Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

reading & schooling at home

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Ben had to write a book review for his fourth-grade language arts class, which, you know, he’s doing from our kitchen countertop during these social-distancing days. He just finished reading “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” so that’s what he decided to review. I bribed him to let me share his review here. There are some story spoilers ahead.

*****

In this book, the main character is Harry Potter. His parents were wizards. Voldemort killed his parents. Harry Potter goes to Hogwarts. Hogwarts is a school for wizards. He meets Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, the other main characters.

He is trying to become a wizard. Then he hears about Voldemort and he is trying to get the sorcerer’s stone. Harry thought Snape was working with Voldemort, but he isn’t. It is actually Professor Quirrell and Voldemort’s face is the back of Quirrell’s head.

The book ends when the school year ends. At the end of each school year, there is a house cup. Whoever has the most points wins.

I liked the book because there are magical creatures like a centaur and a three-headed dog. I liked it because it had a little mystery in it.

*****

Ben isn’t the first Harry Potter fan around here. Cate was quite obsessed with the series for a long time and has read all the books multiple times. Perhaps her brother will join her fan club. Of course, she previously wrote a review too. I haven’t read or watched any Harry Potter story, but I was super impressed with the wizardry world at Universal Studios. Find other books my kids have loved here.

Ben is ten!

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Dear Ben,

I can’t believe you’re ten. I know, what a cliché to come from a mom’s mouth. But it’s true. I can recount so many details of this past decade with you. Honestly, I think I’ve grown up with you. I thought I knew things when we welcomed you into our family, but, goodness, I’ve learned and grown so much since then — and much of that is because of you.

Sometimes I get caught up in how different we are. You’re loud and like repetitive noises. You’re a morning person, but at least you still like to cuddle. You’re messy and disorganized. And you’re definitely not into the pictures I always want to take! (I convinced you to pose in front of the 9 3/4 platform sign at Universal’s Hogwarts Express because that was about your age then!)

But then I am reminded when I am my best self, I’m a lot like you. We like adventures and road trips and being with our people. We like roller coasters and eating chicken wings.

This year has been hard for me as a person and that’s certainly spilled over into motherhood. While I’ve been processing grief and trying to improve myself for you and your sisters, you’ve been growing in your own ways. Your pants keep getting shorter, your mind is quicker and more aware, and your emotions are at the forefront. We’ve had some hard conversations, meaningful moments, and fun adventures. I’m thankful you’ve been near this year. And I’m thankful I’ve gotten to be near you as you walk through some emotional, physical, and social changes of your own that haven’t exactly been easy.

We are better people together.

After spending every winter of your little life going to college basketball games, watching Ja Morant get drafted after his sophomore year at Murray State and having a stellar beginning to the Grizzlies season is what it took to make you into a true fan this year. You follow the teams more closely now and want to know scores and stats. We’re celebrating with a basketball-themed party this weekend. You’re getting ready to begin your second year of playing basketball of your own at our sweet, small school. You’re still into running club and soccer too.

Thankfully, you’ve found ways to love your big sister, who definitely loves and feels loved in different ways from you. Your little sister loves to laugh with (and at) you when y’all aren’t wrestling. You’re meant to be sandwiched between them and I love being reminded God built our family in ways I couldn’t have predicted.

You’re loyal and brave. You’re fun and funny. You’re curious and kind. And I’m certainly thankful you’re my son.

Happy birthday, Ben! Here’s to the second decade of your life and all the ways I’m sure you’ll surprise me.

Love,
Momma

*****

Look back on Ben’s life: 1 year old. 2 years old. 3 years old. 4 years old. 5 years old. 6 years old. 7 years old. 8 years old. 9 years old.

Ben is nine!

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Dear Ben,

You’ve been telling Rachel since her birthday about two months ago that your birthday was next. You also taught her after yours Daddy’s birthday comes, then Momma’s, then Cate’s, and then hers again. Of course, neither of you have a great sense of time, so nobody is talking about how there’s a five-month gap between birthdays once we’ve finished celebrating yours.

You’re such a good big brother. You play well with Rachel, protect her, and teach her all sorts of things. You’ve written about her for school assignments and you always ask what we did while you were at school. And you’re pestering your older sister less, so I’m taking that a win. I sure have liked watching you all team up to build a Lego set, talk about how to organize all the many, many Lego pieces, and find other common ground.

Really, I feel like we’re entering a new season with you. You’ve been holding the door open for people, helping around the house before being asked, and noticing others more. I like the young man I’m seeing grow up before my very eyes.

You were diagnosed with ADHD in April 2017. I haven’t talked about that a lot here, but we’re in a good place with that. As your mom, I love having resources to better understand how your mind works.

When I ask your favorite part of school, you always tell me about recess and lunch – and some days maybe art or music. You’re good at spelling and math too. Most importantly, you’re a good friend to the seven other boys and four girls in your class.

This year, you ran cross country and played baseball for the first time along with continuing with soccer and basketball. Before you, I always said my kids would only have one extracurricular at a time, but these activities are good for you. I’m grateful I could see that, make a mental adjustment, and sign up my boy for the next thing.

I pray for you, son. I pray you grow tall and wise and into exactly who God created you to be. I pray your energy and ideas are channeled for good – the best, really. And I pray you know our family is a team, for each other always.

Happy ninth birthday, Benjamin. I’m so grateful I get to be your mom.

Love, Momma

*****

Ben’s life is so intertwined with thanksgiving for me and it’s fun we get to celebrate his birth during National Adoption Awareness Month. Be sure to download the Kindle version of my book {FOR FREE through Sunday, Nov. 25} that tells our story, including his.

Look back on Ben’s life: 1 year old. 2 years old. 3 years old. 4 years old. 5 years old. 6 years old. 7 years old. 8 years old.