Finding Ninee » Sharing our parenting and special needs stories with heart and humor.

Do you ever think about whether making New Year’s resolutions changes your behavior? Does writing down a fitness goal make you stick to it? For some, the mere act of making a list is a reminder each day to go to the gym rather than checking Netflix’s recommendations. For others, it’s something that feels like […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Dana - Here’s to not worrying about looking like we used to. You’re right – it’s not way to live. And I really hope you find your writing mojo…mine is kinda lost. Although I never had plans to write beyond blog posts, but still.

    Even when Tucker stops sniffing your arm, you will both remember that he used to, and that will be a connection forever. I still make my son hug me – he grumbles about it, but he does it. I think secretly he doesn’t really mind.January 17, 2019 – 8:12 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Not worrying bout not looking like we used to is SO HARD. I’m constantly wanting to say “I used to look fine,” or “pretty, even” which is just stupid. I mean I’m 50 years old. Why do I care? It’s triggered because most moms of nine year olds are younger but also WHO CARES?? This is a year I want to not care about that. But damn is it hard. And yeah, when he stops sniffing my arm, I’ll remember (part of the advantage of blogging I think) even if he doesn’t. And yeah, I bet your son doesn’t mind and actually appreciates it. Too many stories in the world of parents not caring/neglecting. Our kids hear about them too. I bet he loves them, and is just you know. Being “cool” and all that. 🙂January 17, 2019 – 8:35 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya - I love that bit about Tucker sniffing your arm. That is sweet. Much of your post is nostalgic in the homework department and trying to cook and getting the no offense comment. I can’t believe I have a for real teenager and that if he’s not a fan of what I’ve cooked he gets a frozen dinner out of the freezer to eat that and does his own homework. He really only asks my assistance when it’s a big project or when he’s tired and he can’t push through it by himself.

    Cheers to writing mojo! 🥂January 18, 2019 – 10:16 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Cheers to writing mojo for sure… and I love him sniffing my arm, too. Except he’s been sick for the past two days and is so needy. I try to tell myself that I’ll miss his neediness too… and wow to Christopher getting a frozen dinner out to make – I look forward to that for sure.January 18, 2019 – 10:15 pmReplyCancel

  • Lizzi - Awwwwhhhh he’s such a sweetie! I hope you have all the way til he’s a teen before he turns into a stinker xxJanuary 19, 2019 – 3:57 amReplyCancel

  • Kerry - Mmm, I would love a quesadilla right now.

    Love your childhood memory with the yellow pad. As children, we had fewer years of disappointment, after nott sticking with our resolutions to remind us of possible letdowns.

    I think less about what I once looked like, as I have more and more trouble remembering, but I do always remember how much sight I once had and wish for that back a lot. Not something I can get back at the gym I guess, but it is so hard to let go. Beauty remembered and finding the beauty in today. I hope we can both find that as best we can in 2019 Kristi.January 19, 2019 – 2:34 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - MMMM quesadillas! I can imagine wishing for sight that you used to have back. Here’s to finding beauty in moments small and big this year, my friend!January 20, 2019 – 10:42 amReplyCancel

Not to be a total bragger or anything, but it’s January 10th and my house still looks like it did on Christmas Day. As in, the tree and a billion decorations are still up. I mean, I’ve done a little bit – I’m not beyond dumping out the two vases of pine boughs that were […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • JT Walters - First, you live in a Nordic climate so my recommendation on the tree is keep it until it turns brown. Florida didn’t have trees this year so your keeping up your end for Florida.

    Christmas decorations, besides the tree, stayed up year around while my Mom has end stage cancer just trying to keep her spirits up.

    Your life is your master piece. Paint it as you will. You can have occasional dinner parties with/without the decorations. No one judges you but you so here is to you going easier on yourself. I love your blogs because you make life seem magical but if you scaled it back to twice a week I’d understand. Making the ordinary, extraordinary is magical and a great talent.

    I feel for you with the light issue. I fly to Nordic climates with dark skies and I sleep around the clock. It was bloody awful in England but tanning beds (I know they are bad for you.) help. You are probably suffering for a vitamin D deficiency because you are exposed to a lot less sunlight. You have to get out in the sun more.

