In my Heart

The Return of Stephen

2006-07-03T17:06:00.001-06:00

Well, we just picked up Stephen at the airport and in case anyone was wondering, he and Roxanne are still apparently going strong, at least if they're inappropriate public displays of affection are any indication.

In case you were wondering, Stephen had his hand on Roxanne's knee in the car, and they both just laughed when I pointed it out, and I was sitting in the back seat with them!!

Anyway, I am sure that Stephen will give you the story himself soon enough.

http://kingwilliamstreet.blogspot.com/

Mystery Solved!

2006-06-21T14:19:00.000-06:00

Well, I’m sure that here are a lot of you out there that are dying to know the story behind my missing Young Women’s medallion! You’ll never guess where it was… in a jewelry shop!! That’s right, dear sweet Peter surprised me again! Do you remember when I said that I fell asleep in the car on the way home? Well, Peter managed to sneak off the necklace without me noticing to get it engraved!

On the back in now reads, “You are my Mary Magdalene.” Can you believe it!? It’s just one more way that my great guy follows the examples set in the scriptures. I don’t take much stock in all this Davinci Code business, but at least they got one part of it right! Peter almost left it “You are my M.M.” so it could be either Molly Monson or Mary Magdalene, but I’m not going to be Molly Monson forever you know. Tee Hee!! I am just so excited!!!

A cry for help from my heart

2006-06-14T11:48:00.000-06:00

Well, I haven't been doing so well posing for a while, and I have to tell you that there is a really good reason for that. I've lost my Young Women's Medallion somewhere in Provo! I have been looking and looking, but no matter how many times I backtrack my steps, I haven't been able to find it!

I've worn my medallion everyday since the time that I earned it. Each day as I put it on, I remember the values I came to embrace while working on this award: Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice and Accountability, Good Works, and Integrity. Ever since I was a beehive, I've been looking forward to the day that my medallion would hang from my neck on my wedding day, identifying me as a young woman of Zion, ready to take my place at the side of my husband as a Mother in Zion.

I wore that medallion everyday while Peter was on his mission, and it was a great reminder to me to choose the right, so I would be worthy of him when he finally returned with honor. Another medallion just wouldn't be the same. I really need that one back...

Here was my day yesterday, and if any of you out there see a lonely golden medallion, please let me know so I can get it back around my neck where it belongs. I'm asking you, all of my special internet friends, for an act of service here in my hour of need.

Tuesday June 13th, 2006
6:00- Woke up, put on medallion
6:01- Personal Prayers
6:15- Scripture Study
6:45- Got ready and ate breakfast
7:30- Drove to Krispy Kreme in Orem to get doughnuts for office
7:45- Arrive at work
12:00- Met Peter and JDawgs for lunch
12:30- Returned to work
4:30- Drove home
4:45- Helped mom make dinner, ate dinner
6:30- Went to Movies 8 with Peter (saw Ice Age 2)
7:45- Walked out of film and demanded our money back, not realizing PG rating
8:00- Ice Cream sandwich at Smart Cookie
8:30- Fell asleep in Peter's car on the way home
8:45- Peter leaves, while getting ready for bed, noticed medallion was missing!!

Have you seen me?
If found, please email molly_monson@hotmail.com

A view from my heart #6 -- "What's Left of Me"

2006-05-23T19:54:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I dropped Peter off at his Minuteman Civil Defense Corps training meeting and took his car to get the oil changed. I was reading in the lobby and trying to pay attention the the New Era magazine that I was reading, but I kept getting distracted by a song on the radio. It was really sweet and catchy, and I even found myself tapping my toes a little!! Well, I have to admit that I'm a little out of the radio scene lately since Peter and I decided to only listen to music that is made available through the Church Distribution Center, but this was so uplifting that I had to find out what it was!!

Well, imagine my surprise when the radio announcer said that it was Nick Lachey's new CD! I was so excited!! I've been a little worried about Nick Lachey lately since his divorce from that tart Jessica Simpson. I really wish that someone would make her turn in her Mouseketteer ears for the turn she's taken, and I always just felt that Nick was trying to bring her back into the fold. Try as he might, he just wasn't able to bring her around. The "D" word isn't something I like to talk about too much, but frankly, I don't blame him for leaving her after she was so unfaithful to him with all of those skateboard people.

Anyway, Nick's new album, "What's Left of Me" is really something worth checking out. I immediately went over to the BY U Bookstore and picked up a copy. The album for the song "What's left of me", which can be seen over at his official website is really the new anthem of repentance for the rising generation. I was really surprised that Jessica agreed to be in it with him, but she probably feels guilty for the outfit she wore in the video and for being so mean to her husband. Anyway, we shold all show our support for Nick by heading over to the BYU Bookstore and picking up his album. We need to support him in the stand he's taken against Jessica Simpson.

If Nick is brave enough to condemn her for her immodesty, why shouldn't the rest of us stand up with him?

Peter Parley - Patriot

2006-05-17T13:34:00.000-06:00

You'll never guess what Peter did. I'm so excited and proud of him!! We were watching FOX News last night, and all of the stories were about problems with terrorism. Peter suddenly stood up and said that he had had enough and that he was going to do something about it. I was a little concerned at first, what was he going to do? He immediately picked up the phone and enlisted to fight in the war against terror!! Can you believe it?!? My Peter, is going to be making our nation, our great state of Utah, me, and our future children safe! That's right, Peter has joined the Minuiteman Civil Defense Corps.

They didn't even charge him because he already has his own pistol with conceal and carry permit! On some weekends, Peter is going to be heading down to the Arizona border to help the government keep the border secure by keeping out the terrorists. He hopes that it will not come to violence, but it it does, he is prepared to defend our country.

I'm already planning the meals that I'm going to pack for him when he is on the road. I can't wait to dust off Nan's Red, White, and Blue Ham Sandwhich recipe, or some of her Patriot Pot Pie! This is all just so exciting, I can't wait for his first patrol!!!

