Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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Making connecting safe for kids

January 21, 2022 by Kristin Leave a Comment

My boy has always loved a watch and he’s been wanting to have more freedom to text and call friends. Gabb Wireless’ watch is the perfect solution. As a mom, I know he’s safe with this device. Plus he’s happy. 

We got the Gabb Watch for him for Christmas knowing the shipping would be delayed. It arrived this week and we’re already fans. He’s happy he can text and call the 10 pre-approved contacts whenever his watch is unlocked. I control who he’s messaging and calling and when he’s able to use these features. Plus I’m able to track his location. Yes, it’s a little more micromanaging on my end from the Gabb Wireless app on my iPhone, but it’s worth it. 

Our oldest started using a Gabb Phone when she turned 14 last year. (Read our review of that here.) We weren’t ready to take that step with our 12-year-old boy, but this is a good step toward him developing good habits with technology, having a little freedom, and being able to keep up with a few friends. 

Another perk I didn’t know about before ordering is the tasks feature. I can add tasks (aka chores) I want Ben to complete and approve them once he’s completed them. He earns virtual coins that allow him to play a pet game on his watch. This motivates him to get the things done that end up helping me. So, again, win-win. 

Unlimited access to the internet is a growing problem among children. Kids are easily exposed to harmful content and unhealthy interactions. We have security measures in place at our house, but we are still particular about what technology our kids get to use and when they have access to it. Gabb Wireless helps us as parents yet allows our kids to be connected in healthy ways. 

Use the code KRISTIN at checkout to save 25% off either the watch or phone or shop through this link. 

*****

These are affiliate links that save you money and earn me money, but we bought both Cate’s phone and Ben’s watch with our own money and truly believe in what Gabb Wireless is doing to protect kids. 

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Shazam! Some songs technology helped me discover

March 14, 2016 by Kristin Leave a Comment

I’ve been known to jot down lyrics to a new-to-me song I want to look up later, especially while watching TV shows or movies. Now with technology, I just click on the Shazam app, which “listens” and then tells me what song it is.

Okay, I realize I sound way behind the times starting this post like this is a new technology. BUT I’ve just been appreciating it lately and thought it would be a good time to share.

I probably sound old admitting I recently rewatched “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and the sequel. {Um, I just noticed you can buy them as a double feature!} I owned the soundtrack to the first at some point and am tempted to dig through a box of memories to find it. It’s really good, y’all.

Anyway, back to Shazam. I’m going to share the last 13 songs I Shazam-ed. Why 13, you ask? Well, that happens to be how many are on my list since the beginning of the year.

  1. “No Longer Slaves” by Bethel Music :: Since Shazaming this, I’ve heard it a lot, but I love it anyway. 
  2. “Crazy Faith” by John Waller :: This was in “War Room.” Yes, I also Shazam during inspirational movies, apparently. 
  3. “Diamonds” by Hawk Nelson :: This song has led to good conversations in the minivan with the kids. 
  4. “Possibility Days” by Counting Crows :: I knew this was Adam Duritz and company when I heard it on “Hawaii Five-0,” but I hadn’t heard it before. 
  5. “Bulletproof Picasso” by Train :: This one is also thanks to “Hawaii Five-0,” but I recognized the band. 
  6. “How Marvelous” by Daniel Renstrom :: I’m guessing this was from the radio, and it must not have had the info available. 
  7. “It Is Well” by Lauren Daigle :: I love her and this song some the combination is good for my soul. 
  8. “Everything Comes Alive” by We Are Messengers :: Again with the radio, I assume. 
  9. “Good Good Father” by Zealand Worship :: Sorry, Chris Tomlin, I like this version better.
  10. “If We’re Honest” by Francesca Battistelli :: I’m pretty sure my oldest daughter asked me about this song. 
  11. “When I’m With You” by Citizen Way :: I saw them in concert this winter and I like so many of their songs but I don’t always recognize the band. 
  12. “No One’s Aware” by Jack Savoretti :: This is from the “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2” soundtrack.
  13. “Rock & Roll” by Eric Hutchinson :: More from the sequel to the sisterhood soundtrack.

{Side technology note: Did you know you can stream music for FREE with Amazon Prime? Some of these songs are available there, so following the links!}

Do you use Shazam? If so, what are the last few (or 13 …) songs on your list?

And, hey, it’s Monday, so let’s have some fun with this. If you share in the comments your last Shazams, or at least the last new-to-you songs you’ve discovered some other way, you’ll be entered to win a mix CD from me. 

Let’s be honest – I’m sounding older by the moment. I know there are all kinds of ways to make playlists online to share, but who doesn’t like real mail and a mix CD to listen to while you’re driving around? {Tweet that.} Hey, at least I’m not going to send you a mix tap – because then I’d be really, really old.