    Kristi, you are finally home. You are in a comfortable place and you are settled. That is Christmas. When you decide the tree is coming down it will be gone. You always said, “Colorado is where you wanted to live.” You prefer it to any other place so you’ve landed.

    Per Netflix;

    Secret City
    Travelers

    I’ll texted you the very long list.

    😘😘😘🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻. I get to beta read your first novel. You have lots of material to draw from there.😊January 10, 2019 – 8:22 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks for the Netflix recommendations and the no judgement! Tanning beds are bliss. But yeah, I blame some of my wrinkles on my younger day obsession with them. Luckily, Colorado is super sunny so that’s not really the issue. More the cold. I love living here. I hope we can stay!January 12, 2019 – 9:37 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - First love Tucker’s hair even if it’s more little man than boy
    Second took all my decorations down last weekend. Then Abby asked me tonight why there was a lone Santa and nutcracker on the mantle!January 10, 2019 – 8:33 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HA to leaving a few up accidentally or on purpose! And WEEP to more little man than boy. I can’t believe he’s going to turn 10 years old this year. GAH.January 12, 2019 – 9:38 pmReplyCancel

  • Lizzi - You’ll get your act together when you’re ready, and there are no rules. Except maybe the 12 days of Christmas, and who does that anyway? BUT once you’ve cleared and tidied, there’s something a bit plain and cathartic about January, like simple food after over-indulgence.

    Being outdoors more is a great resolution. I should try something like that.January 11, 2019 – 4:31 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Here’s to being outdoors, although with your runs, you’re out quite a bit right? I just notice how much better my brain is when I’ve spent more time outside so I want to make myself do it more. And thanks for the “no rules” comment and I’ve NEVER known what the 12 days of Christmas actually are.January 12, 2019 – 9:39 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya - As you know I didn’t put up a tree this year but there were three wreaths outside, a couple of bows and some inside stuff. The day I got home from my parents I came in and turned the alarm off and took the wreaths down. I think not a regular person in that aspect. It was December 27th. I did everything else the next day.

    I’ve been giving the new people at the gym some space and working out at home until the newbies wear off 🤣. But anyway a Netflix recommendation was accurate and I’ve watched two episodes of YOU AND jogged in place for the 47ish minutes that it was on. I’m doing something, my calves hurt. So I promised myself that’s how I’ll watch finish that show “running”. See I’m not regular at all……January 11, 2019 – 10:13 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I think it’s more regular than not to get the stuff down and mine is STILL up even though we were all home all day today. I think the snow has messed me up a little too. So much stuff outside and it’s all wet and snowy so I figure I’ll wait but then don’t jump on the chance to take it down when it’s like 60 degrees like it was this week. LOL to giving all the new gym people time to leave. HA!
      I need to check out YOU, and also I need to jog to it. I just sit and watch. 47 minutes with calves hurting is an excuse to watch something for sure.January 12, 2019 – 9:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - Tree came down on January 6th for us and I have no idea if that was considered “late” but I’m with you — who cares, right? And also, it’s funny (well, not haha funny) that you mentioned the direction of your blog, because well, it’s pretty obvious I’m done blogging, (but still like to read them!) and I’m not sure what to do about mine either. Do I just keep letting it sit there in perpetuity and pay my yearly domain fees? I definitely don’t want to lose the years of work I put into it, but on the other hand, what’s the point of just keeping it if I’m not planning to write anything else on it? (I mean, maybe I will here and there, but that’s kind of a waste to keep it going for the very occasional post). Any helpful input???January 11, 2019 – 1:37 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Hm. Regarding the blog, I’d keep it. Especially since you’re writing in other areas like your memoir. From what I can gather, publishers like to put money into writers who have some followers already – which is sad, but I’d keep it for that, I think. I often think of totally redoing my blog to have better “sections” – like special needs one, and personal essays but OMG that feels like so much work, you know? I think you (well, I can’t say what you’d feel but for me anyway) might regret taking it down, and then what if some jerk buys the domain knowing you might want it back? But also, yeah, I dunno. I definitely don’t have the same passion for posting here that I used to. I guess I still miss that passion though, so I keep it, hoping that the new “purpose” strikes me with gold. Ha.January 12, 2019 – 9:45 pmReplyCancel

