Outdoor Fun!

The past couple of weekends we were able to do so many fun things but only because of my very best friend Leslie. The first weekend we went snowtubing at the Badlands in Hudson, WI. We all had a blast (of course Jon stayed home with Dad). It was a lot of work just getting up the hills with one of the kids. Eventually Aniella and Jacob were (somewhat) doing it themselves and braving going down the hill alone! We were sore and worn out the next day but it was well worth it. We can't wait to do it again...next year!
Then, this past weekend Aniella went to visit my mom in St. Cloud. So, Leslie and I decided to take Jacob and Jon to my dad's cabin for some snowmobiling. We all tried to go...Grandpa Steve, Grandma Jan, Leslie, myself, Jacob and Jon! Jon was not enjoying this at all so Grandpa and Grandma headed back to the cabin and the rest of us headed out on the trails. We went for a few hours on Sat and a few hours on Sun. Part of the time Leslie and I were able to go just the two of us and went to lunch in Balsam Lake. It was a great time.
It's a great blessing to have Leslie in our life. Not just because of all the fun that we have but because she's alway there when I need her. She's the kind of friend who understands you better than you understand yourself and is still my friend in spite of so many things. She also loves my kids a lot and my kids love her too!

Prayer for my Brother

I said goodbye to one of my very best friends today. My brother will be gone for at least 2 years while he serves time for violating his probation. He's not a criminal but he did make a few too many mistakes while trying to quit drinking. He has struggled with this for so many years and so many people have been hurt in his path trying to help him. Without alcohol he's an amazing person and would do just about anything for anyone. Lately, he's been saying "I can fix just about anything, but I can't seem to fix myself". This statement is very true. He has a great heart but along the path of his life there have been hurts that he, for some reason, can't seem to get over. Most people have good coping methods and can stay strong no matter what life throws their way but then there are the select few that don't know how to cope at all and so they don't or just can't. So, I'm praying for my brother that he comes out on the other side of the next two years healed, with a strong character, at peace with himself and with the world and ready to start over.