Beauty is Pain

Tanner has some bushy, grandpa eyebrows.  They are pretty cute.  He has reluctantly allowed us to pluck them a couple of times.  However, I was totally in awe the other day when Bryn walked out to the den with tweezers and he willingly plopped down to the floor.  Maybe they had agreed to the plucking earlier?  He would yelp about every other time and then say "beauty is pain, beauty is pain."  It was somewhat painful  and entertaining to observe.

Bryn had to leave to pick up Parker from work and so the other eyebrow was completed later that night.  I peaked in her room because I knew she had been working on cleaning out clothes.  It was kind of hilarious to see them calmly getting the job done amidst the room disaster.  Tanner told Brinley she is the only one who can touch his eyebrows.  His blond bushes will be in full force if he waits until Christmas when Brinley is home!

Playing games can also equal pain.  Several in our family like to play games but it is really hard to play happily together due to all of the different personalities.  Brinley learned to play Nerts on a YSA trip.  Brian and I knew how from Gwilliam gatherings.  We taught the others and played it the other night.  We had fun!  Maybe we are all maturing enough to enjoy a family game night more often.  I hope so!

Beauty equals pain.  Nails (in Aubrey's eyes) equal beauty.  Fake nails cost money. 

Last week Aubrey made this large chart and then made me a proposal.  She would do extra chores and earn money towards getting her nails done.  I tried not to groan too loudly.  1. She has over $100 from recent babysitting jobs plus refereeing money, but she doesn't want to spend that money on nails.  2. She tends to whine regularly about her daily chores.  Adding extras didn't seem to be the solution in my opinion.

I agreed though and it's been a week.  She has asked three times for extra chores and has only agreed to do one on the chores (mop the kitchen) so far.  The other day when I told her she could weed and she could earn a dollar for every 10 minutes, she dramatically stated "weeding is NOT EVEN WORTH a dollar to me."  Insert eye roll.  She is pretty cute though. 

Texas Burger Wednesday

Both boys delayed the start of their work day so they could attend Taco Villa Monday at Texas Burger on Wednesday.  We had a nice family visit. 

I've got to quit eating out so much.  My 46 year old girlish figure can't take it.

Benja's home from BYU for the summer.  lft-rt: Parker, Tanner, Gram, Me, Ang, Chris, Dad and Benjamin.  I was stuck in the middle so I couldn't get a picture of table two of our group.  Table two: Megan, Lincoln, Charity, Aubrey, Lauron and her friend Lauren.  As I was leaving I tried to snap a picture but they weren't really available.  (getting drink refills, getting Lincoln out of his high chair etc.)

 Pretty cute picture of Gram and the boys.

This Is Us

A few random events that deserve a place on the blog:

Parker saw something online were you use a vacuum and a trash bag to shrink wrap someone.  It was pretty entertaining watching the three teens give it a try.

It worked!!!

Parker was much to large for this trash bag, but he tried it anyway.

Aubrey and Lauron at their 3 day volleyball camp.  I thought it was so cute that they went one morning matching from head to toe.  Aub missed the last day due to the stomach bug.

On Friday night, Brinley and I went to the temple.  (Sadly Aub couldn't make it b/c she was sick.  Bri and the boys went the next morning for the youth temple trip.)  We ate at Chuy's beforehand and enjoyed some delicious Mexican food.  This sign has been their for years and reminds me of when Bryn was in preschool.  There was a little boy named Brayden  and he had a crush on her.  "Bwin, will you mawee me?"  When she wouldn't agree to that he had a new, often repeated request.  "Bwin, pweese, just one date!"  

This ping pong table that has a prominent place in our front room has been used ONCE since summer began.  And yes, I have been counting.  However, this past week it was used a few times.  It made me happy.  I really don't mind having a ping pong table, even if it is in the living room, if it is getting used.   It was really cute to hear the craziness that ensued when Tanner, Aubrey, Morgan and Bryn played Around the World a few times.  

This was Sunday morning during our Family Home Evening ping pong tournament.  (Don't mind the boys faces.  They were totally snuggling and being normal until the camera came out.)  Just for the record, Brian placed 1st and Tanner 2nd...Aub and I are pretty equally matched at the other end of the bracket. 

