Raising Kids in Utah…

If you had asked me 20 years ago what raising kids in Utah would be like… I would’ve told you it sounded terrible.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I’d heard all the stories—the gray areas, the cultural baggage, the quiet rebellion hiding behind perfect Sunday smiles. When we moved here 19 years ago, I hoped it would be a short stay. Just a pit stop on the way back to Orange County or San Francisco.

But to my surprise and absolute delight, raising our kids in Utah has become one of the greatest joys of this parenting journey.

They plan temple trips on their own. They go together—siblings and friends. They show up and enjoy seminary (most days 😉), and they hold each other to high standards without shame. They love Jesus. They aren’t embarrassed by faith or goodness or a desire to be close to God.

Watching my teenagers willingly walk into the House of the Lord on their own? I don’t take that for granted for one second.

It’s not perfect, of course. I’m not naïve—this isn’t all temple trips and roses. But I’ve found strength in this community. I’ve found good friends who love and support my kids. And I’ve seen how a well-worn path of faith can be a gift—even when they step off of it for a time, they know the way back.

Utah surprised me. And I’m so, so grateful it did.