The last few days have been pure joy having Daxon in the home. After Dax had only been home a few days, I was feeling as if I had no idea how to parent this young man. I called my mother-in-law and asked her for any advice she had to give on having adult children. She completely changed my paradigm. One of the important lessons she pointed out to me was the fact that Daxon is returning to a new home he has never lived in before. Sit him down and find out what his expectations are of you and then you can tell him what yours are of him. Her advice helped me to remember that each of our children changed in many ways while they were on their missions. As much as we love the way they grow and become their own individual while they are on a mission, when they get home it is as if you are getting to know a completely new person.
As a parent I am often reminding myself that this is not the child who left my home two years ago. This is a man, or young woman, who has learned to monitor themselves.
It is interesting how on the surface they seem somewhat unchanged. Yet, you continually catch glimpses in their countenance and behavior that they are exquisitely different. For example. . .
I love it when I listen to Daxon give the family prayer in Persian, or testify of the things he learned. I love listening to Daxon talk about his mission and hearing how his testimony has developed. I love the joy that is in Daxon's overall demeanor. He learned tolerance and patience on his mission. The other night before family prayer, Ashlynn out of nowhere blurts out, "I swallowed my gum." Daxon giggled for quite awhile. I love watching the calmness that surrounds him in the craziness of this family. I noticed that calmness in my other children when they returned home, as well. I love the way missions teach our children strengths, we as parents may lack.
As a parent I am often reminding myself that this is not the child who left my home two years ago. This is a man, or young woman, who has learned to monitor themselves.
It is interesting how on the surface they seem somewhat unchanged. Yet, you continually catch glimpses in their countenance and behavior that they are exquisitely different. For example. . .
I love it when I listen to Daxon give the family prayer in Persian, or testify of the things he learned. I love listening to Daxon talk about his mission and hearing how his testimony has developed. I love the joy that is in Daxon's overall demeanor. He learned tolerance and patience on his mission. The other night before family prayer, Ashlynn out of nowhere blurts out, "I swallowed my gum." Daxon giggled for quite awhile. I love watching the calmness that surrounds him in the craziness of this family. I noticed that calmness in my other children when they returned home, as well. I love the way missions teach our children strengths, we as parents may lack.
Daxon came to love health and fitness on his mission. His eating habits completely changed. He loves eating clean, working out, and is continually trying to eat enough of the right proteins and fat to gain weight and not lose the muscle he worked so hard to gain. This is not fair. I am continually working to not gain weight!
Britton loves having Daxon home. The two of them went hiking at Antelope Island the other day. They were both itching terribly today from getting eaten by bugs while they were there.
It is not a good time to go!
I just want to say how proud I am of Britton. He was doing homework today for at least 5 hours. I am thankful that he is willing to work hard and stay caught up in school without me begging him.
Ashlynn was too adorable today. After she finished her homework she went into the bathroom and when she came out she had make-up on and her hair all curled. She asked if we could go shopping at the dollar store and get some things to make the pool area look cute.
After she took the time to get all dressed up for the dollar store, I simply had to say YES! It is interesting how this pandemic has lowered our expectations of what an exciting activity is in so many capacities. Going to the dollar store all dressed up has apparently made the list!
She bought three pairs of flip-flops, and the cute little sunhat she is wearing.
After she took the time to get all dressed up for the dollar store, I simply had to say YES! It is interesting how this pandemic has lowered our expectations of what an exciting activity is in so many capacities. Going to the dollar store all dressed up has apparently made the list!
She bought three pairs of flip-flops, and the cute little sunhat she is wearing.
When we arrived home, Ashlynn ran out to the pool to put up the new flamingo and pool sign that she found. A second later, she is in the house telling the family her plan to clean up the pool area. I always knew she was born to be a leader and this event proved it. I try to get everyone to work together all the time, but it never works. Ashlynn had everyone in the family outside within minutes willingly, happily, weeding the flowerbeds, and cleaning out the pool. Today we are heating it, and tomorrow we will be ready to swim!
JD was able to go on a one day work assignment today. I told him to not smile too big as he walked out the door. Tonight, his sister and her family came over to plant some tomatoes in the garden area. They were all pulling weeds and working hard together. The boys are clearly missing talking to people. They were visiting with these horses and laughing at them for a decent amount of time today. I started school this week and it is demanding that I prioritize my time. The floor by the computer has a big pile of my books on it. JD can't understand how I accomplish or learn anything with that mess. I can't accomplish anything or focus when I clean it up. Today, I felt like I was rushing and rushing to get everything accomplished. We are all in quarantine and it should not be difficult to get everything done in the day!!!
Alyssa took baby Luke on a walk today.
I know she was here two days ago, but I can't wait to see her and
that cute little baby again!
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