Monthly Archives: June 2011

On being a “poverty tourist”

Posted on June 30, 2011 by elizabeth

Just in time for my trip to Bolivia with World Vision, there’s some controversy about the supposed condescension of bloggers going to “dirt-poor regions to solemnly observe the impoverished in their natural habitats before returning home with an interesting infection and an … Continue reading →

Posted in World Vision: Bolivia | 27 Comments

Why I let my sons play violent video games

Posted on June 29, 2011 by elizabeth

Now, my boys aren’t playing Grand Theft Auto because I’m not OK with them going on gratuitous crime sprees. But my boys do play Call of Duty because I’m fine with them chasing down Nazis. It’s a subtle difference I wouldn’t expect … Continue reading →

Posted in OC Register Column, Parenting--toughest job out there | 9 Comments

A soul-mate is the man who gets up with the baby at 2am

Posted on June 28, 2011 by elizabeth

I like giving dating advice to my daughters. Of course, they won’t be dating until they’re 35, but it’s important to give them a head start. I already have a lot of work to do — or shall I say, undo? … Continue reading →

Posted in OC Register Column | 12 Comments

I’m going to Bolivia with World Vision!

Posted on June 27, 2011 by elizabeth

Are we ever really ready when God asks us to do something that is wildly outside our carefully constructed comfort zone? I know I’m not. Sure, I can pray, read my Bible, plan and prepare but ultimately, when the moment … Continue reading →

Posted in World Vision: Bolivia | 30 Comments

How an ENFP cleans house

Posted on June 25, 2011 by elizabeth

The twins watch Food Network with me and have decided they want to “be Ina!”–as in, Ina Garten of Barefoot Contessa fame. To quote Ina herself, “How bad could that be?” Not bad at all, I say. So, I let … Continue reading →

Posted in Her Royal Mommy-Ness, Twins!! | 15 Comments

7 Quick Takes

Posted on June 23, 2011 by elizabeth

1. Christianity Today posted a nice review of my friend Hillary McFarland’s book, Quivering Daughters. As you may know, I wrote the foreword to Hillary’s book and it was my singular privilege to give voice and support to the suffering … Continue reading →

Posted in Celebrations | 41 Comments

My rock star cousin’s debut music video! WATCH!!! “Games We Play” by David Geftakys!

Posted on June 22, 2011 by elizabeth

OK, so first. Can I tell you how proud I am? Every time I watch this video I get all weepy because….if you’ve read here for awhile you know the sequestered, harsh world I grew up in. My cousin came … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 7 Comments

Catholic & Protestant Under One Roof

Posted on June 21, 2011 by elizabeth

I don’t really like labels. I mean, they’re helpful for identifying things like flank steak vs. rump roast. But when applied to humans–things get tricky. Still, if I’m required to align myself inside Christendom, I call myself Catholic. And my … Continue reading →

Posted in Catholicism | 37 Comments

Why we opted out of public school sex-ed

Posted on June 20, 2011 by elizabeth

At the end of each school year there are projects, presentations and class parties. There is also sex education — a course that, in my daughter’s 6th grade science class, covers a range of topics from reproduction to sexually transmitted … Continue reading →

Posted in OC Register Column | 14 Comments

Satirical Thank You Notes–the parenting version!

Posted on June 18, 2011 by elizabeth

I’ve gotten a good laugh out of Jimmy Fallon’s tongue-in-cheek “Thank You Notes” comedy routine. Just for fun, I decided to write a few “Thank You Notes” myself. Here are my low-budget thank you notes…to parents. NOTE: except for the … Continue reading →

Posted in My Videos, SmartAssery | 7 Comments