is a very strong woman and just amazing. She has a very nice family with the 2 most adorable little boys. Her husband is a fun person albiet a dry sense of humor but he is her 'rock' and will do whatever he has to help her through this. He was a devoted husband before this came to be so what he has done for her in the last 2 weeks is no surprise.
Katie and Josh (Jaclyn's sister and husband) have opened their home to the whole crew and with their 2 young boys they have given Jaclyn a chance at treatment that most people wouldn't get.
My sister Coleen and my other sister Jan that lives nearby in Cave Creek have been the designated nannies for the week. Wow, 4 boys under the ages of 2.5 years old. I bet that was one busy house every day! From all accounts everything was under control. I guess Jakob is enjoying wearing shorts (opposed to jeans and winter coats) and asked Aunt Katie if he could wear shorts again. What a bonding time for those 4 little boys.
Here is the Christmas picture the Guthmiller's sent out this year. I just love it. A picture of health and love.

Please pray for Jaclyn and her family as they go through this horrible journey. May God bless them with good health. I love you Jaclyn - you're my hero!