5th grade Graduation

I want to document so I can look back and remember this day. Callie Grace, you graduated from elementary school today. How in the world are you 11 and a rising middle schooler?

God has blessed you greatly. You received so many awards. I probably can't remember them all but I am going to try.
His Love Club Award
All A's (nine weeks, all year, all of elementary school career)
Perfect Attendance for the 9 weeks
Duke Tip
Silver Award
Ackerman Award
GOTR Award

Callie Grace, if you had received zero awards, it wouldn't have mattered. We love you for you. You are a child of the King. Thank you for bringing so much love, joy and sunshine to our family.

Celebrating Mama Helen

Today we celebrated Kip's grandmother's 89th birthday. Mama Helen's mind has left her. Very few words come out of her mouth, yet her presence is a strong constant. I remember the very first time that I met Mama Helen. I liked her instantly. She made the best cabbage I had ever eaten. She loved Kip Burgess and Kip Burgess adored his Mama Helen. He would joke around and give her a hard time but there was never any question that they loved one another. All of my grandparents had been in heaven for many years when Mama Helen came into my life. And, although she wasn't my grandmother by blood, she became my grandmother in all the ways that really counted.
So, today I held Mama Helen's hand and looked into her kind eyes and told her that I love her. I'll always love that precious lady and hold close to my heart the times that we shared. Thank you for showing me what love and commitment really look like, even when it is the last thing you feel like doing because family matters.

Overnight Trip

We left for The Biltmore in Asheville this morning. We spent most of our day touring this beautiful estate. This was our first visit but hopefully not our last. Callie Grace mentioned that this was the first overnight trip that just the four of us have been on. We are spending the night and heading back home in the morning. I am so thankful for this much needed get away. I have loved seeing Callie Grace and Caleb truly laugh from their bellies. These are the moments that I will always hold close to my heart.

My precious boy

Caleb created these two drawings while at church on Wednesday night. With each passing day of my life, I am reminded that all we have is Jesus.

Where I'm From by Callie Grace Burgess

WHERE I’M FROM

 

I am from the black grains of spicy pepper, from Quaker grits and flip flops.

I am from the blue house with the red roof, the 1 red rose that everyone is excited to see, and the long green grass my dad never cuts. I am from eating lunch at Mimi’s after church and big, beautiful eyes. I’m from Harriette and Guy Plowden and Donny and Linda Burgess.

I am from playing board games and cooking meals.

I am from loving Jesus with all of my heart and making new friends.

I am from going to Transfiguration Lutheran Church at 9:00 on Sunday mornings and singing with all of my heart.

I’m from Ireland, Germany and England, from steak and potatoes and from spaghetti.

I’m from my mom burning the oven as a child, the laughter shone on my face about her cooking and the way my Mimi has taught me to cook and sew over the years.

I am from the big chest in my parents’ room, holding awards and accomplishments of my family, treasuring each moment of life for years and years to come.

 

By:

Callie Grace Burgess

Roller Skating with Girl Scouts

Last night, our family went roller skating as a kick off to Girl Scouts. In addition to Caleb, there were maybe 2 other boys there.  Caleb loved those odds and commented several times about the "good looking ladies".  Oh dear, this boy is going to be the death of me!!

The babes were excited that their daddy joined us!

Self-Reflection

Callie Grace loves taking pictures of herself on my phone.  Lately, she has started adding her own creativity when poising and choosing black and white, color or sepia.  This morning, while looking on my phone, I saw some of the pics that she had taken last night.  Oh my goodness, she is beautiful. As her mother, I know that her beauty is much more than skin deep.  Callie Grace is kind and loves Jesus.  She is extremely bright and often challenges me to look at life differently. I love this girl so much.  Callie Grace, you are my beautiful blessing.