The Newlywed Game

The other night Brinley asked me if I wanted to play the Newlywed Game with her and Morgan.  Wait, What?  I had to ask her to repeat her question...but I did want to play.  (Silly teens!)  We couldn't convince Tanner to be a team with Aubrey, so she was our beautiful and very competent hostess.  

Brian and I should have had this won hands down but sadly we have never been very good at this game.  He may never live down this question that he missed: What color are your wife's eyes?  He said brown.  My eyes are blue.  In fact, every person in our little family has blue eyes.  I bet he won't ever forget again!  I do love him though.  I guess we need to do more gazing into each others eyes.  

We were ahead after two rounds but Bryn and Morgan won it in the third.

The girls had some tricky questions: "If you were to buy your husband a tie, what color would he want?"  (Bryn was the husband...kind of, I guess.)  Or "Who did your husband last date before you got together."  Morgan guessed "nobody" because Brinley has never had a steady boyfriend.  Brinley wrote down "Hot Bob" because everybody knows they've been a couple for years.  Hot Bob is her imaginary boyfriend who travels all over the world.  Morgan knows all about him.  Morgan was like "What? He's not real.  That doesn't count."  Then Brinley pointed out that she wasn't Morgan's husband either.  Touche.  There were several moments like this.  It was all a little confusing and made for some great laughs.

The Newlywed Group

Late Night Get Together

Brit, Beck and I knew if we really wanted to get some visiting time in we would need to do it kid free.  On Wednesday, they put their kids to bed and we all met at my mom's.  The party at my house actually starts about 9:00 each night so I didn't put my kids to bed (ha) but I slipped out.  

I am seven years older than Britney and she is seven years older than Becky.  Becky was only 5 when I moved away for college.  It's been so fun to hang out all together as adults.  I love these girls.  We each have four children but we are kind of in three different stages of life.  Becky's children are 6 months, 3 years, 5 years and 8 years old.  She is extremely busy especially with two small children needing constant care for every need.  Britney's children are 4 years, 6 years, 9 years and 11 years old.  My mom told me these were the years you can relax just a little bit.  The kids are more independent.  There are lots of activities the whole family can enjoy together as the children get older.  As a mother you can breathe deeply and get ready to be running once again  with the growth/challenges that come in the teen years.  My children are 12, 14, 16 and 18 years old.  We are all things teen at my house.

When I was in Becky's stage and I had four small children (6 and under) relying on me for everything everyday, I often felt pretty overwhelmed.  (Just imagine the picture below was me many a day at that stage in life.)  The middle years were much more fun for me.  I loved playing games with my group, planning daily activities and I appreciated their growing independence and capabilities.

Anyway, I'm getting off topic.  My current stage is obviously the teen years and although their are some occasional challenges, overall I am loving it.  Soooo what I am getting at is, we ditched our respective kids and hung out for the evening.  Even though I had seen Becky probably five different times since Monday, our quality of conversation within the first five minutes was just so much more because it wasn't interrupted with needs every 30 seconds to 1.5 minutes.  Brit, Beck and I had such a nice time just hanging out in the den in our pjs until the wee hours of the morning.  

The next day it came up that I didn't make it home until 1:30 a.m.  Tanner and Aubrey were half horrified/ half in awe.  "What did you do all that time?"  "What did y'all talk about?"  Honestly, even though we talked the entire time, I couldn't really come up with anything substantial.

  I'm so glad we were able to be together.  Love these two sisters of mine.

It was late.  We were all in pjs.  I was having trouble being the selfie taker.  (Where's Brian's selfie stick when you need it?)  But here we are.

Erin, Brit, Beck

Becky is in Town!

Becky and her four small children came to town this week.  Gram and Gramp's was the party house.  Because we only live 8 houses away, I stopped by numerous times, even if I could only stay fifteen minutes.  Often Britney and her four kiddos were there.  One time Kerry and his group were hanging out.  Friends stopped by to visit and swim with Beck.  The pool was used all week and several times Gram and Gramp brought in enough lunch to feed a small army.  

I loved how often my children wanted to go see their cousins.  Parker and Tanner especially surprised me.  They would come home from morning workout and say "Do you want to go over to see Becky with me?"  They wanted to go over but were kind of shy about going by themselves.  They both asked about going over in the evenings too after working all day.  Aubrey was able to swim on several days with Becky, Britney and whichever friends were invited that day.  My sisters definitely appreciated that because Aubrey is always so involved with younger children.  Brinley probably saw them the least this trip.  She was working during the day and had her own plans in the evenings.