      • Emily - Thanks for this input Kristi – very helpful to hear someone else’s internal thinking on the topic. I think all blogs need the occasional overhaul to keep them relevant, but I get it, the thought of a re-do can be overwhelming. Anyway, glad I at least get to keep reading your posts!January 15, 2019 – 1:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Debi - I keep finding Hannukah decorations that have become unnoticed parts of the scenery of our home. Hannukah ended December 9. Is that a blue star candle in the bathroom? Darn it.January 14, 2019 – 10:28 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - There are still a few houses in my neighborhood with lights outside – what’s the rush? I took down all our holiday cards this weekend, and then my holiday clean up was done.

    We have our first school snow day today…I bet they don’t close schools in Colorado like they did here, do they?January 14, 2019 – 2:50 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - All the lights on the outside of my house are up. But the tree is down, as of 9pm last night. Also, I finished addressing our New Years cards just now. So progress? YAY for snow days! We did close one day but not because of snow – it was really cold and icy. We had school this week while it was snowing and the whole way, Tucker was like “I can’t believe we have school!!!!” Then later laughed today when he heard VA schools were closed. “Wimpy!”January 14, 2019 – 8:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerry - My tree has been moved to a different location, but still up with lights, just outside my living room window. My mom put it there so I could see lights when I look outside.

    Speaking of outside, I don’t mind January, but it does go on a little long, leading to the turning of another age older when February rolls around for me. I do wish I could go skating more. I wish I had someone who loved it and would go with me more. Maybe then I could practice and not fall on my butt anymore. I have never gone skiing before. Maybe I should try it. I would go with someone, hold on, but I don’t really know how it would work. Maybe it would be too risky.

    You are the only one in your home. If you don’t take things down, the world doesn’t end. No pressure.January 15, 2019 – 11:23 pmReplyCancel

A year. So long to wait for, and yet so brief in hindsight. We feel the same as we did 365 days ago while also marveling at how much we’ve changed. Different perspectives, evolving hairstyles, more memories, and the sense of time flying. On the last day of 2018, we reflect on what’s changed, and […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • laburnumtree.ru - Hi there to all, the contents existing at
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    up the nice work fellows.December 31, 2018 – 1:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - I LOVE Tucker’s hard part hair. I don’t see any baby face in that one. So cute. Your year was really full with a major move. It doesn’t seem like 365 days can do all that – during which I still feel the same but my hair too has evolved. Looks like you really got the hang of Buddy scenarios. 😀December 31, 2018 – 1:49 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw thanks! I love it too, but miss the baby-face him. I guess it’s not really the hair – I just associate the more baby him with it I guess. And wow to the 365 days right? LOL to Buddy. I guess we got it. Almost too late but never too late, or something like that.January 1, 2019 – 10:14 pmReplyCancel

  • JT Walters - I enjoyed this article and living through the changes with you. I have a lot of art photos as art has been my refuge through this year but none appropriate for this post. My year has been pretty uneventful and I am grateful for that.

    You forgot the pictures of your house and the picture of you and Tux frowning while Robert was smiling on your way out of Virginia. Someone was happy with the move!!

    Loved the article but I love all of them! Happy New Year!!December 31, 2018 – 2:06 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, JT! The changes, wow, they happen FAST. I love that you have so much art to show for the year, and I almost did include the photos of us leaving VA but then thought it was too many photos already! Gah. Happy New Year to you!January 1, 2019 – 10:15 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - Wow, that wolf and wildlife center sounds amazing! And Buddy the Elf and Ironman on the toilet…hilarious — you did an awesome job on that one! Happy New Year to you and your family! Here’s to more adventures in 2019!December 31, 2018 – 3:23 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OMG the wolf wildlife place was amazing. I need to publish the video. It was mind-blowing. LOL to the Elf and Iron Man – thank you! I saw something similar online so I can’t take full credit. Happy New Year to you and yours too, Em! I hope this year is full of awesomeness for each of you.January 1, 2019 – 10:17 pmReplyCancel

