I have been wanting to see the movie, Les Miserable since it came out in 2012. I have never seen the play and truthfully have never had the desire. Finally, I rented it and started watching it in our so very awesome theatre room, with Sheryl and Dani. Dani lasted 10 minutes and Sheryl for half. I loved everything about it, with exception of ALL the singing. It would have been better for me if they had only sung the big ones and spoke in between. I am sure Paul will never watch it, but I am going to try. Flipping through the tele I found another version with Liam Niesson. All talking, it was fair. Too much talking. Now, I want to see the broadway version.
Dear Jean Valjean,
I finally met you this week. You are a wonderful man, or I mean you would be a wonderful man if you were a real person. Your commitment to God was inspiring and help me to realize that I need to work at it every day, hour, minute. I loved to see when you were weak, and then found the strength to be strong and remain faithful to your promise. It was beautiful the way Fontine came to bring you back to Heaven and acknowledged what you did for her Cozet. You gave your life to save a child of God. That is what we should all do, for are we all not brother's and sister's?
There are many Jean Valjean's in the world. I think I have met a few. I pray that I can live as you did and as they do.
xo mp
Friday, May 17, 2013
Monday, May 13, 2013
Sister of Mine
Years ago I wanted to write in my journal like I was writing a letter to someone. I even wrote a few, the old fashioned way, paper-pencil type. I know, so twentieth century, right?
Today I read some blogs of women across Utah who are part of the first LTYM Listen to Your Mother. I want to go with my close friends, my sisters. The first person I thought that I would want to be with, is MOOOO_reen aka Maureen Ewell, aka Big Erin.
Reading all these fabulous women's blogs has inspired me to pick it back up again.
I am not sure how long it will last, but here I go;
This first letter is to you, dear sweet sister of mine;
Dear Big Erin,
This has been quite the journey you and I have taken the last 14 years, specifically the last two of them. I started it by putting my house on the market and then you went and rented yours and became a vagabond between Cali, Phoenix and PC. Finally, we sold our house and moved to the big city and you are still moving around, dogs and all. (shit dog)
So, you are back in town and I could call you, to tell you we have to go tho the LTYM thing tomorrow night. You were sitting in your car with Charly outside of Little Erin's house listening to Shawn Hanidy. So funny. Too bad we are living in a time with car seats and regulations, or you would have just strapped a seat belt around little Charly and drove my way while you listened to that conservative radio guy, whom I like too. But, it wasn't to be, the responsible Mo-Mo will not have anything go wrong on her watch.
I am excited for tomorrow. You are coming to walk with me in my new walking spots, with my new walking sisters, Leslie and Julie. It will be so great for you all to meet. My old and new coming together. aahhhhhhh. It better not rain. They are going to love you and probably be surprised at our age difference, which at times makes me smile to think that my bestie is around my mother's age. Age is really just a number, right.
I want you to know that whenever anything good or bad happens in my life, or my families life, I have to call you. You are the only person I gossip to, and I have kept the rule never to gossip about you. Especially when my heart is heavy, I need to hear your voice and look forward to your words of comfort, cheer, direction and peace. I think of you when I walk, when I go to church, when I am at the temple, or wondering what to fix for dinner and do I have all the ingredients, then remember that I can't pop over to Big Erin's for milk or peanuts or whatever. When Lander asks me about nba or nfl players, I always know that you would know the answers. You always remind me to love the man, hate the behavior. He has no idea what you have done for our marriage. You are my go to woman!
It is a blessing to have an angel in my life. God, in his infinite wisdom and love made our paths cross, and for that I will be eternally grateful. I love you dear sister of mine. Thank you for being such a wonderful blessing to me.
Come home soon.
xo
mp
Today I read some blogs of women across Utah who are part of the first LTYM Listen to Your Mother. I want to go with my close friends, my sisters. The first person I thought that I would want to be with, is MOOOO_reen aka Maureen Ewell, aka Big Erin.
Reading all these fabulous women's blogs has inspired me to pick it back up again.
I am not sure how long it will last, but here I go;
This first letter is to you, dear sweet sister of mine;
Dear Big Erin,
This has been quite the journey you and I have taken the last 14 years, specifically the last two of them. I started it by putting my house on the market and then you went and rented yours and became a vagabond between Cali, Phoenix and PC. Finally, we sold our house and moved to the big city and you are still moving around, dogs and all. (shit dog)
So, you are back in town and I could call you, to tell you we have to go tho the LTYM thing tomorrow night. You were sitting in your car with Charly outside of Little Erin's house listening to Shawn Hanidy. So funny. Too bad we are living in a time with car seats and regulations, or you would have just strapped a seat belt around little Charly and drove my way while you listened to that conservative radio guy, whom I like too. But, it wasn't to be, the responsible Mo-Mo will not have anything go wrong on her watch.
