Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

  • Home
  • About
  • Books
    • Peace in the Process
    • Bringing Home More Than Groceries
  • Contact

Six Things I Learned in May

May 31, 2017 by Kristin 18 Comments

Well, May, you were good to me. You were fast and fun, but you offered so many good moments that make me want to gather my people close. I feel like we’re in the thick of summer, thanks to a slower pace and less routine, but I want to pause and remember what May taught me.

In no particular order, here are Six Things I Learned in May …

1. Words really are my love language.

Greg gathered letters and cards from various friends (some he hasn’t even met!) for my birthday and put them together on a blessing board, which also included notes from him and big kids. I really loved it – like I loved having friends from all our circles of life at our wedding. That merging of memories and sweet encouragement fills me up so much.

2. Wyler’s Italian Ice popsicles are delicious.

I impulsively bought them at Sam’s last time I was there, and I’m glad I did because I want to eat them two at a time.

3. Having a pool in our yard is wonderful.

I mean, I didn’t need convincing this would be true, but now that we’ve been swimming in it for a few weeks I can say that with confidence. And we’ve still got the majority of summer to go!

4. Getting away for a good cause is worthwhile.

The annual conference Christian Alliance for Orphans hosted in Brentwood, TN earlier this month was good for my momma heart. I asked Greg to go with me and some Hope That Binds friends for my birthday because it was the two days after my birthday just two hours away. So we went, and I came home so encouraged by all the people and organizations who are investing in adoption, orphan care globally, and foster care. I took pages of notes and came home with ideas.

5. May really is my favorite.

Yes, May is crazy with the end-of-school programs and parties, but it’s also my birthday, my oldest’s birthday, Mother’s Day, the beginning of days that feel like summer, days are lighter longer, and when a break in the routine comes. Plus it ends with a holiday weekend.

With that, I also learned it’s okay to delay a birthday party two weeks after the actual birthdate. Cate wanted a pool party, so we waited two weeks after she officially turned 10 because we wanted warmer weather. It worked out well.

And all of that makes me very happy.

6. Porches don’t have to be perfect to welcome people.

The deck renovation project that began in April has continued well into May – and we’ve had a family baby shower, a birthday party, and an adoptive mom lunch. We’ve used a door we don’t usually use. We’ve had construction-related scraps and dirt piles.

And nobody has cared. I was reminded hospitality isn’t determined by the state of our house or porch or outfit but by the intention of our invitations.

{Have you joined my virtual porch community yet?}

Of course, I’ll be glad when the project is finished.

So, how was your May?

*****

Kristin Hill Taylor - Porch Stories
 Loading InLinkz ...
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Porch Stories, Things I Learned Tagged With: community, food, seasons

Comments

  1. Michele Morin says

    May 31, 2017 at 7:35 am

    My May has been fast and furious like yours. I’m still a little dazed by it all, but we’re beginning June with a wedding, so how can that be bad, right? Boy #2 is marrying the love of his young life, and we’re going to be partying with all the people we love, so I’m thankful down to my toes. And I’m missing the little brown -eyed boy that he was, even though he’s 21 and soooo ready for this next step.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      May 31, 2017 at 2:51 pm

      What a fun celebration that will be, Michele! I love how weddings bring people together. I’m glad you’re here!

      Reply
  2. Susan Shipe says

    May 31, 2017 at 7:57 am

    Hey fellow list lover! Yours is great – and that addition is going to be glorious. Be patient, my young friend!!! xo

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      May 31, 2017 at 2:55 pm

      List lovers unite! I enjoyed reading your post this morning too. xo

      Reply
  3. Erin says

    May 31, 2017 at 9:35 am

    Love your list and your pictures. Enjoy the rest of summer with a Popsicle by your pool.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      May 31, 2017 at 2:54 pm

      That sounds perfect. Hope you have a great summer too, Erin!

      Reply
  4. Cathy says

    May 31, 2017 at 11:33 am

    Your porch already looks amazing! And your pool so inviting. Glad you are enjoying them both!

    May has been a busy month with my two daughters birthdays and mothers day as well as other events and my son’s birthday is next week!

    May is my favorite month also. I just love all the blooms coming out and the warm sunshine, finally! : )

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      May 31, 2017 at 2:53 pm

      Yes, May is just so welcoming for those of us who love the summer sunshine! Sounds like y’all had a busy but good month too. Thanks for being here, Cathy!

      Reply
  5. Becky Hastings says

    May 31, 2017 at 12:16 pm

    It sounds like you’ve had a lovely May! The pool must be wonderful to have right in your own backyard! No schlepping stuff back and forth! Find time for a night swim just for you!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      May 31, 2017 at 2:52 pm

      It’s been amazing and is a huge part of why I’m looking forward to June & July. 🙂 I’ve been enjoying sitting outside while my youngest naps.

      Reply
  6. Tiffany Parry says

    May 31, 2017 at 3:27 pm

    May is a beast, but boy has it flown by. We still have 12 days of school, filled with all the year ends and then our son’s 8th grade promotion. So I see busyness and tears in my future. But all good. Thanks for sharing some of your summer with us, it makes me even more eager to start mine. xo

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      June 1, 2017 at 7:53 am

      I’m excited to see and read peeks into your summer. I’m sure it’s going to be delightful!

      Reply
  7. Sarah Koontz says

    May 31, 2017 at 5:18 pm

    Since I now know words are your love language….thanks for consistently offering a welcoming spot for other bloggers to visit and share. I appreciate you!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      June 1, 2017 at 7:52 am

      Thank you, sweet Sarah!

