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

If you’re friends with me on Facebook, you might know I just had a birthday. A big one. I’m in denial but… *cough* I just turned 50. One half of a century. This aging thing ain’t a joke, friends! Also? I have a newly-nine-year-old. These two things aren’t unique in themselves, but they’re here in Colorado […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Pat B - Isn’t it fun to go back and read something you wrote a few years ago!

    I’m another quarter of a century ahead of you, and inside I am still the same, only with more things to remember, if I can. LOL That said, my mom is still living and when she is able she remembers that I am her daughter. Building relationships is what life is all about.

    Tux has a great smile!August 30, 2018 – 11:21 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I agree that going back to read our old posts is fun! And also a little “what was I thinking?!?” 🙂 And yes – inside we’re the same ages with more things to remember. The more things part is super cool… the accidental glimpses of surprise are less so. Aw to your mom. And thanks – I agree that Tux’s smile is great 🙂August 31, 2018 – 9:13 amReplyCancel

  • Lizzi - The box fort looks EPIIIIIIIIICAugust 30, 2018 – 11:45 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Thanks for mentioning the smiley face because I wouldn’t have seen it. I called those young shiny moms “ponytail swingers” whether they have ponytails or not. But they usually do. They are the reason I don’t go to exercise classes.August 31, 2018 – 5:32 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Glad you saw the smiley face! He’s so proud of that detail. Silly but fun. OMG ponytail swingers is a perfect name for them! LOL!August 31, 2018 – 9:15 amReplyCancel

  • Emily - Great job on that fort — awesome! And, happy “big” bday again! I hope you’re all settling in well – and about missing the bus stop thing, I think walking to school is great. At our old house, we were in walking distance of the elementary school so on nice days, we’d do the walk (because it wasn’t THAT close, but still walkable) and it was always a good time to talk about anything and everything and also, I felt like it kind of relaxed them before school to have that little bit of exercise.August 31, 2018 – 7:09 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you! I can’t believe I’m so old. Walking to school is really great and we both enjoy it BUT there’s something about the bus stop that helps you to get to know moms and kids who live right there, you know? But I agree – that little time walking is a perfect time to talk about all the things.August 31, 2018 – 9:16 amReplyCancel

  • JT Walters - You are still 20. 60 is the new thirty on account of our life expectancy increasing to 125.

    You are as old as you think you are. Besides Tux will keep you young. Trust God, you have more going on than the 30/14 year olds. Nature preserves you for Tux.

    I am a year older than you and 50 hurt but 51 was much worse for reasons you understand.

    I did find the smiley face and Robert is 15 last picture you took of him. Tux and Robert transitioned well to Colorado. Virginia was aging Robert.

    Love,

    JT

    PS

    I can blow up the image on this phone. I had the 4S for so long, I live like I still have a 4S.August 31, 2018 – 3:25 pmReplyCancel

  • Darshana Suresh - Haha, I’d love to join the box fort building. And indeed, we’re never going to be as young as we are right now, so let’s make the most of it. Besides, age is just a number as long as we are young at heart.September 1, 2018 – 5:01 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - The box fort gets better all the time! Here’s to being as old as we feel on the inside.September 1, 2018 – 10:27 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - Time moves too fast. Happy birthday to you, dear friend! xoSeptember 3, 2018 – 1:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Allison Smith - Happy Birthday Sweet Kristi. I’m sorry your big day happened during such a crazy time in you life. Please promise me that you will in fact so something special for your self and CELEBRATE the miracle of make it to the big number:)! And your starting a new life! hOw exciting!September 3, 2018 – 6:26 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you, Sweet friend!!!! <3 I will do something special for myself, like a massage, maybe? That sounds really nice. It's exciting for sure, and also a little depressing. I keep telling myself that this is as young as I get and probably won't ever look better (DEPRESSING but also true, and celebrating this time makes sense... I mean I get to have a nine-year-old NOW!). xoxoSeptember 4, 2018 – 8:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Josie Two Shoes - The half-century mark hits hard, and turning 60 even moreso as you pass the third quarter of your life mark. But just as you have found here, there is an acceptance that comes with it. Life was nothing like we expected it to be, but so much of it… especially our kids, is very, very good! Mom is a sacred role, the love is forever. 💜September 4, 2018 – 11:41 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - The ages are weird. I was so depressed at 30, but 40 was fine (TUCKER)… 50 hits more because I think I was more passionate about this blog five years ago and now wonder what the next big adventure/purpose is… I mean raising him obviously, but still. I know your life changed drastically, and for the better. Who knows what’s in store for our next chapters? Thanks so much for the sweet comment.September 4, 2018 – 8:46 pmReplyCancel

