Merry Christmas 2024

As the end of 2024 is quickly upon us, we are grateful for the opportunity to reflect on how we have learned and grown. It has been a year with ups and down, triumphs and defeats, inactivity and adventure. This time of year always gives us the wonderful opportunity to reflect on the life and teachings of our Savior, Jesus Christ without whom nothing is possible. We hope this year has brought you many blessings, triumphs, and adventures with little trial, defeat, or boredom. So, here is the rundown of the Burkinshaw happenings. 

Emerson (5) is finally a Kindergartner! He has been “waiting his whole life for this!” He loves Miss Brown and all his new friends. He has made new friends up and down the street, and some afternoons we have to send a search party out to scour the neighborhood so he isn’t late for dinner. Emerson does not want to miss out on anything! He loves all things “boy”--sharks, dragons, dinosaurs, bugs, and snakes. For the Primary Program, he proudly exclaimed, “My name is Emerson Burkinshaw. My favorite animal is a snake, no wait…a skunk!” There were a few giggles from the audience. He loves his primary teachers! Sis Esserine and Sis Glass get an earful of all his adventures, fictitious or factual. The highlight of his summer was Lake Powell and the houseboat. He braved jumping off the top! We love our Emerson and all the adventures he just keeps bringing to us!

Isobel (6) is in First Grade! She is a fantastic reader! She will sit for quite a long time reading her books from school and all the library books. Isobel has moved from picture book checkout to chapter books at the library. She played her first season of soccer with Coach Chase. It took a minute for her to figure out that she could take the ball from the other team, but she got it and scored two goals in her last game. She is fun to watch! She also enjoys goalie and did really well at it. Isobel is still as crafty as they come. She creates calendars, lists, and cards. She has a goal of making her bed every morning so she can earn a dollar at the end of the week. Isobel was also pretty fearless at Lake Powell. The highlight of her summer was going to Nebraska to visit cousins. She loved going to the zoo and doing the slip n’ slide! We sure love our Isobel!

Adelaide (9) is becoming quite the athlete. She joined a cheer team this fall as well as playing on her soccer team. She had a few friends on the cheer team, and picked it up rather quickly. Adelaide now walks around the house chanting with tight elbows and bouncing hairbows. Although she is the smallest on her soccer team, she is one tough cookie. She can play in any position, but likes forward the best. She can weave around people with her speedy little legs. Adelaide loves 4th grade with Mrs. Reeves who had Esme previously. She is a joy in the classroom, and loves to learn! She loves playing with friends all over the street. She is also “dog walking” for a family a few doors down.. She’s not sure if she wants to own a dog someday, but she doesn’t mind walking them. Adelaide loved the tube and getting to know her new aunts at Lake Powell. We are grateful for her cheering us all on!

Esme (10) is just fun! She is now a 5th grader and the oldest at school. She loves to be helpful. Esme was named to be on the Jr. Hope Squad and loves spreading kindness wherever she goes! She played on the same soccer team, the Sweetarts this year. They almost had an undefeated season, with one tie and one loss. She played goalie for the first half of the last game, blocked a penalty kick, and then in the second half scored a penalty kick. Her coach can put her anywhere on the field and she’ll work her hardest for her team. Esme has been reading the Harry Potter series with Grandpa Tim this year. They compare progress and watch the movies whenever they get together. It’s one of her favorite things! Esme practices her piano every afternoon and has created contracts to earn lunch with mom at school when she’s completed them. We are so grateful for her hard work!

Elin (13) is a teenager! She made the middle school soccer team, which is quite a feat in our area. It is extremely competitive! She works hard on the field! Elin also ran track, but has decided that cross-country is more her speed because “it’s not boring”. She has no patience for waiting around for her events. She still writes contracts to earn things, which helps with her piano and violin progress. She gets things done. Elin and friends had a pickleball tournament over the summer, and she is hooked! She also started reffing soccer this fall and discovered how lucrative it is ($20/game). She still babysits quite a bit, and is looking into investments ;) Elin was her YW class president and enjoyed planning activities, but not-so-much the meetings after Church, especially on Fast sunday. She still enjoys her late night “talks” with Molly while she loads the dishwasher and shuts down the house. Boys may come up every-once-in-a-while. We love our Elin! 