A view from my heart #5 -- The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe

2006-05-12T09:49:00.000-06:00

Well, I'm a little torn about what to say about this movie. Peter and I usually don't put much stock in all of those fantasy movies out there. We understand Harry Potter has a lot of witchcraft in it, and those Lord of the Rings Movies are full of demons ect. Someone Peter trusted told us that this movie was about the Savior, and we were so excited! A big hollywood movie about important things! We were really excited to support it and see it.

We started the movie, and it was a nice enough story, but we kept waiting for the parts about the Lord to turn up. When the little girl went through the closet and met the goat-man, I started getting nervous. I mean, that is what the devil looks like a lot of the time. Was that thing supposed to be the devil, and were the forces of good going to triumph over him?? Eventually, the devil went missing and some talking beavers showed up. Weren't these people familiar with the plan of salvation? Animals can't talk!! By this time, Peter and I were asking just what was going on here.

Eventually, there was a lot of talk of this Aslan person. Peter and I figured that he might end up being the Lord, because the animals kept talking about how he was going to save everyone. Well, it turns out that Asalan was a Lion!! At this point, we decided to just turn the movie off and take it back to CleanFlix and try to get a reservation for the Work and the Glory 2.

In a way, this is a positive review, since Peter and I didn't turn the movie off until it was almost 1/2 way through. For a movie of the World, this really isn't too bad.

A New View FrommyHeart Coming Soon!!

2006-05-05T09:56:00.000-06:00

After some of the experiences I've had in the past, I've kind of taken a break from watching the World's movies or reading the World's books. But this week, one of Peter's friends told him about a movie that came out a while ago that was actually about Christ! It's called The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I remember hearing about it, but it looked like one of those fantasy movies Peter and I don't like that are full of magic and things like that. Who knew that it was about the Gospel?!?

Anyway, I rented it and we're going to watch it this weekend! Look for a new review soon!!!

Some new posting goals

2006-05-04T12:23:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone!

It feels like I've been away for sooo long!! As Peter and I have been preparing for marriage, I've been doing a lot of personal reflection, and I've decided that posting on my blog again is an important step in my personal progression. Plus, Summer is here!! And Summer means more time for doing some of the things I really love doing.

For some updates on all of the great people in my life, Stephen has gone off for the summer to study abroad in Europe or some other country. Roxanne has gone with him (yes, they are still dating). Peter has finished a wonderful first year back at BYU and is making great progress in getting into the Marriot School of Management. Look out world, here comes Peter! We're of course making some great progress on planning our wedding and are looking forward to setting a date in the near future! So exciting!!!

Well, I should be making more posts regularly in the furture, and I'm so excited to catch up with all of my blog friends!!

Love,

Molly

Roxanne Home Evening

2005-11-15T22:07:00.000-07:00

Well, last night Peter came over to pick me up for the monthly Parley Family extended Family Home evening. I just love grandmother and grandfather Parley. They're so wise, and have already accepted me as one of their own.

Anyway, after I fixed Peter dinner and we were sitting down to enjoy some Lion House Chicken, Roxanne came over. I excused myself from dinner and went downstairs to return some CDs I had borrowed from her. Stephen was sitting on the couch watching television and Roxanne made herself at home next to him on the couch. I went back upstairs to clear the table and get ready to head over to Grandmother and Grandfather Parley's house. I went back downstairs to tell Roxanne that I was leaving and when I got there she was taking off her shoes and socks!

Well, of course I didn't know what to do. I didn't want Stephen to see the tattoo (he doesn't need any encouragement in that direction) and I didn't want Roxanne to become uncomfortable in our righteous home once it became known that was marked. I didn't know what to do, so I spilled my water on her leg to try and help her get out of a potentially awkward situation. I realize that this might not have been a totally honest thing to do, but I was trying to save my friend embarassment and I thought that it would be better for Roxanne to be comfortable in our home.

Well, turns out that there was no point. You see, Roxanne's tattoo wasn't a tattoo at all! It was drawn on by one of her Beauty School Friends. When she took off her sock to dry it off the tattoo simply wasn't there. It was such a tough moment for me. On the one hand, Roxanne was now washed clean, and the symbolism of baptism was not lost on me. On the other hand, avoiding the appearance of evil is also pretty important.

At any rate, we were going to be late for Family Home Evening, and Stephen and Roxanne were heading out to see New York Doll, which is apparently a documentary about the Church. Maybe Peter and I will go and see it too soon.

Excited Dreams...

2005-11-14T17:27:00.000-07:00

Veronica Mars?

2005-11-10T09:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I wasn't going to reveal her name, but my tattooed friend from the previous post has been coming over to my house a lot and looks like she'll be a part of my life so I guess I'd better name her. I'm sorry that I posted about Roxanne's tattoo, because I wanted to keep her anonimity and all. But anyway, she's been coming over alot and it's been pretty fun to have her.

Last night, Roxanne dropped by and Peter and I were trying to pick a theme scripture for our wedding. It was kind of awkward, because your theme scripture for your wedding is such a personal thing between future groom, future bride, and the Lord, but I thought it would be good for Roxanne to help us and get into the scriptures.

After a few minutes, she excused herself to go to the restroom and didn't come back. I left Peter deep in Isaiah and went to go find Roxanne. I found her downstairs with Stephen watching TV on the couch. Roxanne said, "Hey Mol, want to check out Veronica Mars with Steve and I? It's a really cool show." No, of course I didn't, but didn't Roxanne want to come back and help with the scripture hunt? She declined, and ended up spending the evening with Stephen in his room listening to music. At one point, I heard the sounds of the Grateful Dead and was a little tempted to join them, but we all know what road that put me on! I figured that Roxanne didn't want to inpinge on Peter and I's special time, and I really appreciate that about her. She's a great friend.

The Mark of the beast?

