Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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8 Things I Learned in September

September 29, 2014 by Kristin Leave a Comment

I sound like a broken record here, but, seriously, where is this year going? How is September already over? Goodness.

But, hello, fall. Please stay a while. A long while. Like so long winter doesn’t even happen. And, shh, nobody tell me how meterologists are predicted a no-good, terrible winter. I thought last year was bad …

Moving on, September was lovely, even if it sped by so fast I could barely keep up. We spent many evenings and late mornings at the soccer field. We enjoyed the lovely weather. We lived our life in many small moments meshed together. We learned and loved and laughed. And, yes, we witnessed that lovely sunset while on Kentucky Lake.

In no particular order, here are some things I learned in my everyday life this month:

1. I can have household products delivered to my door step. I loved that when I ordered diapers from Diapers.com or Amazon. Now, thanks to ePantry, hand soap, laundry detergent, sponges, and trash bags will show up a few days after I place an order … and at good prices. I received my first shipment this month and I believe I’m in love with this service.

2. I love life in my 30s, but sometimes I feel old … and old-fashioned! For instance, I invited a college girl I’ve gotten to know through Bible study over for a home-cooked meal and realized I’m twice her age. She hasn’t turned 18 yet, so she’s only a decade older than my second-grader. Y’all my own college days don’t seem that long ago.

More proof by the questions I ask myself: What’s with all these movies that are rated PG-13 being promoted to kids? Like “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” Why do restaurants have TVs everywhere? Gathering to watch a sporting event is one thing, but I otherwise prefer no television while we’re trying to eat dinner together.

3. My personality makes me like Snow White. We’re both ESFJ. Find out here which Disney princess shares your personality. I’m OK with my assessment, but, really, Snow White likes animals much more than I do.

4. I could be the only person who doesn’t care anything about pumpkin candles, desserts, coffee, or, well … anything. Yes, I’m a summer girl, but I do love the transition to fall. Just bring on the apples, specifically Honeycrisp, and candy corn. You can keep your pumpkin spiced latte. Or whatever other hot beverage you’re drinking.

Funny story: A delicious-smelling apple pie candle showed up in the mail for me from Amazon. I didn’t know who sent it until my friend Jen texted me. She loves pumpkin spice candles but chose an apple one for me. God’s in the details, I tell you. Apples over pumpkin any day, especially fall days, y’all.

{After I posted this on Facebook, I learned I’m not actually alone, but there are so many pumpkin fans out there.}

5. I don’t like homework. I don’t remember disliking homework when I was a kid, when it was required of me, personally. But, seriously, I could do without homework now that I’m a mom. My girl is a good student, but she’s done with school when she gets home. That time between school and dinner is already a rocky time. That’s not just true at my house, right?! So to add homework seems cruel. We’re in year three of homework and I’m still not a fan. I’m guess if I didn’t like it in kindergarten and first-grade and I’m still not liking it in second-grade, then hope is pretty much lost for me for her remaining decade of school, right? Plus I’ll have those 13 years of school for my son, who, I’m guessing, will be even less into homework than his sister. {She’s cute though.}

6. Little People toys are for little kids, which apparently I don’t have anymore. That’s according to my 4-year-old son. So we donated most of the Little People to his preschool. Yes, I’m curious if he’s going to play with them there, unlike he did here.

7. The Blacklist is addicting. Hello, James Spader. Goodness gracious, he’s good in that show. Greg and I just started watching it last week, but we’re well into the first season. I know, I’m not sure what took me so long either.

8. Scrapbooking is still a hobby of mine, even if it doesn’t happen often. Like riding a bike, I didn’t forget how to document life with actual printed photos, Sharpies, cute paper, and page protectors. I managed to spend much of one weekday at my craft table. We didn’t have anywhere to be and Ben was playing alone so well. I was out of my usual adhesive, so I broke out the Rubber Cement. I loved it so much I bought more next time I was at the store.

________

I’m linking up this monthly post with Emily Freeman at Chatting at the Sky.  Here are previous month’s recaps from 2013: June. July. August. September. October. November. And from 2014: January. February. March. April. May. June. July. August.

I’m also linking up with the weekly Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood Gathering.

Want more stories? Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin’, or subscribe to receive “Insights in Your Inbox.” This post contains affiliate links for products & services I love. 

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Filed Under: life, motherhood, movies, seasons, Soli Deo Gloria, Things I Learned

Comments

  1. Tricia at Raising Humans says

    September 30, 2014 at 11:28 am

    Great list! We are still in the pre-homework years here but already I am dreading it. I didn't mind it much when I was a kid but I worry about how it will take over our lives once it starts and how I'll miss our easy breezy weeknights!

    Reply
  2. Heather says

    September 30, 2014 at 1:47 pm

    I had to click and totally find out what princess I was – Mulan. Thanks for sharing your list.

    Reply
  3. Ashley Wells says

    September 30, 2014 at 3:03 pm

    I always feel really guilty around this time that I don't really like pumpkin smells or food. Fall to me is more about sweaters, scarves, hot chocolate and soup.