  • Lizzi - Lovely pictures and happy memories of a good year 😊😊😊January 1, 2019 – 6:09 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Sweets! It was a horrible and awesome year. I guess all of them are, in one way or another. Happy New Year to you and your gals! <3January 1, 2019 – 10:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - Happy 2019 Kristi! It certainly has been a year of changes for you…I miss seeing you in person but I’m grateful we can stay connected. Here’s to a year full of great hair, puppy kisses and Colorado adventures xoxoJanuary 1, 2019 – 7:19 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I miss seeing you in person too. A LOT. Come visit? It’d be a great stop-over for one of your epic family trips. Here’s to all that you said about great hair, puppy kisses, and adventures, and same to you and yours, my sweet friend!January 1, 2019 – 10:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Christine Carter - You have had one helluva year, my friend. SO much and I am so very happy for all the GOOD things you have experienced. I hope this new year brings more of those for you and your beautiful family.

    PS: I still miss Cade’s long(er) hair.
    PSS: I wish I could visit you out there!!January 2, 2019 – 9:37 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you so much, Chris! And it’s sad when they grow up but also beautiful and important. I just wished it happened a little more slowly, you know? Tucker’s long hair drove me nuts at times, but he looks so OLD now. Gah. xoxo
      OMG PLEASE COME VISITJanuary 3, 2019 – 7:00 pmReplyCancel

  • Debi - I love ALL of Tucker’s hair styles! What a cutie!January 2, 2019 – 10:13 amReplyCancel

  • Kerry - Cool. You read Lord of the Rings ever? That whole scene with the howling reminds me of this one particular scene in LOTR, but yours was not really such a dangerous one, unlike that one in the Tolkien novel. It must make the hairs on your arms stand up just a little, or a lot, in my case it would have been.

    Such awesome and unforgettable adventures. What a year last year was for you and your family. All the best, in your new home, as 2019 progresses.January 5, 2019 – 6:32 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I think I read the first book, but it was sooo long ago. I need to read it again as Tucker’s recently expressed an interest. The wolves here felt safe for sure, but wow you’re right to the hairs on your arms standing up. I need to upload the video! There’s no “video” sight, just the sounds as it was getting dark out, but I hesitated because you can hear the people howling at them first… anyway, I should upload it.
      And thank you. Huge all the everythings to you this year, my friend. You’re doing great things!January 6, 2019 – 11:01 pmReplyCancel

Every family tells stories each time they gather. They laugh over memories and moments. They remember the year your brother Tommy threw up on the Thanksgiving table after your uncle forced him to try brussels sprouts. “Just try them. Take a bite. If you don’t like them, you don’t have to finish them, but you […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Janine Huldie - Aw, love your advice for the upcoming holiday and just what I needed to hear and be reminded of tonight. And now wishing you a very, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! <3December 20, 2018 – 8:03 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Janine! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, too! I hope it’s absolutely magical for each of you.December 22, 2018 – 10:38 amReplyCancel

  • Lizzi - I hope it all goes beautifully and you have bushels of happy memories to last you the year XX

    (Get your turkey asap!)December 21, 2018 – 2:04 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you! And for you, too! What will you and Zoe be doing? Can you see both of your families?December 22, 2018 – 10:39 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya - Dang I’m about to echo Janine’s comment, even with the AWWW. This is good advice. I’m looking forward to the laughter and stories which I’m really hoping happens on Christmas Eve because my husband is flying out Christmas morning. I went over five minutes to because I was writing as tactfully as possible. Not the way I like to write but I didn’t want to rant.

