8

As soon as I thought the dust was going to settle--another birthday is on its way. Having a lot of kids is fun, but it is a huge responsibility. The wants and desires of my children grow daily. Another birthday on its way...Pearlie turning the big "8." Further we have a new edition due to arrive around the same time. June will change our lives forever; Pearlie will be prepared to make covenants of eternal significance and it will officially be the " 8 of us."

My wife and I often talk about our soon to be born son. We talk about how he will play with his siblings. We imagine what it will be like when he is in our arms. We talk about who he will look like. We often think of him within the characteristics of our 5 pearls.

I enjoy watching our children grow and develop. I love to see how their characteristics and personalities develop. One roof--but currently, 8 "very" different personalities. As parents we have a huge impact on how our children develop. Parenting is often a complex science of managing personality conflicts.

In my opinion, I think that it is very important for us to recognize that as parents we have a big impact on how our children grow and develop. Through the sacred power of procreation we have been afforded the opportunity to experience parenthood. Each child is a reflection of maternal and paternal genetics. Advancements in science has allowed us to see how our children are a physical make-up of dominant and recessive traits inherited from parents.

As a father I find it fascinating how our children are literally created in our image and likeness. I think that more important than what is inherited physically, is what has been inherited spiritually.

Life is a process of natural selection. Natural selection often coincides with physical supremacy. In the past, the ability to evolve heavily weighed on physical characteristics. We live in a time where our ability to evolve is less dependent on our physical capabilities; but rather more dependent on our ability to achieve our spiritual potential.

At 8 years of age--my daughter takes a big step forward to achieving her divine potential.