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 June

June 28, 2017 by Kristin 20 Comments

I’m ignoring all thoughts of being half-way through the year and half-way through summer. I’m going to focus on how much I loved June because … hello, Summer! Even while sitting by the pool, barely cooking, and lingering longer, I managed to learn some things.

1. Road trips can mean love.

We drove three hours for Greg’s third cousin’s wedding because we appreciate the relationship we have with her parents.

I drove the kids to Louisville for the day because I wanted to hang out with my sister and her family. They live in Buffalo, NY, so I have to take what I can get. The 15-hour day involved 3 1/2 hours there, four hours at the zoo, a few hours at a park then dinner, and 3 1/2 hours home. But it was such a fulfilling day.

And then less than two weeks later we went to Louisville again for a quick weekend that included my 20th high school reunion.

2. Taking care of our pool isn’t as overwhelming as I thought it might be.

Greg and I are more and more comfortable with being pool people. We get our water tested at Schecter’s Pools & Spas in Murray, and we’ve loved their help. They help teach us what to do at home. We’ve got the weekly maintenance down and rely on the professionals’ wisdom for tweaking the regular treatment.

If you follow me on Instagram, you know we’ve been swimming often, like most every day.

3. Even as a grownup, summer gives me the freedom to sit and linger longer.

I read more fiction. I feel less self-imposed pressure to be productive. I enjoy life more. Truthfully, I need to carry this summer mindset into every other season.

This month I’ve read three fiction books – “Fool Me Once” and “Home” by Harlan Coben, and “Ladder of Years” by Anne Tyler – and nonfiction memoir “Lean On Me” by Anne Marie Miller.

4. Rachel is a patient, quiet hide-and-seek participant and sometimes hides when nobody even declared a game.

This makes us laugh because she’s usually constantly on the move and has many, many toddler words I’m certain mean something in her head. It’s hard to believe she’s 21 months old, and quickly approaching being a 2-year-old girl!

5. The fourth (and final) season of “Revenge” was too drawn out, but I’m glad I finished binge-watching that show.

This means I’m taking recommendations about what else I should watch.

6. Having a kid old enough to play games I love is fun.

Cate has been into Apples to Apples for a while, but this month we taught her Rummy. She, Greg and I have made it part of our nightly routine to play after the other two kids are in bed.

If we were sitting on a porch together, what would you tell me about your June?

*****

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: books, life, pool, summer, travel

Comments

  1. Michele Morin says

    June 28, 2017 at 6:23 am

    I love these end of month posts so much that it keeps me from freaking out that the month is really over . . . already . . . really? I’ve loved this summer, but it’s been waaaaaay too full of BIG and momentous events. I’m ready for some long days stretching out before me with not enough stuff to fill them up.
    And weeding. Always weeding.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      June 28, 2017 at 2:09 pm

      I like to reflect on the months before they’re totally over too. It helps me remember and appreciate what’s happened. I’m glad you took a break from weeding to be here, Michele! xo

      Reply
  2. Patricia Krank says

    June 28, 2017 at 6:57 am

    I love reading the month in review and seeing into each other’s lives. I must say I’m a wee bit jealous that you have a pool, but I’m happy for you as well. Especially for your children. And Summer lingering? I’m all for that! Revenge – I’ve never heard of it but I’m always looking for good series to watch on Netflix so I will check it out. Maybe not the last dragging season though.
    Thank you for the porch party today.
    Blessings,
    Patti

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      June 28, 2017 at 2:05 pm

      I’m a nicer person when I linger. Maybe I should try that in the fall & winter too! 🙂 Thanks for being here, Patti!

      Reply
  3. Mandy Hughes says

    June 28, 2017 at 7:21 am

    Pool life is the good life! We had an above ground pool at our old house, and cleaning it became therapuetic…lol! And I could play board games all day with the family. All these are so good, Kristin. I’m glad you are enjoying the summer. xoxo!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      June 28, 2017 at 2:04 pm

      Yesterday I went from my pajamas in the late morning to a swimsuit for most of the rest of the day. Those are my favorite days! Today I had to be a productive adult, but I’m seeing more pool time in our future later today. 🙂 I hope you’re enjoying your summer too, Mandy!

      Reply
  4. Susan Shipe says

    June 28, 2017 at 8:04 am

    Love sitting on your porch for the month’s wrap-up. And, guess what? I was at your house in my dreams last night? Except it was my old house from the early 80’s (750 sqft) – when I became a single mom. And, it had YOUR pool in the backyard. A Publix grocery store right around the corner and we were planning our days evangelical outreach. YES, Lord! Cate was older and we sent her and Ben to Publix for something. It was nuts!!!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      June 28, 2017 at 2:00 pm

      I LOVE THAT DREAM SO MUCH! 🙂 We don’t have Publix here, but I associate them with the beach because that’s where we’d grocery shop on our Florida vacations when I was a kid. I’m looking forward to sitting on a porch with you one day in real life, but, until then, thanks for joining me on this one. xo

      Reply
  5. Joanne Viola says

    June 28, 2017 at 8:26 am

    Kristin, it is amazing the many little things we discover each month. I love these posts! Keep on enjoying each summer day!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      June 28, 2017 at 1:57 pm

      Thanks, Joanne! Yes, noticing the little things does big things in my perspective. I’m always glad to have you here.