Ewan (15) has a permit. Yes, folks…we are going to have three drivers next year! Ewan played soccer in the Spring with Paul as his coach. He spent the summer running around Prosper with friends. Ewan convinced Molly to give him a perm. He looks pretty good sporting curls. He is now a freshman at Prosper High School. It’s a little crowded, but he’s enjoyed being part of the football team this Fall. He also does 5:45am Seminary with the twins. He’s good about waking up early and getting his stuff done. Ewan is still playing the cello and piano. He has motivation to practice so he can earn practice time behind the wheel. He’s ready for independence or something, but don’t worry he doesn’t quite know where the sink or laundry room is…he’ll need us for a little while longer! Ewan still looks for challenging work at school. We’ve been giving him “classic literature” to analyze with Paul to keep him engaged and busy. He is growing into quite a young man! We are grateful for him!

Aislee (16) is a junior! She has two dual credit classes and one AP class that keep her busy. She enjoys teaching piano and babysitting to earn money for Swig runs. Aislee is a driver and tries to convince Molly that she can drive everywhere and anywhere. *breathe* Aislee is a good helper and likes having the house organized and clean. She also went to FSY in Denton this summer. She liked getting to know other kids in our area and has kept contact through texts and meeting up for local dances. She loved getting to know her new aunts this summer and learning to wakeboard. Aislee is also playing the guitar with Paul’s tutelage. She went to Prosper High School’s Homecoming dance with a good friend and had a great time! We didn’t do the “Texas Mums” for which she is grateful. When she’s not busy with school work or music, she can be found reading or baking cookies. Aislee likes her early release afternoons and getting rides home with boys. We love Aislee and her goodness!

Olivia (16) is also a junior! She is enjoying the Ready-Set-Teach program at Prosper High where she gets to intern with an elementary teacher. She’s also involved in American Sign Language. Who would have thought her very expressive nature is a wonderful asset when doing sign language?! Olivia went to the Walnut Grove Homecoming and enjoyed the “Texas Mum” tradition with her date. She had a good time! Olivia took up reffing soccer this Spring and continued through the Fall. She likes reffing the younger kids, but the real money is in the older games. She’s learning how to be confident with her calls, even if it makes a coach unhappy. She also enjoyed Lake Powell with family and learned to wakeboard. Olivia loved her counselors at FSY and the girls in her group. It’s good to have good friends. She is busy with AP classes, juggling babysitting, reffing, and socializing. She still plays the violin for the school orchestra and has piano lessons with Grandma Stacey.  She is a hard worker and we love her!

Molly has spent much for 2024 the same way as the previous year. She coached Isobel, Adelaide, and Elin’s soccer teams, and enjoyed having Paul assist for Elin’s Fall season. She loved having Emerson home for the last few months of Spring before he started kindergarten. He helped her with many house projects, and made lots of messes. Her little buddy accompanied her to all the end of year parties and assemblies. Now, she gets to eat lunch with him once a month and get the biggest hugs when he gets off the bus! Molly has had the best time perfecting sourdough bread, butter chicken with Naan, lemon raspberry cake, and grilled chicken. She loved teaching the Relief Society class at Church, but now teaches youth Sunday School (Ewan’s class). Adventures for the year included a drive to Utah for Uncle Coy’s wedding, a drive to Nebraska with the younger four, hiking Cottonwood Canyon in Utah with Paul for a few days, and then Lake Powell. She finally got to hop on a ski and show Paul after 17 years! She’s looking forward to another year of adventures! 

Paul continues to be busy with work. New projects and opportunities seem to be the name of the game. He enjoys being busy so it’s all good. Paul has continued running and lifting to keep himself mobile. He gets up before the sun to get his miles in while Molly takes kids to Seminary. Paul enjoyed driving the kids on a tube in Hot Springs, Arkansas for Spring Break as well as hiking among the Ozarks. It was a bit chilly for our Texas blood! He taught Emerson how to ride a bike so he could have a buddy with him everywhere!  Paul traveled a little for work and avoided the long drive to Utah in June, but made it just in time to go to a wedding and drive home. He may like that set up! Paul had a big birthday that we won’t really talk about, but with age comes wisdom, right? The girls on Elin’s soccer team are grateful for the extra set of feet and patience he brings to practice, and louder voice at games. Paul wakeboarded at Lake Powell and it was so fun to see him do things he loves! He’s the best!

