Life

Dear Future Mama Liz, I’m pretty sure one day you’ll need this. As you write this, you are thinking about how you’re turning 28 this week. Not married yet. Thankfully, your mom didn’t get married until she was 28, so you didn’t need to worry about “Man, when my mom was this age, she already […]

One time, we named our little goldfish after the roommates: Cheryl, Liz, Emily, and Amanda. They all died. Lesson learned: Don’t name your fish after yourselves. There is an interesting phenomenon, not scientifically proven, that goldfish are actually mood-fish. If you name them after people, they take on human characteristics. I know because of Li’l […]

“For people who have experienced personal tragedies, the one thing that I would want them to know is to stay true — to hang in there — and there will be a better day. It may not be when you want it to come, but if you’ll just hang in there, life will get better.” […]

I got a rejection letter the other day for a book I wrote. It’s not the first time my work has been rejected. Won’t be the last time. I am a writer, after all. Actual letter: Thanks so much for submitting When You Go on a Mission to [publishing company] for our consideration. I wish I had better news, […]

Her name was Elisabeth Hillstrom and since we shared the same first name, it meant we were instant friends. She lived in the neighborhood and we were in the same ward. I was 13 and she was 7. She was a blonde beauty and had a radiant smile. But Elisabeth got sick: she had an […]

As a young woman, I was encouraged to pursue a higher education. To me, this always meant a master’s degree. My mom has a master’s degree, and I was bound and determined to follow in her steps and be just as educated. To others, this may mean a bachelor’s, a technical degree, or a certification. […]

Marshall and AJ at the MD AndersonCancer Center in Texas. Donate to their Give Forward fund here.  I am a definite believer that people come in to your life for a reason. Enter Amanda (AJ) Hunt Jensen. But to me, she is Sister Hunt. Sister Hunt and I were in the MTC together in Brazil. […]

It seems most fitting to write an Ode to Julia. Julia (Jujubee, Juria, the Baby, Hulia, Julliard, etc.) has been my roommate for the last three years and we have been friends for four. I think there is a certain amount of insanity that comes with someone wanting to live with me for three years. […]