Who Knew Jupiter Could Be So Much Fun?

....Jupiter Florida that is. We gave the grandparents a break today and took a 30 minute drive south to The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary and DuBois Park/Lagoon. We hit the sanctuary first and since we have a resident animal lover in our family, it was a hit. We saw turtles, foxes, alligators, birds, owls, panthers, bears, skunks, and more. Only animals that call Florida home were there. After that we headed to the Lagoon to try and catch some creatures of our own. We were able to catch many different types of crabs, fish, and jellyfish. We also got to enjoy some sun and the water too. One of my favorite things was the recovered cannon that came from a sunken Spanish ship that sailed in the 1600. I can't remember the Spanish name, but it was something like the Archangel Michael. I just love history. (I can thank homeschooling for that!)

The warning sign outside the sanctuary. I was hoping there would be one for unattended parents!

All 3 enjoying the resident birds. 

The Florida Panther! There are only 75-100 wild ones left in existence.

Trying to hold the crabs. The crabs won!

Lifeguard Asher

We love climbing mangrove trees!

A Great Start to 2014!

We have been visiting Grandma Kathi and Grandpa Tom for 3 weeks. We have had so much fun and I could not think of a better way to spend the first day of the new year than fishing with them! We braved the pouring rain to head out and see what we could catch under the Jensen Beach causeway bridge. Even Uncle Ryan showed up. It really was unbelievable, as we must have caught 10+ fish. Josiah snagged a red snapper, and Isabel and Asher each caught a puffer fish. What's more, we even saw dolphins! They hung around and made an appearance for most of our time fishing. The sunset was beautiful and it was the perfect start to what I expect will be an amazing year.  

Josiah and his snapper

Grandma retaining her status as best ever!

Isabel and a fish with mega sharp teeth. Maybe a snapper as well.

Asher with one of his "shrimpie friends."

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands

Psalm 19:1

We are alive!

It has been well over a year since I have posted by this blog. I have spent time overwhelmed by homeschooling, grieving over another miscarriage, grieving losing the ability to have kids, recovering from surgery, celebrating birthdays, moving cities, working at our co-op, and much more. Mostly, I have just wanted to spend time being present with my family. I feel so blessed, just to be alive and to know that God loves me and has chosen me. I would say that Psalm 42 has kept me going many times this year. Especially this verse,

 Why are you cast down, O my soul,

    and why are you in turmoil within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,

    my salvation and my God. 

And I have come to praise Him again. I am trusting in His plan and it is so exciting as He allows me to see little things fall into place. I am so ready to see what He has planned for our family this year. 

Jason and me in Florida Jan 2014