Well, that’s a wrap! Another year down in the books! We are grateful for friends and family who have loved and supported us. As we look forward to the coming year, may we prepare ourselves and our homes to make more room for the Light of the World, our Savior, Jesus Christ. He is who gives us purpose and moves us forward towards His Second Coming. Our dear Prophet said, “...now is the time for you and for me to prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Now is the time for us to make our discipleship our highest priority.” May this season bring you the peace and joy only found through Christ.

Much Love, 

The Burkinshaws

 Merry Christmas 2023

As many Holiday activities start to fill our calendar, the wrap up of 2023 is swiftly approaching. We are grateful for the opportunities, trials, blessings and adventures we have had. We are again reminded of the love and goodness of our Savior, Jesus Christ. And hope that this last year has brought the same to our friends and family. Without further ado, here are the happenings of the Burkinshaws. 

Emerson (4) is as full of energy and adventure as any preschooler ever. From climbing trees, collecting snails, and taking his beloved “Scooty” to the park, Emerson is constantly on the go. He loves animal books and learning about their different habitats. He is full of information and is willing to tell anyone who will listen, even the young man at the grocery store checkout. He sported a sling for a few weeks after a piggy-back-ride-exchange didn’t end well, but he healed quickly and hasn’t slowed down! Highlights of his summer were going to the beach house in Galveston and hunting for crabs at night. He is Molly’s last buddy at home. Emerson is always up for a trip to Costco or an adventure to Lowe’s. His sweet smile, and perhaps the fear of a meltdown, has gotten him quite a few matchbox cars and Kinder treats while on trips around town. We are so glad he is ours!

Isobel (5) is in Kindergarten! She started this fall with Mrs. Diehl. Isobel adores her and has made so many new friends! She is learning how to ride the bus with the big girls, order her own lunch on Fridays, and remind mom to sign her binder every night. She loves to read books and find all the words she knows as we flip through pages and pages! Isobel has found the magic of bike riding. She rides to the park as Emerson follows on Scooty for the big kids’ soccer games. Isobel loves crafts and coloring. She comes home with all sorts of ideas for books she wants to author and illustrate. She loved the beach and sand castles. Isobel couldn’t get enough of the waves! She would head out with the big kids. Paul and Molly were constantly counting heads and staying close. Isobel still gives the best hugs! We love her!

Adelaide (8) was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Grandparents from both sides came to support her. We are so grateful for her good choices and love of our Savior. Adelaide is still playing soccer. She loves her teammates. She is a quick defender, and pretty tough despite being one of the smallest on the field. She doesn’t back down and will chase after the ball. It’s fun to watch her play!  Adelaide loves to read and write.  She has found new friends in the neighborhood to run around with. She has a watch so she knows when to return home for dinner, and she doesn’t like being late! Adelaide also enjoyed the waves at the beach, but likes the pool better. It’s not as salty! She is a joy to her classroom where Mrs. Barragan cannot get enough of her kindness and willingness to help. Adelaide has continued with piano lessons and loves to learn new songs she can sing along with. She is sunshine!

Esme (9) is growing into one of the big kids! She is the first of the elementary kids awake, ready to pack her lunch, eat her breakfast, and unload the dishwasher. She loves to help in any way she can at home and at school. This is her sixth season with her soccer team, and she loves it! Coach Taylor can put her in any position and knows that she’ll play hard until the last minute. She really enjoys goalie, much to Molly’s anxiety. She is adored by all that meet her. Esme also loves public speaking. She volunteers for talks in Primary, speeches at school, and prayer at home almost every night. Esme had a bike accident at the very beginning of Summer break which meant a cast for the majority of the summer. We’re glad it was waterproof! She got it off right before our trip to Galveston. Esme is always ready for an adventure with Emerson to find toads, chase rabbits, and dig up snails. Everyone should have an Esme! 

Elin (12) is ready to be a teenager! She loves to write up contracts for Paul and Molly to sign to help motivate practicing piano and violin. Elin is very good at following through. She has really blossomed at school, at home, and in athletics. It was her first time competing with the cross-country team at the middle school. Elin placed in the top 10 at every meet! She loves to run and enjoys working at it. Elin is constantly striving to be better in all aspects of her life. She loves being in the class presidency for her Young Women’s group. It has been an opportunity to serve the girls her age. Elin started babysitting. She is beloved by the families she tends to. She is a fun babysitter! We have learned that Elin doesn’t like the dark, and will stay downstairs to “talk” until one of us walks her to her room. It’s a good thing Paul is so patient, because Molly is sometimes just tired! But, we love our “deep” discussions with Elin. She has good insights and questions. She’s a good one!