  • Christine Carter - YOU ARE 50!!!! WELCOME TO THE CLUB, SISTER!!! It IS big and also, it’s pretty amazing, really. You are going to ROCK your 50’s, girl. <3

    I can't find Tucker's face in that fort, darn it! WHERE IS HE??

    I'm so glad you are setting in over there. How is Tucker liking his new school?September 11, 2018 – 6:34 amReplyCancel

It’s 7:13 pm and I’m looking for a photo to share for a blog post that goes live in 47 minutes. I really need to get more pro-active. In my defense, we recently moved, I had a *gulp* birthday this week, and a bunch of (some?) people are coming over Saturday for a party. Because, […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Lizzi - Always good to have a peek into your thoughts xxx Hope the party and the fort go really well xxAugust 24, 2018 – 12:20 amReplyCancel

  • Allie - Are you happy now that the move is done? I know unpacking sucks, but it’s also got to be fun and exciting – brand new, fresh start. Happy Birthday! Sorry I missed it. Did you do anything fun? Love the fort – Camden would be in HEAVEN!! He’s into the box forts right now. Rich keeps him supplied through his Amazon habit. Cam was doing parquor (SPELL?) the other day on my furniture and it made me think of Tucker. xoxo, AllieAugust 24, 2018 – 7:53 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yes, now that we’re getting the house more livable, I’m happier for sure. It’s hard not knowing where your favorite shoes are but I think we’ve gotten the most important stuff done. Thank goodness. Still, there are a ton of boxes with books and stuff in the basement. But, I don’t think I’ve donated this much stuff in forever, so that feels good!
      Birthday – we just went to dinner which was nice and then tomorrow the party is sorta kinda a birthday celebration. Awww to Camden doing parkour and you thinking of Tucker – LOVE that! xoxoxoAugust 24, 2018 – 2:10 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - I didn’t start reading with an adrenaline rush until you got to texting me at “7:39” and realizing the time difference – what you were thinking and going through just minutes before posting! You did good. Are there any kids (older) coming over that could possibly help with the Epic Fort on Saturday? I hope you have a good time and can relax and enjoy the company and then sleep all day on Sunday.August 24, 2018 – 8:53 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I KNOW! I’m an idiot! Robert got home late. Tucker and I got home late. I should’ve started Wednesday but this week is killing me a little bit. Sigh. There are a couple of older kids coming – hopefully they’ll help with the box fort because I’m kinda over it. OOOH I like the idea of sleeping all day Sunday. I’m going to tell Robert you said I can. 🙂August 24, 2018 – 2:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah - If only I had a cute kid who wanted a box fort for 3 years to justify how long my back room had boxes in it. 🙂 Thankfully, we’re finally getting rid of those and actually reclaiming that room into the office that we planned on it being.

    Also, we’re celebrating my birthday in a little over a week (I didn’t know we had birthdays so close together!!), and I have had those same thoughts about inviting too many people or too few, even though it’s just a cookout and no one is going to really care except me. But I want to look cool, even if I’m actually really weird and awkward. XD

    Thanks for sharing this random but awesome post. It’s something I think we’ve all gone through, trying to scramble at the last minute to write something. Definitely done that for one of these!

