Farewell to Chris and Ang

 June 2025

It's unreal that these two are really heading to west Africa for three years as mission leaders of the Cote d'Ivoire West mission.  Chris and I became good friends during our teen years. Angelique was my best friend who moved from Odessa when she was starting thirteen or fourteen. We stayed close through letters, phone calls (that cost money per minute back in the day!), and by visiting each other during summer or winter breaks. 

We all staggered our first year at BYU: Chris 1989-90, Ang 90-91 and me 91-92.  Chris and Ang basically fell in love through letters when he was on a missionary in France. Ang and I were roommates the spring term of my freshman year. We then worked as Academy for Girls counselors together June and July of 1992 before they were married in August. We have raised our children together. We've gone on couple vacations and family vacations together. We have served in the same ward together almost our entire adult lives. We've hung out almost every Sunday night since we moved to Odessa in August 2000. It's really hard to imagine life in Odessa without Chris and Angelique in Odessa. They will be fantastic mission leaders, and they will be missed.

Lft-rt, Back row: Thomas Pitt, new French speaking convert Chris helped teach, Grandpa (Steve Vore), Aileen & Alan Pitt, Laurel & David King, John & Shari Martin (Ang's parents), Britney & Adam Bird, Kerry Vore, Hudson Bird, Brian & Erin Gwilliam  On couch: Megan & Adam Vore, Chris holding grandson Noah & Angelique Vore, Holden and baby Olivia Vore & mama Courtney Rogers, Erin, Kaide & Tanner Vore  Front row: Lincoln, Christian & Gracie Vore, Ella & Charlotte Bird & Emerson Pitt

This little family farewell was perfect. Megan and Adam put it together. They had a few decorations and made some yummy French food. Brit and I brought some treats to share as well. We had it on a Sunday night at the Birds for our Sunday night family gathering. Grandpa made sure he had someone to care for Gram so he could attend. My brother Kerry, and his son and family Holden, Courtney & Olivia came for the occasion. They live two blocks away but usually just join in the family gatherings a few times a year. (It's too people-y for Kerry, I think.) Thomas Pitt (cousin) and his daughter Emerson and Laurel (cousin) and David King came from Midland. Probably the most fun/surprising addition was Alan (uncle) and Aileen Pitt driving from Kerville to say goodbye.

Megan & Adam (Adam is Chris and Ang's oldest)

Adam, Adam, Hudson, Tanner & Holden

Thomas, Emerson, Aileen, David, Laurel, Ang

Alan, Chris, friend, Dad

Playroom fun, Hud w/ Noah on his back, Gracie, Kaide, Ella

We did a little ladies farewell lunch the next day at Jason's Deli. Chris and Ang had already gotten together over meals with lots of friends for the past month, so it was a smaller gathering. We had a couple of tables in the back room, and we all had a great time being together one last time.

Some friends had to leave a bit early or came a bit late, but this was most of our group. 

Kara Thompson, Kimberla Payan, Ang, Shari Marten, Taylor Wiest & Britney Bird

Kaide, Erin, Ang & Megan

When we snapped this picture, my mind did a flashback to our early years. I love this girl so much. I remember a cute wood sign I bought as a gift for Ang when we were in college. It was in the shape of a house and had something like this painted on it: In my Father's house there are many mansions. I hope yours is next to mine. 

I think it will be.

Aubrey had to say goodbye a week early because she was heading on a trip with a friend. Aub, who isn't a crier, was quietly sobbing. When we got in the car she said, "They are my second family." 

She did spend tons of time at their house. She and La were best cousins. They had lot of sleepovers, and Aubrey was included several times to join in on their family vacations. Chris has been her home teacher, bishop and stake president. Ang was her seminary teacher for 2.5 years. She loves them and knows they love her.

Chris and Ang were sweet to include Derek & Brinley in a family lunch right before they were set apart. Bryn and Derek were also able to say one final goodbye at a going away party Ang's brother had for them the night before they flew to Cote d'Ivoire.

July 17, 2025 Elder Christofferson and another man set them apart. They were able to include immediate family members to be there. My dad and Ang's brother were also able to attend.

