Rage Against The Minivan

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Life Lately

October 14, 2019

A couple weeks ago I got a text from my sports-averse daughter that said, “Can I join the basketball team?” And I was like, “New daughter, who dis?” Apparently they needed more players to be able to play in the league, and she decided she was up for the challenge. She has been waking herself up at 6am every morning to get to school for practice, and she is hustling during her games. Their team is full of beginners and they are getting beat pretty badly in every game, but she and her friends are having fun.

I am always proud when my kids excel at something. But I feel even more proud when they take a risk and do something they aren’t good at. I had a few people question why I didn’t send India to our local performing arts school so she could really focus on theater. But this is exactly what I wanted for her in middle school . . . the ability to try out a wide variety of things. She’s taking a guitar class. She joined some clubs. She now wants to play soccer, and maybe even try cross-country. And of course, she’s also trying out for the school musical and singing in the choir. too. But I’m grateful to have the kids at a school were they can have entry-level experiences in new things. (Even if it does mean that I now go to multiple football and basketball games a week. Go team!) Swipe to see a photo of her first (and last) basketball experience at age four, where she spent the entire time giving me dirty looks. She’s come a long way!

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Trying to stall bedtime with a dance party is an effective tactic used against me. Also, how does she know the words to No Diggity? 🤷‍♀️

A post shared by Kristen Howerton (@kristenhowerton) on Oct 10, 2019 at 2:16pm PDT


Did you know that at certain performances at @southcoastrep you can have a conversation with the actors after the show? I’ve been coming to these for almost 20 years and it never disappoints. Tonight I saw The Canadians by #AdamBock. Such a great play and the conversation after was fascinating. I feel so lucky to live near a theater dedicated to producing exciting new theater. (And so lucky my kids get to study there, too!) If you are local, go see this one!

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Humiliation is our love language. #nokeyleftbehind

A post shared by Kristen Howerton (@kristenhowerton) on Oct 8, 2019 at 3:51pm PDT

 

For the past few years I’ve struggled to find a faith space where I fit. I grew up in the church, and then married a pastor. I was there every Sunday, usually heavily involved in some way or another, from leading missions to teaching Sunday School to singing on the worship team. However, I grew increasingly uncomfortable with some of the practices and teachings of American Christianity. I think a lot of people describe this as a deconstruction of faith, but I actually think my deconstruction was around the church, not my personal faith. It has been a blessing to find spaces where I can have that sense of Christian community I grew up in. I found it first at @RedLetterChristians. Then at @WildGooseFestival, and from there, I started a local gathering with @BeerandHymnsOC. This weekend, @EvolvingFaith became yet another space where I was able to be surrounded by other like-minded people who are seeking God but dismantling some of the toxic aspects and injustices of American Christianity. It was inspiring and refreshing to be in a room where everyone was welcome and loved and valued . . . and not just as a platitude, but as a guiding principle. It was an honor to be a part of it.

A post shared by Kristen Howerton (@kristenhowerton) on Oct 8, 2019 at 1:29pm PDT


These two “twins” are 13 today! You guys help – I have a lot of teenagers over here.

 

 

· Family, Life Lately

.AmazonBARNES AND NOBLE TARGET POWELLS PEGUIN RANDOM HOUSE


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Hi, I’m Kristen. I’m a mom of four kids via birth and adoption and a writer living in Southern California. Read More.

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Rage Against the Minivan sometimes earns revenue through sponsored posts, which are clearly labeled, and occasional affiliate links to recommended products. I only feature products that I truly like, and my opinions are always my own.

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