Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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Seven Things I Learned in December

December 27, 2017 by Kristin 10 Comments

This year has been good and bad and hard and quick. It’s certainly been full of adventures! In a year that had me learning (more) about being more flexible, it’s only appropriate I had to adjust (or, rather, mostly sit out) some holiday plans while I had the flu, which was, thankfully, fairly short lived.

As I think about the new year and what that may look like here, I’m thinking I may change these end-of-the-month posts. I like them, but I need to breathe some new life into them. I don’t know what that looks like yet, but, if you have any ideas of what you’d like to read, let me know!

Until then, here are Seven Things I Learned in December …

1. Having the flu the week of Christmas stinks.

I was feeling like I was getting another ear infection and was coughing so much my back hurt. So I went to an immediate care center while we were in Louisville for a few days of Christmas there. Turns out I had the flu.

So I missed all my extended relatives and most of my family gatherings. I did get to see one high school friend with her kids as well as my sister and her family. But the time I knew I had the flu, I’d already exposed them.

Even though the nurse practitioner wanted to send me on my way with an antibiotic for an ear infection, I persuaded him to explore further because I knew I didn’t usually feel that bad with my previous ear infections. Thankfully, Tamiflu seemed to help.

We came home earlier than expected, which prompted my first use of Kroger’s Click List and Panera’s online ordering app. Both were quite helpful and will likely be used again soon!

I’d still like a Christmas do-over with my family!

Thankfully, I was able to get off the couch and enjoy Christmas Day with my family of five and then spend the afternoon with family and a friend we brought along to Greg’s Nana’s house. I was pretty worn out, but I was happy not to miss out on that gathering.

2. I don’t like to watch most movies more than once …

… although there are a few worth repeating for Christmas.

I like to watch “The Holiday” and “Love Actually” each year, although I also end up watching “Elf,” “A Christmas Story” and “Christmas Vacation” because I’m not the only one who lives in this house.

On the holiday movie note, I accidentally made my oldest into a Hallmark movie fan. That’s what happens when momma is sick and wants to do nothing more than lay on the couch and watch the Hallmark movies she’s recorded. At least they’re all rated G.

3. I only like dark chocolate in a York Peppermint Patty.

I know that’s weird. And I don’t know what to tell you, except you can keep all the other dark chocolate.

4. Needtobreathe’s acoustic show helped me process the year.

Plus it was my first experience at The Ryman, which was wonderful. Of course, I already wrote a post inspired by this, so I won’t repeat myself.

5. Talking out loud about counseling helps others.

I’m pretty much an open book, but I got a little nervous when I told some people I’d started going to counseling. But nobody has reacted negatively. It’s been a good conversation starter more than one and allowed others to share with me pieces of their story they might not have otherwise been so willing.

I wrote a fairly raw post about counseling as I reflected on the year recently.

6. “Wonder” is a wonderful book and movie.

I read the book during our Thanksgiving trip and then took the oldest two kids to watch the movie earlier this month. Cate (who is a fifth-grader) also read and loved the book. I’d say the book is best, but the movie is well worth your time too.

Speaking of books, here’s the list of everything I read this year as well as my favorites, if you’re needing recommendations.

7. Somehow I have a child with braces on her teeth.

I was just telling a friend who it’s weird to be in a season of parenting a child old enough to be experiencing things I remember so clearly experiencing myself. I remember later elementary school so clearly – the teachers, the classrooms, the friends, some moments – and now I have a girl walking through some similar journeys.

Of course, I had to have my last baby tooth pulled in high school so I could get braces and here Cate is with one baby tooth remaining and braces on most of her top teeth. She has an appointment in a few weeks to get braces on her bottom teeth.

*****

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Six Things I Learned in November

November 30, 2017 by Kristin 6 Comments

I’m not even going to pretend to understand how today is the last day of November or how it’s time to cut down a Christmas tree! Y’all, seriously, it’s almost 2018. Okay, I know, let’s not get ahead of myself. So, back to November. It was a fun whirlwind and before it’s totally gone, here are Six Things I Learned in November.

1. My book is at the library!

Seriously. The Calloway County Public Library has “Peace in the Process” on its biography section. Just a few books down from Tim Tebow’s book.

2. Two favorite foods combined are delicious!

Cracker Barrel has Cinnamon Streusel French Toast on its seasonal menu. We were driving home from Texas and I intended to get done vegetables at Cracker Barrel. But then I didn’t. Because cinnamon rolls and French toast are my favorites and I couldn’t resist having them combined.

3. Counseling is valuable.

I’m an external processor who doesn’t have much alone time so sitting down weekly this month with a third party has been valuable as I process some things about my personality, where I came from, where I want to go, and how so many are twisted together in my mind. Specifically, I’m navigating some parenting stresses.

Like I shared on Instagram the other day, I’m a Type A perfectionist and for so long I’ve channeled my personality into being efficient and productive. But here I am a decade into motherhood with a tween girl who requires deeper conversations as she learns how to process her emotions, a middle boy who requires training and guidance related to his behavior and choices, and a toddler girl who is into and onto everything with no fear.