      Reply
  8. Laura Rath says

    May 31, 2017 at 10:23 pm

    Yes! #2-Wyler’s Italian Ice popsicles! We are on our 2nd box, and when I looked for them today at Sam’s, I couldn’t find them anywhere.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      June 1, 2017 at 7:51 am

      I initially bought them at Sam’s too! They’re on my list when I go back … I hope I can find them again! Thanks for being here, Laura!

      Reply
  9. Mandy says

    June 1, 2017 at 8:48 am

    Words! As a love language, yes!!! I LOVE what your husband did for you. That is truly special. <3

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      June 1, 2017 at 8:53 am

      It was such a sweet surprise! Glad to see your pretty face here today, Mandy! xo

      Reply

Leave a Reply to Cathy Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s Connect

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter

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.

Learn more about my story here.

Subscribe for Updates

Recent Posts

  • Let’s go where trust is without borders
  • How to plan a cozy family night
  • Love Your Home Once Again
  • Creating Family Unity
  • Books of 2020

#PorchStories button

Join the Conversation

Join the Conversation

On Instagram

At a basketball game Thursday night, Ben told me h At a basketball game Thursday night, Ben told me he had a loose tooth and was going to go to the bathroom to maybe pull it. He pulled it. That’s #14, and he’s dealt with every single one, just as his older sister did with all 20 of hers.

Meanwhile, little sister has a loose tooth that she won’t wiggle, avoids using to eat, and won’t let her siblings pull. We’ve bribed, threatened, and failed to persuade.

#momlife #boymom #thirdchild #girlmom #reallife #momconfessions
I was overdue for some TLC to my hair, so I got it I was overdue for some TLC to my hair, so I got it trimmed and colored this week. You know it’s time when the stylist takes before and after pictures. My friend @whitneyrscott at @blushsalon always does a good job. 

In addition to the much-needed TLC, I also got bangs. After a few days, I can say I love them. The resident teenager at my home doesn’t like this — and she tells me daily. I tell her I don’t care whether she likes them because I do and it’s my hair. She also didn’t like the tennis shoes I bought a few weeks ago. Again, I do, so who cares. 

Anyway, it’s Friday! So let’s do some #fridayintroductions around here. Tell me three things you’re loving these days. I’ve already mostly told you mine: 

1️⃣ My bangs. I’ve included a picture of the fun waves that Whitney gave me at the salon and the more likely normal styling — by that I mean blow drying and some minor straightening to train the bangs. 
2️⃣ New tennis shoes, which are gray & purple Brooks Launch 7, if you’re curious. My nail color accidentally matches them. 
3️⃣ The teenager in my house. I’ve been giving her grief about her dislike of my fashion choices, but I really love being around her. Honestly, she’s the easiest kid in my house right now. 

✨ Bonus current love: Who can tell me what TV character inspired my hairdo? If you know, then that’s also the TV show I recently binged and am eagerly awaiting new episodes. 

So, what are you loving — even if nobody else in your life does? #momconfessions #reallife #reallifeconfessions #momlife #choosingJOY
It’s been a night of basketball! First, my girl’s middle school game. Now, our favorite college team. Turns out they’re both navy & gold so that’s good for wardrobe choices. 💛 #girlmom #momlife #RacerNation #WeAreRacers #MurrayState
“The Chicken Sisters” by @kjda was a fun, quic “The Chicken Sisters” by @kjda was a fun, quick read this weekend. I added it to my to-read list recently and then saw it as a @bookofthemonth add-on.

I enjoyed the feuding sisters story unfolding while filming a realty show about their family’s feuding chicken restaurants in a small Kansas town. Of course, not everything is quite as it seems, so the reality show helps uncover some reality both sisters were missing.

#amreading #bookstagram #booklover #recommendedreads #thechickensisters #weekending
We needed to get out of the house today — even t We needed to get out of the house today — even though the sun barely peeked through the clouds into the cold air. #countryliving #weekending #choosingJOY #boymom #thirdchild
A week into Peggy’s recovery at our house, and t A week into Peggy’s recovery at our house, and these two have spent a lot of time together. Rachel encourages her and stays close. Peggy plays games and watches movies with Rachel.

Honestly, this #thirdchild of mine was probably my biggest concern with having Peggy recover from open heart surgery here: I didn’t want Rachel to hug too hard. I didn’t know if she’d understand that her Gran-Gran looks fine on the inside but hurts on the inside. She’s been booted from her room, but she’s been sleeping well on her mattress in the back living room. She’s actually probably not going to know what to do when Peggy moves back home.

For now, we’ll let them make memories together. That’s part of caretaking I hadn’t considered. #bettertogether #weekending #choosingJOY
I’ve been in a reading slump. I returned one lib I’ve been in a reading slump. I returned one library book I couldn’t get into and then couldn’t decide what to read next. So I went with this library book — and I’m glad I did.

“The Unhoneymooners” by @christinalauren is a funny romance novel that helped distract my mind from heavy thoughts. It also made me want to go to Maui. The dialogue is delightful, the story of quirky from the get-go, and I definitely found myself rooting for Ethan and Olive.

I also discovered by reading the acknowledgements (possibly my favorite thing about books!) that @christinalauren is the pen name for a writing duo. What fun to write novels with a friend! 

As always, I’m happy to accept your recommendations on what to read next. I may also be pondering what friend with whom to write my next book. 📚 #amreading #fiction #authorlife #bookstagram #bettertogether #romcombooks
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
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Favorite Places & Projects

Categories

Archives

Copyright © 2021 Kristin Hill Taylor | Design by Traci Michele | Development by MRM

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.