Children

 

  Another week has gone by. Thanksgiving break was much needed. I had the chance to play hard and spend good quality time with my wife, besides the time that we spent barfing up frozen microwavable pizza. At least we were sick together! (Ha)
    Tonight for Family Home Evening (FHE) Jessi and I read Elder Neil A. Anderson titled, "CHILDREN".  The "punch line" of his talk was, "I testify of the great blessing of children and of the happiness they will bring us in this life and in the eternities." I am only at the beginning of understanding this statement.
     Amaya Talmadge Packard is now 1 month and a few weeks old. She is growing out of her little newborn clothes (good thing we bought them at a good price...thank you DI!), she is starting to produce odorous flatulence, sleeps longer during the night, smiles more voluntarily, and has gained control of her eyes and other bodily appendages. I'm sure many of you veteran parents know of, the countless hours spent just staring at her and brushing our hands and faces against her cheeks.
    For so many reasons she has been a blessing to Jessi and I. Because of our little daughter I have come to love my wife even more. Jessi is SOOO good with Amaya. She is tender, patient, & selfless. In my eyes Jessi becomes more beautiful every day. Amaya has helped me to have more faith in Jesus Christ. I have always believed that Jesus is the Savior and has the power to save, but what I have realized is that I can do better at believing He has the power to save me. Life will not be easy with a wife, family, church, work, and school, but God will deliver us. This has brought me a great deal of peace and happiness already!
    Thank you Amaya!