Honestly, it’s stressful sometimes because my default is to micromanage them. Except that doesn’t work. Then I find myself stressed. They’ve got their own personalities and defaults. I come into this season with experiences that have influenced and warped my perspectives.

Right now I’m undoing and rebuilding and processing this new work God is doing in my heart. It’s taking some time because I’m stubborn and set in my own (sometimes unhealthy) ways, but I believe God is at work here. I’m grateful for the process that includes counseling and for the hope that is found in Jesus, who ushers peace into the chaos and light into the darkness.

4. A gratitude challenge was what my soul needed.

Jennifer Dukes Lee initiated a #30DaysOfGratitude challenge that has been good for me. It’s prompted me to remember the details that matter and gain some perspective about how truly blessed we are. (I posted each day on Instagram and Facebook, so follow me there, if you don’t already.)

I’m also excited about the Project Life collage I’m going to put together to document these 30 days of naming specific things for which I’m thankful.

5. Two trips in less than two weeks is a lot.

But we had fun in (and around) Austin the second (long) weekend of the month and then in Branson, Missouri, for the long Thanksgiving weekend.

When we weren’t traveling those two weeks, Greg squeezed in a lot of work, we hosted Friendsgiving, we celebrated Ben’s 8th birthday, and we had our kitchen floor tiled. Yep. It was a busy month.

6. I need to be less like a factory.

I listened to Jason Miller preach about seasons, fields, and factories on a podcast Annie Downs referenced on her podcast. I started listening while I was driving one day, but I had to wait and listen one morning at my kitchen table so I could take notes.

You should listen.

But if you don’t, basically, faith and life journeys are more like fields, where there are variables we have to discern as we prune and plant and grow. Too often I function more like a factory, where there’s a system in place that controls all the variables and produces the same thing every time.

On repeat in my head: I need to be more flexible than a factory.

(And, yes, this ties back into what I’ve been learning through counseling too. God is coming at me from all angles with the same messages!)

*****

It’s been a fun month sharing our story across the internet for National Adoption Awareness Month as I’ve hosted others’ stories here …

  • Makenzie Shewcraft: How God Surprises
  • Monica Bidwell: How God Adopts Us
  • Caitlin Dunbar: How God Has a Plan
  • Melody Hester: How God Makes Beauty

… and shared pieces of our story elsewhere.

  • The Holy Ordinary at Kayse Pratt’s Intentional Moms blog
  • Practical Ways to Support Adoptive Families at Ashleigh Slater’s blog
  • How Cate Accepts Her Story at Caitlin Dunbar’s blog
  • Giving Thanks for Adoption & Community at Kathleen Guire’s Whole House blog
  • How Open Adoption Built My Faith at Emily Wood’s Splashes of Joy blog
  • How Cate Was Adopted Twice at Jennifer Jackson Linck’s blog

I also have autographed copies of my book available if y’all still need to get one. Just let me know!

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Six Things I Learned in October

October 31, 2017 by Kristin Leave a Comment

I’m a summer girl through and through, but I’m sad October went by so quickly. I’ve worn tank tops, flip flops, gloves, and winter boots this month alone. I do like a cozy hooded sweatshirt too! Our November is shaping up to be crazy with two trips and lots of other fun plans, but I want to savor October before it’s completely over.

With that, here are Six Things I Learned in October …

1. Jep and Jessica have a TV show about adoption.

I asked a few friends if they knew about “Jep & Jessica: Growing the Dynasty.” When they said they did, I felt like they were holding out on me, but I’m glad I’m no longer in the dark. Jep Robertson reminds me of one of my dearest friend’s husband, so that’s fun. Plus, adoption stories are my favorite. And it’s acceptable to watch the kids so it’s been fun post-dinner entertainment now that our pool is closed.

2. I survived speaking into a microphone.

Y’all, this is where my introverted extrovertedness comes out. I love to talk with people, but throw in a microphone and require earbuds and I get nervous. My friend Katie Cunningham interviewed me for the podcast called This House she does with her husband, Kory. It was a fun experience.

Being on This House podcast as my first-ever podcast interview is appropriate because Katie is my friend who persuaded me to listen to podcasts in general … and hers was the first one I listened to! Now we chat about what we’ve heard lately that we think the other would like.

On the podcast, I shared about my book and adoption community. There are other things I wished I’d said and plenty I’m sure I could have said better. But it was fun and I’m grateful to have friends like Katie & Kory who bring truth into people’s everyday lives. Plus they make me laugh during the episode’s introduction.

Go listen, and subscribe to This House while you’re there.

3. And then I survived a radio interview.

Sandra Flach interviewed me for her radio show, “Orphans No More,” which is part of the Justice for Orphans ministry she leads. My interview will officially air on Dec. 1 on the local Albany, NY radio station, so I will be sure to share the online broadcast with y’all. It was fun to connect with Sandra through a mutual friend and share the story of what God has done in our family.

4. Hearing people talk about my book is humbling.

Seeing and hearing people’s comments – on social media, in text messages, and in real life – as they read my book is humbling and encouraging. I love hearing how God has encouraged them even when their story doesn’t look like mine. At least two churches and a local campus ministry have copies available in their libraries. I’ve connected with other people because I was willing to share God’s story from my own life.

