11/20/2005
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.
10/29/2005
It is that wonderful time of year where we all get to play make believe. I think the dressing up is just as fun as the candy, if not more since I can eat candy pretty much whenever I want. This year Dylan is going as Frodo Baggins of Lord of the Rings fame, Joshua is going to be a Dragon, complete with wings, and Brigham is going as a Turtle, Noah is going to be a little Lamb. I’ve seen most of them dressed up and they all look amazing or cute in their costumes.
Daria and I are trying to figure out our costumes still, although I do have a special costume planned for Monday at school. Just in case someone from university is actually reading this before Halloween I won’t be revealing my costume just yet-but it is sure to get a response, particularly from the class of 2006. I did a mock test of the costume after gathering the numerous pieces and accessories and I’m thrilled with the result. The costume will be a shocker, and a one-time only event. I’ve been stewing over this costume for three years now, and I’m relishing, with giddiness, the Monday moment when I walk through those clinic doors.
10/20/2005
I have one of the greatest little infants ever! Our youngest son, Noah is now 11 months old and such a cheery little boy full of smiles and interest. I love watching him explore and discover his world. Just watching his concentration as he works to find something or figure out his parent’s behaviour is enough to keep me fascinated.
I’m amazed at how quickly kids take to dancing and rhythm. Noah loves his music and he loves watching us dance and dancing in our arms. With true pride I watch him lunge for every piece of technology he can get his hands on. The laptop, the iPod, the Palm, the cordless phone, the remotes, the keyboards, the mice—honestly the kid is a natural.
And what could be more natural and wholesome than watching your boy learn to walk. Noah has taken big steps this past week moving up to 4 and 5 step walks across the room and into my arms. We have yet to capture the feat with a video camera (he turns to quick crawl and lunge mode whenever it is out) but have some hidden camera plans in the works.
Finally a lame, if mildly amusing, joke I heard this past week: Which prophet is best known for his wise management of finances? Joseph of Egypt you say? Solomon perhaps. The answer: Noah. Because while everyone else was in liquidation he stayed afloat. *Arr Arr Arr*
Is that a collective groan I hear??
4/7/2005
This SundayApril 24th we will be blessing our youngest son Noah in our weekly Sacrament meeting (9:30 am). It is a wonderful event for a family to bond around as a young child is given a name and priesthood blessing, and added to the records of the church. This is one of many special ordinances performed throughout a mortal’s life. A short five paragraphs on mormon.org outlines just a few such sacred and meaningful times. I’d love to explain further to anyone who might have questions about Noah’s blessing or other faith-based questions. Of course everyone is invited-email or add a comment for directions times etc.
I will be performing the blessing, guided by the still small voice—the Holy Spirit—and accompanied by other close friends and family. I feel so fortunate to be able to share this moment with my son, holding him in my arms and pronouncing guiding words from Heaven. We will be keeping a record of the blessing for Noah’s future reflection and benefit. How I love him! How the Lord loves him! As preparation, I will pray in advance, asking for direction on the day of Noah’s blessing, striving for spiritual purity and worthiness via repentance. Most of all I desire my words to be His words-filled with truth and light. One of my favourite scriptures speaks of this gift:
…for the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls. But behold, we are not witnesses alone in these things; for God also spake them unto prophets of old.
Finally, I might add that this blessing is not a baptism, but rather a tender mercy as referred to here, here, and here. This past weekend I heard a soul stirring talk on this topic by an apostle (the text isn’t available yet but the video stream is starting at the 1:26:26 marker). There is great wisdom and commentary in this talk:
The Lord’s tender mercies do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence; faithfulness obedience and humility invite tender mercies into our lives. And it is often the Lord’s timing that enables us to recognize, and treasure these important blessings.
I’m thankful for all those moments, and the ability to recognize them (though I probably overlook too many). Do you recognize such moments?
Special Note: I know that for some the discussion of the sacred, personal or religous may seem taboo or unusual. I think discretion is highly important, but I also feel complete censure deprives us of sharing and recognizing what should be a common experience for all-enlightenment and the uplifting peace knowledge and love that is only obtained from one source. Therefore, I continue to share —but a hint and portion—of what in the final analysis is most meaningful to me; and to the soul.
3/26/2005
We just had these 4 incredible prints of our boys printed at 10″x 10″ in size. Believe it or not that is cropped from the original size even at 200+ resolution. We framed each boy in these delightfully square double matted frames which are hanging up in our room on our wall of fame. Daria has already alluded to how much we are enjoying our new sanctuary of a bedroom and these shots just add to our enjoyment. It’s nice to be in that room and review in my mind how important my kids are. Having such great photos of them is a great visual reminder to guide my thoughts about nurturing, teaching, loving and planning for them and our family.