    Anyway, thanks for the weirdAugust 24, 2018 – 8:57 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yes to looking cool even though really weird and awkward. That’s me for sure! I hope your cookout is amazing and happy birthday in a week! And I promise I had too many boxes in too many rooms way before Tucker wanted to make an epic box fort. This move has killed me a little though so I hope I never keep so much unused stuff ever ever again. We’ve given so much away and still have too much STUFF. Ugh. Thanks for the sweet words!August 24, 2018 – 2:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Debi - How funny that we both posted photos of our basements today!!! I have been living in my house for twelve years. The things we shoved in storage under the stairs when we move in — do you want to take a wild guess about where they are now?

    Yes. In storage, under the stairs.

    Also, my daughters are 13 and 16 and I just found an unopened, shrink-wrapped Disney princess bathroom set (garbage can, toothbrush holder, etc.).

    You’re not alone! 🙂August 24, 2018 – 9:31 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - That is funny that we both posted about basements. LOL to the storage under the stairs. I hear that for sure. Finding unopened things they would’ve loved when younger is the worst. I found a game I bought Tucker when he was like four maybe. I was saving it as a surprise and yup, it’s unopened. And now it’s too babyish. Sigh. Thanks for the not alone comment! I appreciate it!August 24, 2018 – 2:29 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - This post reminds me of one of my favorite kids’ books – I think it’s called Christina Katerina and the Box. The girl uses an old appliance box to make all kinds of creations, and each time one gets destroyed she just makes another. What an epic fort Tucker could make! Make sure he adds guest rooms 🙂August 24, 2018 – 12:18 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - That book sounds awesome. I don’t remember reading it! I’ll tell him to add guest rooms! Although, I’m kinda getting over that fort. 😉August 24, 2018 – 2:30 pmReplyCancel

  • Pat B - We lived in an unfinished home for many years, so I can certainly relate to unopened boxes.

    Now we have boxes of some of my mom’s things in unopened boxes. Under the stairs is a great place for storage. An old sheet and/or some fabric pieces work great for concealing the boxes!

    I think unopened boxes may be something we deal with throughout our lives. What would we do without all those cardboard boxes?

    Kudos to you for posting and reminding us that life gets messy at times, but we are all in this together and are here to support one another. Happy birthday, again!August 25, 2018 – 1:16 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks so much Pat! And I bet most everybody has unopened boxes under the stairs, in empty closets/rooms… I really have been super aggressive about donating items that we don’t need or use any longer. It’s freeing.August 25, 2018 – 10:23 amReplyCancel

  • Monica - Box Forts sure takes off a little bit of the pressure of having to organize everything after a big move. Hope you had a great birthday!August 27, 2018 – 2:12 pmReplyCancel

  • Aaron - Moved 6 months ago, my garage is still filled with boxes.August 28, 2018 – 12:49 pmReplyCancel

  • Josie Two Shoes - I loved this! It reflects all the chaos of moving, and I think about the many boxes we have stored and stacked that still need to be gone thru after years! Working on it, finally. The box fort is AWESOME, what kid (or adult) wouldn’t love that! It will be fun to watch it grow! 🙂September 4, 2018 – 11:48 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you!!! Oh wow, to the boxes. I suppose we all have way too many of them. We’ll get there. Or, not, which is okay too. Thank you for the box for enthusiasm! I’ll keep you all posted! 🙂September 5, 2018 – 8:57 pmReplyCancel

Sometimes, when you hear stories about a grandparent when you’re young, you tune them out, and only remember parts. It’s not until you want to share family history with your own child that those stories become interesting again. On our drive from Virginia to Colorado, we stopped in Dayton, Ohio, where my dad grew up. […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Dana - I’ll admit that I NEVER do the five minute free write. I’m just too uptight for that 🙂 But I had a story I wanted to write and it had to do with my grandfather, so voila!

