Merry Christmas 2019
As this year has come to a close, we are grateful for the opportunity to reflect on lessons learned, opportunities taken, and lots of change. This year has proven to be filled with change, challenges, and charging along life’s journey. We have learned many lessons and made many memories. Here is our yearly rundown.
Emerson Timothy joined our family July 26 at 39 weeks. He weighed 8lbs 3 ounces and was 19.5 inches long. We are so grateful he made it safely! His delivery could have been scary had it not been for a skillful and patient doctor and calm nurses. Things got quite busy after he came! His arrival was less than a week before the movers began packing up the house! Emerson moved half-way across the country at a week old. He has been a happy and giggly baby. He loves to be held. (All. Through. The. Night.) Emerson is pretty quiet. He’s just the most content baby! We are so grateful for his little spirit in our home.
Isobel (1) has become a very busy toddler. When she is awake, she is constantly moving! Isobel still takes a good 4 hour nap, and is usually ready for bed around 7:30pm. She’s a good eater, but definitely lets us know when she is done sitting in her chair. She’s learning new sounds and new words every day! Isobel is often heard saying, “Uh oh”, “water”, “more”, and “hot!” She loves to tag along with Adelaide and mimics everything she does. Isobel loves to hold her baby, and act like his mommy. She’ll wipe his nose, try to change his diaper, and give him his pacifier when he’s sad. We love having her in our family!
Adelaide (4) loves being the big kid at home. She’s pretty good at taking charge. Adelaide likes having Isobel follow her around, and loves to hold Emerson as soon as he wakes up for naps whether or not he likes it...She’s in a coop preschool two days a week. Adelaide is the only girl in the group and loves being the “mommy” whenever they play house. She’s learning all her sounds, numbers, and all about the days of the week, animals and who Batman, Spiderman, and Captain America are. We are grateful for the spice she brings to our lives!
Esme (5) is in kindergarten! She thought this day would never come! Esme loves Mrs. Dunbar and art. She’s not a big fan of PE. She does not like Yoga. Esme is constantly moving at home. She loves to sing and dance and draw pictures. She often finds her way to the big girls’ room to claim their things, declaring that she, too, is one of the big kids! Esme is sorely missed by Adelaide when she is at school. As soon as she’s off the bus, they are joined at the hip! Full-day kindergarten is a long day for a 5 year old, and some days bedtime can not come fast enough, but she loves to learn! We are so glad she’s ours!
Elin (8) chose to be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in May, the day before Uncle Jace got married. She loved that she had family around to share her special day, and the pizza and ice cream. Elin has a sweet tooth and loves candy! She is enjoying 3rd grade with Ms. Harvey and making new friends. She misses her friends back in Arizona and begs to FaceTime most weekends. Elin’s favorite day of the week is Friday for movies and candy. She sure is sweet!
Ewan (10) finally has a brother! His life just may be complete. He is adjusting well to a new school and a new city. He made quick friends with some boys in the neighborhood. Living close to a large park makes it very convenient for bike rides, pick up soccer and basketball games. Ewan asked for a TinkerCrate subscription for his birthday. He loves building and discovering new things. Ewan’s teacher commented at Parent/Teacher Conferences that he’s the sweetest, most thoughtful boy in her class especially with all the girls. We’re hoping that’ll carry over to home with his sisters…! We are grateful for his goodness!
Aislee (11) has jumped right into middle school life. She has gotten quite involved in choir and the socialization of the preteen world. Aislee has asked for a phone more times than we can count. We’re just going to hold off on that one for as long as we can! Aislee has discovered a larger world of reading than Harry Potter. She has her nose in a book most days when she’s not singing all over the house! Moving can be hard, but Aislee has accepted the challenge with determination and perseverance. Although she misses her friends in Arizona, she is determined to make Texas her home! Aislee is nothing if not determined! We are grateful for her good attitude.
Olivia (11) enjoys more space in our new home. She has been able to read in a quiet place! Olivia has also jumped in to middle school with both feet! After homeschooling in the Spring, we worried that the adjustment would be a challenge. But, Olivia has done great! She loves her art and orchestra classes! She will be starting private lessons at the new year. Olivia is a wonderful helper at home. She enjoys keeping things tidy and organized. It is such a blessing to have her so ready to serve. She’s looking forward to running cross-country as a 7th grader. We are grateful for her goodness!
Molly is probably most looking forward to 2019 being over! This year has been challenging, but there have been so many tender mercies from the Lord. Molly’s mom was able to come to Arizona while Paul and Molly visited his parents in London for a week. They got to see so many amazing things, visit amazing historical places, and enjoy each other’s company. Molly can now say she has thrown-up on two continents! The year just got busier with brothers getting married, going on missions, and coming home from missions. Molly spent a lot of time traveling between Tucson and Cedar City, Utah. After the move to Texas, Molly got a head cold which developed into a really bad ear infection. After a trip to Urgent Care and the Emergency Room with some facial paralysis, Molly was able to get the necessary treatment to help her recover. We’re on the mend! She is grateful for a healthy body that allows her to keep up with the busyness of the family.
Paul has been all over this year! He loved running through Hyde Park, walking around Piccadilly’s Circus, and...driving from Tucson to Dallas. Traveling with seven young children, a newborn, and a recovering mommy across the country is quite the adventure! As we explored the possibility of moving, Paul interviewed all over. We decided to stay with Ryatheon, but move to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. It has been a great opportunity for the growth of our family. He’s put on the “mom” hat while Molly struggled with morning sickness, rested from delivery, and recovered from infections. He has been quite the trooper this year. He’s glad Molly is feeling much better, and is also looking forward to what 2020 will bring! Sleep, perhaps?!?
Well, that’s our Burkinshaw rundown. 2019 has been quite the year. We tried our hand at homeschooling. We added a new baby to our family. We moved from Tucson, Arizona to Prosper, Texas. Things have changed. Things have been challenging. Things have been good! We are so grateful for this time of year. We are grateful for the opportunity to reflect on the birth and life of our Savior. His example stands Supreme of how we should be. May we remember the Gifts that He has given us. He has given us the gift to love, the gift to forgive, the gift to repent, and a promise of everlasting life. Let us remember the Gifts that have come from Jesus Christ and strive every day to be a little better. May this time of year find you well. We love you all and are grateful for your examples to us.
Much Love, The Burkinshaws
