Cate

Fifteen

May 6, 2022 by Kristin Leave a Comment

Cate’s birthday is perfectly situated right between my birthday and Mother’s Day. Her life is a gift over and over again for me. She made me a mom and her life continues nudging me to be a better person.

Another woman gave her life and chose me to be her mom – a gift beyond anything I can truly adequately express my appreciation. Truthfully, as I get old and my firstborn girl gets older, the gift of adoption seems more complicated and more beautiful. In so many ways parenting Cate has come naturally because she’s so much like me. Physically, I didn’t think she’d look like Greg and me, but she blends right in, a sweet reminder God had a plan greater than anything I could have scripted. And, believe me, I tried.

Cate is a kind leader, country music fan, aspiring photographer, an introvert who loves a night at home with no plans, and a basketball fan. She’s finishing her freshman year and already thinking about what comes next. I’ve watched her navigate shifts in some friendships this year.

I joke about her building a house on the other side of our property, but maybe I’m not really joking. My daughter is someone I have chosen since the day I met her in an Indiana hospital room and will always want to choose. It’s a sweet thing to truly like the girl you’ve been gifted to raise.

I love having Cate sit next to me upfront in the minivan so we can talk about her day and our lives. Rachel asks regularly from the seat behind us, “Why do you guys always chit-chat?” I’m thankful we have so much to say to each other and that I get to be Cate’s mom.

Happy 15th birthday, Catherine Anna. Your life is a gift to me, your dad, your brother, your sister, your relatives, your friends, and the world. Watching you grow and become has been another gift to me. I know you’re going to do great things because you live out the story God began before you were even born. Let’s keep chit-chatting about it all.

*****

Look back on her life: One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Baptism. Nine. Ten. Eleven. Twelve. Thirteen. Fourteen. Of course, you can read more about her birth, adoption story, and early life in my book, “Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family” too.

Britfield series continues with adventure

July 5, 2021 by Kristin Leave a Comment

The following book review is written by my daughter Cate, who has been eagerly awaiting in the second installment in a book series she’s enjoyed. The Britfield books are adventurous tales that include lots of real European landmarks and history geared toward middle school and high school readers.

“Britfield & the Rise of the Lion” was a great sequel to follow the first book in the series. The plot twists are amazing, and constantly keep you guessing on what is going to happen next. While I love, love the plot, I would have liked some more development in the characters. Like any good series, the end of this one made me wish I had the next book. I am very excited about what happens next in this series.

About the book

Now in France six months after the end of “Britfield & the Lost Crown,” Tom and Sarah are trapped on an island fortress, facing an entirely new enemy: a nefarious and clandestine group.

Searching for the truth, Tom and Sarah must navigate the streets of Paris, Cathédrale Notre-Dame, and the Eiffel Tower, chased by an assassin determined to remove any potential threat to the British throne.

Aided by old friends and new allies, Tom and Sarah’s fast-paced adventure is filled with twists and turns, unexpected betrayals, and life-changing revelations.

An interactive world of mystery and adventure, culture and education, the Britfield series is about friendship, family, loyalty, and courage with accurate geography and history interwoven throughout each exciting story. This seven- book series will be followed by movies.

“Britfield & the Rise of the Lion” is a 474-paperback book is published by Devonfield Publishing (July 4, 2021). Learn more about this book and series at The World of Britfield.

About the author

Originally from Newport Beach, California, C.R. Stewart has 20 years of experience writing fiction, nonfiction, and movie screenplays. His expertise also includes film and media production, global strategy, and international marketing.

He received a Bachelor of Arts in British Literature and European History from Brown University; did post-graduate work at Harvard University; earned an MBA from Boston College; and is pursuing a Master of Science in Advanced Management and a Ph.D. in Strategy.

Now based in San Diego, Stewart is a strong supporter of education and the arts. He enjoys world travel, reading, riding, swimming, sailing, tennis, and is passionate about fostering creativity in students of all ages.

*****

Cate received a free paperback copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review. These opinions are hers, and she recommends this series to people in real life regularly. Here’s the review of “Britfield & the Lost Crown” from 2019.

Tale of a teenager with a cell

May 11, 2021 by Kristin Leave a Comment

I’ve long told Cate, who turned 14 last week, she could get an old-school flip phone when she turned 16. Well, I changed my mind. After much discussion and thought, Greg and I gifted her with a Gabb Wireless phone for her birthday.

When I thought about my concerns about handing my teenage daughter a smartphone, social media is the biggest no-no. I know, ironic, I blog and post on social media. Most days, I love social media. But I’m thankful I didn’t have to navigate middle school, high school, and college with social media.

There were some reasons I wasn’t opposed to thinking about getting a phone for a teenager. I want to teach Cate phone etiquette and give her an opportunity to connect with her friends. I want to be able to contact her if I’m not with her.

All of that’s why Gabb Wireless is the right fit for us right now. Gabb sells one phone that looks like a smartphone, but there are no social media apps or games. Cate can text and call her friends, take pictures, listen to music, set an alarm, and keep a calendar. I like that she can be more connected without being tempted by lots of other options on a more expensive phone.

Cate’s review of the phone: She likes that she can text her friends even if she isn’t connected to the WiFi at home and listen to her favorite songs we loaded on using a mini SD card. She does wish the photo quality was better and would like a notes app.

We have some boundaries in place already. The phone charges in the kitchen, is turned off at night, and isn’t really out when friends are over. Of course, my girl also has been reminded having a phone of any kind is a privilege and not a right.

Meanwhile, I’m constantly re-learning how parenting is full of seasons that require new decisions and adjustments. Having an age requirement to have a phone, even a basic phone, isn’t as important as knowing the child and having witnessed responsibility and good decision making. So, here I am ready to see where motherhood takes me next.

*****

This isn’t a sponsored post and nobody asked me to share my opinions on this product. This is just one mom to others about what is working for us. Of course, if you like the idea of a Gabb Wireless, I can save you $30 when you purchase the phone. Just use 2702936829 as the promo code at check out.