2005-11-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, a close friend (I won't tel lyou her name) came over to my house to give me a peticure. We're trying to see what will look good for the wedding, and she has been to beauty school and just has a lot of great ideas about these kind of things. Anyway, I was really excited. I haven't been able to see my friend as much since I've been spending a lot of time working and of course, with Peter. My friend did such a great job I wanted to return the favor and give her one back. She said great and took off her shoe and sock and that's when I saw the tattoo.

I was pretty shocked, and didn't really know what to do. I mean, we had shared a cabin at girls camp for years. We had even been YCLs together, and I just had no idea. Well, I wasn't sure what to do, so I just gave her the peticure but of course she realized something was wrong. She said, "It's about the tattoo isn't it Molly." How did she know!? I mean, we've been friends for such a long time I guess I shouldn't have been surprised, but I really was! I said, "Well yes it is actually. Is everything ok?" She said, "Of course." I said, "Really?" And she said yeah. She was really comfortable with it, and even let me take this picture.

I love my friend, but I'm just not sure what to do! I mean, I knew she'd been hanging out with the beauty school crowd up in Salt Lake and all, but I had no idea it had come to this. I decided to make a point of spending more time with her and praying for her with Peter. What next, two sets of earrings? Sometimes I'm really glad to live where I live. It's just so nice to be able to turn on the Cougar game and see the other teams tattoos but to see our team sparking clean and fresh as they go on to victory. It's great to be in Utah County!
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A View from the Sideline of my heart

2005-10-26T17:21:00.000-06:00

I thought that this would be a good place to express my feelings on the BYU football season thus far. Peter has been watching with me, mostly because he knows that I'm such a big fan. This week was a pretty big dissappointment, with the big loss to Notre Dame. Peter has been saying all season that most of the problems this season are related to the moral problems that have been going on off the field, but even he was upset about the Notre Dame loss. When I asked him why he was so upset, he replied "truth should prevail". I wasn't sure what that had to do so much with football, but it was very profound and I've been pondering it ever since.

BYU sports has been struggling ever since Rhondo Feldberg was fired as athletic director several years ago. First Coach Edwards and then Coach Cleveland left. There sure seems to be some problems somewhere, but I'm still rooting for the cougs. At least Utah isn't much better. As long as we beat the Ute's, the season has been somewhat of a success.

ENGAGED!

2005-10-24T00:12:00.000-06:00

For those of you who don't read Peter's Blog, I have some extremely exciting news. Peter and I are engaged!! It's something that I've been dreaming about since before I was a behive, and now it's finally happened!!

As you can imagine, Peter and I have been pretty busy being engaged. That's why I haven't had time to update this blog very much. For those of you who have been checking in, thanks so much! I'd like to say that we'll be posting more often, but for those of you who have been engaged, you will know what I'm talking about when I say that we're pretty busy. We're also standing by our decision to keep our relationship less public, so there won't be much relationship stuff here, but there is still a lot I can talk about.

One of the first things I did was drop out of school. Now that I'm engaged, I don't really have time for classes and I'm looking forward to earning money while Peter is in school. My uncle has bumped me up to full time, and I'm currently looking for a second, part-time job. i'd love to work at the Provo bakery, but they want me to work in the mornings and that's the busiest time at the dentist's office! If any of you out there know of a place where I can get a part time job in the Provo area, let me know!

Well, that's all for today. Thanks to everyone for your support.

Feeling better

2005-08-20T13:26:00.000-06:00

Well, I think that I got all of the poison out of me a few days ago. It wasn't fun, but Peter and Mom were there for me and now I am feeling ok. I am still a little creeped out by this Samuel Whittaker, but I really want to thank all of my friends who stood by me in this trying time, especially Peter and my brother Stephen.

I seems like everytime I bring up my relationship with Peter something bad happens. I'm going to try and do it a little less, but it's hard for me because I just get so excited about everything!!! I can't wait for our next date, Peter says he has something big planned and a big surprise for our second try at our first kiss.

I'm not sure what went wrong earlier. Like Peter explained, I apparently got food poisoning which caused me to get sick and throw up. You wouldn't think that something like that would happen at The Roof, but I guess you never know. Mom, Nan, and my aunt Josie (Brindi's mom) sat me down yesterday and kept asking me if I knew that it was food poisoning. I kept telling them that what else could it have been? But they kept implying that there was something more, that maybe I was nervous or something. Aunt Josie started telling me this story about how her oldest daughter (not Brindi) spend her entire wedding night crying in the bathroom because she felt guilty or something and that maybe I was feeling guilty too.

I quickly changed the subject because I wasn't sure what she was talking about, and I was pretty sure that I didn't want to know anyway. They're great and all, and they usually have some great advice. But every once in awhile they kind of get on one...

Well, I plan to keep posting about things, especially Peter's new calling, the upcoming BYU Football season (Cougar Molly, remember?), and new editions of "A View from my heart". I can't wait!!

Monday, a big day...

2005-08-11T20:10:00.000-06:00

Well, I guess now that Belle has spilled the beans I'd better come clean about Monday. I know I haven't been the best blogger lately, and neither has Peter for that matter. The truth is, we've been spending a lot of time together and haven't had time for blog entries. We also haven't wanted to make our own private relationship as public on the internet anymore. But I guess one little slip won't hurt.

Peter has planned a very special date for us this Monday. We're going to start early at the Provo Temple where Peter will baptize me in behalf of some of his ancestors. We've been spending time at the BYU Family History Center and managed to locate some people in Peter's line who have not had their work done! After that we're going to change and drive up to This is the Place Heritage Park and spend the day becoming better aquainted with our pioneer ancestry. After the park closes, we're going to return to The Roof in Salt Lake City, the site of our first date after Peter's mission.

It all sounds wonderful right? Well, I really feel like it's time for Peter and I to make a big step forward in our relationship with each other. Counting the time before Peter's mission, we have been seeing one another for almost two years now and I really feel like it's time. That's right, Peter and I are going to kiss for the first time...

