Miss Chloe Mae!

Alright, so this is a little late but a little over 5 months ago on November 1st 2013 we added a baby girl to our little family. 8:39 am, 6 lbs 1 oz ,19 and 1/2 inches long, 10 fingers, 10 toes, the most beautiful red pouty lips, cute little nose, and precious cry that mom thought was so funny. I gave up sleep that day in exchange for a little piece of Heaven. Awww so cheesy!  Seriously though, she's the best ever.

 First family photo <3

 Snuggle bug! We used to spend whole days like this :)

 Best daddy ever. 

 For our first outing we went with Nana to Daddy's store and had dinner. In Logan.

One of her very first baths. So small!

So lately though… Chloe weighs 15 lbs! What!? I know, she's giant! She can roll over from belly to back both ways and back to belly! (Although that one is a little harder.) She really enjoys toys right now especially her rubber ducky (even though he's so hard to hold on to!) (Whom she likes to kiss… a lot!) Her rattle (it's not fun to shake, just fun to eat!) Her teething rings, they make good bracelets too. She just inherited one of mom's old baby dolls and likes to kiss her and have her sit in the swing with her. And best of all- her hands and feet! Of course mom and especially dad are the funnest to play with but when they're doing homework or cleaning (who am I kidding?) toys are the next best thing.  And she is still in love with her binkies! 

Chloe and I have been going "swimming" on wednesdays with some other parents and babies in the ward. It's really fun and a good opportunity for Chloe to get used to water. She really enjoys her baths and doesn't seem to mind at all when we're in the pool. 

She also really enjoys tasting some of the things mom and dad eat. Her favorites are: raspberries, pummellos, or any citrus fruit, and ice-cream. She also likes to try mom's water whenever mom takes a drink. She is getting super interested in our food and we're excited to start cereals and other things with her. 

She's afraid of pretty much everyone now except for mom, dad, and Nana- who looks a lot like mom! Even baby whisperers like Uncle Steve make her scream… It's a little sad. 

She loves playing with daddy especially when he touches her feet to her head. And likes bouncing on mommy's lap or getting her belly blown on. 

She loves sitting in her swing and can sit there for hours happy as a clam! (Which is soooo nice for me to do homework) And she really enjoys the baby channel on TV haha she loves to talk, scream and giggle at the characters.

She is so close to crawling that she gets super frustrated. She is so good at grabbing things though and is getting really close to sitting up by her-self as well. 

Alright, how about some pictures?

 She's such a happy girl!

 When we were going through daddy's boxes from home we found lots of cool stuff!

 Her fun Bumbo from Shaylee and Travis Price (Who just had their own little baby boy!)

 She used to be able to fall asleep anywhere… those were the good days. 

 This was during our move from Logan, UT back to Rexburg, ID :)

 She also loves going for walks and we have to get all sorts of bundled up for the cold weather outside. This snow suit (as well as a ton of other clothes) is a gift from our precious Ellie who passed away at the end of January. 

 She loves reading and this is her favorite book. From Grammie and Poppy for Christmas.

 Our little frog after a bath :) Also a gift from Grammie and Poppy.

 An Ellie dress that we wore to church.

Flipped upside-down and onto her back in her crib… silly girl.

Teachings of the Living Prophets: Conversion

Conversion

After I've received a testimony I need to keep renewing, and living by my testimony to stay converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

