I don't like having secrets. Even more so, I don't like the 'ol, "I have a secret but I am not going to tell you." I figure if someone has a secret they can't/won't share, then they should just keep it all to themselves.
However, I guess there are times it is important to share that things are going on, just so people can understand.
That said, there is a LOT going on in our family right now. The last two months have been an amazing mix of emotions, faith-testing, God-seeking, hang-on-to-what-you-hold-dear type of stuff. It's all good, but it has been a little preoccupying. I can't share quite yet (I hate saying that!) but I just wanted to explain that my absence from the digi-world, from message boards, from scrapping, from emailing, etc. isn't just me flaking out. We have been really busy. Our time and emotions have been consumed with other things.
But rest assured there are GOOD THINGS happening. God is taking us on a faith walk and constantly reminding us that He is GOOD, that He LOVES us, that He designed us to be who we are. We're learning a lot, trusting a lot, praying a lot, and holding on tight...it's been a wild ride.
To be honest, I think the time "away" from my online life has been good for me. It is good to step back sometimes and observe from a distance. It has also helped me spend some time doing things I don't normally have time to do, spend time figuring out how I really WANT to spend my time, and figuring out how to be the ME that God made to the best of my ability.
I do miss scrapping, though.
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Yesterday we went to Hollywood Studios (formally MGM Studios). Someone had told us that the new TOY STORY ride was open so we wanted to check it out. Apparently the official opening isn't until May 31st, though, so we didn't get to ride. But it was good to get out anyway. We seemed to do quite a bit of waiting for things while we were there so I spent the time taking a few photos, continuing to work on getting exposure and focus right. I'm seeing an improvement but I still have a ways to go. Here are a few...
We had just visited with Handy Manny and Jason left to go get the strollers. There was an empty Character greeting spot right next to where we were so I thought I would snap a few with the fun colors. I asked Alaina to lay down so I could take her picture. She did...
And about two seconds later this is what I saw (totally unprompted!)
Then they were just being goofy...
And here is my favorite from the day. A little background though:
I saw these shoes at Target a few months back. I am not really into character stuff but Caleb loves all things CARS so much that I knew he would LOVE LOVE LOVE these. They didn't have his size. Since then, every time I have gone to Target I have looked to see if they had his size in. FINALLY, last weekend, I found some. Just as predicted, he adores them. Caleb, the kid who is Asian to his core and takes off his shoes the moment he enters the house, has kept these shoes on pretty much since he got them. He even SLEEPS in them! Gotta love when we make the kiddos happy!
Baby needs to eat....
Have a great weekend!
Love your photos Janet! Seriously, you're already looking like a pro!
Have a good weekend!
Posted by: Kresta | May 16, 2008 at 08:02 PM
Glad you had a fun family day - great pictures - the kiddos are just adorable!
Saying a little prayer for the situation you are going thru - God knows what it is and how to heal it! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!
Posted by: MandaKay | May 16, 2008 at 08:39 PM
You have great talent, Janet. I love seeing your photos! They inspire me to improve my photography as well. I enjoy hearing your heart, too, and how God is working in your life. Blessings to you and your family.
Posted by: Kara | May 16, 2008 at 11:20 PM
I'm cracking up about the Car shoes...we've been on the look out for a pair Paxtin's size (my youngest ds). Next time, I will buy them right away! LOL! Fantastic photos, Janet!
Posted by: Keela | May 17, 2008 at 07:55 PM
Such cute shoes & I love the beautiful pictures. Hope all is well, totally understand the busy part. I don't know what I'd do if I have 4 little ones, 2 are a handful for me. LOL!
Posted by: Vanessa | May 18, 2008 at 11:41 PM
((hugs)) I don't know what you're going through, but you can e-mail or call anytime. I love you bunches!
We are going through our own faith journey right now. There is a men's resident director position open at the college we went to and Tyler has been approached about it. We have prayed, sent a resume, and now are waiting to see what God has in store. It's definitely not how I have imagined life (a 600 sq foot apartment in the guy's dorm), but it could be one wild ride! (and, I think I'm just trying to see how much my life can be like yours! LOL!)
So, what have you been reading that's making your pics so incredible! I need to know!
Posted by: KellieP | May 20, 2008 at 01:44 AM