I am excited for tomorrow. You are coming to walk with me in my new walking spots, with my new walking sisters, Leslie and Julie. It will be so great for you all to meet. My old and new coming together. aahhhhhhh. It better not rain. They are going to love you and probably be surprised at our age difference, which at times makes me smile to think that my bestie is around my mother's age. Age is really just a number, right.
I want you to know that whenever anything good or bad happens in my life, or my families life, I have to call you. You are the only person I gossip to, and I have kept the rule never to gossip about you. Especially when my heart is heavy, I need to hear your voice and look forward to your words of comfort, cheer, direction and peace. I think of you when I walk, when I go to church, when I am at the temple, or wondering what to fix for dinner and do I have all the ingredients, then remember that I can't pop over to Big Erin's for milk or peanuts or whatever. When Lander asks me about nba or nfl players, I always know that you would know the answers. You always remind me to love the man, hate the behavior. He has no idea what you have done for our marriage. You are my go to woman!
It is a blessing to have an angel in my life. God, in his infinite wisdom and love made our paths cross, and for that I will be eternally grateful. I love you dear sister of mine. Thank you for being such a wonderful blessing to me.
Come home soon.
xo
mp
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
For the Strength of YOU
May 5th
I have been on a spiritual high for the last few weeks. Koa's patriarchal blessing was two Sunday's ago, Jackson's was today, teaching my Miamaids last week about the Restoration and how truly amazing Joseph Smith was, day 66 of reading the Book of Mormon, going to the temple, watching Mormon Channel, personal progress, bearing testimony of what I believe and why I am so grateful that we moved into this ward and so much more.
The missionaries spoke to our young women on Sunday and challenged them to read through the Strength for Youth pamphlet and take a look at what they are doing to follow the directions and what they are not doing. I looked those beautiful girls and realized that these kids are truly the ones sent to this earth in the final days. The strong ones are strong and the not so strong are hanging in there. I need to be better at helping those girls that are sitting on the fence, hanging by a thread and just need help to create inspiration for change or for righteous action.
It would be cool to write a book, For the Strength of YOU.
Hopefully I can get it out of my head clearly and share with my kids and girls.
I pray that jackson will really take his direction in his blessing seriously.
I have been on a spiritual high for the last few weeks. Koa's patriarchal blessing was two Sunday's ago, Jackson's was today, teaching my Miamaids last week about the Restoration and how truly amazing Joseph Smith was, day 66 of reading the Book of Mormon, going to the temple, watching Mormon Channel, personal progress, bearing testimony of what I believe and why I am so grateful that we moved into this ward and so much more.
The missionaries spoke to our young women on Sunday and challenged them to read through the Strength for Youth pamphlet and take a look at what they are doing to follow the directions and what they are not doing. I looked those beautiful girls and realized that these kids are truly the ones sent to this earth in the final days. The strong ones are strong and the not so strong are hanging in there. I need to be better at helping those girls that are sitting on the fence, hanging by a thread and just need help to create inspiration for change or for righteous action.
It would be cool to write a book, For the Strength of YOU.
Hopefully I can get it out of my head clearly and share with my kids and girls.
I pray that jackson will really take his direction in his blessing seriously.
A Good Sunday.
April 28th
Started the day right, breakfast with the young women of Bell Canyon and reading the Book of Mormon. We are on day 59 of the 100 day challenge, which puts me to Alma chapt 41. Alma is given advice to his son's Helaman, Shiblon and Corianton. Corianton is being scolded for his rebellious behavior when they were in the land of the Zoramites to teach them the gospel. Alma is so patient and wise, I would have been crazy mad. Good thing it was Alma who was his parent, because Corianton eventually becomes a good disciple of Christ. Alma is a good example to me. He taught him truths of the gospel to help change his behavior.
Sacrament was a mission farewell and a mission welcome home. They were brother and sister. Oh the joy of their mother. The elder gave very good advice. Gospelize yourself. Be converted to the gospel, not just the church. He asked us what our ultimate goal was, what are we doing to reach that goal and is it enough. This went so well with my lesson in young women's. It was the last lesson on the restoration and apostasy. I was asking the girls what their hope is in this gospel and what truths have they learned along the way to help them stay strong.
Koa was given his patriarchal blessing by Brother Korey. The entire family was there. I felt the spirit and the blessing was really beautiful and I could tell that it gave Koa confidence and strength. He received very good advice. I can't wait for Jacky's next Sunday and then Cody's.
We had our first family dinner on the back deck. Grandpa's teriyaki, yum. loving the weather.
Took a hike up Bell Canyon for the first time. Actually, it was a climb, as my heart pounded out of my chest. It was very pretty, but too many people and too steep. The view of the city coming back down was very nice.
Ended up on the back deck again to watch the sun set while we sat in our two new chairs.
This is a way to start a week.
Like I said, a good Sunday.