    The Wright Brother’s house across the street from where your grandfather was born? How cool. I think it’s cool to be in Kitty Hawk, NC…I hated history as a kid, but now I love to be places where historic things have happened.August 16, 2018 – 8:15 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Five minutes is soooo short. I’m too uptight for that too but did it tonight. I’m glad you shared your story and I loved it. I hated history as a kid too. Now, I like it more (obviously). The Kitty Hawk thing – we didn’t really explore that. Just the Dayton background but we’ve been to Kitty Hawk too and I mentioned it.August 16, 2018 – 9:25 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - That’s so true wanting to know stuff that we used to half listen to. Oh I wish I could go back in time just to retain some of the stories I heard. The Wright Brothers house looks ginormous! I stopped my timer today at 2:51 seconds because I had another thought which led to the Facebook post. Anyway looking forward to the bow making video! 😀August 16, 2018 – 8:28 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Same! It’s funny how much more important our parents, grandparents, and even our own stories get once we have somebody to pass them on to! I’ll have to post the video.August 16, 2018 – 9:26 pmReplyCancel

  • JT Walters - I will hold a descending opinion from your five minute blog. I have tried to be many things and all roads have led me back to what I am meant to be. I think it a matter of listening to hear your inner voice tell you what you are.

    But I vote for Tux being anything.August 16, 2018 – 8:37 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I think it’s great that all roads have led you to where you’re supposed to be. I’m not sure that’s a different opinion or not… Here’s to listening to our inner voices. Unless they’re crazy. LOL but really, here’s to finding our passions and following them.August 16, 2018 – 9:28 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike Vogler - Oh gosh, grandparent stories are amazing! I don’t have any children to share them with but as I’ve gone through stuff the past few years I came across some articles, information, letters that blew me away! Btw, my grandfather was an inventor too. Loved the post and oh btw…Hi Kristi! 🙂August 16, 2018 – 8:48 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HI MIKE!!! I love that your grandfather was an inventor too. What did he make?August 16, 2018 – 9:29 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah Balding - When I think of my Pop-Pop Hall, I think more of the stories he made up for us rather than actual true stories. He liked to tell the wildest stories, like trying to convince my sister that she was raised by deer in the woods, or having my 3 year old self convinced that he was going to put my new baby sister in a bag. But I have such fond memories sitting on his porch, laughing and drinking caffeine-free Pepsi. Thank you for sharing a little story about your grandfather and how it inspired Tucker to be anything he wants. I think a Viking warrior sounds like a supremely cool goal to shoot for. 🙂August 17, 2018 – 8:22 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - What cool memories you have of your Pop-Pop. I love that he told you and your sister wild stories. I think a Viking warrior sounds like a cool goal too. Thanks!August 17, 2018 – 7:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Pat B - It would be so great to be able to tour either the Wright home of the home where your grandfather was born!

    Sometimes as a person strives to research their family history they remember little things that relatives said or did that they’d completely forgotten until they started doing research. A great site to explore is newspapers.com if you haven’t already searched there.

    Wow, you kept your post to five minutes. I totally failed at that!

    I hope Tucker remembers all the encouraging words you say to him!August 18, 2018 – 11:56 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - That would have been really cool. My dad said that the Wright home used to be a museum. I think we went there when I was young but I don’t remember much of it. Thanks for the newspapers.com site. I haven’t heard of that before. I think this is the first time I kept it to five minutes!August 19, 2018 – 12:24 pmReplyCancel

  • TD - That is so cool that your grandpa had that life and those experiences.August 19, 2018 – 9:05 amReplyCancel

  • Emily - I just love that conversation between you and Tucker! Speaking of being a singer, my middle dude now writes and sings rap music and records himself and posts it on Sound Cloud. It’s pretty funny because my husband listens to it because he actually thinks it’s good music!August 20, 2018 – 11:10 amReplyCancel

  • Kerry - Short time to write about such a full and well rounded topic. I love history, mine and my family history and all the rest of it. I will write out the stories my grandpa told us and call it Grandpa’s Stories Are the Best Stories.