With that said, if you have read “Peace in the Process,” I’d love for you to take a few minutes to leave a review on Amazon.

5. You can swim in October in Kentucky.

Our pool is officially closed, but my husband and kids swam a couple times in October before we had it winterized and covered. It was fun watching them swim while the nearby tree’s leaves turned red. I know this isn’t news to y’all, but we really love being pool people and are grateful for this first season of hospitality that happened in and around the pool.

6. Five ear infections in eight months is no joke.

Ear infections hurt. And I keep getting them. I’m hoping to go to the ENT soon to hopefully address the recurring issue.

How was your October?

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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 eighth-grade girl who never forgets, our have-no-fear fifth-grade boy, and our joy-filled preschool 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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“The Chicken Sisters” by @kjda was a fun, quic “The Chicken Sisters” by @kjda was a fun, quick read this weekend. I added it to my to-read list recently and then saw it as a @bookofthemonth add-on.

I enjoyed the feuding sisters story unfolding while filming a realty show about their family’s feuding chicken restaurants in a small Kansas town. Of course, not everything is quite as it seems, so the reality show helps uncover some reality both sisters were missing.

#amreading #bookstagram #booklover #recommendedreads #thechickensisters #weekending
We needed to get out of the house today — even t We needed to get out of the house today — even though the sun barely peeked through the clouds into the cold air. #countryliving #weekending #choosingJOY #boymom #thirdchild
A week into Peggy’s recovery at our house, and t A week into Peggy’s recovery at our house, and these two have spent a lot of time together. Rachel encourages her and stays close. Peggy plays games and watches movies with Rachel.

Honestly, this #thirdchild of mine was probably my biggest concern with having Peggy recover from open heart surgery here: I didn’t want Rachel to hug too hard. I didn’t know if she’d understand that her Gran-Gran looks fine on the inside but hurts on the inside. She’s been booted from her room, but she’s been sleeping well on her mattress in the back living room. She’s actually probably not going to know what to do when Peggy moves back home.

For now, we’ll let them make memories together. That’s part of caretaking I hadn’t considered. #bettertogether #weekending #choosingJOY
I’ve been in a reading slump. I returned one lib I’ve been in a reading slump. I returned one library book I couldn’t get into and then couldn’t decide what to read next. So I went with this library book — and I’m glad I did.

“The Unhoneymooners” by @christinalauren is a funny romance novel that helped distract my mind from heavy thoughts. It also made me want to go to Maui. The dialogue is delightful, the story of quirky from the get-go, and I definitely found myself rooting for Ethan and Olive.

I also discovered by reading the acknowledgements (possibly my favorite thing about books!) that @christinalauren is the pen name for a writing duo. What fun to write novels with a friend! 

As always, I’m happy to accept your recommendations on what to read next. I may also be pondering what friend with whom to write my next book. 📚 #amreading #fiction #authorlife #bookstagram #bettertogether #romcombooks
My friend Delana called before she brought us dinn My friend Delana called before she brought us dinner yesterday and asked if we liked chocolate pie. Um, yes. Turns out both Peggy and I love chocolate pie. Delana gave us chocolate chips cookies too, you know, just in case we didn’t like pie.

My friends are loving on us so well this week with dinner & dessert, obviously. Yes, the food is good, but the way they saw a need and met it is even more gracious. (I wrote a book about gathering & nourishing your people!) Having someone provide dinner has freed up some mental space I’m able to use for taking care of Peggy and parenting my kids, some of whom have needed a little extra love and guidance this week. 

Peggy is nine days removed from open heart surgery with quadruple bypass and is doing well. She had a good check up with her primary care provider this morning. We’re thankful for our community of people who continue to pray for us, feed us, and provide help, like today’s impromptu preschool pickup when an appointment ran long. (Thanks, @katie_cunningham85 & @tstanger25!)

#bettertogether #momlife #reallife #morethangroceries #choosingJOY
We are all happy to feel some sunshine today! ☀️#thirdchild #catsofinstagram #winter #choosingJOY
Sweet @ashleelyoung brought us delicious dinner to Sweet @ashleelyoung brought us delicious dinner tonight and the dessert became a craft. I’m so thankful for the way our people love us. 💛 #bettertogether #reallife #choosingJOY
Today is National Milk Day, so Saputo, which has a Today is National Milk Day, so Saputo, which has a dairy plant here in Murray, donated chocolate milk for all the kids at @ncca.lions. This girl has never turned down chocolate milk and basically celebrates milk every day. #momlife #reallife #thirdchild #nationalmilkday #preschool
Honestly, I’ve been in a reading funk. I’ve qu Honestly, I’ve been in a reading funk. I’ve quit one book and started another today, so we’ll see how that goes. 

I did finish this one by @booksbyheather last week and enjoyed it. I loved the Southern setting, charm, and magic. And I loved how the characters untangled assumptions and expectations from their pasts to find where they belong.

What are you reading these days? #amreading #bookstagram #fiction #recommendedreads
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