    Reply
  4. Ashley Wells says

    September 30, 2014 at 3:06 pm

    Darn!!! A Disney princess hasn't portrayed my ENFP personality yet. Get on that Disney!!!

    Reply
  5. KristinHillTaylor says

    September 30, 2014 at 3:48 pm

    Next movie, maybe … 🙂

    Reply
  6. KristinHillTaylor says

    September 30, 2014 at 3:49 pm

    No guilt! I'm all about soup, apples, and sweaters!

    Reply
  7. KristinHillTaylor says

    September 30, 2014 at 3:50 pm

    I don't know as much about Mulan as I do some of the other ones. But we are going to Disney next week, so maybe I will learn some! 🙂 Thanks for coming by!

    Reply
  8. KristinHillTaylor says

    September 30, 2014 at 3:50 pm

    I enjoyed visiting your blog yesterday – thanks for coming by here, Tricia! Enjoy the non-homework days! 🙂

    Reply
  9. KristinHillTaylor says

    September 30, 2014 at 3:52 pm

    I'm all about skipping winter and we don't have even have winters like you do. At least you'll have some help shoveling the driveway this year! 🙂 Love you, sweet Beth!

    Reply
  10. Elise says

    September 30, 2014 at 9:03 pm

    Oh I just love this…Oh Lord, please give me time to recap and not get caught in the whizzing by of life! I actually like pumpkin, but probably apple more. Feeling old in your 30s? Try being 56. When I first went to Allume, I couldn't quite figure out why I was feeling strange. Then it dawned on me that I was twice as old as most of the gals there. I'm learning to embrace my mentor status! Here's just a little snippet on our struggles with homework. http://www.circlesoffaith.org/updates-circles-of-faith/2014/8/21/are-you-constantly-correcting-your-kids-try-connecting-before-you-correct

    Reply
  11. KristinHillTaylor says

    September 30, 2014 at 9:59 pm

    Thanks for sharing that post, Elise! So much practical wisdom there. See, that mentor thing is already helpful! So grateful for you and your encouragement.

    Reply
  12. Lisa notes... says

    October 1, 2014 at 12:01 am

    I hear you with # 2 especially…feeling old. ha. On our mission trip last week, there were "kids" my daughter's age. And they called me Mrs. Lisa. 🙂 So I'm not just feeling old; I am old.

    And why all the TVs everywhere? I don't like that either. Or pumpkin smells. ha. Guess your 4-yr-old is feeling old too. 🙂

    Reply
  13. Amelia Rhodes says

    October 1, 2014 at 12:09 am

    I just had dinner on my university's campus, and that's when it hit me…HALF my life has passed since I was a freshman there….19 years ago. I wondered the same thing, where did the time go? And it sounds like I need to check out Blacklist! (visiting from SDG!)

    Reply
  14. KristinHillTaylor says

    October 1, 2014 at 1:37 am

    Hi, Amelia! I'm glad you understand what I mean. Our college friend half our age came over again tonight. It's really great to have friends in different seasons of life. I'm getting ready to watch Blacklist while I fold some clothes. 🙂 Thanks for coming by!

    Reply
  15. KristinHillTaylor says

    October 1, 2014 at 1:38 am

    Sounds like we would get along splendidly. And I'd call you whatever you wanted to be called! 🙂 I always like seeing you here, Lisa!

    Reply
  16. Joy says

    October 1, 2014 at 1:39 pm

    Preach on #8! Every time I actually get to do it I remember why I fell in love with the hobby in the first place. And #2. Oh my yes. I had a similar realization the other day and it kind of freaked me out. And then I realized I only had 6 more years until my oldest was heading off to college and then I had to go lay down. Hee. And I hate TVs in restaurants. Drives me batty!

    Reply
  17. KristinHillTaylor says

    October 1, 2014 at 6:53 pm

    I'm the same way with scrapbooking! Yeah, it's not growing up that bothers me, it's how my kids grow up too … Although I'm really like my girl being 7. 🙂 Thanks for visiting, Joy!

    Reply
  18. Mindy Whipple says

    October 3, 2014 at 7:49 pm

    The local Honeycrisp apples have arrived at our farmers market and I have been for them twice now – so good. I am not a coffee drinker so don't miss the pumpkin drinks but I do love it in baked goods like bread and muffins. Happy Fall…

    Reply
  19. KristinHillTaylor says

    October 3, 2014 at 8:35 pm

    Now I'm wanting a Honeycrisp … 🙂 Happy fall to you too, Mindy!

    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 eighth-grade girl who never forgets, our have-no-fear fifth-grade boy, and our joy-filled preschool girl. As we live out our stories, we seek God as the author of them all.

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My friend Delana called before she brought us dinn My friend Delana called before she brought us dinner yesterday and asked if we liked chocolate pie. Um, yes. Turns out both Peggy and I love chocolate pie. Delana gave us chocolate chips cookies too, you know, just in case we didn’t like pie.