Elder Goury, Jake, Charity, Benjamin, Megan, Adam, Chris, Ang, Erin, Jeff, Lauron, David, Steve (Dad), Joseph, Kate & Elder Christofferson

They had a few days of training in the MTC and now they are off to love and serve in a new land.

May

May 2025

Well, a lot of May was covered in the posts about graduation and my Utah trip, but here are a few more happening with the Gwilliam fam. 

May 2025

My "work" days with Gram are going well. I find I'm better with my time on other days of the week, because I know Tuesdays and Fridays are taken. It's really fun for me and Gram when family or friends drop by. It helps break up the day and provides something new. Kerry stopped by with his grandbaby, Olivia at the same time Britney and the girls were over. Perfect! Gram lights up when a baby is in the room and loves getting to hold them.

She loves her baby dolls as well and is a good momma to them. This pink phone really works. I think she was talking to Alma at the time. Gram was going back to her early days by taking care of babies and getting a little visiting in at the same time. She was a pro.

This picture makes me happy. My mom was loving on one of her babies when it was time for church, so the baby came. I glanced over one time in Sunday School and she was cuddling her. I looked over again and apparently it was my dad's turn!

Tanner started a new job. He is now working at Ann American with Adam Bird. He's a goofball. He got his new hard hat, steel toed boots, and safety glasses and wore them over to Sunday family dinner. Erin said he also played Xbox with them on. He will be selling nuts and bolts and starts training in June after their cruise.

Kaide and I were walking to Gram and Grandpa's one day, and we ran into Grandpa riding his e-bike.

Our Elders Quorum went all out to help the women feel loved and celebrated on Mother's Day. They took over Primary classes and had a yummy breakfast in the cultural hall.  I was in Utah, but here is a picture of Erin, Ang and my mom.

He let me read him a book. Miracle!

Braddock, Hudson, Brit, Erin, Oliva, Courtney, Ella, Maci and Aubrey

Memorial day swim party and Gram and Gramps. Grandpa bought chicken strips and rolls from Bush's Chicken for the group, and Brit and I brought sides. The Chris Vore's were on one last family vacation before they leave for their three year mission, so it was a smaller group.

Dad, Brit & Adam

Ella, Kaide, Maci, Aubrey, Char and Braddock

Kaide and Papa played lots of b-ball in the pool.

Aub and friends have jumped on the junk journaling trend. I like seeing them happily creating and chatting together.

Parker, Maci & Aubrey

We got to have Kaide for three days while his parents went on a cruise. Brian, Aubrey and I LOVED having that much time with him. He was living the good life too because he had three very willing adults at his beck and call all weekend long. He got to play Play-Doh, go on walks, do the jumper, play with Bird cousins, do football, basketball and ping pong, dig in the dirt etc. He was also great to quietly play by himself. Thankfully, he is a great sleeper too. He had rest time or nap time everyday and went right to sleep each night. 

He was pretty sure morning workouts were the best. It reminded me of trying to workout at home when the kids were little. They would bring their toys, sit on me, want to use the weights...it got complicated.

Brinley-about 1 year old

Kaide was thrilled to get a video of his mama talking to him and showing him the ship.

We had him Saturday, Sunday and Monday. When he got up Monday morning, he pointed to the couch and asked, "where is Papa go?"  I told him Papa was at work, and he nodded. Then his face got cloudy and he asked, "Dadda at work?" I reminded him that his dadda was on a big ship, and then I distracted him a bit. 

And then at breakfast, I asked him, "are you ready to take a bite?" His response: "I ready to go to Birds. See Charlotte and Hudson." We have Sunday night (our weekly extended family gathering) at the Bird's house on Sunday nights. He was ready to be with cousins, jump on the tramp, and play soccer with Hudson (his 15 year old 1st cousin once removed.)

Later, he asked Aubrey to set a timer. She said, "Okay, I'll set a 20 minute timer on my phone." Then Kaide asked hopefully, "Timer rings, we go to Birds?" Tricky boy! Britney heard about all of his requests and told me I better bring that boy over! We did and he had so much fun with Charlotte, Ella and Hudson.