1. “Knowing that the gospel is true is the essence of a testimony. Consistently being true to the gospel is the essence of conversion. We should know the gospel is true and be true to the gospel.” (Elder Bednar October 2012 General Conference. Converted Unto the Lord.)
2. “Conversion is an enlarging, a deepening, and a broadening of the undergirding base of testimony. It is the result of revelation from God, accompanied by individual repentance, obedience, and diligence… Conversion is an offering of self, of love, and of loyalty we give to God in gratitude for the gift of testimony. (Elder Bednar October 2012 General Conference. Converted Unto the Lord.)
3. “Conversion requires all of our heart, all of our might, and all of our mind and strength.” (Elder Bednar October 2012 General Conference. Converted Unto the Lord.)
4. “We certainly cannot do this with a dragging-our-feet, staring-at-our-watch, complaining-as-we-go approach to discipleship. When it comes to living the gospel, we should not be like the boy who dipped his toe in the water and then claimed he went swimming.” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf. October 2012 General Conference. Of Regrets and Resolutions.)
5. “Sometimes all it takes is one single phrase of our testimony or about an experience to set in motion the softening of a heart or the opening of a door that can lead others to experience sublime truths through the promptings of the Spirit.” ( Dieter F. Uchtdorf. February 2013 Ensign. A Word for the Hesitant Missionary.)
6. “Conversion is an enlarging, a deepening, and a broadening of the undergirding base of testimony. It is the result of revelation from God, accompanied by individual repentance, obedience, and diligence… Conversion is an offering of self, of love, and of loyalty we give to God in gratitude for the gift of testimony.” ( David A. Bednar. October 2012 General Conference. Converted Unto the Lord.)
7. “True conversion brings a change in one’s beliefs, heart, and life to accept and conform to the will of God (see Acts 3:19; 3 Nephi 9:20)” ( David A. Bednar. October 2012 General Conference. Converted Unto the Lord.)
8. “We become converted and spiritually self-reliant as we prayerfully live our covenants—through worthily partaking of the sacrament, being worthy of a temple recommend, and sacrificing to serve others.” (Robert D. Hales. “Coming to Ourselves:…” General Conference April 2012.)
9. “I [have been] overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude for the magnificent principle of repentance and for the Atonement that makes it possible, for the miracle of conversion, for this great Church and its members, and for our missionaries.” (Richard C. Edgley. Repentance, a Blessing of Membership. Ensign May 2006.)
10. “God is preparing people to receive your testimony of restored truth. He requires your faith and then your action to share fearlessly what has become so precious to you and those you love.” (Henry B. Eyring.  Sharing the Gospel Heart to Heart. Ensign September 2012.)

Teachings of the Living Prophets: Missionary Work

Missionary Work

Although I haven't served as a full-time missionary and probably won't for many years, I can be a member missionary in so many ways. Missionary work is of utmost importance and I will continue serving wether it be a smile to a stranger or doing temple work for my brothers and sisters on the other side of the veil. 

1. “Let us not be critical and judgmental but let us be tolerant, ever emulating the Savior’s example of loving-kindness.” (Thomas S. Monson. October 2012 General Conference. God Be with You Till We Meet Again.)
2. “The Lord’s delays often seem long; some last a lifetime. But they are always calculated to bless. They need never be times of loneliness or sorrow or impatience. Although His time is not always our time, we can be sure that the Lord keeps His promises.” Henry B. Eyring. October 2012 General Conference. Where is the Pavilion?)
3. “Sometimes all it takes is one single phrase of our testimony or about an experience to set in motion the softening of a heart or the opening of a door that can lead others to experience sublime truths through the promptings of the Spirit.” ( Dieter F. Uchtdorf. February 2013 Ensign. A Word for the Hesitant Missionary.)
4. “All missionaries, younger and older, serve with the sole hope of making life better for other people.” (Russell M. Nelson. October 2012 General Conference. Ask the Missionaries! They Can Help You!)
5. “We encourage you to keep all that is good and true and then see if we can add more.”(Russell M. Nelson. October 2012 General Conference. Ask the Missionaries! They Can Help You!)
6. “As you go forth and share our core beliefs and the fruits of our doctrines, misperceptions will dissolve, prejudices will diminish, and people will come to see Latter-day Saints as devout disciples of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (Quentin L. Cook. MTC Mission Presidents’ Seminar. June 2012.)
7. “God is preparing people to receive your testimony of restored truth. He requires your faith and then your action to share fearlessly what has become so precious to you and those you love.” (Henry B. Eyring. Sharing the Gospel Heart to Heart. Liahona and Ensign September 2012.)
8. “If you’re not a full time missionary with a missionary badge pinned on your coat ,now is the time to paint one in your heart.” ( Neil L. Anderson. It’s a Miracle.)
9. “Missionaries try with every capacity-prayer, fasting, and testifying-to help individuals embrace the truth. A mission teaches one to be led by the Spirit, to understand our purpose for being on earth and how to accomplish it.” (Richard G. Scott. First Things First. April 2001 General Conference.
10. “You might as well baptize a bag of sand as a man, if not done in view of the remission of sins and getting of the Holy Ghost. Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half—that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost” (History of the Church, 5:499 Joseph Smith.)