Ewan (14) decided to ref soccer in the Spring instead of play. He has since decided that he likes being on the field getting cheered for, rather than on the field getting yelled at by parents…So, he convinced Paul to coach a Fall season. Most of the boys had never played, but they sure learned a lot and actually came away with a couple wins and a desire to play for Paul in the Spring. (we’ll see!) Ewan has tried a number of different things this year. He played football again, ran cross-country which he found he’s pretty good at, and is currently on the middle school wrestling team. Ewan has continued in his GT classes, private lessons for the cello, and reading ferociously. He likes to tease his sisters, and “battle” Emerson.  He’s even starting to notice girls! We may be grateful for that…teen boy hygiene is not being ignored! Ewan keeps life interesting, and we are so grateful for him! 

Aislee (15) is now a sophomore! The district opened a new high school this fall, but Prosper High still has about 4,00 students! Aislee doesn’t really like the packed hallways or “G” lunch, but she’s glad most of her friends stayed, and we’re close enough for her to walk home. There is also no shortage of cute boys! The youth in our Stake went to Nauvoo this summer. Aislee had a wonderful time learning about the history of the Church. She has gained a stronger testimony of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Joseph Smith. Aislee has also enjoyed her 5:45am Seminary class and the opportunity to learn about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. She’s learning a lot about time management! Early mornings are hard when followed by late nights! Aislee has continued singing for the high school choir. She has made really good friends, and it has given her opportunities for other choirs. She sang in Jenny Oaks Baker’s Joy to the World Tour a few weeks ago. We are grateful for her goodness!

Olivia (15) is also a sophomore. Boy does time fly! Olivia is full of life and all things fun! She is still playing the violin in the orchestra where she has many friends. She chose not to run cross-country so her schedule would have room for some honors and AP classes. She loves learning about the body! Nauvoo was the highlight of her summer. She loved seeing the Church history sites, hearing testimonies of the missionaries there, and driving the 14 hour one-way bus trip. Olivia loves to babysit, but may try her hand at reffing soccer in the spring with a few of her friends. She’s also glad we live within walking distance to the high school. And, our house seems to be the meet up place for friends after school on Fridays. Sometimes, it seems like we collect teenagers…! Olivia still loves books! We have to take books from the table at dinner so we can have a conversation. We are glad she is ours!

Molly has spent the majority of 2023 coaching soccer games, watching soccer games, walking cross-country courses, listening to orchestra and choir concerts, folding laundry, washing dishes, and so on and so forth. However, they may be some of her favorite pastimes. Her most favorite pastime has been running with Paul. They worked up their mileage over the summer and fall, and are now working on speed. She still can’t beat Paul, but Saturday morning long runs are her favorite! For the last week of school, Molly and Paul were able to fly to Las Vegas to attend her youngest brother’s wedding, and then fly to Seattle to hike in Olympic National Park for a few days. It was amazing! She also got to fly to Utah to attend another brother’s wedding for the first week of school in August. They were both beautiful. She is grateful for a year of growth and learning!

Paul Has continued to heal. He runs almost every day, drives the girls to early-morning seminary, coaches soccer, and rides his bike around with Emerson and Isobel. He has stayed active with goals of handstand-pushups, faster paces, and longer distances. Paul flew to Colorado in August to hike the Rockies with his brother. The year has been full of adventures! We were able to make the drive to Gatlinburg, Tennessee for Thanksgiving with Paul’s family where we stayed up too late, hiked many mountains, ate way too many treats, and most importantly, enjoyed time with family. Paul enjoyed coaching Ewan’s soccer team this fall. The boys really enjoyed him, and have asked if he’ll return in the Spring to coach another season. He’s good at it! 

Well, that’s a wrap! 2023 has gone by quickly. We are grateful for friends and family who have loved and supported us. We have grown a greater appreciation of the words of our Prophet, President Russel M. Nelson, “...Heavenly Father’s plan for us is fabulous, that what we do in this life really matters, and that the Savior’s Atonement is what makes our Father’s plan possible.” Life is hard, but it is what we do with the hard, and how we love each other in the hard that matters. May we remember our Savior, Jesus Christ—His birth, His life, and His love this Christmas as we strive to think with an eternal perspective of what matters most. 

Much Love, 

The Burkinshaws