Monthly Archives: February 2011

The 24 Hour Outfit: a mom’s best friend

Posted on February 28, 2011 by elizabeth

This post lovingly dedicated to all new moms everywhere. “So, uh, Mom? You gonna wear your jammies to the grocery store?” my fashion-conscious middle-schooler asks me. “Technically, sweetheart, these aren’t jammies,” I reply. “They’re yoga pants.” “Yeah, but you wore … Continue reading →

Posted in Her Royal Mommy-Ness, Humor | 24 Comments

If you’re not attending church, you’re backsliding

Posted on February 27, 2011 by elizabeth

I tried being an apostate for awhile and frankly, it was just too much work. Also, it was painful. I woke up with a hangover one morning and was like: Dude! Why would anyone do this more than once? This … Continue reading →

Posted in Faith, RecoveringFundamentalist, Religion | 31 Comments

Friday Roundup

Posted on February 25, 2011 by elizabeth

Here are some pieces I’ve been reading and thinking about this week. Enjoy. Scott Morizot shares a fascinating video about the difference between the Orthodox & Protestant view of salvation. Be sure to read the comments, too. Scott is great … Continue reading →

Posted in Friday Gratitude Lists, Pro-Life Issues | 18 Comments

On having many children: why I don’t judge people who make different choices

Posted on February 24, 2011 by elizabeth

Last week my post, Why Having (Many) Children is a Radical Act of Hope, garnered a huge response. I made this video to answer some of your questions. I’m also hoping you can see my true, kind heart and non-judgmental … Continue reading →

Posted in Childbearing, Faith, My Videos, Pro-Life Issues | 17 Comments

How do you push your kids toward excellence without breaking their spirits?

Posted on February 23, 2011 by elizabeth

I had a strict upbringing. There was some crazy, borderline psychotic stuff that went on during my childhood–but I blame that on the hyper-religiosity, not on the solid principle of giving kids structure, boundaries and expectations. My parents pushed me … Continue reading →

Posted in Parenting--toughest job out there | 26 Comments

The essential goodness of the human person

Posted on February 22, 2011 by elizabeth

The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell It goes beyond the highest star and reaches to the lowest Hell. – from the hymn “The Love of God” written by Frederick Lehman I think … Continue reading →

Posted in Catholicism, Cults, Depression, Faith, RecoveringFundamentalist, Religion | 21 Comments

Disney’s new preschooler TV shows: teaching important social values or questionable ethics?

Posted on February 21, 2011 by elizabeth

So, my editor at the OC Register has graciously agreed to let me take on a wider range of topics for my weekly parenting column. Yipeeee! This week I’m tackling the new Disney TV shows that aim to teach social … Continue reading →

Posted in OC Register Column | 5 Comments

Ave Verum Corpus: a eucharistic hymn for your Sunday morning

Posted on February 20, 2011 by elizabeth

A beautiful piece of music for your Sunday morning. Here is the English translation of the Latin: Hail, true Body, born of the Virgin Mary, who truly suffered, sacrificed on the cross for mankind, whose pierced side overflowed with water … Continue reading →

Posted in Celebrations, Faith | 4 Comments

Deeper Story: Why having (many) children is a radical act of hope

Posted on February 17, 2011 by elizabeth

Today I’m sharing the story of my big family and why it’s important to make choices about family size from a place of hope and trust–and not from a place of fear. Go read Deeper Story and be not afraid!

Posted in DeeperStory | 9 Comments

Earning her way…and her pointe shoes

Posted on February 16, 2011 by elizabeth

I told her it wouldn’t be easy, that even when we love something passionately, we must still work hard for it. And she agreed. She practiced at home, stretching and doing exercises on the floor and in the hallway, using … Continue reading →

Posted in Celebrations, Funny Kid Stories, Parenting--toughest job out there | 29 Comments