Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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{No More Perfect Moms} On Being Perfect

February 7, 2013 by Kristin Leave a Comment

I’d say Jill Savage wrote “No More Perfect Moms” just for me, but as part of the book’s launch team and Holley Gerth‘s God-sized Dream Team, I’ve learned I’m not alone in both craving perfection and wanting to rid my life of perfection. It’s in this spirit of community I’ve invited fellow mommas to share their imperfect lives this week. 

Also this week you can have a “mom university” delivered right to your computer when you buy Jill Savage’s “No More Perfect Moms.” Buy the book and receive FREE resources worth more than $100. Here is the list of what you’ll get when you email your receipt to NoMorePerfectMoms@moody.edu.

Tonya Garrick is a God-sized Dream buddy of mine. She’s a momma to boys and waiting on her adopted girl to come home. I love adoption stories, so I’m glad I’ve gotten a chance to start following hers. Let’s welcome her here today!

________

I remember when our oldest son was born, twelve years ago today. The “perfect mama” chase began. He deserved only the best, right? Then I realized that I am far from perfect, so this was going to be a challenge.

So many days of feeling guilty for his crying, his colds, his diaper rash, my frustration, my lack of sleep. (Why couldn’t I be more disciplined?)

I’ve realized over the years that this child of mine has turned me into a mother. I wasn’t a mother before. How could I be prepared? Our days together were not perfect, but so much better.

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

{Lamentations 3:22-24}

Then a second son was born. Boy, was he different. Here we go again! He was much more loud and needy. And different. Why couldn’t I figure out what he needed? What was wrong with me? I’m a pretty smart girl, I mean, really. The doctors didn’t seem too worried, but I knew. He wasn’t just a late bloomer. Cue the feelings of self-doubt and insecurity. I should have known sooner. My other son needs more attention, too.  Pile on the guilt.

Oh, it’s Sensory Processing Disorder? Autism? Oh. 

Now what? I’ll tell you.

This was the time (after the fall apart) that I realized something. My children were not a surprise to Him. Babies cry, they get sick, they fall down, they grow. They survive. We learn as we go. There’s no other way.  Autism did not surprise Him. He knew my boy was a quirky, hilarious, sensitive guy. He knew my oldest son would make the perfect big brother.

My abilities are no surprise to Him. He knows I’m impatient and flighty. (And goofy.)  He gave me these boys to parent right now, with all of their needs, with all of my needs. Because according to Him (and He knows better than me), I’m their perfect mother.

________

Tonya is a southern girl who loves her family, coffee, traveling and a good book. Tonya and Sean have been married for 15 years and have two wonderful boys and one beautiful daughter waiting in Korea. A mom to a son with special needs, Tonya enjoys sharing her life experiences with others. Their family’s goal is to live out their faith daily.

________

Disclaimer: Compensated affiliate link used, but most of you know by now that embracing imperfection is the theme of my year and “No More Perfect Moms” has been a huge part of that. Want more? Subscribe to get “Insights” in your inbox. Or follow me on Twitter.

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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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#WildernessWI #WeAreFamily #WildernessResort #roadtrip #88daysofsummer #TeamTaylor #reallife #wisconsin #wisconsindells
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I appreciated the raw emotions of a wife, two brothers, and others learning of tragedy and processing the ripples of that moment. Of course, who doesn’t love a story set in the U.S. Virgin Islands? AND it’s this the first in a three-book series, and I’ve got the next two ready to go on my Kindle. 

#KHTreads #bookstagram #booklover #kindlebooks #kindlepaperwhite #roadtrip
My kids had a yearbook signing party today. And ki My kids had a yearbook signing party today. And kids today don’t know how to sign yearbooks. Cate, my rising sophomore, says it’s because they have phones to take photos and text each other. She’s probably right. 

But the whole conversation and experience took me down memory lane. So much so, I got these yearbooks from my high school days off my bookshelf and read notes. Admittedly, I can’t remember a few people who proclaimed what a great friend I was and I never called some people who wanted to KIT — that’s Keep In Touch, kids — and left their phone numbers (and pager number in one instance!)! 🤣 

I also proceeded to text the three friends (well, really, five, because two girls married two guy friends of mine) with whom I do actually KIT. I have their numbers saved in my iPhone, thankfully. We have made grown-up memories together. We message and try to see each other. My husband knows their maiden names. 

Truly, how has it been 25 years since I graduated from Oldham County High School? I’m sitting on the porch now, rememebering how faithful God has been and thinking about how high school seems like a lifetime ago but also like yesterday. 💙

HAGS, everybody! 

#memorylane #highschool #livingfaithfully #yearbooks #choosingJOY #reallife
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#catsofinstagram #thirdchild #naptimeshenanigans #PorchStories #reallife #88daysofsummer #summerisbest
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But the real point of this post: we are regrouping and going to Wisconsin Dells next week. I’m excited to see somewhere new, even if it’s not what I’d been planning. Let’s be honest, the logistics to get to the cruise were already a lot, so maybe this closer-to-home trip is meant to be right now. 

Anyway, who has been to Wisconsin Dells area? We found a condo and have a list of things going, but I’m accepting all entertainment and restaurant recommendations.

#wisconsindells #reallife #covid_19 #covid #momlife #88daysofsummer #summervacation
I don’t really want to get into an abortion deba I don’t really want to get into an abortion debate here, but I will always champion the unborn, advocate for life, and support mothers and families. When I say “choose life,” I mean in and out of the womb. Choosing life begins with not having an abortion, but it continues to advocating for adoption, foster care, support for moms in lots of different situations. 

Western Kentucky is blessed with resources that do this, including @lifehousemurray in Murray and @_hopecenter in Mayfield. Those are great places to send your money and diapers, recommend to moms expecting or raising little ones, and keep in your prayers. 

If you know someone fostering, we have Partners In Care Foster Closet that offers clothes and supplies to western Kentucky foster families. No strings attached. 

I will forever be an open book about adoption, so I’ll be happy to talk about that with anyone who desires to know more. I even wrote a book about our adoption stories: bit.ly/PeaceInTheProcess #linkinbio 

My three kids have life because three women chose it for them. Those decisions changed my life for the better, and that’s only one piece of a much bigger story. 

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Today #ontheblog I'm sharing the list of the 40 books I've read so far this year. #linkinbio What else do I need to read this year?

#KHTreads #bookstagram #booklover #kindlebooks #librarybooks #bloggerlife #amreading #favoritethings #choosingJOY
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