    Cheers to your dinner, I hope it all turns out well. Merry Christmas to you and the family. I’m exciting for you being in Colorado and hosting – a new experience for Tucker.December 21, 2018 – 4:21 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I have high hopes for the dinner here which of course makes me nervous. But I have wine and ordered a turkey finally so those are steps towards the laughter and stories! I’m sorry your husband is flying out Christmas morning – I hope Christmas Eve is completely magical and that you have a wonderful time with family! Merry Christmas!December 22, 2018 – 10:48 amReplyCancel

  • Tamara Bowman - Yes, I can do that. Be a better me. Our holidays are weird only in the pressure I put on myself. There were years that I had lots of money (my 20s) and I bought everyone deluxe things. Then years of being nearly starving and barely putting it together. These days it’s back up, only with the opportunities that blogging gives around the holidays. And it’s so not about that anyway. Watching Scarlet include everyone in her shopping/making list tugs at my heart.December 21, 2018 – 7:04 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I love that Scarlet includes everybody in her shopping/making list. That’s what it’s about! And… well, I did get a little elaborate for Tucker this year but I have to wonder how long he’ll truly truly believe, ya know? Merry Christmas!December 22, 2018 – 10:50 amReplyCancel

  • Debi - I admit to a certain amount of smugness this time of year, as my family’s holidays are usually long over by the time Christmas happens. The kind of frenzy I see everyone else in during this week is not unlike what I was feeling many months ago in preparing for the Jewish high holidays in the fall (minus the gifts — that’s not a thing for Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur). I mostly feel badly, though, for everyone who seems to find this holiday that they LOVE to be so stressful. I hope there are moments of feeling totally present and peaceful for you and your family — your little threesome and your wider family. I hope you get to feel happy to be together, not anxious about food prep or gifts or cleaning up, and just sit and enjoy all the beauty of the holiday. Merry Christmas to you and yours, Kristi!December 21, 2018 – 11:19 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Debi! I’d feel a bit of smugness too and hope you have a wonderful week with your family. I did finally order a turkey so that takes some of the food-prep pressure off and Tucker’s getting ALL THE GIFTS, so there’s that. I went a little overboard this year, not sure if it’ll be the final year that he really, truly believes in Santa. xoDecember 22, 2018 – 10:56 amReplyCancel

  • Emily - Happy Holidays Kristi and all the best for a great new year!!December 21, 2018 – 11:28 amReplyCancel

  • Mike - How ironic as we were on similar wavelengths in a new post I put up. I’m glad you will be able to enjoy the other side of the family. I’m still cringing at the one part with the words spoken about Tucker. I’m sending my warmest wishes and prayers always, Kristi!! 🙂 🙂December 21, 2018 – 11:02 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you Mike! And yeah, I’m still cringing over those words too. I don’t think I’ll ever forget. Sigh. Merry Christmas and warmest wishes to you, my friend! All the blessings and love to you!December 22, 2018 – 10:58 amReplyCancel

  • Christine Carter - Yesss… My dear friend, thank you for this encouragement and wise advice. I wish you the very BEST Christmas in your new home! I love your heart and YOU!!December 22, 2018 – 5:36 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you, Chris! Merry Christmas and Happy 2019 to you and yours! I love you right back!December 22, 2018 – 11:01 amReplyCancel

  • Kerry - Hope you had a lovely holiday Kristi and that Tucker enjoyed it, if he is soon to learn about Santa, let him enjoy in the believing now.

    It is truly a time of both laughter and sadness, for me anyway, as I remember holiday seasons gone by. Whether stress or peace, this time of year is a lot of things to every one of us.

    I can’t believe anyone would say something like that about your child. People have no filter.

    The brussel sprouts thing caught my attention right off, as I hate them and tried one again at Christmas. Yep, still want to spit the darn thing out.