Some of you might think that this is not appropriate. Peter and I too have had some concerns with this, but after counselling with our parents and priesthood leaders, we feel as though at this time it is a step we should be making. I can't wait for Monday!!!!

A View from my heart #4 - Guns Germs and Steel

2005-07-26T16:43:00.000-06:00

Well, I didn't get to see Sense and Sensibility. I went to go and rent it 3 times but it was nver in stock!! It really makes me want to see it more though because it's probably a really good movie to be out so often.

What I did watch was a show on PBS called Guns, Germs, and Steel, which is a show about why the Indians were taken over by the Europeans. There were some things that I liked and some things that I didn't like. A thing I liked was that it talked about that people in places like New Guniea where they don't have a lot of technology or anything are really just as smart as the people back in civilization, they just haven't had the opportunity to learn the things we have. This is really true I think, I mean arean't we all children of God? Every once in a while a really smart person comes along, but it seems like most people are at about the same level of smartness.

A really sad thing was at the end they talked about all of these little children in Africa who were dying of malaria, because they live in big cities or something and they didn't before. It makes me glad that people are trying to work on things like this, helping people instead of trying to tear them down with inappropriate movies and media.

One thing I didn't like was that they talked about the Americas being taken over by people from Europe and that it was because of disease and technology, when really we know that it was becasue the people were wicked and there needed to be righteous people in the land (2 Nephi 1:9-11). All and all I thought it was a pretty good show and I was glad they were trying to help some people.

That's all for this week! Mom and Dad have surprised Stephen and I with a trip around Utah to see Church History sites! I thought it would be so exciting especially with Pioneer Day being so close.

Why I haven't posted lately

2005-07-15T13:17:00.000-06:00

I haven't been a very good blogger lately, and there is a reason for that. I don't want to get into too many details, but a close friend of mine recently told me that she is pregnant. She is not married and is a member of the church.

I really had some problems with this. My friend and I were close, and I couldn't believe that she would be doing things that would get her pregnant. I didn't know what to say when she told me. I just sort of went into shock. I don't think she had told too many people yet, and she was probably approaching me for advice or maybe some sympathy or even just a listening ear. I just totally froze up and didn't say ANYTHING!!! My poor friend just sort of looked at me frozen and then got up and left.

Its been an intense few weeks for me as I've thought about this. Part of me wanted to stay away from my friend, probably beceause I felt bad about how I responded and partly because I felt like I didn't want to be around someone who had gotten pregnant out of wedlock. After a week of feeling this way, I decided I was wrong and that it wasn't right to shun someone because they have a problem or made a mistake. I spoke to Stephen about it, and he said that I should call and offer to help my friend. This was pretty good advice I thought so I called my friend and told her that I was sorry and asked her if I could help.

She's since gone to her bishop and is working some things out. You know, I tried to expand my horizons by getting familiar with music and other things, but I decided that this has helped me with that more than any of those other things.

Stay tuned though for this weeks View from my Heart: Sense and Sensibility!!! (Thanks to me-myself-and I for the suggestion).

A View from my Heart #4 - Suggestions

2005-07-05T10:37:00.000-06:00

After the mess that happened from my previous movie review, I'm looking for suggestions for the next "A View from my heart". Peter and I are looking to support good books, music, or movies. Please leave your suggestions here and maybe I'll review yours this week!

C.R.U.D.E. Alert - Jessica Simpson

2005-06-30T09:35:00.000-06:00

Well, I've decided to try and help Peter in his effort against inappropriate entertainment. I think a name would be good, and I'm going to suggest C.R.U.D.E. to Peter, which stands for Crusade to Remove Ungodly Demeaning Entertainment. My first C.R.U.D.E. entry is about the gradual whoreification of Jessica Simpson.

Jessica started out so great! When Sweet Kisses came out I thought it was so neat, and I especially liked "Heart of Innocence".

With Jessica, I thought that here was a girl who speaks out against premarital sex and maybe "popular" music doesn't have to be all about people like Britney Spears. Well, here is a before and after shot of Ms. Simpson and this is just one example of how the liberal media can transform a person if we aren't careful.

If any are offended by the photograph here, I apologize but I'm just trying to show how bad the problem has gotten. Please be careful out there, I wasn't and have had some bad experiences.

A View from my (Broken) Heart #3 - A Room With a View

2005-06-27T17:05:00.000-06:00

As most of you have probably figured out, last week's "A View from my Heart" was an absolute, utter disaster. On the advice of a friendly commenter, I made chicken cordon bleu from the lion house cook book for dinner for Peter and his teenage sister, Martha. Martha is 15, and we have always been such good friends, I was so excited to spend time with her and Peter. Dinner went great, mom and dad ate in the family room and Stephen was out of town. We had some great conversations. Martha is really excited for this years Freedom Festival. Like many young Utah County girls, she has always been a huge fan of the Osmonds Second Generation. And this years festival is also featuring Mandy Moore, who I know has done some questionable things in the past, but I understand she recently did a film about teen Christians, and she's certainally a big improvement over that American "Idol" that they're having over at the University of Utah.

Well, after dinner and desert (Yoda Soda except with Sprite), Martha and I popped some popcorn and settled down with Peter to watch the Movie. Everything started out so great! Lucy Honeychurch and her dear Aunt Charlotte were having the time of their lives visiting all of the amazing art in Italy! Lucy was so lucky to have Aunt Charlotte with her, who was one of my favorite characters despite the fact that she went around with that author woman.

Anyway, while in Italy they meet some people in the hotel they're staying at, most of whom are very lovely people in their lovely Victorian way. A father and son are also there, who are initially a little strange and forward, but appear at first to be kind hearted. The film takes its first downturn on a picnic the new friends take in the Italian countryside. After a priest of some kind breaks up what can only be described as a "grope-fest" taking place between the driver of the carriage and a woman he claims is his sister, the men and women separate to have lunch. When Lucy goes off by herself to find another priest to talk to, she is surprised by the son of the strange family and is kissed by him without permission! Lucy is of course rushed away back home by the sensible Charlotte where she soon meets the love of her life, a man named Cecil Vyse.