Teachings of the Living Prophets: Celestial Marriage

Celestial Marriage

My eternal marriage with Joe is the most important relationship other than my relationship with my Heavenly Father and my Savior. I will be with him for eternity if we live righteously in this life.  I know that with Joe I can achieve my greatest potential. Although it has only been a year, our marriage has been the greatest blessing in my life. I cannot wait to spend forever with my sweetheart. :)

1. A woman needs to be told she is beautiful.” “She needs to be told she is valued, she needs to be told she is worth while.” ( Thomas S. Monson. October 2012 General Conference. See Others as They May Become.)
2. “It is your responsibility, and yours alone, to keep its flame burning brightly. Effort is required, but it is effort you will never, ever regret.” ( Thomas S. Monson. Believe, Obey, Endure. General Young Women’s Conference 2012.)
3. “The Lord’s delays often seem long; some last a lifetime. But they are always calculated to bless. They need never be times of loneliness or sorrow or impatience. Although His time is not always our time, we can be sure that the Lord keeps His promises.” (Henry B. Eyring. October 2012 General Conference. Where is the Pavilion?)
4. “Most people carrying heavy loads begin to doubt themselves and their own worth. We lighten their loads as we are patient with their weaknesses and celebrate whatever goodness we can see in them.” ( Henry B. Eyring. October 2012 General Relief Society Broadcast. The Caregiver.)
5. “Sometimes in life we become so focused on the finish line that we fail to find joy in the journey. We shouldn’t wait to be happy until we reach some future point, only to discover that happiness was already available—all the time! Life is not meant to be appreciated only in retrospect. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it. Let us resolve to be happy, regardless of our circumstances.” ( Dieter F. Uchtdorf. October 2012 General Conference. Of Regrets and Resolutions.)
6. “The creation of life is a great responsibility for a married couple. It is the challenge of mortality to be a worthy and responsible parent.” ( Boyd K. Packer. April 2012 General Conference. And a Little Child Shall Lead Them.)
7. “Sanctity of marriage and the importance of families is a top target of the adversary these days. The joining together of a man and a woman to be legally and lawfully wed not only is preparation for future generations to inherit the earth, but it also brings the greatest joy and satisfaction that can be found in this mortal experience. Children born to such marriages have a security that is found nowhere else. Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and important responsibility.” (L. Tom Perry. October 2012 General Conference. Becoming Goodly Parents)
8. “As parents we partner, even join, with God in bringing to pass His work and glory among His children. It is our sacred duty to do our very best.” (L. Tom Perry. October 2012 General Conference. Becoming Goodly Parents)
9. “...I also assert the virtue of a temple marriage. It is the highest and most enduring type of marriage that our Creator can offer to His children. While salvation is an individual matter, exaltation is a family matter.” (Russell M. Nelson. October 2012 General Conference. Celestial Marriage.)
10. “A temple marriage is not only between husband and wife; it embraces a partnership with God.” No contract is valid after death unless it is sealed by the holy spirit of promise.” (Russell M. Nelson. October 2012 General Conference. Celestial Marriage.)
11. “The noblest yearning of the human heart is for a marriage that can endure beyond death.” (Russell M. Nelson. October 2012 General Conference. Celestial Marriage.)
12. “Harmony in marriage comes only when one esteems the welfare of his or her spouse among the highest of priorities.” (Russell M. Nelson. October 2012 General Conference. Celestial Marriage.)
13. “A covenant is an agreement between God and His children upon the earth, and it is important to understand that God determines the conditions of all gospel covenants.” ( David A. Bednar. April 2006 General Conference. That We May Always Have the Spirit to Be with Us.)

Teachings of the Living Prophets: Following Promptings/Holy Ghost

Following Promptings/Holy Ghost

I want Heavenly Father to know that He can count on me if He ever needs anything done here on Earth. I can know what He wants for me and what He wants me to do by listening to the Holy Ghost and following promptings. I've learned throughout my life that ignoring promptings always ends up badly. The closer I draw to my Savior and my Heavenly Father the easier it will be for me to hear these promptings.