    Happy 2019 to you and your family.January 5, 2019 – 11:55 amReplyCancel

There isn’t a particular holiday gift I got as a child that stands out in memory as being the best. None have become stories told to my own child, or are laughed about over Christmas dinners with my brothers. One year, I got the Barbie Dream House and pool, but that may have been for […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Janine Huldie - You totally nailed Christmas then versus Christmas now. Oh and like Tucker, my girls both still believe in Santa. I also hope that they don’t stop believing anytime soon. But also hope no one makes fun of them. ❤️December 13, 2018 – 8:08 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’m glad to read that both your girls still totally believe in Santa! I hope they continue for a long time. And yeah, I hope nobody makes fun of anybody ever ever ever. Sigh.December 16, 2018 – 6:32 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike - This was awesome to read and wow what a trip down memory lane, Kristi. I’m by myself with no kids so it’s friends and I don’t have much to compare. I will say I wish Christmas was spending time together with love instead of the frenetic gift shopping and gift opening world it has been for a few decades now. Btw, genius call on the carrots! 🙂 🙂December 13, 2018 – 8:22 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw thanks, Mike! Here’s to spending Christmas with people we love. LOL to the carrots!December 16, 2018 – 6:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - OMG, your dad’s note to Santa about the dog — hilarious!! We still leave milk and cookies for Santa even though my boys are way old and “don’t believe.” It’s still fun to create magic.:)December 14, 2018 – 6:37 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - RIGHT???? I still laugh about that. And awww to you all still leaving milk and cookies for Santa. That’s just plain awesome. Magic is magic.December 16, 2018 – 6:49 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - It really has got to be fun even though you said you wouldn’t be that mom. At least you got to be that mom for a little bit. The minions are cool.

    I used to LOOOOOVE getting the catalogs. We had one come from Sears and a big fat one from JC Penney and then there was the ToysRUs book but it seems like it was called something else. I did wish for stuff for months out of those books but I think when it came down to it, I got things that I’d seen on a commercial. I also can’t remember if I had the Barbie dream house or if I just wished I did. I know I had the van. There wasn’t a whole lot of evidence in pictures to work with writing the post. Like you I just couldn’t remember.December 14, 2018 – 1:05 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It’s actually been fun thinking of things. The hard part is remembering. I usually don’t stay up that much later than Tucker these days (I used to stay up until 1 or 2am <---WHAT I know but I did, writing although the mojo is sleeping). So it's hard to remember to do something when I'm ready for bed. I have some more ideas but am running out and it's only December 16. Thankfully, Tucker is happy with a small thing, like last night, Buddy took two rolls of Christmas wrapping paper, put them in my Uggs, put his legs in the tops of the wrapping paper, and wrote a note asking if he was as tall as Tux now. (He's not) Also I'm jealous you had the van!December 16, 2018 – 6:52 pmReplyCancel

  • Astrid - I love the fact that Tucker still believes. Some of my fellow clients at day activities do too and it’s so magical.December 16, 2018 – 1:08 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I love it too. And he’s got zero doubts, I mean, he TOTALLY believes, 100%. It’s a little magical. I’m glad you get to see that too!December 16, 2018 – 6:53 pmReplyCancel

I’ll come right out and say it. I gave up some personal dignity last night. Heartfelt integrity even — because of holiday commercialism, of all things. As in… (*shuffles feet and looks sideways*) I gave into the Elf on the Shelf. I know. I’m more embarrassed by me than you are, I promise. And after […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Lizzi - LOL! But also good it’s having a positive effect on T.

    But LOL XDDecember 7, 2018 – 2:23 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - YUP and it’s having such a good effect on T. He LOVES the damn thing.December 9, 2018 – 9:12 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - This just cracks me up…My boys were already too old by the time Elf on the Shelf came out and in some ways, I’m relieved, mainly because it’s the pressure/stress to remember to move him every night and to come up with something creative! It’s like remembering to be the tooth fairy after they lose a tooth…one time my brother forgot to leave something under his kid’s pillow and he made the excuse that the tooth fairy must have been watching Monday night football – ha!! Anyway, In other ways (back to the elf), it is still so sweet when they believe….December 7, 2018 – 6:32 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - i already forgot on night three so had to move him when Tux was upstairs… and then night four was epic based on a reader’s suggestion where Elf had a party – he took the last of the brownies Tucker and I made. Gah. I can’t believe I’ve caved in now!!! And omg we’ve forgotten the Tooth Fairy too. It IS sweet when they believe but also, he’s nine and I wonder wonder wonder about of course, ALL of it, you know?December 9, 2018 – 9:13 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - I do enjoy the creative things that people do with the elf. I saw one where his leg was broken and in a cast. So he was ordered not to move. I’m totally laughing at the ongoing predicament you’ve gotten yourself into. I didn’t know Buddy was so expensive. I’d love to prank my dad with the mysterious elf appearances but I think after it happened twice Buddy would get thrown away. I love how important the rules are to Tucker. ❤️December 7, 2018 – 12:46 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I love the idea of a cast – I’ll have to remember that. I already forgot night three and had to move him when Tucker was upstairs the next morning. Then I did an epic night four where the elf had a party with “friends” (plastic figures from Tucker’s room). They all ate the rest of the brownies and made a mess… I set a second reminder on my phone. Oh also the Elf with the book and the box (and all the rules) was more money but there are fake elves that look exactly the same if you still want to prank your dad. I saw one for $6 but knew Tucker would need all the rules so I paid more…December 9, 2018 – 9:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Debi - Oh, pshaw! You didn’t “lose.” You found another outlet for your fabulous creativity! And as we all know — when our kids win, we win. And Tucker just won, big-time. 🙂December 7, 2018 – 1:07 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw thanks. I just have to remember to keep being creative with him, when I’m feeling ready for bed. But you’re right – kids winning = us winning. And he DID win. Thanks for the reminder.December 9, 2018 – 9:22 pmReplyCancel

