life – Page 2

Stories from the Porch in April

April 24, 2019 by Kristin 18 Comments

It’s porch season, friends! Whoo-hoo! Y’all know this makes me happy. And, truly, I hope wherever you are has given you some beautiful porch days too. We’ve had dinners and conversation and popsicles and dirt and sticks on our porch – and that’s just how I like it.

Highlights

We started the month with a much-needed Spring Break, which included much down time, time with friends, and a semi-annual trip to the allergist who told Ben he can be finished with allergy shots. After FIVE YEARS of shots, that was welcomed news for both the patient and his taxi driver. We’ll see how this summer goes, but I already know he’s better for having endured all those shots.

The week after Spring Break, Cate and I got to spend two whole days together with her class in Frankfort. The middle schoolers had been studying state history and government, so it was a great field trip for them. And it was a great trip for this momma, who loves state government and welcomed the time with just my oldest.

The following weekend we joined with our best friends for a fundraising trivia night that’s become a favorite tradition. We’re six years in with this team, including matching T-shirts the past two years. And we’ve won three times, including the current two-year streak. We also came in second one time after losing on the tie-breaker.

We also celebrated Greg’s 41st birthday, Cate and three classmates qualifying for the state National History Day competition with a documentary they made about the 1893 Chicago World Fair, and Greg’s grandma’s 90th birthday.

Favorite things

Splash swim goggles – These goggles are the best googles there ever were in any pool (or bathtub – yep, my kids have used them there this winter!). They don’t get stuck in hair or fog up, plus they stay on well. My kids (who are almost 12, 9, and 3) obviously have different sized heads and these work well for all of them.

Minivan Moments Family Podcast – The conversations Cate and I have had lately about technology, friendships, and school are important, but I’m realizing I need other people to echo the same truths. Yet I’m picky who speaks into my kids’ lives. When I find a resource that works well, I want to share it. This new podcast is for teenagers and their parents.

The podcast host, Nick Calhoon, is the student pastor at what I call my bonus church – it’s not where we attend, but I go to Bible study there, Cate is going to camp this summer with some of her school friends who go there, and my big kids have been to VBS there. (Read more about this podcast in Nick’s words.)

From the bookshelf

“Say You’re Sorry” by Melinda Leigh – I love discovering a new-to-me author who has a series and then reading one book after the other. I was introduced to this first book in the Morgan Dane detective series because the Kindle version was free with my Prime membership. I’ve read three books in this series and plan on reading more.

“Faith, Hope, & Connection: A 30-Day Devotional for Adoptive and Foster Parents” – Are you a foster or adoptive parent needing hope for this complex and sometimes lonely journey? Do you love your kids but feel discouraged? Are you misunderstood by people around you? In this book, you’ll find real, often raw, stories from adoptive and foster parents in the trenches (including me!); scripture and faith-filled hope, pointing you to Jesus; and honest reflections speaking courage to your soul and reminding you that you are not alone. (Read an excerpt of my devotion that’s included!)

“It’s A Love Story” by Lincee Ray – Author Lincee Ray had me laughing, thanking God for all the little things I love in my life, and remembering where I feel at home. I especially loved the chapters on serving others and how we don’t have enough romantic comedies these days. And I’ll never hear Black Eyes Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling” the same. That’s what Lincee does. She takes a pop culture reference and makes it relevant to a bigger picture and more entertaining than it would be otherwise. Plus, like me, she’d choose Pacey Witter over Dawson Leery any day.

(GIVEAWAY ALERT!) This is a new book that officially releases next week, but you can read my full review and enter to win one of two copies I’m giving away in a post earlier this week.

“Those Who Save Us” by Jenna Blum – I read this World War II novel in the cracks of my days. I started it in a hotel room one week, had it out with me on the porch two afternoons the next week, read a little bit while I was drying my hair and as I could in parking lots between commitments and errands on the day I had to finish it. “Had to” because I was so completely pulled in. This is a hard story. I mean, what novel set in a war isn’t? But it was certainly worth stealing time as I could to take it in. There’s love and loss and grief and fear and silence and hope in these pages. PLUS I was able to read it free on my Kindle with my Prime membership.