Cecil is such a gentleman, his only concern being Lucy's welfare. In fact, when Lucy's own family tries to drag her down, Cecil sticks up for Lucy and always tries to do the proper thing. Unfortunately, without knowing who they are, Cecil invites the crazy man and son to move to Lucy's town! Where they immediately make friends with Lucy's brother and head over to Lucy's house with a priest to go swimming.

Well, they had no swimming suits. I kept wondering where they were going to change, and they NEVER DID! They just took off their clothes and jumped in the water! Stephen says that nobody had swimming suits in those times and everybody just swam with no clothes on, but do they have to put it in the movie!!!!

Peter quickly jumped up to turn off the movie, as Martha and I were still pretty much in shock. Peter said goodnight pretty quickly and said that he needed to get his sister home so that they could talk about what happened. Peter has called a few times, but I'm so embarrassed I don't know if I can talk to him. I mean, can you imagine. Martha is 15 years old!! I just can't believe that this happened...

A View from my Heart is going to be more limited from now on. I've had three bad experiences, and I'm going to just stick with Deseret Book from now on. Stephen has some old seminary movies that I'm going to watch for this week. One of them is called "The Phone Call" and I can't remember the others. Well, I'd better get going. We have FHE and then I need to make an appointment with the Bishop for this week...

Disaster, utter disaster...

2005-06-24T22:40:00.000-06:00

Well, everyones comments just started making sense. What an absolute, utter disaster. I am horrified. I wouldn't blame Peter if he never speaks to me again...

What to cook...

2005-06-24T16:08:00.000-06:00

Peter, his sister, and I are all going to spend some time at my house tonight! As you can all probably imagine, I am so excited! Even better, Stephen is off with his friends on another wilderness trip so we'll have the whole house to ourselves, with Mom and Dad of course.

The three of us are going to have dinner together and then watch A Room With a View. I got down Lion House Recipes and am still trying to decide what to make. It's too bad it's so hot, because I just LOVE Lion House Wassil. Well, I'd better go because I can smell that the bread is done baking. I can't wait for the next A View From My Heart!!

Next view from my heart

2005-06-21T11:01:00.000-06:00

I've decided to move away from music for awhile after my bad who experience and this week I'll be reviewing the movie A Room with a View, Nan had it and I read the back of the box. It sounds great! All about Victorian England when morality was still so very important to everyone. Even better it wasn't rated! If they didn't even need to rate it, then it must be super-clean!

I'd like to cook dinner for Peter one night and watch it with him...

I'm looking forward to even the possibility!!!!

Joseph Smith Johnson

2005-06-18T16:13:00.000-06:00

Well, I need to explain some things about Joseph Smith Johnson. For those of you who have seen Peter's Blog, you will know that we're working through some things now, and like Peter I don't want to put things on the internet without having first spoken with him, so I'll not be including a lot of detail here.

Some of you will have noticed my friend Emily posting occasionally on my blog. Emily and I worked together at the BYU Bookstore before I got my current job. Well, Emily is from California and she had a friend named Joseph Smith Johnson who is also from California. Immediately, I was intrigued. I'd never met anyone named Joseph Smith before, and I thought that this was a person that I'd like to meet.

One day, Emily asked Joseph Smith Johnson to come into the bookstore so they could "go to lunch". I think it was maybe an excuse so that I could meet him. Well, we all went to go eat in the Cougareat together, and while we were waiting in line Emily got a call on her cell phone and had to rush off to work on a group project that was going badly. That left Joseph Smith Johnson and I to eat lunch together.

Of course I wanted to know all about his name. I thought it was so clever and neat that he would be named Joseph Smith! He told me that after his parents joined the Church, they wanted to honor the Prophet by naming one of their children after him. Joseph Smith Johnson was born a few years later and the rest is history!

Well, Joseph and I had a great talk at lunch and he began coming around to see me and Emily a little more often. We all became really good friends and enjoyed spending time together. One of the funnest things we did was go on a hike with another friend of Emily's up to Diamond Fork Canyon where we went to some hot springs! It was really fun, and except for some strange people we passed on out hike out that were pretty wierd. It was kind of dark by then, but it didn't look like they were wearing modest clothing.

I consider Joseph Smith Johnson a great friend, but like I said before, now that Peter's home I don't have as much time for friends as I did before. I miss Emily and the other friends we used to hang out with. It was a really fun spring and I'll always remember it, but well... Peter's home now, and my spare time is mostly spent with him.

A View From my Heart #2 - The Who

2005-06-18T14:46:00.000-06:00

I've been a little long in getting this out there, but those of you that read Peter's Blog will understand that it's been kind of a busy week for me.

I don't know quite where to begin with the Who's Who's Better, Who's Best...

Some of their music was, well the only word appropriate is inspiring. Some of the other songs felt like maybe they weren't really about what they were singing about, and that there were some sort of hidden meanings that you hear about sometimes.

As usual, I think I should begin with the positive. As the former accordion player in a strolling strings folk ensemble, I can't express enough appreciation for "Squeeze Box". The accordion and other related instruments have NEVER gotten the recognition they deserve, what with the liberal media and all. Anyway, the accordion in the song must have been one of these little guys

because the song says that "Mama's got a squeeze box she wears on her chest", my accordion is one of the bigger instruments and it pretty takes up most of my torso! While the accordion seems to be somewhat disruptive, what with the Dad being unable to sleep and the kids not eating, but at the same time I can't help but think that if squeeze boxes were played more often in more homes in America there would be less divorce and more family togetherness.

Another song I really enjoyed was "I'm a Boy", which is about some older family members playing dress up with their little relative. There were many times when I was a little girl that I wished for a little sibling to play with, to practice putting make up on and what not. The poor little tyke wants to "wanna play cricket on the green" and "Ride my bike across the stream", but his older sister and cousins won't let him because they're having a tea party! Oh well, they'll all grow up to be really close I'm sure because of all the time they spent together growing up. Someday I hope I'll be encouraging little playgroups like this with my own children...

