Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Family pictures

 
 
Back in the very beginning of  July we got all dolled up and had our pictures taken.
 
You might remember the last time we got pictures taken... I LOVE these because this was when Andy was still Andy... when he was walking and talking and throwing the boys around. These pictures hang in my bedroom and I see them everyday.
 
And these new pictures are no different... I am in love with these too... probably because this was one of the final times the Captain was really feeling ok... and because these are most likely our very last family pictures ever.
 
 Rachel Vanoven is the talent behind the lens. She was fantastic. I cannot say enough about these pictures, about how they capture the boys personalities... about how I am SO THANKFUL that I have ones of Andy with the boys, with me...
about how The Captain smiled and cried when he saw them.

She took  A TON... so I have lovingly narrowed it down to 16 for your viewing pleasure.








 










~swoon~ ... right?
 

14 comments:

Emily said...

These are so beautiful, Cari!

Hockeygirl said...

Omgosh...what beauty shows in those pictures...loving your family today and everyday

Maryellen said...

Lovely photos - wonderful memories to cherish. Continuing in prayer for you all.

Lindsey said...

Love these, Cari. (The Captain and I had the same reaction.)

Julie : ) said...

What Lindsey said....

Anonymous said...

These are amazing. You look great. Love the hair color.

Krystle [krystleraeholt@gmail.com] said...

Oooof, I've been following your journey for several years, just haven't ever commented. I used to have a blog of my own, Snarky Kisses... but it went inactive and I just never renewed it. I didn't back it up (SO MAD AT MYSELF FOR NOT DOING THIS!!!!!!!!), so the only way I can look at my past, is through the Way Back Machine (you can go back and read posts from 2009-2014 if you choose, you just have to click on the year and then the specific day on the calendar - https://web.archive.org/web/*/http://snarkykisses.com/) ...feel free to check it out if you want (I'm telling you this, so you don't think I'm some crazy random person just commenting on your blog! It's only fair you can get to know me, or have the choice to read a little more about me!)

Every month or two, sometimes less, sometimes more, the word "Captain" pops into my head for absolutely no rhyme or reason or I read the word Captain somewhere and I think of you guys.

Today was no different... the last time I checked in on you guys, your last post was "The last 4 weeks in Insta's" on May 21st, 2014. I remember reading it and my heart breaking seeing the picture of Andy in bed, and then him working with a therapist. Today, about an hour ago (2:00pm CST), as I sat here at my desk at work, there was something that made think of you guys, and I went straight out to my "bloglovin" feed that I never (very rarely) check. I noticed there were a few new posts since May, so I scrolled all the way down to the one right after it... which was "the starting line" on June 15th... and, I read the next... and, the next, leading up to the one you posted yesterday, and I'll be the first to say... I'm sitting here at my desk at work, silently in tears, holding a kleenex up to my nose so I don't sniffle like a crazy person. Your "hard things" post on August 5th... the picture of him waving at the door. I can't even. My eyes just welled up with tears again just thinking about it. Then, you having to explain to him that he wasn't going home with you guys and him asking what was wrong with him. Oh my God. I can't. And, then the post from this last Monday, "The past couple weeks" ...I just can't imagine. Seeing the pictures of him outside in his wheelchair and the people surrounding him; followed by the picture of one of the boys hugging him as he slept...

I'm a big blubbery mess just thinking about the things you're dealing with; and I know, I don't even know what it's like living your life even 5% of the time... but, just know, I will be praying for you guys, and for Captain to be at peace and the boys and you... your family pictures that you had done in July, absolutely precious. The smile from Andy in the last picture, just gets me... with him and his boys.

Maybe this is so emotional for me, because I see characteristics of my husband in Andy, and seeing a big tough daddy laying in a bed, helpless, and changing by the minute... and I think about the "stupid" pointless arguments my husband and I have every now and then, and the little bickering... and the nagging on my part... I am overwhelmed at the thought of knowing we are never promised tomorrow. This really hits home for me, and I can't explain it... life is precious, the little things matter... and I am praying for you all... for peace, comfort, and the loving arms of God wrapped around all of you as Captain makes his journey, whenever that may be. God Bless.

Anonymous said...

Fabulous pictures!
cindy

Andy and Cari said...

Thank you, Krystle. This brought a smoke to my face. It was encouraging too. I know the Gos wastes nothing... But to know that He us using this to touch lives... To give perspective... It reminds me that He has a purpose and He is faithful.

KR said...

They are amazing!!!!

Ruth said...

Beautiful!

Penny said...

The pics are amazing! Once again, I am in awe of your family and find my heart breaking, too, over everything you have been through since losing Caden and what you are facing now. Prayers and hugs....

Anonymous said...

Oh Cari, I wish I could bottle you up and keep you in my pocket all day. No matter what this dark world throws my way, I can follow your blog and it brings hope. I keep a journal with my favorite scripture and uplifting quotes that help heal my soul. You have been entered into my journal. Your strength and faith give so much encouragement to mommas, wives and woman everywhere. Please allow me to buy you a cup of coffee the next time you return to LifePoint.
Amy White

Anonymous said...

Love your precious pictures! I am praying for your sweet family!