“Joyful Surrender” by Elisabeth Elliot – I’m in the middle of this one, but I’m glad it caught my eye because it’s a breath of fresh air in this do-it-all, be-all-you-can-be culture. It’s like sitting down with a kind, wise friend who is willing to tell you where she’s been and what she learned along the way. Elliot writes about discipline, freedom, obedience, and sovereignty in conversational tones that draw the reader in and point to Jesus. (Read my full review here.)

(As always, here’s a list of a recommended reads, if you’re needing a new book!)

On the screen

“Unplanned” – I knew Abby Johnson’s basic story before I watched this movie. Her story involves two abortions, ascending from volunteer to director of a Planned Parenthood clinic, having a baby, quitting her job, campaigning for pro-life causes, and having more babies. Even knowing where this movie was going, it was hard to watch. Yet I’d recommend people watch it. It’s educational and the story involves such redemption. And I went with friends, which was fun! There’s also a book by the same name, if that’s more your thing.

“Nancy Drew and The Hidden Staircase” – We started off Spring Break with a movie that seemed well suited for both my sixth-grade girl and third-grade boy. I was right – they both enjoyed it.

After the death of his wife, Carson Drew decides to leave Chicago behind and make a fresh start with his daughter in River Heights. But for 16-year-old Nancy Drew, life in a small town is mighty dull. She longs for excitement, adventure, and the chance to make a difference. Nancy gets that opportunity when she is asked to help solve the ghostly activity at the Twin Elms mansion.

Ben said it reminded him of the Hardy Boys books. Cate, who has read several Nancy Drew books, said Nancy didn’t look like she expected her to but she did play the part well. Cate also considered the books more serious than the movie. (Read the whole review here.)

What’s happening on your porch? Tell me your stories from April!

*****

Stories from the Porch in March

March 27, 2019 by Kristin 24 Comments

Hey, #PorchStories friends! I’ve missed you. So let’s gather together and catch up. Other friends here, welcome! And I hope you stay awhile.

Oh, March Madness, you’re the best – in the basketball sense and in the seasonal sense as days warm up and the world becomes greener. As winter fades, I’m always grateful to live in a place where we truly have four seasons – sometimes in the same week – and get to remember how nothing stays the same.

Before you’re gone, let’s capture these March days.

Highlights

One of our favorite weekends of the year as a family is going to Evansville, Indiana, to watch our beloved Murray State Racers in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament. Whoever wins get an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, so we especially loved watching our Racers win two exciting games to clinch the title. (Here’s a post about how being a sports fan helps me be a better mom. It’s true.)

Of course, we’ve loved watching basketball. Our Racers have never made it to the Sweet Sixteen, but we certainly enjoyed their rout of Marquette in the first round behind the amazing performance of Ja Morant, who’s predicted to go early in the NBA Draft as a sophomore.

We spent another weekend at the lake to celebrate my best friend Jaclyn’s birthday. The weather was nicer than we expected and the six kids who are currently 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, and 3 played outside for hours and hours. Us adults played many games of Settlers of Catan while watching basketball. It was such a soul-refreshing weekend and a good time to get our vacation rental at Kentucky Lake ready for the renters coming this spring and summer.

Favorite things

Jockey Being Family backpacks – My kids had the best time unpacking the personalized backpacks our friends at Jockey Being Family sent them and I was glad to learn more about this incredible foundation that supports adoptive families. (Read more about what their backpacks contained and how we befriended these fine folks.)

California Design Den sheets – I randomly was asked if I wanted to review some sheets and the timing was perfect because I put them on my bed right after the time change during a week when my sleep was especially disjointed. Even weeks later, we still love them. (Read more about them.)