Other highlights were "Magic Bus" (I've always supoprted public transportation), and the haunting "Teenage Wasteland", which is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard.

Some of the low points were Pinball Wizard, song about a young man wasting his life playing video games. The welfare roles are full of video game players, and I intend to not have any in my home when I get one of my own. Stephen of course plays his Playstation at all hours when he isn't listening to music, and I just can't help but think of all that valuable missionary preperation time he is missing out on.

I also didn't appreciate most of the other songs from "Tommy" which appear to be about a messiah figure. Several of the other songs were a little creepy and didn't sit well with me, so overall I think the who are a mixed bag and not something I'm going to listen to anymore. I threw Stephen's CD into the trash and Stephen, I left you the money in the top drawer of your desk. Please be more careful about what you bring into our home.

A busy few days

2005-06-14T19:00:00.000-06:00

Well it's been a busy couple of days and I feel like I've been neglecting my blog! Now that I've started this blog, I feel responsible for it. It feels like it needs nurturing, kind of like a young women's value. I still haven't read Stephen's blog, but he's gone hiking in southern Utah so I don't feel a big hurry to get over to it yet.

Peter is doing great of course! We've decided to keep our relationship a little more offline, but there will be many more updates in the future. Peter doesn't seem to be as keen on blogging as I do, but he's pretty busy right now having gotten into family history work. That man! No sooner is he home from proclaiming the Gospel that he's out Redeeming the dead.

There have been a few questions about Joseph Smith Johnson, who is a friend of Emily and me. Well, that's about him I guess. We were pretty good friends but I haven't had as much time for friends since I've been spending so much time with Peter! I'm missing Emily of course but this is really the natural way of things.

I've been rummaging through Stephen's albums tonight and I think I've found the next subject of a view from my heart. The Who!!! I saw the CD and I thought and "I wonder who this CD is by?" and I looked closer and it was the Who!!! Seems like it was meant to be huh?? I'm really excited to listen to the Who and expand my horizons some. My review will be posted soon!

My Brother Stephen

2005-06-11T21:16:00.000-06:00

As some of you might have gathered, I have an older brother named Stephen who has just moved back home. Stephen is what you might call "less-active" and we've all really been trying to fellowship him back into full activity. I actually found out about the whole blog thing from him, but I've never been able to figure out the web address, UNTIL NOW!!!!!

Emily taught me about the "history" option to see which internet sites have been visited recently. Not only can it help battle pornography, but it let me find Stephen's blog! I'm so excited to read it, and I think he could use some fellowshipping, it doesn't look like anybody has commented on his blog and I think it would be nice is some of you nice people out there read and comment on his blog.

We have been getting along pretty well lately, and I have appreciated his help with "A View From My Heart", even if the Grateful Dead ended up being evil maybe.

Well, please check in with Stephen!!

http://kingwilliamstreet.blogspot.com/

Some confusion over the picture

2005-06-11T19:54:00.000-06:00

It seems as though there has been some confusion over the picture that I chose for my profile. You see, I was a little nervous about putting my own picture up, I don't know why exactly, if it seemed a little vain maybe or just scary putting your picture up there for everyone to see. I did a little bit of checking and it seemed like people put all kinds of things up there, even pictures of famous people.

So I decided to do the same thing. I chose a famous person that I thought pretty much everyone would know, one of my favorite LDS rcording artists Sister Margo Edgeworth. Looking back, I can see how someone unfamiliar with the Church might mistake Sister Edgeworth for me. Maybe I should take the picture down... and I just realized that I never did get permission to use the photo!!

Have I done something wrong here?? I think I need to talk to Peter about this.

A chance to finally reflect

2005-06-11T12:46:00.000-06:00

Phew, what an eventful 24 hours it has been! I can't believe that took me this long to get a report of Peter and I's date up, but you know how it goes... We got home a little late (11:00 thank you very much) and then this morning my Dad had a big surprise, he's bought Last Miracle for LaVell!! So of course we watched it together with Mom after doing some yardwork together. Even Stephen watched for awhile, and I think that seeing all of those upstanding young men engaged in good works might be a good example for him.

But the biggest news of course is my date with Peter. What a night! I wasn't sure that ANYTHING could top 'The Roof', but this was way so much fun! As Peter said, he wanted to do something that would give us an opportunity to have a good conversation. Peter had warned me that I should "be ready for anything", and it was a good thing I was because the first thing we did was hike the Y! I hadn't done it since before Peter left on his mission, and it was so neat to go up with him again and overlook BYU and Utah Valley!

After getting back down, Peter took me to Legends Grill, a place I've been many times but never to eat! Peter isn't as into BYU sports as I am, but he is still a fan and we had a great talk about what was cooler to see in Legacy Hall, Ty Detmer's 1990 Heisman Trophy or Danny Ainge's 1981 Eastman Trophy and John Wooden Award. I had to go with Brother Detmer, but Peter is more of a basketball fan now (having played so often on his mission) and he was more interested in Brother Ainge's things.

Once we finished dinner (YUM!), we went for a walk around campus. When we got to the Botany Pond, I remarked to Peter how fun it would be to feed all of the ducks. Peter then walked over to some bushes and pulled a bag of stale bread out that he had stashed there previously! Lover's lane indeed!!

We then walked up to one of my favorite places on campus, the BYU Creamery of course!!! I just can't get enough Bishop's Bash, and Peter of course had his all time favorite -- Vanilla! While we were at the Creamery we even ran into an old friend of me and Emily, Joseph Smith Johnson. I hadn't seen Joseph Smith Johnson since Peter got home and I enjoyed saying hello to him and having him meet Peter. Joseph Smith Johnson kind of wanted to talk I think, but it was getting late and Peter and I still had to listen to American Beauty so we headed back to my place and luckily Stephen wasn't home so we used his nice stereo.