      Reply
  6. Liz Rigby says

    June 28, 2017 at 8:31 am

    I would say June isn’t over yet! We’re leaving tomorrow for our 10 year anniversary, and I’m so excited! We haven’t had a trip in years….three babies in three years, and then of course the toddler years…so it’s overdue! 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      June 28, 2017 at 1:56 pm

      You’re so right! I’m certainly not rushing June – I just wanted to share this post for Porch Stories on Wednesday, so I went ahead. ENJOY YOUR TRIP! That’s well deserved after three babies in three years, and, yes, toddlers. And happy anniversary! Thanks for being here, Liz!

      Reply
  7. Katie McGowen says

    June 28, 2017 at 12:12 pm

    I love your monthly wrap up posts!

    My June flew by and we learned not to plan to trips back to back. Too much at once! I’m loving these longer lazy days that are letting us just be instead of go go go.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      June 28, 2017 at 1:54 pm

      I’m glad you enjoy them because I really love compiling them! 🙂 Hooray for some longer lazy days for you guys after a crazy few weeks. xo

      Reply
  8. Lisa notes says

    June 28, 2017 at 1:59 pm

    Driving long distances is indeed a gift of love. 🙂 Last week we drove 3 hours each week to visit for one hour with a friend at his dad’s funeral visitation. But those 6 hours were worth the one hour! Time isn’t always measured proportionally. Thanks for sharing these six things, Kristin. We’re always learning!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      June 28, 2017 at 2:10 pm

      “Time isn’t always measured proportionally.” –> Isn’t that the truth? And such a wise way to put it. Thanks, Lisa!

      Reply
  9. Tiffany Parry says

    June 29, 2017 at 11:36 am

    So, the pool. Have I told you this before? I always tell my husband we should be able to claim it as a dependent on our taxes because the thing takes so much care. Our area of SoCal gets these lovely evening breezes – that blow everything into the pool. Then there’s the sweep that needs constant adjustment. The capacitor that blew out on the first day of summer. Ugh, I digress. I love sitting by the pool, but for reals – I think we might need a pool man. 😉

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      June 29, 2017 at 4:38 pm

      You have mentioned the pool should be a dependent. I would agree, moreso because of the money invested. 🙂 Our pool, thankfully, is in a wide-open space so there aren’t really any leave. Plus, auto vacuum. Do you have one of those? If not, it’s worth the investment. And deduction. I wish we could sit poolside together. Love you, friend. xo

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 4 Books I Recommend - June 2017 says:
    June 28, 2017 at 6:23 am

    […] with Kristin, Book […]

    Reply
  2. Steady and Sure with God as My Guide - Words, Photos and Art says:
    June 28, 2017 at 10:25 am

    […] , #Faith’nFriends, #InspireMeMonday, #TeaAndWord, #MomentsofHope, #Glimpses, #porchstories, […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply 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

  • From snow to sand
  • Books of 2022
  • How to enjoy winter days at home
  • How to cook new recipes
  • How to have fun as a family

Join the Conversation

Join the Conversation

On Instagram

I know, “everyone” is reading “Spare” by P I know, “everyone” is reading “Spare” by Prince Harry. But I also keep hearing different opinions about it. So here’s mine!

I am intrigued by the royal family and I liked watching “Suits,” just so you know my very loose interest. I had also watched the @netflix documentary Harry and Meghan released. 

Short answer: I really enjoyed listening to this book. 

An heir, then a spare. Deep grief as a child when his mom dies that he doesn’t really confront until he’s older. An institution that governs every decision in his life yet doesn’t protect him when he felt like he needed it. That’s some heartbreaking makings of a good story. And I appreciate Prince Harry telling it — even though I’m sure parts were incredibly difficult. I also appreciate why he and Meghan did what they did and are trying to establish new, different roots. 

Ultimately, this book is about death and life and all the moments in between. I’d recommend listening to it because his voice is a good one. 

One minor, silly complaint: There are 232 chapters, although they’re numbered starting with one in each of the three sections. That makes the audiobook not flow quite as well as it would otherwise because most of them are just a few minutes long. 

I give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and I’d love to hear what you think because, you know, everybody is reading it! #KHTreads #bookstagram #booklover #readersofinstagram #audiobooks #audible #princeharry
We are all in for basketball season! Tonight was @ We are all in for basketball season! Tonight was @murraystateuniv Spirit Night at the @memgrizz game. We had some pre-game fun with friends, watched the Grizzlies come back from 19 down to win, and witnessed Ja Morant’s triple double.

#memphisgrizzlies #basketballseason #NBA #TeamTaylor #bettertogether #weekending #favoritethings #RacerNation #MurrayState #WeAreRacers
Cheering for our Racers — and, really, most ever Cheering for our Racers — and, really, most everything in life — is more fun with friends! What an awesome atmosphere at the CFSB Center today with a Murray State win, Ja Morant in the arena, and more memories.

