I feel like I’m expending a fair amount of mental energy these days, and really just loving a day to decompress with my wife and children without interruption or concern. Today was one of those days. I woke up and read some of Steve Jobs biography and then did some pumpkin carving research. I read up on techniques and downloaded some templates I knew the kids would love—Angry Birds, Sonic the Hedgehog, Mario, Yugi Oh. Daria bought pumpkins and carving instruments earlier in the week so we set up and carved away. Dylan carved a Legend of Zelda Triforce pumpkin design and Daria and I helped Brigs and Noah. It was funny coaxing them into pulling the seeds and goo out as they really don’t get their hands dirty all too often. But they dug right in and did a great job. The designs the kids wanted were fairly demanding so we did most of the carving. I’ve decided that pumpkin carving is a total blast and I’m going to do this every year now. Later on I played some basketball and raked some leaves and just enjoyed the sunny day looking out at all the sailboats. Daria and I went into the office to cement an onlay, and then she came home and cooked a fabulous meal of wings, scalloped potatoes and garden salad. It was delicious. We read from Moroni 7:43-49 and had a good family discussion about charity, what it really is, characteristics of a charitable person and applied it. It’s really the ultimate goal, requirement, happiness and meaning. I love those last few verses. I’m excited that we have almost read the entire Book of Mormon as a family and now trying to think of a way to mark the occasion. It was a good day.
Category Archives: Dylan
Painting
The past couple of nights I’ve stolen an hour or so to paint a room with my four boys. I love the feeling of working alongside my family on a project. The boys are all quite proud of their handiwork and the paint job turned out great. It was quite adorable when Brigs and Joshua painted their names on the wall. A classic moment.
Fun Filled Week
This past week we spent an amazing 3 days at Echo Lake, Montana. Activities included: Swimming, Kayaking, Jet-Skiing, Wakeboarding, Tubing, Quadding on the ATV’s, putting together a playground and watching movies. Jam packed fun! Everyone got a ton of sunshine and the water was 80°F. Absolutely amazing.This is exactly what our family needed as I transition to the new job and the trip really got our summer off to an incredible start. Dylan learned how to wakeboard and it was a real treat to watch him. I even managed to get in some solid reading time on my Jack Canfield book and the New Testament and the Book of Mormon.
We also went to the Calgary Stampede: The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. My In-Laws graciously got us tickets to the grandstand show which was a singing, dancing, fireworking, gymnastic, comedian, motorcross spectacular absolutely amazing production. We also hit the rides and had this amazing lemonade with the must-have mini-donuts. Dylan and I got on just about every ride and I was impressed with how daring he was this year.
I finally got to start learning about Rich Dad, Poor Dad the money book which I started listening to on my iPod. A definite eye-opener that I’m really greatful to have come across. I also spent the greater part of the day organizing our entire basement spurred on by the purchase of three Billy shelves from Ikea. Managed to put in a couple of hours of dentistry while I was at it too.
All in all a most satisfying week.
Breaking Out
There is something about youth that commands admiration. Watching Dylan enter adolescence has been nothing but enjoyable to experience. Always the mature and thoughtful boy, Dylan “the obedient” has been easy to parent in so many regards. Adding to our joy is watching the new talents he is developing and the ripening of his personality in his new environment—junior high. Dylan is in band this year and playing the bass clarinet, I’m excited to see his playing accelerate this year. I can hardly wait to see a concert. He’s also playing basketball again and I’ve had a ball watching his games. I’m really impressed how well he takes direction and tips from coaches and family, improving each shift. He’s really developing the killer instinct and competitive streak when he’s on the court which is awesome to see in someone who can seem passive at times. This past week Dylan also got awarded student of the week in science and band. It’s fun to see him firing on all cylinders. A regular treat, we enjoy more and more at our house, is Dylan’s well timed flexing of his sense of humour, particularly his gift for the one-liner. Cap it all off with a child who loves his brothers, even spending his own dollar on them; not to mention actively engaged in his priesthood duties, and currently, I have the perfect child.
Ever so Close in My Arms
This past week, as on other nights, I had the moment to reflect on my wonderful brood of boys. The last of the Muirhead boy birthdays past this week (excepting myself), with Noah turning one on Friday. The last few nights I’ve been able to hold Noah until he fell asleep in my arms and peacefully observe his gentle baby breaths. As I enjoyed him, it conjured up other nights with other sweet breaths of my little children. I have a very sweet set of boys, still full of affection. My heart stirs each time Joshua insists on a hug and a kiss before I leave for the door. My reentry nearly always starts with the running of Brigs into my arms, his eyes abright with expression and his valiant smile in tow. Dylan always brings news of his latest accomplishments, and though towering over his brothers, still a boy, and still just as tender, as we say goodnight. I never knew that little lips and arms could have such a big impact, until I had little boys. Perhaps that sounds strange in our day, or in our culture, but nonetheless it is altogether beautiful in its righteous form, in their pure offering of loving affection. I write this for a future day, so my sons may read of my great love for them and what for me is precious and dear. Dylan also had his cast “sheared” this week and bears the honour of the first Muirhead boy (in our family) to wear a cast. In true form Dylan handled his temporary accessory with mature acceptance. I don’t recall one complaint while he had it on, or even one refusal to take on a task, however awkward it might have been. Of him I am so ever proud. Dylan had a priesthood preview event this month to prepare him for receipt of priesthood power and responsibility. We look upon Dylan as the trailblazer in our home for his younger brothers and their behaviour proves this role.
There are many traits Daria and I would hope to have in our home among our members; as I remember moments both recent and foregone, I am certain that tenderness abounds. May it always be so.