  • Susan - You are winning! I am so happy about Buddy joining your family! You are creative and shouldn’t have any problem coming up with places for Buddy to discover at night! Good luck!December 10, 2018 – 8:53 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike - Haha you caved! Plain and simple.,,I will meet Tucker someday and much sooner now that guys are just a quick flight away. I would cave in to what he wanted to. I LOVED reading the dialogue exchanges! 🙂 Gawd those things would creep my noggin out and his cup half full life view sees magic. That is priceless!! 🙂 🙂December 12, 2018 – 10:11 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - LOL I totally caved! YOU WILL MEET TUCKER 🙂 HAHA to the creep factor. It’s real. 😉January 10, 2019 – 8:15 pmReplyCancel

  • Christine Carter - One of my best friends bought our (friggin’) Elf- named “Little Kris” by my kids – like little Kris Kringle. The first time they saw it they literally talked to it for FIVE HOURS while it sat up top our dresser and told him every single detail of their lives. It was absolutely precious listening to them introduce “Little Kris” to their lives.

    I had a love-hate relationship with it as well- even though we have now since retired the creepy thing to ornament status on our tree. My kids BELIEVED up until Cass was 13 YEARS OLD. Bless her. And Cade 11. And when the cousins told them the Elf wasn’t real (yep, they outed the Elf first, then the rest easily spilled over and it was meltdown mode) Cass cried to me and wouldn’t talk to me for an entire day she was so upset about it all. It was brutal. Cade, being the literal man that he is said he was wondering if it was all real, because how on earth could… and then he proceeded to detail the elf and Santa and all the ridiculousness that can’t be real.

    The funniest part was that my kids both agreed that they still believed in Santa and the Elf because we couldn’t afford the gifts Santa brought and I was too lazy to move the elf every night. LOL

    But those encouraging notes I left every single exhausting night? (I wrote in tiny little handwriting on a tiny slip of paper I cut out every freakin’ night before I moved the thing.)They were EVERTHING to my kids. It was my favorite part of it all because I was able to teach them about so many ongoing life lessons in real time and they soaked it all in. Cass still has some of her favorite notes up on her bookshelf.

    And having them wake up every morning to see where Little Kris was hiding? PRICELESS. Oh, and yes, we had many crisis moments with ‘touching’ the Elf and the INTENSE fear that his magic would die…

    Ah, those were the good ol’ days.

    Girl, this is soooooo worth it.December 16, 2018 – 8:53 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw friend!!! THANK YOU!!! I can’t believe I’m just seeing your awesome comment now but THANK YOU. The magic really is real. The one time I forgot to move Buddy, Tucker was like “well, he moved a little…” then, when Tucker went upstairs, I moved him and made a mess and stuff and he was like WHAT. it was awesome. I love that Cass and Cade believed for so long!! I kinda wish I’d caved in sooner now. Oh well. I’ll just have to be extra-epic.January 10, 2019 – 8:17 pmReplyCancel

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