Schmidt Family Stories: November 11th

Today, I'm continuing my post from yesterday. I'm so thankful for family. I wrote about our parents yesterday, and today I'm thankful for our grandparents and other family.

Randy doesn't have his grandparents like I do, as most have passed. His Grandma Altman, whom he was closest to passed away in 2005. She was the sweetest and funniest person you'll meet. She loved my Randy, and didn't mind telling you so. Towards the end of her life, she suffered from Alzheimers and Parkinsons. She would tell me the two same stories about Randy as a child, and I loved hearing them every time. She loved my Randy, which made me love her even more than I did on my own. I know she loved me. We miss her, and I wish so badly she could know Aniston and Aniston could know her. They'd hit it off, I feel sure.

I am lucky enough to still have my grandparents, and even one set of Great Grandparents. My PawPaw McCreary and Earlene are still living strong, and such sweet people. I have such fond memories of him as a child, and him telling stories about playing golf. I love to be around him because he makes you feel so loved. I just wish we could see them more.

Here we are in 2008. Love this picture!

Minnie and Pops are my dad's parents. We love them! Naturally, I am closer to my Minnie because we can do the girl thing. One of my all time favorite things to do in life is to be with Minnie, shopping, crafting, sewing, and creating. I say this, like I'm the one doing it.. mostly I just order the finished product and she creates it. I ask questions and learn along the way... like I'll ever do it myself. I doubt it! I just wish I got to spend more time there with them both.

Here they are at their 50th Anniversary Party!

Mammaw and Pappaw are my Mom's parents. We love them! In recent years, I personally have grown closer to my Pappaw. He has stepped in and been a father to me, and Mal. They are both such great examples of amazing character, grace and faith. I have learned a lot from them, especially about my faith and my relationship with God. I cherish time I get to spend with them, just like with Minnie and Pops. Most recently, I got to spend a few days in Amarillo when my Pappaw had his lung surgery. I helped nurse him back to health, and take care of him. I even helped him do a few breathing treatments. I'll forever cherish this time I got to spend there. I just wish it happened more often.

Here we are, Mothers Day 2009.

We have so much great family. I have cousins that are like brothers and sisters. I'm so close to Aunts and Uncles. We are so blessed to have the family we do. Some people don't even know their family, and we are all so close to ours.

Right now, today, I'm specifically thankful for my Aunt Gillis. She has always been one of my favorite people on earth. I have always LOVED getting to be around her. She has always been there for me, and supported me at every part of my life. She was there to support me at my college graduation, she helped me decorate for my wedding, and she was there at my baby shower for Aniston. She helped me help Mal plan for her wedding, she and Minnie made all the decorations for the reception, we all sat at my kitchen table and assembled wedding invitations for hours. Nevermind you, we always have a blast together, so it's not like work. Most recently, she helped Mal plan my baby shower for Landrie, which I must say, was the most amazing event I have ever witnessed, much less been blessed enough to have thrown for me. She has also, single handedly made the bedding and designed the most beautiful nursery for Landrie. I like every idea she has, and I've never seen such perfection and skill when it comes to sewing. She is very talented. Also, she's just as OCD as me, which is critical.

Here we are at my shower...