Sunday, January 3, 2010

The Picture

This is just one of my many favorite pictures of Skylar. It was taken when we first found out we were pregnant with Maylee but hadn't told anyone yet. Skylar really didn't enjoy getting his picture taken but during this photo shoot, he was so cooperative, it was amazing! I'm so happy Kendyl was able to capture this photo of him. I just love those eyes!

I recently put this picture on my computer as my wallpaper and my kids are able to see it. Daisy saw it for the first time yesterday and yelled, "Daddy's alive!! Daddy's alive!!" It was a very hard moment for me while I had to explain that it was a picture of daddy and I put it on the computer so that we can see him everyday and remember him always. She seemed okay with that.
The kids and I are doing well. Its fun to hear the kids remember things about Skylar and we talk about him all the time. Slade is always telling me that because he can feel daddy in his heart and guts, that daddy is always eating his food all gone! I love it. Daisy told me just the other day that she can feel daddy too, where as before she was so sad because she didn't feel him in her heart. Maylee becomes so happy and does her shy smile everytime she sees a picture of Skylar. Those moments are the best.

18 comments:

Alisa said...

Thanks for sharing Kari. It's really cute what your kids are saying about Skylar. Slade was telling me the other night (at Christmas dinner) that his daddy catches grasshoppers for him and that they are his favorite bug. I'm glad they have those memories. Love ya lots.

codyandkristiboretsky said...

This is my very favorite picture of Skylar! I loved at the funeral when your Dad had us all look at this picture on the front of the program and said "He's got a secret..." Not only did I completely lose it(then and now as I type) but that moment and this picture will remain engrained in my head for my entire life! He has a secret but I know and you know what it is! He loves his life...he is completely happy with his life...he has it all figured out and it is so SIMPLE...he has a lovely, dedicated wife, perfect, healthy children, the gospel, a comfortable home, his dream job, wholesome hobbies, and everyone around him who love and respect him! What more can a guy want! May we all live by Skylar's example and enjoy the important things in our lives!

Tyler and Kendyl said...

I too am glad that he allowed me to capture this picture. I love that I remember taking it like it was yesterday. He was such a trooper and I know he did it just for you. I love that Slade and Daisy can feel him, I believe that with all my heart. I agree with Kristi and "may we all live by Skylar's example and enjoy the important things in life."
Love you Kari

Brandon and Camille Smithson said...

I also love what your dad said about Skylar's eyes at the funeral. His eyes tell such a story in that picture.

Lyndsay Winters said...

I will never understand how people could choose not to have children. The special, silly, sweet, funny and touching moments they share with us are worth more than anything :) I love you guys.

The Scotts said...

That is a very good picture and I love your kids stories. Thanks for sharing!!

Cortney said...

I don't think I could have said it better than Kristi. When I first saw the picture of Skylar I thought the same thing as your dad! I love your kids. They are truly beautiful and perfect, and I am so grateful to a Heavenly Father who will forever let their Daddy be by their sides and in their hearts. I heard Carrie Underwood's song on the radio today (the one I put on your CD) and along with the streaming tears it brought so much peace to my heart. You are beautiful and amazing Kari...I love that you can see the eternal perspective and positive in life, even through your pain. You and your family are a blessing to our lives. :)

Katie said...

Thanks for the post Kari. They bring so much peace to my heart. Ryan told me that Heavenly Father would take care of you and your kids, and I didn't understand how it could be done. Shame on me for doubting Him. I am so glad that they are able to see a picture of Skylar whenever they want, because he is always with them, even though they can't see him.

Traci said...

You are so sweet & your kids are SOO sweet too!

The Ayers Family said...

I love those kids! And I love you too!

Kelsey said...

What a great picture, for someone who didn't really know him I feel like it shows a lot about him. It's great! Your kids say the best things, I'm glad they feel their Daddy in their hearts and remember him always. Your family is amazing and even your children strengthen my testimony!

Eldredge Family said...

Hello Kari,

You do not know me but, I am Erin and Lyndsay's friend. Crystal (Reidhead) Eldredge. My 8 month old son passed away, 10 months ago from SIDS. I started laughing at Skylars funeral. Almost every picture I have of Sage he has the same look in his eyes that Skylar has. They have different color of eyes but the same "all knowing a secret look"! I looked at my husband and he was laughing. We have said all along "Sage knew something just by looking in his eyes"! I was happy that your Dad confirmed to us what we where all ready thinking about our own little guy. I have wondered what kind of man Sage might have grown up to be like. After, hearing all about Skyler I like to think that I have so much to look forward to with Sage. That if Sage did live he would be the alot like Skylar. I am praying for you and family.

I know that somehow Heavenly Father gives us the strength and wisdom in order to do the hard things. My other 4 children have had so many special experiences with Sage. Heaven has not been silent in our home these past 10 months! The children are so close the veil and how thankful I have been for that blessing in our life. I do not mean to ramble on and on.....I just know that no words can really help, just know that people are thinking about you and praying for you. I hope you feel the peace and comfort that Heaven sends.
Have a good day today.
Crystal Eldredge

Mariley Johnson said...

Hi Kari.
I just want you to know how much i admire your courage as you write about your little family during this time.
It is so sweet to hear about the tender moments of heaven in your home. Thanks for sharing.
We're praying for you.
Mariley

PCox said...

Hi Kari,
I'm so happy I stumbled upon your blog a few days ago since you've been so heavily on my mind. My husband spoke so highly of Skylar and it's so gerat to see what an impact he had on so many lives. I'm sure there are many many tough moments for you but it's moments like these with your children that remind you what you have to look forward to with him in the future when your time comes. I believe whole-heartedly that he'll protect your children and they'll always be able to feel him. Hang in there and be comforted knowing that so many people are praying for you.

From, One Firefighter's Wife To Another

Heather said...

That is a perfect picture of skylar! your kids are so cute and always remembering their daddy. glad to hear that you are all doing good.

Shaun Nansel Whipple said...

Great picture and awesome stories. I love what Kristi wrote. She is a wonderful friend!

Kelly said...

Thanks for being so open in your blog, Kari. It takes courage, but I also hope it give you some strength as you write. We think of your family all the time and wish we had the answers for you. But I know that it's a private journey you and your kids are on now with the Lord and with Skylar. Hang in there.

Jacob said...

Kari~

We too agree with Kristi and Cody. Those were the perfect words! We love you and your beautiful kids! Isn't it so great to have those memorable moments with our kids?!

We love you!
The Schlinks