Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

  • Home
  • About
  • Books
    • Peace in the Process
    • Bringing Home More Than Groceries
    • Created for Communion
  • 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 a link 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 Tiffany Parry 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 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.

Subscribe for Updates

Recent Posts

  • How to take the trip
  • Eight is great!
  • A few of my favorite things
  • He Should Have Told The Bees
  • Created for Communion

Join the Conversation

Join the Conversation

On Instagram

To live in communion with one another, means to sh To live in communion with one another, means to share meals, space, advice, and prayers. It also means sharing hope, disappointment, dreams, and forgiveness. 

We explore what this looks like in “Created for Communion,” along with other biblical foundations for friendships and community.

🌸 FREE RESOURCES & SAMPLE CHAPTER: 
kristinhilltaylor.com/created-for-communion

🌸 GET THE BOOK:
bit.ly/createdforcommunion

#linkinbio #KHTreads #bookstagram #bookrelease #author #book #booklaunch #amazonbook #goodreads #marketrefinedpublishing #MRPbook #bookshelf #nonfiction #selfhelpfbooks #christianbooks #christianauthors #CreatedforCommunion #GodsDesign #BiblicalFriendship #KristinHillTaylor #communion #friendship #faithlife #community #bettertogether #friends #holyfriendships
So many of my Facebook friends shared lovely pictu So many of my Facebook friends shared lovely pictures of their daughters yesterday for the completely made-up National Daughters Day. Regardless, today I'm all in my feelings about my daughters. 

They're 16 and 8 right now. Both of their classes have been studying ancient Egypt and had a joint feast today. Sweet, huh? 

BUT THEN TIMEHOP GOT ME! Apparently, NINE years ago today, when Cate was a second-grader, her class had an Egyptian feast. I think about a particular picture of Cate and her friend Kilee from that day AND THEN IT CAME UP IN MY TIMEHOP TODAY. Facebook also told me that same day nine years ago, Monica and I became Facebook friends. We probably were at the Egyptian feast and decided we'd be friends because our girls were friends. Y'all, God has been so good to me through my friendship with Monica. Our families click in a special way with our three sets of same-aged kids, most of whom have been adopted. 

Anyway, my daughters. They're lovely, funny, and smart. I love that Cate helped Rachel with her Egyptian eye makeup this morning and made her a Nutella and banana sandwich. I love that they got to have a party today at school together. I love that even though they're eight years apart, they're sisters. 

I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I do. 💛

#momlife #timehop #documentlife #bettertogether #sisters #siblinglove #nationaldaughtersday #daughters #reallife #schoollife #adoption #adoptionislove #PeaceInTheProcess #CreatedForCommunion #choosingJOY @ncca.lions
I’m pretty much always thinking about my next tr I’m pretty much always thinking about my next trip! Be it a weekend getaway or a family vacation, I’ve always got ideas of where I want to go next. The rest of my family always has suggestions too. Yes, take the (next) trip!

In the blog post HOW TO TAKE THE TRIP, I share lots of links and suggestions on where to go, who can help you, and what to take with you. 

✨ https://kristinhilltaylor.com/2023/09/how-to-take-the-trip.html

Where do you want to go? What do you always take with you?

#linkinbio #ontheblog #roadtrip #vacation #documentlife #takethetrip #bloggerlife #adventurers #choosingJOY #traveltips
I was thankful for some rest time on the couch on I was thankful for some rest time on the couch on Saturday afternoon — and a chance to finish this suspense book. 

“Between Two Strangers” by @katewhite_author had such an intriguing plot that pulled me right in. I was close to figuring out how it was all intertwined, but I didn’t quite get there through all the twists. Good, quick read!

#KHTreads #bookstagram #booklover #librarybooks #weekending #latergram #suspensebooks #goodreads
Recently, in random snapshots. This is a full life Recently, in random snapshots. This is a full life, but it’s a good life. 💛

#momlife #siblinglove #bettertogether #reallife #latergram #documentlife #soccermom #boymom #girlmom
When you subscribe to emails from my porch, you ge When you subscribe to emails from my porch, you get some free goodies! Plus, it's a fun way to chat about life, books, and faith. 

I just updated the free gifts to include a lovely PDF that has links to 27 (!!!) how-to posts about life, home, and parenthood. I'm going to give away more goodies when I meet some subscriber goals, so, if you haven't already, please join me on my virtual porch. 

🏠 bit.ly/PorchEmails

#linkinbio #PorchStories #bloggerlife #email #bettertogether #onlinefriends #authorlife #freebies #favoritethings
Well, don't they look lovely together! ✨ Find Well, don't they look lovely together! 

✨ Find them all here: https://amzn.to/3sRUHd7

#linkinbio #CreatedForCommunion #MoreThanGroceries #PeaceInTheProcess #bettertogether #hospitalitymatters #friendship #GodsDesign #selfpublished #books #KHTreads #bookstagram #bookshelf #goodreads #authorlife #PorchStories
You’re a light wherever you go! And you like to You’re a light wherever you go! And you like to go! You’re always making friends, asking about our next adventure, wanting to know what’s next, and talking if you’re not singing. You’re the joy our family needed in 2015 and you continue to be the one who makes us laugh and love better than we did before we knew you. 

... You ask a million questions, know the words to thousands of songs, have so many ideas, and still try to sneak into my bed at night. You say I’m the best snuggler in this family. I’ll take it – and your hugs and love, although the middle of the night will never be my favorite time. 

Happy birthday to the girl who loves loudly! 

✨ kristinhilltaylor.com/2023/09/rachel-is-8.html

#linkinbio #ontheblog #birthdaygirl #momlife #thirdchild #bloggerlife #TeamTaylor #reallife #birthday #thisis8 #choosingJOY #livingfaithfully #bestdad
In this book about biblical friendships, we’ll l In this book about biblical friendships, we’ll learn how God has created us for communion, allowing His people—then and now—to befriend one another in holy ways.

🌸 FREE RESOURCES & SAMPLE CHAPTER: 
kristinhilltaylor.com/created-for-communion

🌸 GET THE BOOK:
bit.ly/createdforcommunion

#linksinbio #KHTreads #bookstagram #bookrelease #author #book #booklaunch #amazonbook #goodreads #marketrefinedpublishing #MRPbook #bookshelf #nonfiction #selfhelpfbooks #christianbooks #christianauthors #CreatedforCommunion #GodsDesign #BiblicalFriendship #KristinHillTaylor #communion #friendship #faithlife #community #bettertogether #friends #holyfriendships
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Favorites

Categories

Archives

Copyright © 2023 Kristin Hill Taylor | Site by MRM