One morning, without me knowing, he slipped into Aubrey's room and woke her. She groggily opened her eyes and said hello. Kaide pointed to the floor and said, "Off." Only he could get away with that! Aubrey got up and they played with her digital camera, and then she watched him do the jumper.

He's the sweetest boy, and it was fun having him here for several days in a row.

Parker sent some fun pictures. He is on a mud volleyball team. Check out that sunset too.

He went to Minnesota to a friend's cabin and was able to go on a fishing expedition. He loves being outdoors. 

Like father like son! Erin and I took Kaide to the children's museum in Midland. He had a blast checking out all of the fun areas: construction zone, giant Lite Brite wall, gas station with kid cars, outdoor music area, interactive projected game on the floor, toddler room etc...

Erin is such a good mamma. She is patient and loving and teaches Kaide about his world everyday. I'm grateful she is part of our family.

Kaide kept being silly when I was trying to get a picture of them together.

He loved the outdoor music garden. It took us a bit to make it to our car. Erin sent a few pictures to our family group chat and Parker responded, "So many good memories at that place" and Tanner texted, "Fr (for real) I loved that place" Those two comments seriously made my day. I have fond memories from our time at the Children's Museum of the Southwest, and I felt so fulfilled that they did too.  

Grad

May 2025

We have a graduate! May was a busy month for this girl: awards night, seminary graduation, Reagan Elementary events, lots of grad parties, and of course, high school graduation.

Her senior pictures were pretty. My favorite one wasn't included on her card, so I'm including it below.

Kinder graduation snapshot

Aub had two opportunities to go back to her roots at Reagan Elementary. They had a grad hall walk where able to wear their cap and gowns and be part of the morning assembly. Then they visited with their teachers and mingled with classmates who went to different schools. The week of graduation, they had a reunion in the cafeteria. Coach Nieman set up the hula hoops for a Star Wars battle. He also had the parachute out. Ms. Key (a 5th/6th grade teacher all of our children rotated to) baked her delicious sugar cookies. Although she was nervous to go to these events, I think Aubrey had a great time at both of them.

Reagan was a fantastic school that provided all of our children with a strong academic foundation.

Top right: 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Jennifer "J." Carrasco  Bottom left: 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Connie Drager   Bottom right: 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Trinicia Watson

Breena Wilkerson was Aubrey's best friend during her middle school years. She was a kind and loyal friend.

Aub was able to get a picture with her cousin Ella while she was visiting classrooms. 

To wrap up their reunion in the cafeteria, they got on stage and did their Reagan chant: 

Good, Better, Best

Never let it rest

Until your good is better and your better is BEST.

I am a Reagan All-Star, I wear my blue with pride.

Aubrey is on the front row and 7th from the left.

Awards assembly. Her graduating class was almost 1000 students. The awards night was in the evening and about 100 students were invited/recognized for various accomplishments. Aubrey received recognition for being in the top 10% of her class (she is #33) and also for being a standout student in SIP.

Jaden, Nisi & Aubrey

Seminary graduation. This is a HUGE check off the list accomplishment all around. (Brian and I graduated too.)  I have to say there was So. Much. Complaining. from this young lady about attending seminary at 6:30 a.m. on weekdays. She wanted to sleep. We pretty much only heard the whining angle from her, but we would hear good things through the grapevine about the insights and comments she shared in class. It gave us hope.

Aubrey was asked to speak at Stake seminary graduation. She freaked out. "There is NO WAY I am going to speak." "I have NOTHING to share." I let her know it was her choice. She reluctantly accepted, and she did an outstanding job. 

Her topic was centered around D&C 6:36 and how seminary helped her do that. (D&C 6:36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.)  She mentioned Doctrinal Mastery scriptures have helped her know the scriptures better and one of the biggest blessings she has gained from attending seminary. She also shared three specific experiences where the scriptures or something taught in seminary helped her in her daily life. I loved hearing her share.

Her two faith filled, inspiring, prepared and loving seminary teachers: Angelique Vore and Britney Bird
These are her aunts, and she loves them...even if she didn't love the early morning hour. I believe she had my dad for her freshman year, and she had Nico Crissinger for part of a semester this year. I am very grateful for the hours of preparation and sacrifice these teachers gave to bless the youth in our area.

