Burnett Clan: 2011

From October 2011

This is the story of a guy and a girl. Both loved each other very much. They happened to live very crazy lives together, serving the church, their family and community. This post is an attempt to capture all of the mayhem that happens in just a few short weeks but that allows this guy and girl to continually be thankful for all they have and to run back to the Lord when things get tough. This is what it looks like to have a partner to share life with and to love each other unconditionally.
To our girls, Bonnie, Elena, and Clara. We love you and are proud of you. God is doing some amazing things in your lives and we LOVE watching you grow up and ask questions life and about our Heavenly father. Happy viewing to those of you who still had hope that I would eventually get around to writing another post! :)

September: Elena turned 11 so, we went on a girls trip to San Antonio. We had a blast (but missed Daddy)

From September 2011

A trip to San Antonio would not be complete without a visit to Sea World and sitting in the splash zone! Clara loves telling the story of "Shamu going up in the water and then down in the water and splashing Bonnie and Elena!"

From September 2011

Elmo and friends were also a hit...although you can't tell by the look of her face..

From September 2011

And then there was October and we went right into homecoming. Bonnie and a group of friends decided to skip the dance and went to eat at the Hard Rock Cafe in Downtown Dallas. This group of guys is a great crowd. Sweet friends!

From October 2011

Icing Pumpkin Cookies with friends, Earl and Eagan Brown!

From October 2011

The end result:

And the Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch:

I just loved this picture. She is so big!

Then, Granny Burnett, Mimi, and Papa all came to town to visit. Clara is having a great time showing Granny all of her pictures.

Does anyone notice Elena doing something weird? Sheesh. ;) This is her new thing..to make faces at the camera all the time!

And then there was Halloween. Snow White and the mean Mother Gothel (I know, wrong evil mother/princess combo. We do what we can with what we have!)

From October 2011

Gorgeous and WAY too old for her age. How fast she has grown up!

From October 2011

I didn't try to find a picture with Elena not making a silly face. These are some of her sweet friends she saw while we were at the Farmers Branch Halloween in the Park.

From October 2011

Halloween night:

From November 2011

Two sweet Princesses. Cinderella (Sierra) and Snow White.

From November 2011

Clara and some of her friends Trick or Treating: Sierra, Matthew (Mickey Mouse) and Sutton (The Baseball player).

From November 2011

Another sweet friend, Marin:

From November 2011

The end of the month, Elena decided to help wash our neighbors car to try and raise money so she could go to a Karate Tournament. Allison was here to help and Clara wanted to lend a hand as well!

From November 2011

Well, that is about it for the months of September and October. I will do my best to add pictures and stories of this happy family from November and summer time very soon.
Thanks for reading!

So today I had the opportunity to take Clara to the Zoo-just the two of us. We shared the exhibits with lots of kids from Elementary schools traveling with their chaperons and I couldn't help but think "this is the last year Elena will be in Elementary school." I will no longer be with her on her school trips with all of her friends who are so young and sweet and who still have to listen to what you ask them to do. ;) Sure, I will still have the opportunity to go with her on field trips, assuming she still wants me to but it's just going to be a lot different.

So, when we came home and Clara went down for a nap, I began to think and cry and pray.. "Lord, thank you for these last 3 years I have had to watch Elena grow up. I know I have made many mistakes and for that, I just ask that your grace which covers a multitude of sins will wash over what we have said or done that is not in agreement with your plan and love for Elena. Thank you for giving her such a sweet, tender heart, and for making her so spirited. She is going to do great things for your kingdom, help us to lead her in that direction. Please continue to use her to love on kids who don't know you and who need good friends too. Help her to be the best Elena she could be by reaching out to you in everything she does. Thank you for my friends who have helped Jason and I over the last 3 years with raising this little lady. I pray that you bless them ten-fold for what they have done. I pray that Elena seeks Godly friendships in her new school and is always in search of ways to make her more like you and to challenge her as well."

We love you, Elena-so very much. You are a blessing to our lives and constantly keep us on our toes. Congratulations on such a successful Elementary school career!