1. “Because we estrange the Spirit of the Lord when we engage in activities we know we should shun, then such things definitely are not for us.” (Elder David A. Bednar. General Conference April 2006. That we May Always Have His Spirit to Be With Us.) 
2. As we strive to align our attitudes and actions with righteousness, then the Holy Ghost becomes for us today what the Liahona was for Lehi and his family in their day. (Elder David A. Bednar. General Conference April 2006. That we May Always Have His Spirit to Be With Us.)
3. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26).
4. Never delay your promptings and the Lord will bless you with more of them. (Thomas S. Monson. October 2012 General Conference. Consider the Blessings.)
5. “The pavilion that seems to intercept divine aid does not cover God but occasionally covers us. God is never hidden, yet sometimes we are. Our feelings of separation from God will diminish as we become more childlike before Him.” (Henry B. Eyring. October 2012 General Conference. Where is the Pavilion?)
6. “Sometimes all it takes is one single phrase of our testimony or about an experience to set in motion the softening of a heart or the opening of a door that can lead others to experience sublime truths through the promptings of the Spirit.” ( Dieter F. Uchtdorf. February 2013 Ensign. A Word for the Hesitant Missionary.)
7. “Because we estrange the Spirit of the Lord when we engage in activities we know we should shun, then such things definitely are not for us.” ( David A. Bednar. April 2006 General Conference. That We May Always Have the Spirit to Be with Us.) 
8. “The voice of the Spirit speaks gently, prompting you what to do or what to say, or it may caution or warn you. Ignore or disobey these promptings, and the Spirit will leave you. It is your choice–your agency.” (Boyd K. Packer. October 1994 General Conference. Personal Revelation: The Gift, the Test, and the Promise.)
9. “Those who yearn for true spiritual light and knowledge can only find it through the power of the Holy Ghost. The Spirit enlightens and gives understanding of the eternal purpose of life. By the Spirit, Church members know the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is true.” (Russell M. Ballard. Feasting at the Lord’s Table.)
10. “As we draw near to Heavenly Father, we become more holy. And as we become more holy, we will overcome disbelief and our souls will be filled with His blessed light. As we align our lives with this supernal light, it leads us out of darkness and toward greater light. This greater light leads to the unspeakable ministerings of the Holy Spirit, and the veil between heaven and earth can become thin.” ( Deiter F. Uchtdorf. The Love of God. General Conference 2009.)

Teachings of the Living Prophets: Pornography

Pornography

Pornography is a terrible trap that many of our brothers and sisters are caught in today. There are many ways to avoid pornography and it can be overcome. It is difficult, but with the help of the Savior everything is possible. Our Prophet and Apostles have offered much guidance and help for those suffering with this affliction.

1. “Tenderness and respect—never selfishness—must be the guiding principles in the intimate relationship between husband and wife. Each partner must be considerate and sensitive to the other's needs and desires. Any domineering, indecent, or uncontrolled behavior in the intimate relationship between husband and wife is condemned by the Lord. Pornography and unwholesome fantasies erode one's character and strike at the foundation of a happy marriage.” (Howard W. Hunter, "Being a Righteous Husband and Father," Ensign, Nov. 1994, page 50.)
2. “Overcoming masturbation: Never read pornographic material. Never read about your problem. Keep it out of your mind. Remember‑‑"first a thought, then an act." The thought pattern must be changed. You must not allow this problem to remain in your mind. When you accomplish that, you soon will be free of the act.”( Mark E. Petersen. Overcoming Masturbation: A Guide to Self Control.)
3. “The Church opposes pornography in any form. Indulgence in pornography damages individual lives, families, and society. Such indulgence drives away the Spirit of the Lord. Church members should avoid all forms of pornographic material and oppose its production, dissemination, and use. The booklet Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts provides counsel on how to avoid and overcome problems with pornography.” (Church Handbook of Instructions, section 21.4.9)
4. “Through the enabling and the redeeming power of the Atonement, all those affected in any way by the pernicious plague of pornography may be strengthened to overcome it and be healed of its evil consequences.” (Elder Craig A. Cardon of the Seventy)
5. “Pornography is especially dangerous and addictive. Curious exploration of pornography can become a controlling habit, leading to coarser material and to sexual transgression. Avoid pornography at all costs” (Thomas S. Monson. “Preparation Bring Blessings,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2010).
6. “My beloved friends, under no circumstances allow yourselves to become trapped in the viewing of pornography, one of the most effective of Satan’s enticements. And if you have allowed yourself to become involved in this behavior, cease now. Seek the help you need to overcome and to change the direction of your life. Take the steps necessary to get back on the strait and narrow, and then stay there” ( Thomas S. Monson. “Until We Meet Again,” Ensign or Liahona,May 2009).
7. “Pornographic or erotic stories and pictures are worse than filthy or polluted food. The body has defenses to rid itself of unwholesome food. With a few fatal exceptions, bad food will only make you sick but do no permanent harm. In contrast, a person who feasts upon filthy stories or pornographic or erotic pictures and literature records them in this marvelous retrieval system we call a brain. The brain won’t vomit back filth. Once recorded, it will always remain subject to recall, flashing its perverted images across your mind and drawing you away from the wholesome things in life.” ( Dallin H . Oaks. Pornography. April 2005 General Conference.)
8. “Some involved in pornography apparently minimize its seriousness and continue to exercise the priesthood of God because they think no one will know of their involvement. But the user knows, brethren, and so does the Lord.” ( Dallin H . Oaks. Pornography. April 2005 General Conference.)
9. “Pornography impairs one’s ability to enjoy a normal emotional, romantic, and spiritual relationship with a person of the opposite sex. It erodes the moral barriers that stand against inappropriate, abnormal, or illegal behavior. As conscience is desensitized, patrons of pornography are led to act out what they have witnessed, regardless of its effects on their life and the lives of others.” ( Dallin H . Oaks. Pornography. April 2005 General Conference.
10. "Judging by its demoralized works, atheism has now quit advancing in this country simply because it has arrived. Not just rhetorically but actually—our country is in an ungodly mess. City streets are terrorized by crime; our biggest and most expensive campuses are paralyzed by nihilism and anarchy; with special license from the Supreme Court, theaters are boldly featuring sex perversion and the newsstands are loaded with hard‑core pornography. Big‑name investigating commissions have told us all about riots, crime, progress, and poverty, but always in materialistic terms of money, housing, social service jobs, and birth control—without a word about the possibilities for personal moral self‑restraint.” (Godless Forces Threaten Us. Ezra Taft Benson, 1969 Semi‑Annual General Conference, Improvement Era)