QuiFit water bottle – A friend of mine posted about her enormous water bottle a few times and I was totally intrigued because I needed something to encourage me to drink more water. My friend has the 128-ounce bottle, but I didn’t think I’d haul that around with me so I ended up getting the 64-ounce one. It’s still big to take with me, but it has worked well. After a couple of weeks, I’m drinking every ounce each day. I love the time markers down the side and the words of encouragement to keep on drinking water. It really helps me pace myself throughout the day.

From the bookshelf

“When We Were Worthy” by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen – It’s been on my list for a while and I got nervous about the story starting with teenagers in a car wreck because I’m super sensitive to that sort of thing since becoming a mom. But I’m glad it read it. The story is told well from different characters’ points of view. As the characters process what happened, the reader learns more about one night in a town called Worthy. Suspense and compassion are intertwined in this well-written story.

“He Said / She Said” by Erin Kelly – I found myself staying up late last night, reading while blow drying my hair this morning, and wanting to ignore the rest of the world this afternoon to finish this book. Obviously, it’s a good one. The suspenseful story reflects on an incident 15 years earlier and its ripple effects in present day. Going back and forth between the years adds to the suspense and surprises.

“If God Is For Us: The Everlasting Truth of Our Great Salvation” by Trillia Newbell – I’m working through this six-week study on Romans 8 and really loving it. Two decades ago, God first drew me to him through Romans 8:28, so I’m learning so much about the context of that promise through this study. I wrote a longer review of this book and have a giveaway happening (HERE) this week. Go on and enter, my friends!

On the screen

With March Madness games and plenty of exciting basketball, we are a little behind in our usual shows, but “Blacklist” has been especially good lately. I’m also excited to watch “The Village,” a new show awaiting me on my DVR. My oldest girl and I have been into the “The Voice” and “Survivor.”

How was YOUR March? Tell me all about it!

*****

Here’s to sleeping comfortably!

March 12, 2019 by Kristin Leave a Comment

Our sleep has been messed up this week.

We went to a basketball game that didn’t start until a little after 9 p.m. Friday, had trouble checking into the hotel, and didn’t get in bed until 1 a.m. We spent Saturday hanging out with our friends and then went to a 7 p.m. basketball, stayed afterward a while to watch our team celebrate winning the conference tournament and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, and then drove two hours home. We didn’t get into bed until after midnight and then the time changed.

We did get some lovely Kentucky weather on Sunday and slowed down to enjoy it, but we all still struggled Monday morning. I woke up with my youngest curled up beside me. I let her stay when I saw it was 4:50 a.m. when she showed up beside me. I usually don’t let her stay unless it’s morning — which she calls “happy out” — but I was too comfy to deal with sending her back to her room.

She moved over to the other side of the bed right before my alarm went off at 6:20 and then stayed until after 8 a.m., about an hour after “the kids,” as she calls her older siblings, had left for school with Dad.

Aside from the fact I wanted to sleep more, our new sheets were part of the reason I was so snuggled comfortably in bed.

Our new sheets are California Design Den’s 600-thread count, sateen weave set. The fabric is 100% pure cotton that features yarn structure to eliminate the possibility of pilling and has extra durable fitted elastic. The corners do fit my deep, queen, pillow-top mattress well. My husband and I both like the coolness of the sheets – both the spa color and the feel even after being under the comforter.

The head/foot of the sheets is marked with a tag, which makes making the bed a quicker chore because I wasn’t left wondering which way the fitted sheet went. I also like that the sheets and pillowcases are marked with size. This would be a great convenience at my lake house, where we have different size beds.

Sold on Amazon, California Design Den has many colors and sizes of sheets available as well as duvet covers and quilt sets. (Here are all the options.)

Here’s to sleeping comfortably – regardless of what else is happening in life!

*****

California Design Den approached me about reviewing a set of sheets, but these opinions are my own – and I certainly don’t joke around about sleep.

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