After much pondering and conversation, Peter and I decided not to listen to American Beauty any more. Particularly once Peter pointed out that one of the songs was called "Friend of the Devil". It's always better to avoid the appearance of evil anyway, and even though Peter's hair is getting a little shaggy it isn't like we're some kind of godless hippies or something. Better safe than damned, that's what Nan always says anyway.

In the end it was an AMAZING time! I can't wait to see Peter again!!!!

The (Second) Big Date!

2005-06-10T10:26:00.000-06:00

Once again I'm so excited for tonight! Peter and I are going to go out again, and even better it's a suprise! I'm not sure what we're going to be doing, but I have so much confidence in Peter as a righteous priesthood holder that I know it will be both fun and edifying.

One thing that we're going to do is listen to American Beauty together and decide if it really is uplifting. Pater and some of me friends from the blog have shared some concerns about the Dead, and we really want to know whether or not the Grateful Dead are true. So we plan to listen and then pray about it. I'm so excited! I haven't prayed with Peter in a long time, though sometimes I would imagine that somewhere out there, we might just be praying at exactly the same time!

Anyway, I'll be sure and post about it as soon as I can. And by the way, I'm starting to suspect that Anon might be my brother Stephen. He's always using that kind of language...

A request, sort of a plea really

2005-06-10T10:13:00.000-06:00

I'm afraid I just had to delete a post from a Mr. "Anonymous" because it had some inappropriate language in it. The original comment more or less read

"I'm calling 'horsepucky' om this entire blog. No one could be this naive. Not even a Mormon. Nice try "Molly Monson", but I'm not buying it.

This is not the first time we've had a little conflict Anon (is it ok if I call you Anon?), but I'm OK with you not believing in me. I mean, not everyone believes in Joseph Smith or Santa either, but that doesn't mean that they aren't real. I have a lot of faith, and I have faith in you Anon that you can express your disbelief in me without resorting to coarse language.

Thank you and I hope we can continue to have positive and productive conversations.

Your Friend,

Molly Monson

View From My Heart #1 - American Beauty by the Grateful Dead

2005-06-09T13:16:00.000-06:00

Well, after I got home from my epiphany with Ray I realized that I had only listened to the album one time. Luckily, for once my older brother Stephen's mostly wayward music collection finally came in handy! Of course he had American Beauty he said, on CD even! So I borrowed his CD player and sat down to really digest American Beauty.

If I had to choose one theme from American Beauty that theme would be "love", which is something we're commanded to do! But let's not forget the many other wholesome and uplifting themes. That being said, my favorite song is probably "Sugar Magnolia", which surprisingly explains the role of righteous mother in Zion. For example,

"She's got everything delightful
She's got everything I need
Takes the wheel when I'm seeing double
Pays my ticket when I speed"

Isn't this the kind of support we've been encouraged to give our husbands? Can I get an "amen" from my Sister's in Zion? And for the husbands,

"Sugar Magnolia blossom's blooming
Head's all empty and I don't care"

I hope that one day, my future eternal companion will be able to look past my intellectual shortcomings (for those that don't know, I'm only a visiting summer student at BYU, and have nevver been accepted as a regular student) and appreciate me for my attempts to beutify myself and our home.

I couldn't help but personally relate to the song too when it said,

"She can dance a Cajun rhythm
Jump like a Willys in four wheel drive
She's a summer love in the spring, fall and winter
She can make happy any man alive"

As I've said before, I love to dance! And there's nobody I know that can beat me out back on the old tramp. I'd like to think that my simple talents really could make my future man very happy.

Another theme, that of the consequences of our actions, is found in the song "Ripple". There are consequences to all of our actions, and sometimes it is hard to live the gospel. There is, "a road", but it is "no simple highway". Yeah, because it's a straight and narrow one!

This song too reminds me of Peter, because "You who choose to lead must follow". I think we all know who that person to follow is. And even better to song was written by Jerry Garcia! You know, like the Ice Cream!

Anyway the Grateful Dead is about love. I really wish that I could have gone to a concert and felt some of that love, but I did some internet research and I understand Jerry died and they don't perform shows anymore. Well, thank goodness for records! Until next time, this is a View from my heart.

A New Feature - A View From my Heart

2005-06-09T11:34:00.000-06:00

Peter called last night and we had a GREAT talk! He said that he would explain about the girl over on his blog, so I won't repeat it here. Needless to say I was very relieved! We're going to see each other again soon (I hope), and I really can't wait!!

Mom and I went down to visit Nan and Ray last night. For those of you that don't know, Nan is my mom's older sister. Since my grandmother died when I was kind of young, Nan has been kind of a surrogate grandmother to me, even though she's really my aunt! Nan's husband died several years ago, and Nan married Ray a few years later. Ray is a good man, but he doesn't really go to church very much or things like that (he's from Santaquin if that explains anything). When we come to visit, me and mom usually chat with Nan in the kitchen and they teach me to bake something new while we chat. Ray usually goes down into the basement or out to the backyard until whatever we're baking is done.

This visit, mom and Nan kind of started talking about my older cousin (the older sister of Brindy) and her "Newlywed problems". I was a little uncomfortable for some reason, and I don't really understand what cranberry juice has to do with anything, so I excused myself and went wandering around the house. I thought Ray was in the backyard so I went downstairs, and Ray was there! Listening to some music on a record player.

I went to go back upstairs, but I was strangely attracted to the music. I approached Ray and he showed me this album.

The Grateful Dead! It sounded a little dark for me, but then I thought to myself well, there are plenty of Grateful Dead in the Temple, so maybe it would be OK the check it out. I sat there and listened to that entire record with Ray and you know what? It was AMAZING!!! I always thought Ray was kind of a hippy or something with his ponytail, but this wasn't anything like the hippy music I'd been told about, full of anti-gun and anti-government messages.