So, use the Rafflecopter below for other ways to enter and be sure to log your comment below as an entry to officially count. I’ll choose a winner on Monday, March 21. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

_____________________

This post was inspired by my blogging friend Mary Carver. That’s just one of her Shazam-related posts. She’s got a couple others here and here.  

Want more insights?Subscribe to get new posts and/or a monthly newsletter with content not available on the blog in your inbox. When you subscribe, I’ll send you a FREE #choosingJOY printable.

“Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family” is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, or follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin’.

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Five Things I Learned in January

January 29, 2016 by Kristin Leave a Comment

January and I have a history. 

It’s the month I decided to follow Jesus two decades ago, we met Cate’s birth mom nine years ago, Greg proposed 14 years ago, Ben’s adoption was finalized six years ago, and I was diagnosed with diabetes 12 years ago. In 2012, it was January when decided to adopt a third time, and while we waited more than three years for that to happen, I remember the day God freed me from those fears. Last January, we decided to go on a mission trip to Guatemala, a trip that’s still rocking my world.

So, yeah, January. 

Honestly, this January hasn’t had big moments. Rather it’s been the kind of month where I’ve felt settled with where I am and who I am. I see God working in the everyday moments. I get teary thinking about all that God has done for us, in Januarys and all the other months of our lives.

In no particular order, here some things I’ve learned this month … 

1. Snow days are the best.

Okay, so, really, I’m a summer girl. But if we’re going to do winter, let’s have some snow days! And then when the snow days are over, let the sun come out and the snow melt. Clearly, I’m an all-or-nothing girl too.

And, yes, I’ve had snow days before, but we had a couple in one week (the same week the kids already had that Monday off in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.) and having everybody home FOR TWO DAYS PLUS THE WEEKEND was so great.

One snow day was a Wednesday, and then the roads were fine enough for a delayed-start school on Thursday, which worked out well because I needed to go to the grocery. And then more snow came so the kids were off school again Friday. Hello, long weekend! And Greg stayed home Wednesday and Friday too, which is a definite perks of owning his own business.

We played games, ate warm foods, drank hot chocolate, made snow cream, and hung out with neighbor friends. One day our best friends were even here for eight hours. We managed to play five games of various versions of Settlers of Catan while the kids enjoyed each other’s company.

The whole third week of January was a sweet balance of each of doing our own things and hanging out together as a family.

2. Swiss Miss Simply Cocoa (Milk Chocolate) is the best packaged hot coca.

I don’t drink hot drinks. Not coffee. Not tea. And I used to only want real hot chocolate, like the kind my mother-in-law makes or the kind that comes from a coffee shop. But I bought this on a whim in January. And we liked it so much I bought it again. And, well, those snow days I mentioned gave us ample opportunity to heat some milk to mix with these packets.

3. Strep throat can still happen even when someone doesn’t have tonsils. 

Ben, who is 6 years old, and strep throat are not strangers. Since he was 11 months old, he’s had it 16 times. But only two of those have been since his tonsils and adenoids were removed nine months ago. So, basically, we’ve had a good stretch lately.

Ironically, Ben was at the allergist the day before his latest strep diagnosis and the nurse practitioner even looked in his throat, which was red and irritated by the time the pediatrician looked at it. Within hours of leaving the allergist, Ben started running a fever. The pediatrician did say the way the winter weather has been back and forth around here is hard on kids with allergies.

4. Technology makes managing a chronic condition more efficient and fun. 

Medtronic Diabetes has the best customer service of any company I’ve ever used for anything. When I called to order some glucose sensors (a little piece of technology that is inserts near where my pump is inserted and monitors my blood sugar levels) and the lady told me I could get a free Connect , which is a small Bluetooth device that lets my pump and sensor communicate send data to an app on my phone.

{Read more here about my diabetes diagnosis 12 years ago and what living with a pancreas that doesn’t produce insulin in like.}

5. Those DVR shows will have to wait. 

Greg and I started watching “The West Wing” when all our regular shows took a holiday break. Now there are multiple episodes of “Madam Secretary,” “Blue Bloods,” and “The Blacklist” on the DVR just waiting for us. We can’t stop watching Josiah Bartlet and company.

{Speaking of President Bartlet, why is Jed a nickname for Josiah?}

_____________________

I’m linking up with Emily Freeman, like I do at the end of every month. 

{2013} June. July. August. September. October. November. 
{2014} January. February. March. April. May. June. 
July. August. September. October. November. December. 
{2015} January. February. March. April. May. June. 
July. August. September. October. November. December


Want more insights? “Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family” is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin’, or subscribe to receive “Insights in Your Inbox.”

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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 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.

