Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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Rachel is 6!

September 19, 2021 by Kristin Leave a Comment

We’ve spent the weekend celebrating our girl who loves a party! 

Rachel is joy personified. I say that often, but it’s always been true. I default to serious mode way too often, but she keeps me smiling and laughing. She’s funny, smart, and loves people. 

She likes to sneak into my bed in the middle of the night so we can snuggle. I’ll take all the love — after sunrise! She swims like a fish, dreams of being a rockstar, and remembers all the words to songs. She likes adventures, having anyone we know over to our house, and prefers not to be alone. 

She doesn’t like to slow down to eat a meal and would prefer to graze all day. She always wants to go back to where we’ve gone before because road trips & adventures are among her love languages. I won’t be sad when she can tell time and remembers the order of the days of the week. She’s going to learn so much in kindergarten, which she loves but does find tiring. She often falls asleep on the way home or on our porch swing before she makes it into the house. She’s always been the kid to resist naps but then lay down on the concrete, put her head down on the table, or contort herself in the booster seat in the minivan … and sleep anyway.

As girly as she can be, Rachel loves all things pink, princessy, and sparkly. She plays soccer — and then sometimes does a cartwheel after she scores. She hugs her opponents, adults, our cats, and often people we barely know. She sometimes says she doesn’t know her letters, but then she aces spelling tests in kindergarten and knows the first letter of so many people’s names.

Now, if I could just get her to stop sticking out her tongue or raising a peace sign (like Mario apparently does when you beat a level on Super Mario Bros.) every time I’m trying to take a picture. Speaking of pictures, just follow my #thirdchild posts on Instagram; she’s a popular subject in my shared squares.

Rachel, 

I hope you always love big and bring others in. You, my girl, are a light, so keep shining brightly. I’m truly thankful you were born and I get to be your mom. You keep me laughing, wondering where you went, and feeling loved well.

Happy 6th birthday, sweet girl! 

Love, Momma

*****

My favorite story of how God made the five of us a family is told in my first book, “Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family,” which is available on Amazon or directly from me. 

Look back on Rachel’s past birthdays:  One. Two. Three. Four. Five.

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One-full-hand years old

September 19, 2020 by Kristin Leave a Comment

This girl is really into birthdays — hers and others. She loves a party and loves a crowd of people. So far she’s invited her entire soccer team, probably her preschool class, and the pool guy to her party. I hope she’s not disappointed tomorrow when it’s a mostly family party, thanks to the ever-changing response to the coronavirus. 

Rachel has told people she’s “this many” and holds up one hand with all five fingers up. She acts like she doesn’t know that’s five, but then she will see a 5 in a book or on a sign and say that’s how old she will be on her birthday. 
She has a million questions for anyone who will listen. Just the past few days: She’s asked the Kroger bagger how the virus started. I’ve explained extended family relationships several times. Her question about the purpose of a belly button led to a brief adoption conversation. 

Obviously, she’s the possibly the most extroverted person in our family, only maybe behind her dad. So join me as I continue celebrating my girl with my traditional birthday letter:

Rachel,

You’re the joy our family didn’t know we needed. We wanted you before we knew about you, cared for your birth mom in every way we could while she carried you, and know joy more because of you. You make life more fun, bedtime longer than it needs to be, and any ordinary day like a party.

You love all things pink, so much so you convinced your parents and sister to paint your room pink this past spring. Nobody knew it would take four coats of bright pink to cover the mint green. You remember so many words to songs, especially from the first Frozen movie but also from whatever is on the radio. You socialize while playing soccer, going to preschool at the big kids’ school, and wherever else we go. 

You love chocolate milk, jumping on the trampoline, princesses, mermaids, unicorns, and your brother and sister. For a couple of years now, you’ve proclaimed you’re going to marry our family friend Isaac, although he’s quite unsure of the future plan. Regardless of what happens with him, I have no doubt everyone you meet will be better off because you love well and fully. 

We love to celebrate you — especially when you are one-full-hand years old. 

Love, Momma

*****

Read other letters to my girl as she’s growing up: One. Two. Three. Four.

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Four years of contagious joy

September 19, 2019 by Kristin Leave a Comment

Dear Rachel,

Our lives have been more joy-filled since you were born. You love life and everyone we meet. You give strangers hugs and adore your brother and sister. You laugh easily and, really, are the funniest kid I know.