Parker stopping by in the morning to see the cute cousins.

SUTTON.  He is the sweetest.  He is all rolls.  He is quick to give an adorable smile and he is a very content baby.  This is only the second time we have seen him...we were smitten.

A little cousin time in the playroom.  Lft-rt: Perry, Hudson, Char, Blair, Ella, Aubrey and Holden

Bryn and sweet Sutton

Gram was busy, busy, busy this week.  Every time I popped in she was working.  Cutting up fruits and veggies, helping with one of the kids, cleaning up in the kitchen.  I came in through the garage doors to find her enjoying the Griff an Blair as they eperimented with the new kitchen sprayer.

Char, Aubrey and Blair.  Mermaid school was in session and going strong.  Hudson, Jackson B and Braddock (not mermaids)

I didn't go over to swim this afternoon but I heard rave reviews about Aubrey and Mermaid school from all of the adults.  The little girls were 100% invested and loved the creativity, time and attention from their older cousin.  Tanner and I stopped by after everyone was done swimming.  The mermaid school kept getting brought up. Aubrey quietly whispered to me, "Ugh, now Tanner is NEVER going to leave me alone about this."  Luckily, I don't think he really caught on.  If he did, I am sure he would have done his brotherly duty and teased his little sister relentlessly about playing mermaids.

Look as that little bright eyed, tubby boy.  (And of course the beautiful young lady holding him!)

Char and Tanner.  Char adores him, and Tanner plays whatever she wants.  They both come out feeling pretty good about the arrangement.

This was on one of our quick drop by visits, but Tanner chose to stay for another hour and play with these little guys. They loved him for it. Lft-rt: Blair, Perry, Tanner and Griffin

  

Babysitting Solo

June 2019

Aubrey is so good with children.  She's a little pied piper and really has some very natural talents when it comes to keeping kiddos happy and engaged.  She has had the opportunity to team babysit with Lauron some this past year but last week she had her first solo job. She was a little nervous.  I was surprised because she is really just so good with kids.  

As we talked I realized she was not so much nervous about taking care of the three year old, but more so with talking to the parents beforehand when they picked her up.  We role played some and she really wanted me to do the talking when Kaley came to pick her up.  I made a conscious effort to just say hello and let Aubrey do the talking.  She did just fine.

Aub babysat from 8:00-1:00.  She was a busy girl.  I'm glad she texted Kaley and got permission to go on a walk to our house.  She and Kessley played Magnatiles and enjoyed the swing before heading back.  It was fun to see Aubrey relaxed and in her comfort zone.  I was a little anxious for everything to go just right.  

When they dropped Aubrey off after lunch, she was high as a kite.  She had so many cute stories to share about her morning.  She felt much more confident in herself after this solo experience which was good because less than a week later the same family asked her to sit again.  This time, however, it was for Kessley and her four cousins ranging from 4-10 years of age!  I got to see Aubrey a little bit with the group of 5, and she was adorable.  She was creative in keeping everyone happy and busy as they moved from one activity to the next.  It was an impressive site.  Great job Aub!

Kess is a beautiful little girl.  We love the Jordan/Commander family and have been friends forever really.  All of all of our lives. :)  (Our families grew up in Odessa 1st ward and go back three generations in knowing each other, and loving and serving together.)

Aub and Kess heading back to Kessley's Nana's house.  She brought the five cousins to visit also.  It's nice to break up the babysitting day with a new setting.

Father's Day 2019

June 19, 2019

Celebrating Father's Day officially with Brian got a little lost in the shuffle until late Sunday evening.  We headed to church in Austin Sunday morning and then made time for a Pappasitos lunch stop before heading home.  We made it to Odessa around 8:15 pm but everyone wanted to drop by "Sunday night."   We made it to our house about 9:15 and finally were able to give Bri some cards and gifts.  He is a great father: kind, patient, hard working, wise, funny...so grateful for him.  Happy Father's Day Bri Bri!

Here are a few random pictures from our day. 

DELISH!

We will miss Taryn who is moving to Tennessee,  She has been a wonderful friend to Brinley.  I think she pulled Brinley out of her reserved shell and allowed her to be silly and crazy.   We are very grateful the Browns moved to Odessa four years ago.  Her friendship really changed Brinley's life.