Teachings of the Living Prophets: Agency

Agency

One of the greatest gifts our Father in Heaven has given us is our agency. We have the freedom to choose and that can never be taken away from us. Following God's commandments helps us protect our agency and allows us to more wisely use or freedom of choice. When we give in to temptations and addictions we give up part of our agency. 

1.“Certainly one of our God-given privileges is the right to choose what our attitude will be in any given set of circumstances. We can let the events that surround us determine our actions—or we can personally take charge and rule our lives, using as guidelines the principles of pure religion. Pure religion is learning the gospel of Jesus Christ and then putting it into action. Nothing will ever be of real benefit to us until it is incorporated into our own lives.” (Marvin J. Ashton. Pure Religion. 1982 General Conference.)

2.“Accountability is the natural product of agency and is the basis of the plan of life. We are responsible for our own actions and accountable to God for what we choose to do with our lives. Life is God’s gift to us, and what we do with it is our gift to him.” (Elaine Cannon. 1983 General Conference. Agency and Accountability.)

3.“No power on earth, no power beneath the earth, will ever prevent you or me or any Latter-day Saint from being saved, except ourselves” (Heber J. Grant. From the Life of Heber J. Grant.)

4.“It’s not so much what happens to us but how we deal with what happens to us.“ (James E. Faust. October General Conference. October 2004.)

5.“So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment.” (Thomas S. Monson.  January 2012 Liahona. Living the Abundant Life.)

6.“We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. For maximum happiness, peace, and contentment, may we choose a positive attitude.” (Thomas S. Monson.  January 2012 Liahona. Living the Abundant Life.)

7.“My dear young friends, when the captain of a long-range jet passes the point of safe return, and the headwinds are too strong or the cruising altitudes too low, he might be forced to divert to an airport other than his planned destination. This is not so in our journey through life back to our heavenly home. Wherever you find yourselves on this journey through life, whatever trials you may face, there is always a point of safe return; there is always hope. You are the captain of your life, and God has prepared a plan to bring you safely back to Him, to your divine destination.” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf. Is There a Point of No Return? New Era June 2012.)

8.“You live in a time of great challenges and opportunities. As spirit sons of heavenly parents, you are free to make the right choices. This requires hard work, self-discipline, and an optimistic outlook, which will bring joy and freedom into your life now and in the future.” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf. See the End from the Beginning. Ensign May 2006.)

9.“When we came into this world, we brought with us from our heavenly home this God-given gift and privilege which we call our agency. It gives us the right and power to make decisions and to choose. Agency is an eternal law. President Brigham Young, speaking of our agency, taught: ‘This is a law which has always existed from all eternity, and will continue to exist throughout all the eternities to come. Every intelligent being must have the power of choice’.” ( Wlofgang H. Paul. Deseret News, Oct. 10, 1866, 355)

10.“We were given our agency. We must use it wisely and remain close to the Spirit; otherwise, we foolishly find ourselves yielding to the enticements of the adversary.” (Boyd K. Packer. Prayer and Promptings. Ensign November 2009.)