    Sounds like you guys had some fun on your move drive.August 22, 2018 – 4:50 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It was so short! I could have gone on and on. Definitely write about the stories your grandpa told you – perfect name! And yeah, we managed to fit some fun in on the move which was really nice (and made it more bearable).August 22, 2018 – 4:53 pmReplyCancel

  • Christine Carter - That is SO COOL he invented the sprinkler! WOW. And of course, unbelievable his idea was stolen and he went bankrupt. Sigh. I loved reading your conversation with Tucker. I could just picture it. And I just love your love and encouragement you pour all over him. You’re such an amazing mom, Kristi. <3August 23, 2018 – 6:23 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw… you’re TOO KIND wonderful friend! He invented the sprinkler that sprayed a square area, but not the sprinkler sprinkler. And I know – so sad that his idea was stolen! And yeah, Tucker’s easy to be awesome with. 🙂 <3August 24, 2018 – 2:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Allie - Clearly the Wright Brother were very rich:)! Damn! Cammy wanted to be an inventor for a while. Oh, my head was about to explode with all his invention ideas. I can’t imagine if he wanted to be a singer, shoot me k=now. LOL! AllieAugust 24, 2018 – 7:57 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yeah, the Wright Brothers were very rich! I wonder where the money came from – like if their dad invented something?? Hmmm…. Knock on wood about Cammy wanting to be a singer now, girl! 😉August 24, 2018 – 2:17 pmReplyCancel

Unfortunately, worrying comes easily to me. I worry about catastrophes in my absence (because if I’m there, either I’ll be able to stop them with my yet undiscovered superpowers…or think, “at least we’ll all die together.”). When Tucker was young, the first time I traveled without him, I worried the tree in front of our […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Kenya G. Johnson - Ok I seriously hope I don’t dream about sink holes tonight. I probably commented this before that I worry about them too. I worry that the potholes in the street are going to cave in. I love your post. I laughed out loud with the tree falling and the lice. I’ve never known anyone to worry about that. LOL! And the hypnotizing – I’m in between remembering that kind of stuff painfully and fondly at the same time. As for “stuff” I say that all the time, I wish I had the money that I spent on stuff that is totally useless to me now. Sigh.August 9, 2018 – 10:21 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw crap I hope you don’t dream of sinkholes either. SORRY!!! Thanks for the LOL to the tree falling – real worry but so dumb right?!?!?
      Never knew anybody to worry about the lice??? You’re welcome, I guess, because they can’t live like that TG!!!
      UGH to the stuff and learning about buying it now. I avoided buying Tucker a bow and arrow today so WIN???August 9, 2018 – 11:43 pmReplyCancel

  • JT Walters - Link dumping is something to worry about!!

    Worry is counter productive but I worry about my son.

    My new motto is, “Trust God!” I am trying to do that everyday. If I can change something I do. If I can’t I am reminded everyone and thing has a season.

    I wake up saying, “Trust God. I am not suppose to understand or be in control. Life is a test of faith.”

    Btw, discouraged by one of my prayer Sisters who went to Uganda and said she will never go back. Tux needs a sibling or dog. But you’re a good sport.😊August 9, 2018 – 10:22 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Oh I wish Tux had a sibling. We may get a dog… we’ve been thinking about it. And of course you worry about your son. How can you not? Here’s to trusting and letting go of things we can’t control. 🙂August 10, 2018 – 12:01 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - Lice on toilet paper? Ha, I never even thought of that, but yes, good to know they die on paper. The other thing is they actually like clean hair, so the less your kids wash their hair, the better! Anyway, great list, especially the last one. 🙂August 9, 2018 – 10:34 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - That’s true about the clean hair! I was freaking out when Tucker got them but then he got them again a year later and I was like “I know what I’m doing now!” Thanks, Emily!August 10, 2018 – 1:07 pmReplyCancel

