Noah: “Mom, you make my heart feel so happy!”
Category Archives: Parenting
A Weekend to Remember
We traveled to Calgary this weekend to spend more time with our soon-to-be daughter, currently going by the name of Serenity. Our time with Serenity kicked off at a Church Christmas party with a dinner, program, and dance. The highlight was watching Serenity dance– the girl has rhythm and energy! I even had my first dance with her which was a great moment. She has really already formed a strong attachment to Daria which is so cute to watch. Saturday Serenity came over to spend time with the boys at my in-laws. Joshua’s characteristic instinct to love and protect has already kicked in and he has been so tender and loving about and with Serenity. She is a fun little girl who loves to laugh and play and has a good nature about her. Noah loved seeing another little person smaller then him. I’m looking forward to them having lots of playtime in the coming months and watching that relationship form. Today we spent another hour with Serenity and we learned some of her favourite foods and that she is a very good copycat right now. She copied nearly all of my hand movements and facial expressions. We’ve decided we are going to do baby sign language with her as she has lots to express but no vocabulary yet which is visibly frustrating her. It was a magical weekend that we couldn’t have orchestrated any better. She recognized us, started to call us by names, and gave us all oh so many hugs and goodbyes. I’m going to really miss her this week and can’t wait till we can take her home for good. I have no doubts about her place in our family.
Outstanding Counsel
Sage advice on choosing between good, better and best in your life.
We should begin by recognizing the reality that just because something is good is not a sufficient reason for doing it. The number of good things we can do far exceeds the time available to accomplish them. Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives.
As we consider various choices, we should remember that it is not enough that something is good. Other choices are better, and still others are best. Even though a particular choice is more costly, its far greater value may make it the best choice of all.
Consider how we use our time in the choices we make in viewing television, playing video games, surfing the Internet, or reading books or magazines. Of course it is good to view wholesome entertainment or to obtain interesting information. But not everything of that sort is worth the portion of our life we give to obtain it. Some things are better, and others are best. When the Lord told us to seek learning, He said, “Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom”
I highlyrecommend reading and watching the entire talk.
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.
If your Kids need Money and You’ve got Some
I was talking to a friend today about rich parents. They were of the opinion that if parents have the money and means to help their kids to obtain greater opportunities that they should. This raises lots of questions and what-ifs which we discussed. I like the philosophy of helping your kids out, but doing so judiciously so as not to cause future deficiency and failure later on in life i.e. the squandered inheritance and dependancy. Interestingly, we call our children dependants. When is that status ever totally severed? I’ve learned through reflection and experience that great parenting requires the ability to wisely answer yes or no to our children. I think boundaries give direction while freedoms allow for creativity and growth.
Thoughts?
UPDATE: For a full consideration of this topic please see the comment (special feature article?) by my dear Mom below. It may take a few minutes to load into your browser 