I called Emily (my most worldly galpal) and she said that "The Dead" were OK to listen to so I've decided to make a new feature here at my blog. Well, it's more of a personal enrichment goal really, but I've decided to expand my horizons by seeking out books, film, and music that is virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy and reviewing them here on my blog! My first entry will be posted shortly, a review of The Grateful Dead album "American Beauty"!

I'm so excited!!!! Special Thanks to Ray!

A Big Relief

2005-06-08T16:10:00.000-06:00

Well, Peter called me after I got home from work and we spoke briefly. I apologized for blogging about him without his knowledge. He was OK with it and even posted on my blog (see the previous post comments)! Peter even said that I inspired him to start a blog of his own, which I am going to read as soon as I post this. He said that he thought it was a good way to reach out to and inspire people to righteousness, as well as maintaining records for our future posterity.

Even though I didn't ask, Peter said that while he didn't have time to explain about the girl Brindy saw him with at the fireside, he would call me when he returned from missionary exchanges and tell me the whole story.

I can't wait!!!

Word from Peter

2005-06-07T15:59:00.000-06:00

Well, I finally heard from Peter but it wasn't exactly good.

Molly,

I've been receiving emails from people that I don't know who say that obtained my address from your "internet blog." Furthermore, an "(Elder) Jerry Wheadon" and an "Audrey" have informed me that you are putting additional information about me and my family on the internet.

Can you explain what is going on here?

From,

Peter Parley

Should I send Peter the blog address? I'm not sure if he'll be really mad or if he'll think it's kind of sweet. I think I'm going to have to tell him...

Advice from a friend

2005-06-07T11:56:00.000-06:00

I just got some great advice via email from a new friend!

Thanks Cady!

Peter Problems

2005-06-06T12:48:00.000-06:00

Well, I think I might know why I haven't heard from Peter since our date. Yesterday, my cousin Brindy went to a fireside for young single adults and saw Peter there. He was sitting with another girl and they left together in the same car when the fireside was over.

Peter and I don't have any committment to each other, but we did write for his entire mission and I thought that we had something together. I wouldn't think much of it, except that I haven't heard from him in so long.

I usually don't call boys, but if I haven't heard from his soon I think I'll find out what's going on. I'm a little nervous, even though Nan says it isn't anything to get worked up about... yet anyway...

New Job

2005-06-03T15:13:00.000-06:00

Yes it's true, I got a new job off-campus. I'll miss Emily and all of the friends I made in the WILK, but my uncle needed a receptionist and I guess I'm just the girl for the job. I start on Monday and am really looking forward to it. I've always been close to Uncle John and Aunt Jean, and this will give me an opportunity to make some more money and spend time with family. Well, I'm really excited about continuing to learn new things in the new job. I'm sure I'll be posting all about it in no time.

I haven't heard from Peter in a few days, but I'm sure he's still just getting settled in. I hope to hear from him this weekend!!!

The Big Date

2005-06-01T09:18:00.000-06:00

I can't believe how wonderful the whole night was!! Peter and his parents picked me up in their van Friday afternoon and we all drove up to Salt Lake City. It was so great to see Brother and Sister Parley. I'd visited them of course while Peter was gone, but it was nice to be all back together again. Traffic was pretty, but we enjoyed talking and listening to some uplifting music (who doesn't love MoTab!).

Well, we got downtown and parked and headed up to The Roof! I couldn't believe Brother Parley was springing for The Roof!! Well, the buffet was great of course and the view was spectacular. I know it's a little cheesey, but I couldn't help but be really excited to be looking over Temple Square with Peter. Ahhhhhhh...

After dinner we headed down to stroll around Temple Square and Brother and Sister Parley said they were going to try and see the Tabernacle under construction. I was SO EXCITED! Peter and I were going to be alone for the first time. He took me on a carriage ride around Temple Square and it was really fun and nice.

On the way home I couldn't help but snuggle up to him a little in the backseat of the van. I hope it wasn't too forward of me, I mean he is just home from his mission and everything. All and all it was a GREAT date! I didn't even mind missing the big dance.

When they dropped me off, Brother and Sister Parley invited me over for Family Night Monday. It was so nice to know that they like and approve of me. FHE was great of course, I was a little torn because I used to be the Mom in my single's ward FHE but they convinced me that this was more important! I helped Peter's little sister lead the music and then Peter gave the lesson on some of his mission experiences with his mission president.

What a great weekend!!!!

Oh no - Friday's Dance...

2005-05-27T14:36:00.000-06:00

This isn't good! Peter and I are going to go out tonight but it means we'll miss the BIG DANCE! Well, it'll still be fun but I just wish that we could do both...

He Did it!!!!!!!!!

2005-05-26T11:04:00.000-06:00

Peter did it! He asked me out! We're going out to dinner on Friday night in Salt Lake City with his parents and then we'll go to Temple Square!! I can't wait, I've been thinking about this moment ever since Peter left 2 years ago. I am WAY Excited.

Peter's Homecoming Talk

2005-05-24T13:07:00.000-06:00

Oh my Gosh! I knew Peter had grown spiritually on his mission, but I never could have imagined how much! His homecoming talk was sooo good. He talked about how when he was a new missionary he had some companions who weren't 100% obedient to the mission rules and that he really struggled to teach them obedience. He told a story of one companion who refused to leave a discussion one night so that they could be home on time. Peter tried to get him to end the lesson, but the companion refused. They didn't end up getting home until 9:45 PM! Peter was able to really teach some of the other missionaries about obedience after he became a Zone Leader and an Assistant to the President.

Peter came over last night to have family home evening with me and my family last night. I just love spending time with him! I'm really hoping that he asks me out on a date soon so we can spend some more time together...

Peter's Home!

2005-05-21T13:57:00.000-06:00

Well, Peter (Elder Parley) got home from his mission last week!! I'm so excited to finally have him home after all those months of letters. I'm sure the people of Michigan really needed Peter to share the gospel with them, but I need him too! His homecoming talk is tomorrow and I'll post about it on Monday.

I'm so excited to have started this blog and to have Peter back home in Provo!!