  • Flakey McFlakeface - Bwahahahah I love your little pixellated rude bits!!! XD

    Also I love your #1, and agree that the others are pointless to worry about. So is the thing I probaly did at a key moment several years ago and wish I had done differently. Worrying changes nothing but causes endless anguish. Time to learn to let it go xxAugust 10, 2018 – 11:58 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Why Flakey McFlakeface! Here’s to learning to let go. It can be hard though. What’s the thing from several years ago you wish you did differently? Now I’m all curious.August 10, 2018 – 1:21 pmReplyCancel

      • Flakey McFlakeface - Kissed too many wrong’uns. I can think of at least two. One I thought was right. One, I have NO IDEA WHY I DID IT and it was the stupidest thing. Upset the one person I most didn’t want to upset. Not that I’d obsess…August 11, 2018 – 12:07 pmReplyCancel

  • Pat B - As a kid, I’d never heard of sink holes, but those metals plates that open up to allow deliveries to be made to stores gave me great concern. I walked around them because I just knew they might open and swallow me whole if I walked on them. 🙂

    I blame the eyes looking smaller for the bags under my eyes looking larger!

    Honestly, I’d never even considered the possibility of lice on toilet paper. LOL
    I do consider the possibility of lice being on the head rests of theater seats and airplane seats, but I’m not paranoid about it.

    As for fancy new stuff, might as well forget it. The quality of a lot of the older things is much better and is often still available if you don’t mind that someone else might have used it before you.August 10, 2018 – 8:37 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - We recently visited a used furniture store and they had some of the coolest things. I have gotten a few new items but I have the dining table that was at my dad’s when I was a child and some of my grandmother’s furniture too. They just don’t make it like that any longer. Or, maybe some places do but sooo expensive. Those metal plates things are terrifying!!! I still walk around them. Same with the metal grates in the parking lots. Even if it doesn’t swallow me, I’m scared I’ll drop my keys down there.August 11, 2018 – 12:50 pmReplyCancel

  • Flakey McFlakeface - Kissed too many wrong’uns. I can think of at least two. One I thought was right. One, I have NO IDEA WHY I DID IT and it was the stupidest thing. Upset the one person I most didn’t want to upset. Not that I’d obsess…August 11, 2018 – 12:07 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - One problem with worries is that even the ridiculous ones “could” happen. Trees do fall–I could tell you a story, but perhaps I shouldn’t–, sinkholes do happen. One could go crazy worrying about all the possible dangers in life.

    I love your advice in this post!August 12, 2018 – 9:07 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Kristi! And it’s true. Sinkholes and trees falling happens. But, they could happen while sitting here at the table typing, too, so… yes! 🙂August 13, 2018 – 2:16 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah Balding - I remember my sister getting lice as a child and the trauma that it was for me having to bag up all my worldly possessions until we could make sure they were lice-free and having to get my hair washed with nasty smelling shampoo and then my mom checking my hair for what seemed like forever. I did not contemplate the idea of lice being on toilet paper, which is probably a good thing and now you’ve saved me the trouble of having one less thing to worry about.

    Also, I did worry about my list being stupid, but I put it out there anyway and tried not to think about it too much. And then so many wonderful people were like, “ME TOO!” and it’s been awesome. Still working on #1 though – but I feel like I’m getting better at not caring so much what other people think. Most of the time I am the most judgmental person about myself.August 13, 2018 – 10:47 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Lice are traumatic for sure. Tucker got them (and then of course, me too) and I was a mess. Washing everything, doing the sticking things in bags, all of it… and then he got them again, and I managed to be calmer about it. I’d learned a lot about how they really can’t live once you comb them out and that the non-poison stuff works just fine if you do it every day for a couple weeks. Still, I hope we never get them again because EEEEWWW!!!
      I’m glad you got so many “ME TOO!” responses to your post. I think it’s true that we all worry about silly things outside of our control. And yeah, I’m still working on number 1… probably will always be.August 13, 2018 – 2:21 pmReplyCancel

  • My Inner Chick - Yes,
    Our stories matter!
    And I love reading your words, your insight, & perspective on life!
    You are so very “YOU!” xxxAugust 14, 2018 – 10:52 amReplyCancel

  • Kerry - I find it hard to picture sink holes when I have never seen one, but they do sound terrifying anyway.

