Slade and Daisy really wanted Christmas lights on our house but Skylar was not so fond of the idea. He had many reasons why he didn't want them put up, (cost to buy them, cost of electricity, etc...) and so we didn't have any lights. Skylar even turned down an offer from his mom for free lights! Well, a few days after he passed away, the Tempe PD and Tempe FD surprised the kids and decorated our house with tons of lights! I think Skylar knew this would happen and that was why he didn't do it :)
I remember getting a text from my friend who lives two houses away and she had written that about 15 huge trucks just pulled up and she was wondering what was going on! It happened to be the amazing men who volunteered to put the lights up. They wanted to surprise the kids so we shut the blinds and kept them occupied inside while they worked....
Once they finished we had the kids close their eyes and took them outside. It was daytime but they were still very excited about their house having Christmas lights!! Slade could not believe that he had THREE reindeer in his yard!
The whole gang!
There was even an old friend in the crowd! Her name is also Kerry and she recently became engaged to a Tempe firefighter. We were in the same class at EVIT during high school and it was so nice to see her again.
The week that Skylar passed was very overwhelming for me, in good and bad ways. So many people served my family in various ways and even the smallest, most simple act of service had a huge impact on us. I know my children will never forget having Christmas lights put up on the house and to those of you who helped, I am so very thankful. Every night the kids were so excited to see the lights all lit up and Slade would make the comment that we had the "awesomest" house.
We also received many gifts from friends, family and Santa! Skylar and I were only able to collect books and a couple toys for the kids this year and that is all we had for them. To all of you who made Christmas the most amazing day for us, THANK YOU! I really can't find the right words to describe the level of gratitude I have. I cry when I think of all the people willing to help us out. It has been truly amazing. Thank you.
11 comments:
This is great. Iam so happy that you had such a nice surprise : ) When all else feels like it is going to pot people never seize to amaze you!
You dont know me but I found your blog from a friend of a friend and I also heard about your Husbands accident. I couldnt imagine what you are going through. My heart just breaks because I couldnt imagine what a nightmare this must be for you and your kids. But yet you are such a strong person. I am also LDS and am so grateful for the knowledge that we both have! Ever since I found out about the horrible accident I have kept you guys in our prayers. I hope you stay strong! Your such an inspiration to me!
Kari,
This is Elyse Hall (Ouellet) from high school. I heard about your husband and I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am. You have such an amazing attitude and perspective. You really are an inspiration to me. I would love to help in anyway, if there is anything you need AT ALL please email. contact@elysehall.com
I love that I got to witness Daisy and Slade's faces when they saw the lights for the first time. They are the cutest!
What an amazing extended family you have now with all the men and women in the fire department. They are truly something else.
Love you Kari! You are truly an inspiration to me as well and I am so proud to call you my sister.
Kari I have thought of you often and am glad to see you posted. What a wonderful surprise for the kids! Our house was the unlit house on the block this year! Maybe next year we will put lights up! The boys and I would love to plan a play date with you guys! The weather is gorgeous and the park is calling our name:) Let me know. megsaz@msn.com.
i am happy that you had a good christmas and that your kids did too. i bet your house looked pretty at night.i am glad to see you posted and loved reading your post. have a good day.
How sweet is that!! That is awesome!!
You seriously did have the "awesomest" house!! Thanks for coming over today and brightening my day!
Kari,
I am so glad that you are blogging again. I am so bad and don't do it often enough, but love catching up on all my friends :)
I think of you daily and continue to keep you in my prayers, as well. There's an urge in me that wants to stop by everyday to make sure you aren't in need of anything, but I know you are well taken care of. I would love to get together sometime and hear more about you and Skylar. We should try to do a girls night soon, at someone's house of course with all our kids :)
love ya and hope you are doing well. Your incredible ability to think of others at this time and thank them in what has probably been the darkest hours of your life at times, makes me want to cry. I am blessed to know you. I hope to be more like you and I truly mean that. lots of hugs xxxx
Kari how awesome about the Christmas lights! I love the service that people offer and how communities come together to help others. Glad you were able to have a nice Christmas, you deserve it. You are so awesome and I think of you everyday.
Wow! Your house looks amazing! What a wonderful surprise for your children! HUGS!!
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