2 Things on my Mind Today

As my title suggests, there are 2 things on my mind today. Or maybe I should say "people" instead of "things." I guess I could even be more specific and refer to them as different parts of my family.

First off, today is my niece Adelynne's 4th birthday.

Now, despite any prejudices, I have to say that I have 4 absolutely ADORABLE nieces. They each come with different and exciting (most of the time) personalities. My oldest brother Mark has 2 daughters (and a baby on the way!!!); their names are Heather Lynne and Kathryn (Katie) Renee. Heather is 6, and Katie is 2 1/2. My sister Tracy also has 2 daughters: Adelynne Irene and Amy Elizabeth. They are my pride and joy. There is nothing greater than being an aunt.

Adelynne, Katie, Amy, Heather

Now, all 4 of these little angels are special, but today I want to talk about why Adelynne is special to me.

One reason that Adelynne is special is because of her mother, my sister. Tracy is amazing! I couldn't ask for a better big sister and best friend. We have our differences, but she is the best example to me. I love that we were able to share so much together while growing up. I missed her so much when she went away to college, but was happy that we got to spend a few years together at the university as well. The hardest thing for me when I decided to go on a mission, was knowing that I was leaving my sister (and her new baby). (Little did I know that it would be even more difficult when I returned and she no longer lived just down the street.) I feel like I am not myself without her. I don't feel like anyone can understand me better than she does, nor does anyone accept me for who I am the way that she does (and Joe too!). I truly have been blessed!

When Tracy was going into labor, I was in California; I had just finished spring term at BYU, and went home to work on mission papers. My mom and I were planning to drive out to Utah for the baby's arrival, but I had already decided that I wasn't going to stay in the room for the delivery. I don't do well with pain, and I REALLY don't do well when I see my sister in pain, so I planned to just wait outside for the bundle of joy to make her entrance. It turned out that my mom and I left California around midnight and travelled all night long. We got to the hospital just as they were giving Tracy the epideral. For the next few hours we played games and talked and did who knows what. I remember when nurses would come in to check on her, they would try and hide things from me because they figured I would be uncomfortable with my sister in her current "condition." Little did they know that we had shared a room our entire lives, and there wasn't anything to be embarrassed about. Mom and I both took naps on the windowsills, and when I finally woke up, I woke up to my sister being in labor. There were nurses and doctors coming in and out and no way for me to leave the room without getting in the way. So I stayed put and was actually present when Adelynne was born.

It was the most beautiful experience of my life. She brought with her such a strong spirit from our Heavenly Father. I was surprised to find myself with tears rolling down my cheeks. She was beautiful and precious.
When I was in the MTC over Christmas a few months later, my sister made me the most amazing Christmas gift ever - a book capturing the few moments that Adelynne and I were able to be together before I left. I still cry every time I read it:

I remember all of those short, special moments with her as a small infant. I remember playing the piano with her and putting her in my luggage. I remember cuddling with her on the floor. This last picture of her is from after my mission. I just think it's so cute to compare with the one from the book.
Ok, so that is my "Ode to Adelynne." I'm wishing I could be back in CA today celebrating with the family. I haven't even been away from them for a week, and I miss them already.

Happy Birthday Adelynne!

Like I said, there is another part of my family that is on my mind today. This part of my family, however, is not actually blood related. Today, I'm thinking about my Schram Family - Peter, Lucy, Quincy, Braedon, Samantha, and Zabrina Jade.

I have a long, interesting, and very unique relationship with this family. Lucy was my middle school band teacher. She had just married Peter the summer before she started teaching at Magnolia Intermediate School. My mom actually took our family to the board meeting when she was hired. Band was the first time that Tracy and I had class together. I thought Lucy was the greatest teacher in the world. For a first impression, I thought Pete was a little strange, and funny too. In 8th grade, I really started to get to know them better, and spent time out of class with them. I cried when I had to go to high school because I adored them so much.

Greatfully, middle school wasn't the end of our relationship. Quincy was born right before I started my sophomore year of high school. I started babysitting him when he was only a week old. He loved me! And I loved it! We had so much fun together! Braedon was born my senior year, while I was student teaching with Lucy. They were MY BOYS! I was their Mamy.

After I graduated, my family moved and I went away to school. But we stayed in touch. There were almost weekly phone calls, letters, emails, post cards, and I visited as often as I could. One Christmas break Pete and I surprised Lucy and I stayed with them for a week. And for one summer, I lived with them for 2 months. That was when Lucy was pregnant with Samantha.

Me dancing with Samantha at my wedding

I loved wrestling with the boys and having water fights. I got to be a part of Quincy's birthday party and we went on outings together. Pete and I even played tuba together in the community band. They were my support when I had my heart broken, and they continued to encourage me in my life's goals. They also helped me draw even closer to my parents, and develop an even greater appreciation for all that my mom and dad have done for me. I got to attend Quincy's soccer games and even go with him to his first day of kindergarten. I still remember when his teacher was meeting the family. She turned to me and asked who I was. Pete quickly responded, "This is our Amy; everyone should have one." Just by chance, I was also in town to pick Q up from his last day of kindergarten. He was surprised! He waited ever so impatiently to get his teacher's attention to tell her, "This is my Amy."

My cousin's son Thomas, with Braedon and Quincy being helpful at my wedding reception

I remember the heartbroken look on Peter's face when he learned that he couldn't actually be at my wedding ceremony, because I was choosing to be married in the LDS temple. I also remember all the questions he and Lucy had about me going on a mission. There was so much concern and hope and love that I felt from them as we said goodbye.

With Quincy, Braedon, and Samantha for the last time before going on my mission

It was right before I left the MTC that I received a letter from Lucy that she was expecting baby #4. No matter what I did, I couldn't convince them to name her Amy.

Nowadays, I don't see the Schram family very often. Nor do I talk to them on the phone or email them as much as I should. And today, of all days, it's effecting me a little more. I tried to get in touch with them while I was home visiting for 2 weeks, but unfortunately it didn't work out. Today I got a phone call from Pete. He updated me on the past year, school for the kids, work, activities, all that sort of thing. I can't believe how old all the kids are getting - they are growing up and I'm missing it.

Pete also told me that he and the boys were in a bad car accident. They hit a semi going 55mph. Thankfully, the boys weren't injured. But Pete had to be life-flighted to the hospital, spent the first day undergoing surgeries, and then another week in the hospital for recovery. The news makes my heart ache. I'm ever so grateful that he is alive, and still ever-so concerned.

I know writing this blog post does nothing to help the Schram family, but I feel like it is helping me. I enjoy writing about memories and people that are special to me. It helps me feel closer to them; it helps my heart express what I can't verbally.

Get Well Soon Pete!