January Happenings

January Happenings

Aubrey got her driver's license!  She is a very good driver, and I had full confidence she would pass the driver's test.  I haven't been able to say that at testing time about all of my kids...no names mentioned, Tanner, cough-cough.   He was so confident he was doing everything just right that he wasn't very willing to listen or to be taught.  That makes things a little tricky for parent taught drivers ed!  But back to Aub...she’s loving the freedom.  My van is getting borrowed a lot after school so she can run to Target or to buy some fast food.  She's a happy girl.

At the DMV...  

We had a terrible time scheduling online for the driving portion of her test.  We were able to book the appointment, but it was confusing.  I actually booked the wrong one.  (Maybe I booked her for an adult driving test or ?  I really have no idea, but when after 30 minutes, when our number was called, we found out the bad news.)  Luckily, the lady had a coworker nearby who had not logged back in from lunch and agreed to take care of us once she did.

Looking good!

The officer who took her on the test drive pulled me aside and said two different times, "She did really well on her test.  She did great." Go Aub Daub!

I have been teaching my kids to drive since 2015.  It can be stressful all around.  I graduated from Drivers Ed today, and I am a happy momma.

In Odessa, we've had some very warm weather.  I feel like it's been a beautiful, mild winter.  Brinley, on the other hand, is getting dumped on in Utah. They have had one of the snowiest winters of the past 20 years!  She's taking advantage of it by sledding, snow shoeing, skiing, and building random snow structures...and just trying to survive.

I think this was Steve the centipede.  She and her friends also made this sphinx.

This boy is six months old this month.  I made him this outfit for Christmas.  Well, made the words on the outfit.  This is the evolution of his name.  Tanner and Erin mostly call him "Bug" right now.  Aubrey calls him "Mister."  

We surprised Aub with a trip to visit her good friend, Londyn Brown, in Arkansas.  We love the whole Brown family and were so sad when they moved away several years ago.  These two don't communicate a ton in between visits but are tight when they get together.  I'm grateful for good friends who are so much fun to be around and have similar values and beliefs.  It makes for the best combo!

They did some shopping, went to a movie, enjoyed eating out, and just had fun together.

Until next time....

Meanwhile in Ghana...

This smile!  I miss my Parker Bryce

Parker was finally able to go inside the temple.  He's been out about 18 months, and due to, I think, Covid restrictions, his was his first time.  

Tanner and Erin making us dinner.  Woot woot.  Erin's mom makes some enchiladas that Tanner loves.  He decided to get the recipe and make it for us.  He even did the shopping.  The enchiladas were delicious.

Erin made the rice and helped Tanner with the meal.  Next Tuesday, she is going to make us tacos.  I know they will be good, and I LOVE that I won't have to make dinner that night.  Woot woot.

Sunday night fun...

The cute Bird family.  We were wrapping up Sunday night and showing them a video.  I love how her kiddos gahered around to see.  (Braddock, Adam, Hudson, Brit and Ella)

Another Sunday night this month: La attempting to deadlift Aub.  The adults in the room were very concerned with her back.  

Shirts!  I've had a few orders which has been fun.  I made Regional shirts for the Permian swim team in both gray and black.  I have also started posting Valentine's shirts and received several orders.

Tanner put Kaide in my boots.  

Grandpa is still taking great care of Grandma.  

I'm currently serving with these amazing women in the Stake Relief Society presidency.  They all live in Midland which is about 30 minutes away.  I only knew one of them, Laura, before we were called.  I have really enjoyed getting to know them more as we serve our sisters in the Odessa Texas Stake. 

We were finally able to travel to Lubbock together and go to the temple.  We actually scheduled this event on our calendars months ago.  It was the first day everyone was available.   Heather homeschools one of her four kids, and Laura works part time.  Everyone's kids are involved in activities: volleyball, band, soccer, football etc... My schedule is definitely the most flexible out of the group.  

They really are sweet, faithful, willing, talented, inspirational women.  I feel blessed to know them.

Heather Johnson (2nd Counselor), Marci Goodman (President), Laura Shannon (1st Counselor)