Working Mom Spotlight: Elizabeth Jones
Name: Elizabeth Jones
Occupation: Project coordinator
Number of kids: 2
Favorite candy bar: A good dark chocolate salted caramel candy bar
Tell us about your family, and what’s your childcare solution?
My husband, Patrick, and I have two boys, Dawson (3.5) and Colton (1). We both grew up in small N.C. towns and met at NC State as next-door-neighbors. We both work outside of the home (although sometimes inside the home because of, you know, the pandemic and stuff). The boys go to school full-time at a local church.
Where do you work, and what is a typical workday like for you?
I work in the Paleontology Research Lab at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. I’m the project coordinator for a new public science project, “Cretaceous Creatures,” that engages 8th grade science teachers and students across N.C. and beyond in making their own microfossil discoveries. I’m also a historian of science and author. A typical day for me involves drinking hot coffee (luxury!!!) at my laptop and sending emails. When I’m at the museum, I get to work with paleontologists, educators and digital media personnel to create the fossil kits, lesson plans, websites and videos for this public science project. There are dinosaur fossils all over the lab, and it’s pretty surreal to be working alongside material that is millions of years old.
What motivates you to work? How do you like to relax?
I really love this verse from Proverbs 24: 3-4: “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” My goal for the year, personally and professionally, is to make decisions that will bring peace and “precious and pleasant riches” to my home. I’m not doing a great job at it so far, but I’m working on it, or at least thinking about working on it!
What is your favorite part of motherhood?
I got into this work because of a paleontologist who also happened to be a Christian, and I met her at a time when I was not a believer. As I continued my career in history and paleontology, I ended up coming back around to my faith. I have this feeling that working in this field is something that Jesus has called me to, but I don’t really know why or to what end.
How do you like to relax?
I like running, doing yoga, drinking wine, reading books, watching Netflix and taking showers. The usual. I take a hot shower every night but need to find more time to do the other things!
What is your favorite part of motherhood?
This is probably unpopular to say, but I love watching my babies grow up. I love watching them change into the little toddler, preschooler, and person who God has made. And as they grow and change, we do too as parents, becoming more fully the people God has made us to be. It’s a weirdly wonderful and humbling experience.
What does Restored mean to you? How has it impacted you personally?
My first real introduction to the Restored community was through the 6-week Jonah Bible study during the height of the pandemic. It just felt so good and so right to be a part of this kind of community.
What is one of your favorite Restored events to date? Why is it your favorite?
I’ve been out of town or unavailable or who knows what for most of the Restored events. I absolutely hate that I missed the Social Media & Motherhood event with Sharon Hodde Miller and Molly Stillman because these women are wonderful with their words and wisdom.
Can you share how you overcome challenges related to the “mom chaos” that settles in when you feel pulled in 100 directions?
LOL. Generally, I take anxiety medication, see my amazing therapist and get massages almost monthly. Specifically, Eve Rodsky’s book and “card game” Fair Play has been a game changer in helping me recognize and respect the mental, emotional and physical work that goes into being a mother who has a job outside of the home in order to name tasks and divide them more equally with my partner. The naming of the things that are pulling you in 100 directions is the best place to start.
Besides your faith and family, what are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about people and building relationships. That’s been hard to do as a working parent of little kiddos because I don’t have much time or energy to invest in past, present or future relationships. So, for now, I’ll recognize the season for what it is and what it will not always be, and I’ll invest in the little people in my house (and my husband) for now!