You’ve asked almost every day since we got off the Disney cruise ship last October — almost a year ago! — to go back on the “big, big Mickey boat.” We don’t have another cruise planned (yet!), but we are going to Disney World in a few weeks. You’re going to love it! You love all things Disney, characters in costume, and whatever adventure comes your way.

You’ve given me some scares with your fearless independence. You don’t like to go to sleep at night because you’re afraid you’ll miss something, so there’s been a lot of ushering you back to bed lately.

You’re going to “school” three days a week at Mother’s Day Out and love it. Somehow you comply with naptime there, but not without talking to your friends first. You’re eager to learn and love being around your friends. Right now, you like to find Rs all around you because you know that’s how your name begins.

You’ve talked about your birthday for a long time, and we’re excited to celebrate you today and again at your rainbow unicorn party on Sunday. Truly, we like to celebrate you all the days. Plus you’ve made me appreciate rainbows and unicorns in a whole new way. (Also, you call them “un-i-corns,” which is so funny because it’s not like you can read quite yet!)

Rachel Elizabeth, your joy is contagious. I pray you continue to love life and all God has for you. I know you’re going to embrace all the adventures in front of you and probably create others along the way.

I’m forever grateful for your birth mom who chose life for you and picked me to be your momma. God knew we needed you! Happy (fourth) birthday, sweet girl!

Love, Momma

*****


In honor of my girl’s 4th birthday, I’m going to give away FOUR COPIES (!!!!) of my book, “Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & Family.” This book released in September 2017, when Rachel turned two, so it includes some of her birth and adoption story. {ENTER TO WIN HERE or below.} I’ll randomly choose four winners on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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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 ninth-grade girl who never forgets, our have-no-fear sixth-grade boy, and our joy-filled kindergarten girl. As we live out our stories, we seek God as the author of them all.

Learn more about my story here.

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Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have picked up thi Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have picked up this book had a dear friend who always comes in clutch with book recommendations let me borrow it. My mind has been swirling this week. Just lots of life happening all around me. 

I picked up this book while Ben was at his counseling appointment and read most of that hour, then again that evening, and then again the next day. This book could be read slowly because the words are lyrical and lovely, but I couldn’t put it down. The scripture, stories, and songs were balm for my soul right when I needed it. 

“Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling!” — Psalm 43:3

This book is about that invitation from God. Songwriter @sandramccracken  tells us how she’s accepted the invitation, lived in the light, and brought others with her. 

I started taking notes on the very first page, but I will leave you with this, for now:

“There will be a full telling of our stories, a reckoning of every injustice, and a mending of every broken system. This is the good news, the promise of peace, working backward from that future reality, bringing that healing light-filled promise to bear on our lives, to shine on our present sorrow and on our yet-unanswered questions. He is with us. It will be all right in the end. If it’s not okay, then it’s not the end.”

#KHTreads #bookstagram #recommendedreads #livingfaithfully #reallife #choosingJOY #storiesmatter
“Darkness does not define us. It attends to us, “Darkness does not define us. It attends to us, surrounds us in regular intervals, but it does not have the last word. God limits the darkness. He has authority over it and is not bound by it.” 

— @sandramccracken in “Send Out Your Light”

#KHTreads #countryliving #livingfaithfully
What is saving my life … My home is a refuge an What is saving my life …

My home is a refuge and shelter from the loud, crazy world. I love being here. I’m thankful for a break from the routine and busyness. I like a chance to have slow mornings and not much of a plan for the day. I’m also grateful for the chance to host others in our home. 

And, of course, books. I love reading and seeing those around me reading too. Stories are also such a refuge for me. 

#OneDayMay #maydays #reallife #88daysofsummer #choosingJOY #KHTreads #momlife
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and freedom.” - @brenebrown attributes this quote to Viktor Frankl

Months ago, I made a counseling appointment for today. And it certainly came at the exact right now. 

Honestly, the transition into my favorite season has been rocky — and I’m not totally sure why. I know some circumstances that are contributing to that, and I also know my responses haven’t been what I want them to be. But I’m not entirely sure what to do about it. 

