Ben

reading & schooling at home

April 29, 2020 by Kristin Leave a Comment

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.

Stories from the Porch in November

November 27, 2019 by Kristin 8 Comments

I know we have another month in this year, but my mind has been reflecting on 2019 and looking into 2020. I’m sure I’ll have more to say about all this, but this has been a good month in a hard year.

My counselor told me at an appointment earlier this month I was doing a good job taking care of myself. Honestly, it’s taken a lot of effort because, for me in this season, taking care of me meant pulling back from commitments on my calendar even when they involved people I enjoy being around. I had to let go of a regular commitment and say no to some invitations. I had to realize that my time at home didn’t always have to be filled with productivity.

My friends are my favorites, but this season of grieving and healing has been a time of drawing inward first and then going outward. Becoming a better me has meant I haven’t initiated as many plans with friends, which has meant I haven’t seen some friends as much because I’m usually the initiator. That brought a little more grief yet also has led to more healing. Life can be tricky.

I’m barely an extrovert, enough that I like making new friends and want to hold onto them all forever. But everything in life has seasons, which is a hard but refreshing reality. I’m thankful for my friends — the ones who knew to check on me, the ones who I can pick up with when we do cross paths, the ones who have kids for my kids to befriend, and the ones I miss.

So here’s to a month of gratitude and grace.

Highlights

We hosted a churchwide bonfire with soups and s’mores. It was a cold night, so people were in and out of our house. My favorite moments were singing some worship songs around the fire.

The same weekend, we had our 11th annual Friendsgiving with three other families. Through the years, it’s looked different and involved different families, but it’s a tradition we all love. I know some friends are for certain seasons of life, but I’m thankful despite circumstantial and logistical changes, Friendsgiving has remained. Here’s to traditions in a world full of changes and faithful friendships.

And then we had a Snow Day! On Nov. 12! It’s the earliest I remember that happening here in Kentucky. We enjoyed the day, of course, especially because it was also the day Disney+ started streaming, so we had so many movie-watching options.

My boy turned 10 last weekend! We had a fun basketball birthday party and went out for Mexican food with my whole family. (Yes, of course, I wrote my traditional letter to him.) Then they stayed around for an early Thanksgiving meal my mom and I prepared. I loved having my brother, his wife, their two kids, my sister, her husband, their three kids, and my mom here. We tied up some things with my dad’s estate and booked a house for a summer vacation in Michigan.

We are heading to Branson to celebrate Thanksgiving with Greg’s family, so I’m sure that will make this month’s highlights too!

Favorite things

Misfits Market – This fruit and vegetable delivery service is so fun! (Here’s a peek at my first box!) For as much as I like order and predictability, I like the surprise of discovering what’s inside the box and the challenge of using what is there. I decided this was the time to try out this delivery service because I needed some inspiration for preparing and eating healthy meals. You can save 25% with my referral link.

College basketball – Hooray for my favorite season that doesn’t involve in the pool! We plan our winter social life around the Murray State Racers’ schedule and love being fans of our alma mater. We keep up with the University of Kentucky and end up watching plenty of other games too.

#Gratitude30 challenge – It wasn’t really a challenge for me, but I loved the intentionality to share people, places and things from my life for which I’m thankful. There are a few more posts coming, so be sure to follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

From the shelves

I didn’t read much this month, but I’m in the middle of three books, which is actually pretty unusual for me. Usually I’m a one-book-at-a-time girl.

“The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by John Mark Comer – I’ve listened to several podcasts with John Mark Comer, but “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” is his first book I’ve read and it’s a good one!

“Anger: Calming Your Heart (31 Devotionals for Life)” by Robert D. Jones – I know this book is only thirty-one devotionals, but I’ve been digesting it slowly. It’s been really important, convicting truth for my soul.

“Evvie Drake Starts Over” by Linda Holmes – I was ready to have a fiction read going. I started this one when I was early to school pickup and I’m looking forward to another pocket of time to read more. It’s classified as a romantic comedy, and so far I’m really enjoying the characters.

On the screen

I enjoyed watching “Dancing with the Stars” and made fans out of my kids too. Greg and I also have been into “Blacklist” and “Madam Secretary” too. Of course, we’re all looking forward to watching “Frozen 2” this week.

How was your November? I hope it’s been full of gratitude and grace for you too.

*****

Ben is ten!

November 23, 2019 by Kristin 1 Comment

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.