Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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{God-sized Dreams} Celebrating life

April 23, 2013 by Kristin Leave a Comment

Just across the state line in Tennessee on my mother-in-law’s farm, we celebrated my husband’s 35th birthday with four-wheeler rides and fishing. Those are the manly equivalent to party games, you know. We invited our dearest friends, soaked up the beautiful spring day, ate delicious food, caught up with stories and laughter. You know, we were doing what my husband wanted to do. I didn’t touch a fishing pole or sit on the four-wheeler, but it was a fabulous day that included so many people and moments I love.

Yes, please notice the boots. They are the snake-proof boots Greg requested. I think he’s been watching a tad too much “Duck Dynasty,” but he was so proud of himself for traipsing into a pond and coming out dry. Apparently this birthday party venue is going to become tradition, so they’ll get at least annual use. And, really, I love that we’re establishing traditions for adult birthdays in our 30s.

This electric truck made its way out for the party. These cousins filled its bed for the first drive around the farm, but they made plenty of room for friends later in the afternoon.

Yes, I realize I need to worry when he’s 16. It took him about 3 minutes to figure out how to move the lever to the faster of the two forward speeds. I’ve mentioned Ben is all boy. He’s rough and messy and loud and always on the move. The Farm was a good place for him to run free, collect sticks, be introduced to Dodge Ball, eat where the birds would clean up his crumbs, and chase his friends. Seeing my boy in his element makes me understand him more. 

Y’all. We have the best friends a family could have. Hands down. These are the people who know my weaknesses, hear about my hard days, help me in ordinary moments, and make me laugh the hardest on the best of days.

And she’s one of the very best. Jaclyn and I have been through so many seasons of life since we were single girls in college. And, you know, sometimes it’s really nice to just sit on a porch together. 

Speaking of sitting on the porch, that’s where I was before our friends arrived when my kids were playing on the swing set and with sticks and Greg was testing the fishin’ waters. And I read almost half of “Sparkly Green Earrings” by Melanie Shankle {aka Big Mama}. Then I finished the book the next day. Yes, reading a book in two days in this season of life means I couldn’t put it down and I recommend it to you, fellow mommas. It’s about becoming a momma and being a momma. Sometimes putting this job into words is impossible, but this book does it with funny, heart-warming stories.

Cate and our friend Chloe planned some singing and dancing program. None of us watching really have any idea what it was about, but seeing these two first-born girls bond over public silliness makes me, the once-so-very-shy girl, smile so big.

So, yes, my husband had a fabulous 35th birthday party. But the day was also oh-so good for my soul, which had felt tired and weary. And then I remembered that’s what sharing life is really all about. 

________

For this week’s God-sized Dreams post, Holley Gerth asked us to take time to play. I’m linking this post along with many, many other dreamers on Holley’s blog. You’ll find encouragement, truth and community there. 

I’m also linking up with Soli Deo Gloria at Finding Heaven Today.

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Filed Under: books, community, family, friends, God-sized dreams, Greg

Comments

  1. Mel says

    April 23, 2013 at 5:07 pm

    Sounds like a wonderful day! 🙂 Thank you for the reminder (at least, for me) that sharing life with those we love is one of the greatest blessings there is. Happy Tuesday, friend! 🙂

    Reply
  2. KristinHillTaylor says

    April 23, 2013 at 7:02 pm

    I don't know where I'd be without my friends. 🙂 Hope you're having a great day!

    Reply
  3. aualecia says

    April 23, 2013 at 7:07 pm

    Sounds like everyone had a fabulous day! I love those kind of days when everyone you love is gathered in one place and you are just happy to be together.

    Reply
  4. KristinHillTaylor says

    April 23, 2013 at 7:10 pm

    And, you know, it was one of those days I didn't realize I needed until it was happening. 🙂

    Reply
  5. Mandy says

    April 23, 2013 at 9:58 pm

    This looks like so much fun, and you captured it in great photos! Way to go on finishing that book too, jealous.

    Reply
  6. KristinHillTaylor says

    April 24, 2013 at 3:34 pm

    Thanks, Mandy! Have you started the book? It's a great read!

    Reply
  7. Kirsten Stokes says

    April 25, 2013 at 12:02 am

    That looks like a blast. The two first born girls remind me of my cousins and me growing up…..always putting on a show. Love your post. Nice blog! Blessings to you!

    Reply
  8. Amy says

    April 25, 2013 at 1:59 am

    I love the smiles in all the photos. Proof that everyone had a good time. Days of getting together and just doing whatever is always such fun.

    Reply

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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 high school girl who never forgets, our middle school boy who has no fear, and our joy-filled first-grade 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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