After spending 19 years as a prisoner, Jean Valjean, one of the lead characters in Victor Hugo’s novel Les Miserables, is released from jail. “Exhausted by a long voyage and dying of hunger and thirst, he arrives in a small town seeking a place to find food and shelter for the night. When the news... Continue Reading →
Help! My high school daughter is dating a college guy!
... In their defense, my daughter and her boyfriend started dating last year when he was still in high school. She was a sophomore and he was a senior. So it wasn't like it was a surprise or anything. And he's a really good kid from a great family. He, as the "college guy," isn't... Continue Reading →
Road tripping with the kids to Arches National Park
Utah is one of my favorite states ever! Not just because it is home to my alma mater, BYU. And not just because of all of those beautiful mountains. It is also home to several national parks. On our summer road trip this year, we had the chance to visit Arches National Park in eastern... Continue Reading →
Chocolate Chip Cookies that rival Alex’s recipe
My freshman roommate at BYU, Alex (who quickly became my best friend), used to make the best chocolate chip cookies. They were soft yet full and chewy. I always intended to get her recipe, but sadly, I did not get it before she died from cancer in 2004. My son has been baking since he... Continue Reading →
‘God answers prayers’ … but not always how we want or need
"God answers prayers." I've heard this phrase my entire life. I'm a Christian who regularly attends church and reads scriptures and volunteers with church activities and organizations ... and ... I'm someone who shouldn't be bothered by this phrase. Right? Because it's a phrase that I do believe. But I am bothered by it ...... Continue Reading →
Surround yourself with good people
The first time I met Alex was about a week before classes were to begin my freshman year at BYU. I knocked on the door of what would be my home for that first year of college, not knowing if anyone had moved in yet. She opened the door holding a blow dryer and a... Continue Reading →