Slowing down, listening to my body and mind, setting boundaries, being honest, and counting the wins and gifts should help. At least those are the things my counselor and I discussed when I talked for every minute of our session. Sometimes I go not knowing what we will dive into. Today I knew. She said these were good conversations. She reminded me of what I know to be true, that what I’m doing matters. Intentional parenting matters every single day even though there are no results to quantify. 

Many things are stimuli in my life. Yours too, I’m sure. I don’t leave even space between the chatter, lies, responsibilities, burdens, gifts, and routines to respond kindly and gracefully. I’m quick to be angry and anxious. I want to slow down my brain and give myself more space to truly live. I’m pretty sure that’s the space where God grows pretty things. 

📷: Cate Taylor, 15

#OneDayMay #maydays #livingfaithfully #choosingJOY #reallife #momlife #flowerphotography #summerisbest #88daysofsummer
@emilyhenrywrites is really good at writing romanc @emilyhenrywrites is really good at writing romance novels that go deeper than a cheesy love story. Her characters navigate grief and disappointment that comes with real life. In the cleverly titled “Book Lovers,” Nora and Charlie work through a lot as people and a couple to discover what they’re happy ending looks like. Plus it’s set in a Hallmark-movie-like town that works well for this story for people who love books and lovers. 

#KHTreads #bookstagram #recommendedreads #favoritethings #amreading #Kindlebooks #kindlepaperwhite
Oh, Monday. It’s the first actual week of #88day Oh, Monday. It’s the first actual week of #88daysofsummer and it feels like fall out. That would be lovely, except my people and I were ready for pool time. 

One kid got up way too early and was having all the feels. I subsequently got up way too early and came out of my bedroom ready to implement morning habits and conquer boredom. Nobody else was very excited about my strategy. 

By 10 o’clock this morning, I suggested one kid take a nap and retreated to my own room with my phone, my Kindle, and lots of thoughts. I had a small revelation that helped me better see my kids as the individuals they are. 

I made plans to walk with a friend and later dragged all my kids along. Yep, even the one in a boot and on crutches for at least a few more days. You see, that injured kid also started Summer Break with his third strep diagnosis since February. He certainly needed fresh air after a couple of days stuck inside the house. 

We all needed fresh air, fresh perspectives, and a fresh start to the day. Today the walk outside is what helped. Another day there may be a different strategy, but I’m thankful I found way through all the feelings and disappointments this morning and can feel a little sunshine in my day, even if it’s only the figurative kind of sunshine. 

#momlife #maydays #reallife #kentuckyweather #kyweather #confusedweather #summerisbest #poolpeople #choosingJOY #thirdchild #monday #mondaymood #momconfessions #PorchStories
I miss … … a few particular friends from whom I miss …

… a few particular friends from whom I’m separated by circumstances, logistics, and distances. 

When I make a friend, I intend to stay friends forever. Of course, life doesn’t always work out that way. 

I don’t miss my kids being young, but I miss the ease of socializing with my friends during that season. It was easy then to meet at the park or go somewhere for lunch. Now there are so many schedules to work around. 

Scheduling time to lunch or get together is still my love language, it just takes a little more work, patience, and persistence now. And sometimes that’s exhausting. But it’s always worth it. 

#OneDayMay #maydays #bettertogether #livingfaithfully #reallife
School’s out FOR THE SUMMER! #88daysofsummer #mo School’s out FOR THE SUMMER! #88daysofsummer #momlife #siblinglove #summerisbest #maydays
I’m proud of myself for … … surviving and t I’m proud of myself for …

… surviving and thriving this school year. I resist change almost all of the time, and the past nine months have been full of so many transitions for our whole family. I know, that’s life, but these changes seem like the kind that will mark us forever. 

My kids navigated new beginnings in kindergarten, middle school, and high school. As a mom, sometimes I’m too close to see the growth, but this year it happened in each of them right before my eyes. They navigated friendship hurdles, embraced new friends, and settled a little more into who God created them to be. Middle school isn’t for the faint of heart, but I feel like I’ve come out of this year closer to my son, so I will take it. 

I’m proud of myself for leaning into where God has me. I’ve grown deeper friendships, invested in my kids’ school as a board member and business manager, and seen God work in our ordinary days. 

Y’all know I’m a summer girl, so I’m proud of myself through getting through the winter and coming into summer stronger and braver. 

#OneDayMay #maydays #livingfaithfully #choosingJOY #momlife #summerisbest #bettertogether
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