Bri drove the whole way to Austin  but Brinley, Parker and I drove home.  Bri had to pull out his selfie stick.  He loves to tease the kids.  And everyone knows there is absolutely nothing cool about a selfie stick.

We filled out these cute little books for our amazing Grandpa's.  It was really cute to see what the kids wrote.  Although both books had the exact same questions, the answers were pretty unique.  Grandpa Gwilliam's book had a lot about scripture memorization, the pig song, wood working, and being supportive.  In Grandpa Vore's book, there was a lot about all boys being creeps, sleepovers, silliness, teaching seminary.  I love that both of these Grandfathers have been stellar examples of living the gospel and their grandchildren know and appreciate that.

There were 50 questions and I printed about 14 wallet sized photos to add to some of the pages.  I was working on a deadline: shipping with Grandpa Gwilliam and going out of town for us.  The pictures I chose were ones that were randomly on my Sams account already.  Some were current and some were throwbacks...which actually turned out pretty cute.

This family reunion fishing trip was memorable.  Aubrey REALLY wanted Grandpa to catch her a pink fish, AND HE DID!!!  It was almost translucent with a pink tint.  It was epic!

Grandpa Vore captured this adorable picture of Grandpa Gwilliam with Tanner on his baptism day.  It's one of my favorites.

My dad is the best.  I love that we live 8 houses from each other too.  I am over at his house a minimum of 4 times a week.

On to Brian.  I actually had a "What I Love About Dad" book for him.  I even had Britney order it so Bri wouldn't know.  But after he helped fill out the books for the grandpas it seemed weird to do one for him.  His b-day is in August.  Maybe we will fill it out then.  I made this little treat basket that included tickets to "MJ Live" Michael Jackson tribute concert.  I hope that concert is good.  I couldn't find much info on it but Bri is a Michael Jackson fan. 

Bri and the kids with their gifts for Brian. (Aubrey-Twix, Brinley-Root beer, Tanner-Chic Fil A gift card, Park-Sprite.)  It's not so much that Bri is a big treat guy...it's more that we don't have a lot of good gift ideas that we think he'd like for less than $300.   We sure love him.

Max and Mason's Grad Party

June 15, 2019

Max and Mason Vore, my handsome first cousins once removed, graduated from High School this month.  When Linda mentioned their grad party and asked if we were able to come, we were definitely a go.  These boys are the sweetest and have been a part of our lives for years.  Although we only get to see them about once a year, we have built some great memories together.  

For two or three summers, when they were probably in the 7-10 range, they would come for a week to the big O.  I think initially they stayed with Aunt Laurel and Uncle Steve (my parents) but maybe that morphed into staying with us as well?  It's all a little fuzzy.  However, all of the Odessa cousins looked forward to the week they would come.  Linda would tell us stories that totally cracked us up about how Max and Mason would brag to their friends about their cool vacation destination: Odessa, Texas.  (Sometimes referred to as the armpit of Texas.)  Their friends would be planning cruises and European vacations but they were not impressed.  They knew they were the big winners with all that would be awaiting in the big O.

That week in the summer usually consisted of lots of free activities with lots of cousins: playing on school playgrounds, having a picnic at the duck pond, going on bike rides, doing little timed races, going to the spray-ground or city pool, going to the jumping party, swimming at Uncle Steve and Aunt Laurel's etc....  I think it was fun for Max and Mason to be surrounded by family their age.  We loved having them because they were always so fun.  They were also sweet, polite and mixed well with all cousins of any age...a definite bonus.  

As they got older and their summers became filled with church camps and sports camp, the week in Odessa tapered off.  However, they began joining us on our Vore family vacations.  Occasionally their parents could come for a day or two but mostly it was just Max and Mason with the fam.  They have come with us to Aspen Grove Family Camp, Mo Ranch, our McKinney family vacation and at least two Disney Cruises.  It was so fun to have them.  

Now, as they are preparing to go to college in Ohio (Max) and Michigan (Mason), I am in worried.  Will we ever see them regularly again?  Possibly/probably at a wedding or two but realistically that might be it.  They will graduate and start careers and marry.  My kiddos will be doing the same over the next decade.  The Vore cousins will end up spread throughout the US.  Sure do love our Austin Vore family though.  I'm glad we were able to drop in on their party and see them interact with their friend group as well as adults who have been a part of their lives.  Trent and Linda have built a beautiful family.