Right after the Sunday evening seminary graduation, she slipped on her grad gear and asked Grandpa Vore to take a few pictures.

These last two he created in AI. Aubrey loved the photos he took but didn't care for the AI versions because she felt they looked too photoshopped.  However, I thought they were pretty fun.

Whew....almost there with this long graduation post... Here are a few pictures from her party. We had vastly different ideas of how much to spend and how this would look. 

My thought was, "we have a fun location-the Birds backyard. Let's have some yummy food to go with some awesome backyard activities like volleyball and cornhole."

Her thought was, "I want this to look beautiful. I want a really amazing place to take pictures with all of my friends. Queso and a smore's bar is enough food. I will add my own money to add to the decor budget if needed." 

I knew her vision was going to be tricky due to the location, a metal backyard shop and a more so, the budget. It didn't help that one of her very best friends had a grad party a week and a half before that literally was nicer than any wedding reception I can remember attending. That same friend was given a new Bronco at her party too. 

We figured it out though. Aubrey helped a ton for the party and expressed gratitude to me several times too.

We both came to the same conclusion separately: planning for her wedding is going to be ROUGH! I told her I hoped she married rich so all of her dream wedding plans could come true. 

Aubrey decorated a couple of areas in the shop with pictures and memories from her high school years. We were able to use a couple of posters from her v-ball Senior night. She also asked Brian to find her a wood pallet and hung lots of pictures on it.

The weather was perfect-sunny but not too hot or windy. 

Bri & Uncle Chris

For the food we had fresh baked pretzels w/ dips from Sams Club. They were a hit. We also had chocolate chip cookies, brownies and a fruit platter. Erin (Flores Gwilliam) and Ang brought yummy queso dip to go with tortilla chips. Britney was so kind to purchase everything for a delicious S'mores bar. She made it so cute with the glass jars, and I made a giant recipe sign for anyone who wanted guidance in venturing out of the norm.

Aubrey & Britney

I love this girl.

I watched a few YouTube videos to put together a gift from me and Bri. It was really pretty in person...looks kind of wonky in this picture.

Kerry was thoughtful and went over to stay with my mom, who was already in bed, so my dad could stop by--made me so happy. Also, Aubrey was doing the peace pose with a friend and grandpa was teasing her by insisting on replicating it. 

Erin, Kaide & Aubrey

The party was a big success. The Birds' shop and backyard is such a fun gathering place. I think she felt loved and celebrated. Aubrey's friends stayed forever. They were taking pictures together, talking on the trampoline, making s'mores, playing volleyball, and then gathering back in the shop to eat food, watch a video Bri put together and talk some more. 

For part of her graduation gift, we gave her this t-shirt memory blanket. I saved some of her shirts over the years: Reagan elementary, Nimitz middle school and Permian high, soccer, volleyball, girls camp, FSY, SIP, family vacations etc. Together we picked out the ones she wanted to use, and I sent the shirts in to an online company. I think it turned out cute and will especially be fun to have in the years to come.

And finally...the big graduation night.

She was heading out the door to go to Ratliff stadium and a called to her that we wanted a picture. Brian was like, "we do?" Aub was frustrated because she didn't want to be late. We didn't have anyone to take the picture of the three of us. (I knew we couldn't do one afterwards because it would be so dark. The graduation ended at 10:45 p.m.) Bri quickly set up a tripod and then we switched to the front entry table. This was one of our better pictures! Ha-real life. 

Brian and I were a little worried about the outdoor graduation. It was a 100° day with wind gusts up to 30 miles an hour. It was actually very pleasant though. By the time the ceremony started, it was in the low 90s, and the stadium protected us enough that the wind was a pleasant breeze. The relaxed atmosphere felt like date night at a Permian football game.

Parker, Aubrey & Maci

Volleyball friends/teammates: Aubrey, Maci, Parker, Dimri & Nisi

Kent, Talia, Bobby, Parker, Diego, Jelly, Nisi, Aubrey & Maci

Congrats Aubrey-now on to college!