#RacerNation #MurrayState #collegebasketball #basketballseason #bettertogether #WeAreRacers
I’ve worn a favorite sweatshirt that says “Let I’ve worn a favorite sweatshirt that says “Let heaven and nature sing” twice this week. I may not be singing Christmas carols anymore, but I still felt the depths of winter this week. The sweatshirt seemed right. 

The sun didn’t shine much this week, although seeing on Friday as we wrap up the work and school week was welcomed. It’s mostly been cold and gray. It’s felt like winter. 

A lingering tension needs resolution and understanding, but honestly the gap between seems so vast. I crave slow time at home and meals around our table. I miss some friends and was reminded of the heartache that can come with community, but I also felt the deep appreciation of friendship and remembered the beauty of sharing this life with others. I was excited for an invitation and easily accepted it. I started a new habit (hopefully) walking with a friend. 

While driving through my days, I remember how uncertainty is what makes me look up. I remember my Creator when I am slapped in the face with the reality I’m not actually in control. I remember (again) to surrender. 

Goodness happens in the gray of winter. Life may look and feel different, but new life is always preparing to break through the cracks of the ground. The gloom that tempts us to look down doesn’t last long when we believe the sun will break through the icy trees and the fog will lift. 

This is hope. Even in winter. Thank God for it all. Let’s let heaven and nature sing. 

#countryliving #latergram #livingfaithfully #choosingJOY #reallife #weekending
I heard mixed reactions about this book from two d I heard mixed reactions about this book from two different friends, but I enjoyed it! 

I liked the backward timeline, although I was uncertain about how it would work until the end. Some of the twists and connections were so good! 

I also liked the bigger ideas Gillian McAllister tackles: We miss things when we are living our life at our normal pace. What if we could go back? What would be notice that would change our reality? And, of course, perhaps, there would be unintended consequences. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ It did get a little slow in the middle, but the end and beginning are quite good! #KHTreads #bookstagram #booklover #kindlebooks #kindleoasis #readersofinstagram
This about sums up motherhood: My teenage girl in This about sums up motherhood: My teenage girl in the middle rebounding and playing hard and little sister photobombing the moment! 

Honestly, parenting has been hard lately. Nothing major. But so constant and always adjusting. 

Even so, I love watching them on the court and in life. There is so much excitement and goodness among the repetition and exhaustion. 

This is real life. And those are our 10-0 Lady Lions out there. 🦁💛

@ncca.lions #momlife #reallife #basketballseason #momconfessions #livingfaithfully #girlmom #firstborn #thirdchild
I finished studying Colossians today with my Prece I finished studying Colossians today with my Precept group. Paul wrote this letter to an established church that was still growing and learning and maturing in the faith — like us all.  I really loved this study because it spoke right into my life with encouragement for knowing Christ, walking in wisdom and truth, praying continually, letting peace rule, and giving grace. Plus Paul deeply loved his people. 

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” — Colossians 2:6-7

Too often I step out of God’s presence for two minutes while are loading up the van in the morning or I’m rushing kids to bed. Too often I don’t surrender my fleshy desires and feelings to the One who holds this whole wide world in His hands. Too often I think my plans are worth holding onto tightly. Too often I think I can bring peace to my household, minivan, or dinner table. 

But real peace passes all my understanding. It rests in God’s wisdom and knowledge alone. How amazing we have access to that, thanks to Jesus. How easily I forget where I’m rooted. 

I want to let peace rule — in my home, in my head, and in my heart. 

Today while I was driving, I noticed how lovely the road, land, and sky looked. But today was really windy, like feel-it-move-my-vehicle and knock-over-trash-cans windy. It almost felt deceptive with the beauty before me, but, really, that’s like life. 

Sometimes it seems I have it together. People know my gifts of organizing information and people. I show up on time and am responsible. But so many thoughts and feelings are swirling in my mind. I replay conversations and fight against the same insecurities from the previous day. 

I feel both lovely and like my swirling mind could knock me over at any moment. And that’s why I needed God, particularly through His words through Paul to the Colossians. 

#livingfaithfully #faithlife #churchlife #reallife #countryliving
This girl has been complaining of a sore throat th This girl has been complaining of a sore throat the last couple of days, but she hasn’t had a fever or any other symptoms so I kept telling her she was fine. Truth be told, she a bit of a hypochondriac and generally happy, so it’s hard to tell if she sick sometimes. 

The folks at Aligned Health took care of her this afternoon and are treating her for strep or whatever bacteria is making her throat look and feel rough. 

I’m thankful for access to medical care and an unexpected night at home.

#momlife #thirdchild #reallife #momconfessions #livingfaithfully #choosingJOY #sickday
I really loved this book! “Life is the stuff th I really loved this book!

“Life is the stuff that happens in the cracks between your plans and expectations.” — from “One Night on the Island” by @josiesilverauthor 

The writing is excellent, the setting works well, and the story unfolds in some predictable but sweet ways. I also think it was the right book at the right time for me. 

#KHTreads #romcom #romcombooks #bookstagram #booklover #librarybooks #readersofinstagram
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Favorites

Categories

Archives

Copyright © 2023 Kristin Hill Taylor | Design by Traci Michele | Development by MRM