Brinley and the boys were eight and I am not sure if that is Parker or Tanner in the background.  Playing Omagles at our house.

Trent, Linda and the boys at my parents house.  Thanksgiving 2009

Hanging out in Austin I believe.  Back row: Brinley, Parker, Mason.  Front row: Max and Tanner

Max, Benja and Joseph at Aspen Grove 2013.   One day during the camp the three hundred participants played lawn games and apparently there was a photographer.  Max and Mason ended up on the front cover of the BYU alumni magazine.  We like to joke about that.  (They are Catholic and also big UT fans....but they stole the show.  Wish I had the picture to post.)

Aspen Grove Family Camp 2013
Lft-rt: Holden, Parker, Benjamin, Max, Stevie, Hudson and Mason

Disney Cruise 2014  Mason, Laurel, Steve and Max Vore
My dad's brother David died on January 6, 1993 before his grandsons were born.  Then David's wife Barbara passed away about 9 years later on July 3, 2002.  I think the twins were about 2 years old.  Since then, my dad has really made an effort to to reach out, care for, and keep in touch with his niece and nephews and their families.  We love Trent, Greg, & Melanie and their families.  The Gwilliam family has definitely been closest to Trent and Linda.  They live in Texas and have kiddos the same ages as ours.  Wish Greg and Melanie lived closer.

Part of Max and Mason's grad announcement.  When this came in the mail I texted Linda a picture of their Grandpa and Uncle Steve doing a very similar pose and asked her if they were re-creating the photo.  They weren't!  It was pretty amazing and kind of felt like a little reminder of love from their grandpa in heaven.  She had the picture enlarged and had the framed picture below displayed at their party.  Those Vore brother genes run strong apparently!

David and Steve; Max and Mason  Notice Steve and Mason's arm placements in both pictures.

The trip from Odessa to Austin takes about 5.5 hours.  We stopped at least 5 times though so it took us a little longer.  I think that might be a Gwilliam record. 

Heading 5.5 hours to Austin.  Brian being silly with his Go Pro.  

A girl's gotta be prepared.  Aub with her phone in one pocket connected to a portable charger in the other.  Heading to M and M's house.

Aub and Max

Linda, of course, made some excellent decorations.  It was so fun to look at all of the pictures she displayed.  She had made them both a Shutterfly books that were amazing as well. 

Ohio State (Max) and Michigan State (Mason)  The delicious dessert table.

Linda was always super cute with Aubrey when we'd meet up for holidays or vacations.  She would spoil her with attention and sometimes cute gifts. She would say, "I don't have any girls.  I have to get my girl fix in."  I wish we had more visit time at the gathering but it was kind of like attending a good friend's wedding reception.  Everyone there is showing love and support and the hosts/guests of honor are doing their best to give everyone a little personalized attention.  Linda had said we could come early but my group had to eat lunch and recoup after a long car ride.  I thought we might hang out afterwards but they were beat.  Linda was also coming down with a cold.  Still so glad we went.

I'm sad I didn't get a picture of Trent.  He had some delicious pulled pork and brisket available at the party.  It was great seeing him...just wish I had photo documentation. Lft-rt: Max, Bri, Park, Taryn and Brinley.  (Taryn was there because this was her and Bryn's girl's trip weekend to see Hamilton.  We were happy to see those two at the party.  We stayed at different hotels and they had their own agenda.)

I love this girl so much.  I wish she lived next door.  She just exudes pure joy.

Bryn and Mason.  The boys got their growth spurts so early.  They were always huge from about 5th or 6th grade on...until everyone their age caught up to or surpassed them.  I think Mason is about 5'6".

Trent and Linda spoiled Bryn for graduation. (Which we have noticed several sweet friends and family members do.)  They gave her a felt letter board, some round string lights plus some cash for her to buy more decorations for her dorm room.  I'd say decorating her dorm has been at the very top of Bryn's list this summer.  Thanks so much Vore four!  (We gave M and M our family's favorite super soft cloud blanket with their respective schools logo on the front.)

It seemed crazy giving this gift during the 100° Texas heat but we know it will come in handy up north this winter!

The group!   Tanner, Mason, Max, Parker and Aubrey.  (Bryn had already slipped out.)