Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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30 months

May 23, 2012 by Kristin Leave a Comment

My boy is officially 2 1/2 today. And all boy and all 2 he is! In honor of his half-birthday he knows nothing about, I thought I’d share 30 things about him.

1. Ben sleeps with lots of stuffed animals in his toddler bed. Right there are 14, a few of which are rather large, and a pillow pet for his head. Add his little self and his blanket {affectionately referred to as “nigh-night”} and that bed is full.

2. He doesn’t sit very long, but he does love to swing and will cuddle on the couch with his sister to watch a movie.

3. If you ask him what color something is, “blue” or “geen” are always his first answers.

4. He prefers snacks and drinks to meals. Of course, snacks are eliminated when meals are ignored.

5. Dinosaurs, other animals, vehicles, tools, sticks and rocks are often found in Ben’s hands.

6. When he knows someone is getting ready to pray, he’ll clasp his hands together and say, “Dear God,” in the sweetest voice possible.

7. He sleeps about 10-11 hours at night and takes {usually} a two-hour nap in the afternoon.

8. People warned me my second-born boy child wouldn’t talk as much as my first-born girl. Technically, that may be true. But my boy talks. Constantly. I suppose he has to keep up with his sister.

9. Words that end in Ks {walk, milk, book, etc.} sound like they end in Ts when Ben says them. Same with words with Ks in the middle {Luke, etc.}.

10. He wants to sing “Twinkle Star” {which he calls “Kintle Tar”}, some verses of “Tractor, Tractor” {including the made-up verse about how a combine actually harvests wheat …}, “Jesus Loves Me,” “Jesus Love the Little Children,” and possibly other songs before bed. Every night.

11. Typical little brother, Ben wants to do whatever Cate does and has no idea he’s 2 1/2 years younger.

12. He’s friendly. In fact, he may say “Hi” over and over and over and over and over … until I ask him to stop or the other person engages him in enough conversation that he reaches his own stopping point. Just ask the neighbors or the people we pass in the Kroger aisles.

13. Two of my friends each have girls he adores. One is 9 months younger. The other is a year older. Perhaps this should worry me for his future. Seriously, though, he’s going to be a good friend to people of all ages.

14. I’m not sure what Ben is going to do in the future, but whatever he chooses will be filled with much joy and energy.

15. When I’m on the phone, he’ll ask “Who that?” If it’s Grandmom, Gran-Gran or Daddy, he wants to talk and usually does so loud enough in the background that said person can hear him.

16. He likes to swim, throw rocks into the lake, try to climb trees that are too tall, run barefoot outside, chase birds, and catch then kiss fish.

17. If he sees a picture of Murray State’s Ed Daniel, he says, “Head!” with much enthusiasm. I’m pretty sure he really thinks that’s his name, but the fact Ed has an Afro makes the nickname even funnier.

18. He starts the “R-A-C-E-R-S! Racers! Racers! Go … Racers!” cheer with a T. Every time.

19. Mandarin oranges, blueberries, yogurt, Goldfish, Cheetoes, yogurt-covered raisins, popcorn, fruit snacks, hot dogs, and cheese are his favorite foods. He won’t eat turkey and takes apart sandwiches.

20. Ben surprises me sometimes. We haven’t been to the emergency for an injured limb. I was sure we would have been before his second birthday.

21. And he gets excited if he gets a shirt or pajamas or shoes at a store. Who knew?

22. He likes to kiss people on the lips.

23. Tickling is his love language.

24. He likes books. We prefer he look at board books when we aren’t looking.

25. Most of the past semester, he’s say, “My turn school?” when we walked Cate into preschool. Yes, he’s signed up to start in August. It’ll be two mornings a week.

26. He’ll play any game with a ball, sometimes uses a bat or golf club more like a hockey stick, and says “Cardinals” when he sees any baseball on TV.

27. With that, he’s sad he’s not the one playing t-ball this summer.

28. Ben can get a shirt dirtier quicker than anyone I know.

29. When Daddy comes home, he runs toward to the door with enthusiasm and open arms.

30. He likes to be moving. In the car. On a place. Up on a bulldozer. In the stroller. On the swing. Outside on his feet. In the house on his feet. Always moving.

________

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About Me

Telling stories is my therapy and I love sharing them with friends on my porch.

The main characters in my stories are my entrepreneur husband, our ninth-grade girl who never forgets, our have-no-fear sixth-grade boy, and our joy-filled kindergarten girl. As we live out our stories, we seek God as the author of them all.

Learn more about my story here.

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Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have picked up thi Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have picked up this book had a dear friend who always comes in clutch with book recommendations let me borrow it. My mind has been swirling this week. Just lots of life happening all around me. 

I picked up this book while Ben was at his counseling appointment and read most of that hour, then again that evening, and then again the next day. This book could be read slowly because the words are lyrical and lovely, but I couldn’t put it down. The scripture, stories, and songs were balm for my soul right when I needed it. 

“Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling!” — Psalm 43:3

This book is about that invitation from God. Songwriter @sandramccracken  tells us how she’s accepted the invitation, lived in the light, and brought others with her. 

I started taking notes on the very first page, but I will leave you with this, for now:

“There will be a full telling of our stories, a reckoning of every injustice, and a mending of every broken system. This is the good news, the promise of peace, working backward from that future reality, bringing that healing light-filled promise to bear on our lives, to shine on our present sorrow and on our yet-unanswered questions. He is with us. It will be all right in the end. If it’s not okay, then it’s not the end.”