Started the day right, breakfast with the young women of Bell Canyon and reading the Book of Mormon. We are on day 59 of the 100 day challenge, which puts me to Alma chapt 41. Alma is given advice to his son's Helaman, Shiblon and Corianton. Corianton is being scolded for his rebellious behavior when they were in the land of the Zoramites to teach them the gospel. Alma is so patient and wise, I would have been crazy mad. Good thing it was Alma who was his parent, because Corianton eventually becomes a good disciple of Christ. Alma is a good example to me. He taught him truths of the gospel to help change his behavior.
Sacrament was a mission farewell and a mission welcome home. They were brother and sister. Oh the joy of their mother. The elder gave very good advice. Gospelize yourself. Be converted to the gospel, not just the church. He asked us what our ultimate goal was, what are we doing to reach that goal and is it enough. This went so well with my lesson in young women's. It was the last lesson on the restoration and apostasy. I was asking the girls what their hope is in this gospel and what truths have they learned along the way to help them stay strong.
Koa was given his patriarchal blessing by Brother Korey. The entire family was there. I felt the spirit and the blessing was really beautiful and I could tell that it gave Koa confidence and strength. He received very good advice. I can't wait for Jacky's next Sunday and then Cody's.
We had our first family dinner on the back deck. Grandpa's teriyaki, yum. loving the weather.
Took a hike up Bell Canyon for the first time. Actually, it was a climb, as my heart pounded out of my chest. It was very pretty, but too many people and too steep. The view of the city coming back down was very nice.
Ended up on the back deck again to watch the sun set while we sat in our two new chairs.
This is a way to start a week.
Like I said, a good Sunday.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Conference at the Ranch April 2013
I enjoyed all the moments to listen to conference by myself, with Jacky, and especially with all the family. There was a spat between boys and some choice words and actions to remind me that we are not the perfect fam, but I was indeed touched several times as I listened to the advice and revelation from our prophet, apostles and leaders. I am grateful for their obedience, however reluctant it might be. Hollond, Uchtdorf, and Dalton were most impressive to me. It was a lot to take in, I look forward to hitting lds.org to review. Time to sleep. I am pretty sure Pres. Monson is wiped out. Sweet man.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
BELIEVE
A high councilman from the stake spoke in church this past Sunday, it really touched my heart. He spoke of the desire to have his children believe and that he is reminded about his belief and the journey he took to get it, by a Christmas bell, from the story The Polar Express. Following church, the missionaries came to practice teaching to our kids and Paul participated. I think he felt that was the reason they came anyways. One of the sisters challenged him to really think about what he believes and continually asked him why he didn't want to know. I know that Paul doesn't want to know because he doesn't want to change. He is fine with what he 'doesn't' believe and that is comfortable with him. It is easier to not believe, therefor have no responsibility to live a different way, or to hold a calling, pay tithing, go to church, have a commitment. It is work to be a believer. It is easy some days, harder other days when the world takes over. It is even harder to live in a house of not necessarily ALL non believers, but with one adimant one and many immature ones. I truly know in my heart that as long as our house is divided, it will fall, whether that be in this life or the next. I feel just a tiny bit of the sorrow that Mormon felt when he had to lead a very wicked people. He is better than me. He loved them as Christ would have him love, and I at least am only concerned about people that I love. Many days I wonder, 'is this the path I am supposed to be on, or the one I need to make the best of because I chose it. I need to have Mormon's heart. I pray for a heart like his. I need to be a strong leader just as he was, even if they all choose not to live what I believe. Mostly, I pray that they will BELIEVE.
Friday, February 1, 2013
On the Path
Last night I read part of the first chapter of Becoming His to Paul. I felt peace reading of Christ and how to start on the path of discipleship, "...toward becoming what our Heavenly Father desires us to become." Elder Dallin H. Oaks
I desire us to become an eternal family, but I know there are (baby steps. in Paul's words) to that actually becoming a reality. I have been on the path of true discipleship for almost 16 years, and I still have so far to go. Still in the process of letting go who I was and becoming who the Lord knows I can be. I wonder if he reports to the Father, "so much potential, still needs a lot of work."
Ezra Taft Benson encouraged, "men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He can deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles (oooh Paul will like that), lift their spirits, multiply their blessing, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace." Now who couldn't use more of all that. What a blessing.
I think I am going to really love this book.
Thank you Emily for being more.
I desire us to become an eternal family, but I know there are (baby steps. in Paul's words) to that actually becoming a reality. I have been on the path of true discipleship for almost 16 years, and I still have so far to go. Still in the process of letting go who I was and becoming who the Lord knows I can be. I wonder if he reports to the Father, "so much potential, still needs a lot of work."
Ezra Taft Benson encouraged, "men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He can deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles (oooh Paul will like that), lift their spirits, multiply their blessing, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace." Now who couldn't use more of all that. What a blessing.
I think I am going to really love this book.
Thank you Emily for being more.
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