By Quiet Waters

Embracing the Full, Hard and Good Life, While Pausing Often by Quiet Waters

Where to Eat in the Florida Keys

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Where to Eat in the Florida Keys?

Eating on Vacation

During our Florida Keys Vacation we found a vacation house rental, and for the first time, eating on vacation was an absolute pleasure.  No stress about hotel breakfasts or blowing the budget on eating out.  Instead, we prepared most of our meals at the house.  We had a good breakfast every morning, loaded a cooler for each day’s lunch and often ate dinner in.  I LOVED being able to choose when to go out for a meal and enjoyed each of those meals so much more than if we were juggling food from hotel rooms.  This is the house we rented.  It was fantastic!

aruba beach cafe

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Beaches & Snorkeling at John Pennekamp

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The beaches and snorkel trips that we discovered on the Florida Keys added so much fun and adventure to our family vacation to the Sunshine State.  Florida is a long ways from our home state, and airfare is usually quite steep for this biggish family.  But I discovered some great priced flights through Spirit and a plan was put into place!

Spirit Airlines

One of the biggest reasons our family vacationed at the Florida Keys was that my husband has great memories from a trip he took before he and I married.  So we packed up and 7 of us headed south for a glorious week of sunshine and salt life.

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Bishop’s Castle, A Unique Colorado Stop

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Bishop's Castle

A Unique Colorado

Bishop’s Castle is a unique Colorado destination, located in the San Isabel National Forest.  The first time I visited was many years ago, with my mom and three younger daughters.  All my memories of that day are clouded by the concern/fear that someone was going to fall.  Recently I decided to go back and make a good memory, taking those same 3 younger daughters, who are now all teens.  If you visit Bishop’s Castle with young children, I recommend a 1:1 adult to child ratio.  There are steep staircases and some sway to the structure.

There is the interstate/highway route that one can take to reach the castle, but for the long exhale and beauty of a mountain drive, I suggest that you take the Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway.  It is about an hour and half drive, and stunningly beautiful.  Pack a picnic, or plan to stop at one of the few towns along the way for lunch.  You probably need about 2 hours at the castle, but definitely could make the visit in a shorter space of time.Continue Reading

Step into My Shoes

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Step into My Shoes

Summertime, Sum Sum Summertime!

Summertime, a wonderful time of year with a gentler pace for many families. Away from the schedules and demands of the school year there is time to explore and experience different things together as a family and individually.

Below you will find some ideas I used when my children were young.  By refreshing this blog post now, you have some ideas to percolate while counting down to this school year’s finish line.

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Extraordinary Leadership

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What is extraordinary leadership and what difference can it make?  In a society full of the tension of extreme changes how do we prepare the next generation to not only soar, but also to lead?  As a mom of teenagers I am asking these questions and more.  It is our desire (my husband and I) to  not only raise up children who are whole and able, but also people who will be able to take their place in society, with extraordinary skills in walking along others and also leading others to a bright and wholesome future.

rushingwaters

Extraordinary Leadership

What is extraordinary leadership?  There are likely many definitions that I could place here, but what I believe simply is this.  Extraordinary leadership is leading others wholeheartedly, pursuing the good of others, and the glory of God.  To do this takes heart, mind, soul, and strength.  Much like we are to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, to love and lead others it takes the same.Continue Reading

Prepared for Adulthood

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Un Prepared for Adulthood

Emerging from a childhood full of abuse and neglect, I was  not prepared for adulthood.  The years of abuse left me broken and troubled, the neglect left me unequipped emotionally, intellectually, spiritually and practically.  Sadly, rather than inspiring 20 something me to strive for a better life, instead I wasted many years in rebellion.  With tremendous gratitude for the gift of new life, I press on now, seeking to forget those wasted years and pursue days worthy of the gift I have been given, a full and rich life, a healthy and delightful family.

prepared for adulthood

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