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🎶 All throughout my history / Your faithfulness 🎶 All throughout my history / Your faithfulness has walked beside me / The winter storms made way for spring / In every season, from where I'm standing / I see the evidence of Your goodness / All over my life … 🎶 @joshbaldwin in “Evidence”

I love summer. But my summer has started off busy: appointments, book edits deadline, establish new habits with the kids at home. All that’s necessary and good, it just cuts into my down time beside the pool. 

Today we have two open gyms for our basketball players, my book study with a few friends, a new weekly high school girls’ book study at our house, and a monthly dad-son character study. 

I long for a little more white space on the calendar, but I also wouldn’t change a thing because the kids are only 16, 13, and 7 once. This summer will only be this summer once. And I’ve already learned time flies with big kids. 

So here we are finding out footing, singing praises with church friends on our porch, grilling delicious chicken, and squeezing in the wide-open spaces when we can. This is evidence of the good stuff. 

#84daysofsummer #poolpeople #momlife #momconfessions #faithlife #livingfaithfully #favoritethings #choosingJOY #countryliving #reallife #PorchStories
The Hill family reunion at @shelterpointretreat ha The Hill family reunion at @shelterpointretreat has become a favorite tradition to kick off summer! The weather was perfect and everyone enjoyed one another. 

#familyreunion #lakelife #kentuckylake #kylake #getoutside #familytime #memorialday #memorialdayweekend #favoritethings #84daysofsummer #summerisbest #choosingJOY
Hello, #84daysofsummer! ☀️ #TeamTaylor #girl Hello, #84daysofsummer! ☀️ 

#TeamTaylor #girlmom #boymom #momlife #reallife #summerisbest #siblinglove #countryliving #poolpeople #getoutside
First of all, who else has read this book? The plo First of all, who else has read this book? The plot was promising as a thriller and the setting really worked. There were some good twists, and then there were ridiculous twists. I skimmed the end only because I wanted it to make sense. And it didn’t. It was too weird for me. 

But this made me wonder: how do we know if a book is going to be weird, contain elements we don’t like, or go places that don’t make sense? I don’t like to read much about a book before I read the book. Usually, I do a better job of picking books for myself. 

#KHTreads #bookstagram #booklover #donotrecommend #bookofthemonth @bookofthemonth
I needed this low-key weekend that was pleasant we I needed this low-key weekend that was pleasant weather, a mixture of productivity and rest, and had plenty of wide-open space to enjoy our property and each other. 

#weekending #TeamTaylor #poolpeople #countryliving #favoritethings #choosingJOY #maydays
And that’s a wrap on soccer season! I love watch And that’s a wrap on soccer season! I love watching them both play. 

#soccermom #weekending #springtime #momlife #girlmom #boymom
On Mothers Day, I wanted to sit by the pool with a On Mothers Day, I wanted to sit by the pool with a book, but I didn’t know what I wanted to read. Whenever I have indecision about books, picking up a thriller usually helps because of the story’s pace. 

“The Only Survivors” worked well because there was a lot happening! Lots of creepy, mysterious moments. Only so many people could be guilty of infiltrating a small group who had lots of secrets! 

I loved the timeline of this one. The back story about an accident was told in seven one-hour segments. The present mystery was told in seven days. 

#KHTreads #bookstagram #booklover #latergram #bookofthemonth @bookofthemonth #poolpeople #mothersday
Y’all we are very ready for summer. ☀️ And Y’all we are very ready for summer. ☀️ 

And when I say summer, I mean we are ready to shake up the routine, mentally regroup, turn off the alarms, establish some new habits, soak in the sun, and catch up with friends we’ve been crossing paths with too quickly. 

I want to savor the #84daysofsummer and I want to embrace this new season. And it’s almost time. Three more days of school. (Deep breaths.) 

Meanwhile, I’m going to keep collecting the moments — the hard, hurried, happy, and heartfelt. The seasons do change, but this is the life we are living. 

“The moments you collect may not be loud or flashy. They might be quiet or covered or a far-off view you were lucky to catch. But this I know to be true: A moment savored says to your soul, ‘You have lived something beautiful.’ And it keeps you buoyed. It sustains you when you’re running empty. It lifts you up and carries you forward.” — Joanna Gaines in @magnolia summer 2023 journal issue no. 27 

#momlife #reallife #momconfessions #livingfaithfully #summerisbest #teenagedriver #choosingJOY
I’ve read quite a few World War II novels, but t I’ve read quite a few World War II novels, but this one by Soraya M. Lane focused on three nurses, their friendships, and how the war changed their lives. It’s a hard story, but it’s full of love and hope despite the destruction around them. 

And it’s the second historical fiction audiobook I’ve listened to in a row! #KHTreads #bookstagram #booklover #audiobooks #Audible #KindleUnlimited #historicalfiction
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