My friends are loving on us so well this week with dinner & dessert, obviously. Yes, the food is good, but the way they saw a need and met it is even more gracious. (I wrote a book about gathering & nourishing your people!) Having someone provide dinner has freed up some mental space I’m able to use for taking care of Peggy and parenting my kids, some of whom have needed a little extra love and guidance this week. 

Peggy is nine days removed from open heart surgery with quadruple bypass and is doing well. She had a good check up with her primary care provider this morning. We’re thankful for our community of people who continue to pray for us, feed us, and provide help, like today’s impromptu preschool pickup when an appointment ran long. (Thanks, @katie_cunningham85 & @tstanger25!)

#bettertogether #momlife #reallife #morethangroceries #choosingJOY
We are all happy to feel some sunshine today! ☀️#thirdchild #catsofinstagram #winter #choosingJOY
Sweet @ashleelyoung brought us delicious dinner to Sweet @ashleelyoung brought us delicious dinner tonight and the dessert became a craft. I’m so thankful for the way our people love us. 💛 #bettertogether #reallife #choosingJOY
Today is National Milk Day, so Saputo, which has a Today is National Milk Day, so Saputo, which has a dairy plant here in Murray, donated chocolate milk for all the kids at @ncca.lions. This girl has never turned down chocolate milk and basically celebrates milk every day. #momlife #reallife #thirdchild #nationalmilkday #preschool
Honestly, I’ve been in a reading funk. I’ve qu Honestly, I’ve been in a reading funk. I’ve quit one book and started another today, so we’ll see how that goes. 

I did finish this one by @booksbyheather last week and enjoyed it. I loved the Southern setting, charm, and magic. And I loved how the characters untangled assumptions and expectations from their pasts to find where they belong.

What are you reading these days? #amreading #bookstagram #fiction #recommendedreads
I’ve said “I don’t know” more times the pa I’ve said “I don’t know” more times the past few days and months than ever before. I’m a planner, and I’m apparently raising kids who want to know the plan for the day and what’s coming next. Perhaps, really, that’s human nature. 

But I don’t know. 

I don’t know how Covid will affect school, basketball, and summer vacation plans. 

I don’t know how long Gran-Gran’s surgery recovery will take or what she will need from us. 

I don’t know if it will snow. 

I don’t know ... 

There are at least one million things I don’t know. But I do know this was a good weekend to hunker down inside, meet our new cousin/nephew/grandson, eat warm food, and praise God for the way my mother-in-law is recovering from quadruple bypass surgery.

#TeamTaylor #weekending #reallife #livingfaithfully #bettertogether #choosingJOY
I’m happy to report my mother-in-law Peggy is ho I’m happy to report my mother-in-law Peggy is home ... well, at our home, which is her recovery home for the next several weeks. We are grateful for all the prayers, so keep them coming as she recovers from quadruple bypass heart surgery. 

We are also grateful for all the offers to help. Today I accepted them from the @puperson27 (and @carolinemaetompkins & @norah.grace.t), @megandelaneythomas, and Julie because I needed a whole village to get my kids to and from various places and various times. 

And these flowers are lovely, courtesy Friendship Church of Christ and @serenityhcarr. Thanks, y’all!

#TeamTaylor #reallife #weekending #bettertogether
I bought a recliner that doesn’t match and only I bought a recliner that doesn’t match and only awkwardly fits in our living room. When two guys delivered it today, I looked at it up against the couch we bought last year from the same store. 

When we bought the couch at the beginning of 2020, we had no idea how much it we would use it. This house has become a refuge for us. We’ve sat in those gray cushions while having church at home, binging countless seasons of Survivor, watching some basketball games and Christmas movies more recently. Rachel has taken naps. Cate has claimed her favorite cushion. Ben will always have blanket near. 

Now we have this random recliner we never expected because Greg’s mom, Peggy, who is dear to me, had quadruple bypass heart surgery this week and needs a safe place to land when she’s discharged in the coming days. She’s going to recover here, and I was worried she would sink in the couch cushions without using her arms to push herself out. 

The recliner won’t live here forever, and Peggy probably won’t either! But the whole furniture setup is a reminder we don’t know what the future holds. This past year taught us about interrupted plans and smaller social circles. I’m thankful I had a soft place to land with my people and I want the same thing for my mother-in-law, who didn’t even know she had heart problems until recently. 

So here’s to finding refuge in the places that make sense for whatever season we find ourselves. #choosingJOY #socialdistancing #livingfaithfully #reallife #thirdchild
I’m sharing #ontheblog today about creating fami I’m sharing #ontheblog today about creating family unity. Of course, this is always a work in progress around here, but commitment, compassion, communication, compromise, traditions, and Christ all help get us there. While #socialdistancing has required all kinds of adjustments, the time together has allowed for more family game nights, home church on our couches, and deeper bonds within our home.

#linkinbio #bloggerlife #reallife #momlife #thirdchild #TeamTaylor #choosingJOY
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