#KHTreads #bookstagram #recommendedreads #livingfaithfully #reallife #choosingJOY #storiesmatter
“Darkness does not define us. It attends to us, “Darkness does not define us. It attends to us, surrounds us in regular intervals, but it does not have the last word. God limits the darkness. He has authority over it and is not bound by it.” 

— @sandramccracken in “Send Out Your Light”

#KHTreads #countryliving #livingfaithfully
What is saving my life … My home is a refuge an What is saving my life …

My home is a refuge and shelter from the loud, crazy world. I love being here. I’m thankful for a break from the routine and busyness. I like a chance to have slow mornings and not much of a plan for the day. I’m also grateful for the chance to host others in our home. 

And, of course, books. I love reading and seeing those around me reading too. Stories are also such a refuge for me. 

#OneDayMay #maydays #reallife #88daysofsummer #choosingJOY #KHTreads #momlife
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and freedom.” - @brenebrown attributes this quote to Viktor Frankl

Months ago, I made a counseling appointment for today. And it certainly came at the exact right now. 

Honestly, the transition into my favorite season has been rocky — and I’m not totally sure why. I know some circumstances that are contributing to that, and I also know my responses haven’t been what I want them to be. But I’m not entirely sure what to do about it. 

Slowing down, listening to my body and mind, setting boundaries, being honest, and counting the wins and gifts should help. At least those are the things my counselor and I discussed when I talked for every minute of our session. Sometimes I go not knowing what we will dive into. Today I knew. She said these were good conversations. She reminded me of what I know to be true, that what I’m doing matters. Intentional parenting matters every single day even though there are no results to quantify. 

Many things are stimuli in my life. Yours too, I’m sure. I don’t leave even space between the chatter, lies, responsibilities, burdens, gifts, and routines to respond kindly and gracefully. I’m quick to be angry and anxious. I want to slow down my brain and give myself more space to truly live. I’m pretty sure that’s the space where God grows pretty things. 

📷: Cate Taylor, 15

#OneDayMay #maydays #livingfaithfully #choosingJOY #reallife #momlife #flowerphotography #summerisbest #88daysofsummer
@emilyhenrywrites is really good at writing romanc @emilyhenrywrites is really good at writing romance novels that go deeper than a cheesy love story. Her characters navigate grief and disappointment that comes with real life. In the cleverly titled “Book Lovers,” Nora and Charlie work through a lot as people and a couple to discover what they’re happy ending looks like. Plus it’s set in a Hallmark-movie-like town that works well for this story for people who love books and lovers. 

#KHTreads #bookstagram #recommendedreads #favoritethings #amreading #Kindlebooks #kindlepaperwhite
Oh, Monday. It’s the first actual week of #88day Oh, Monday. It’s the first actual week of #88daysofsummer and it feels like fall out. That would be lovely, except my people and I were ready for pool time. 

One kid got up way too early and was having all the feels. I subsequently got up way too early and came out of my bedroom ready to implement morning habits and conquer boredom. Nobody else was very excited about my strategy. 

By 10 o’clock this morning, I suggested one kid take a nap and retreated to my own room with my phone, my Kindle, and lots of thoughts. I had a small revelation that helped me better see my kids as the individuals they are. 

I made plans to walk with a friend and later dragged all my kids along. Yep, even the one in a boot and on crutches for at least a few more days. You see, that injured kid also started Summer Break with his third strep diagnosis since February. He certainly needed fresh air after a couple of days stuck inside the house. 

We all needed fresh air, fresh perspectives, and a fresh start to the day. Today the walk outside is what helped. Another day there may be a different strategy, but I’m thankful I found way through all the feelings and disappointments this morning and can feel a little sunshine in my day, even if it’s only the figurative kind of sunshine. 

#momlife #maydays #reallife #kentuckyweather #kyweather #confusedweather #summerisbest #poolpeople #choosingJOY #thirdchild #monday #mondaymood #momconfessions #PorchStories
I miss … … a few particular friends from whom I miss …

… a few particular friends from whom I’m separated by circumstances, logistics, and distances. 

When I make a friend, I intend to stay friends forever. Of course, life doesn’t always work out that way. 

I don’t miss my kids being young, but I miss the ease of socializing with my friends during that season. It was easy then to meet at the park or go somewhere for lunch. Now there are so many schedules to work around. 

Scheduling time to lunch or get together is still my love language, it just takes a little more work, patience, and persistence now. And sometimes that’s exhausting. But it’s always worth it. 

#OneDayMay #maydays #bettertogether #livingfaithfully #reallife
School’s out FOR THE SUMMER! #88daysofsummer #mo School’s out FOR THE SUMMER! #88daysofsummer #momlife #siblinglove #summerisbest #maydays
I’m proud of myself for … … surviving and t I’m proud of myself for …

… surviving and thriving this school year. I resist change almost all of the time, and the past nine months have been full of so many transitions for our whole family. I know, that’s life, but these changes seem like the kind that will mark us forever. 

My kids navigated new beginnings in kindergarten, middle school, and high school. As a mom, sometimes I’m too close to see the growth, but this year it happened in each of them right before my eyes. They navigated friendship hurdles, embraced new friends, and settled a little more into who God created them to be. Middle school isn’t for the faint of heart, but I feel like I’ve come out of this year closer to my son, so I will take it. 

I’m proud of myself for leaning into where God has me. I’ve grown deeper friendships, invested in my kids’ school as a board member and business manager, and seen God work in our ordinary days. 

Y’all know I’m a summer girl, so I’m proud of myself through getting through the winter and coming into summer stronger and braver. 

#OneDayMay #maydays #livingfaithfully #choosingJOY #momlife #summerisbest #bettertogether
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