    Those about the kids we love feel most serious. I have many.

    I fear so much that will never likely happen. I am going to miss out on so much while I’m off, somewhere, fearing so many of these things, in a corner somewhere. Kids have fears too, but they live life anyway.

    Worry is such a waste of time, but we all waste time sometimes. Finding the acceptable level of worry is the trick. I wish us both luck with that Kristi.

    People tell me all the time not to worry about what’s happening in the US and in the world. I know I should try harder. I still worry.August 19, 2018 – 9:55 pmReplyCancel

  • Christine Carter - YEP. To all of these worries! I am such a worrier too. And most are ridiculous things that I should NOT be worrying about. But the big ones that you mention are the most important of all. I wish I could master this worry thing, but I’m always a work in progress- even as I age, I struggle. Girl, me and you both. BUT it’s gotten a little bit better, right? 😉August 23, 2018 – 6:20 amReplyCancel

  • Allie - I miss 1982! I really do. (although, ahem, I was in middle school:)). I tell my kids all the time – I had it so much easier and they just don’t get it.Camden actually asked me what I could buy for $5 “back then.” And I said – the world! But really it was just a couple 45s, or a paperback, or chips, soda, candy and gum and you got change!

    ***This is my answer for your previous post, but it said that comments were closed. Sorry, just playing catch up!August 24, 2018 – 8:06 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Comments closed??? WEIRD. Way to rub in your youth! 😉 And it did feel like $5 lasted forever back then. You could go to a concert for like $14! I miss that. I miss the 80’s and 90’s a LOT. Weird, but I do.August 24, 2018 – 2:16 pmReplyCancel

  • Allie - Lice on Toilet paper???? Really? Where do you come up with this stuff? Silly girl.

    love you!August 24, 2018 – 8:09 amReplyCancel

This summer has been different from most summers in that we’ve had a lot of summertime change, grief, and a hero name tag. Summertime Change Change of scenery, of home, and of where the drawer that holds my silverware is. It’s the summer we moved from Northern Virginia (a suburb of DC) to Colorado, where […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Linda Atwell - I love the ending of this! But I also love the beginning and the middle. This is a year of new stuff (with varied memories and meanings). They will all blend together and eventually you will create new memories.

    When I worked in the Colorado Springs area (well over 10 years ago), I found the people in the are to be awesome. I do hope I make it your direction before you decide to move back to the east coast!

    I can’t wait to hear all the new posts about this new adventure. I know you are going to have so many awesome experiences…well, once you are finally really and truly settled. Hugs!!!August 3, 2018 – 1:24 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks Linda! So far, the people we’ve met seem really nice (if young). It’s so pretty here too. I love seeing Pikes Peak again! And yes, come anytime. Now is fine too if you can ignore a bunch of mess and boxes. 🙂August 3, 2018 – 10:00 pmReplyCancel

  • Lizzi - That’s a lot, all stirred up in here. Thank GOODNESS for name tags. Sounds like the little things bight be pulling together for you.

    A year! Its been a year?! My goodness.

    Hope your day has butterflies xxAugust 3, 2018 – 1:49 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank goodness indeed for nametags! I worry about school though… A YEAR!! And we did see a butterfly on our walk yesterday to his new school. A gigantic yellow and black one! 🙂August 3, 2018 – 10:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerry - YAY for name tags. Walking into/starting a new thing, whatever it is, is scary. Anything that makes it easier is a blessing. I think Tuck sounds cool though. Hope you and yours enjoy the rest of this summer and many more in your new home Kristi.August 3, 2018 – 2:18 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yeah, walking into a new thing is scary. Especially if everybody won’t know your name and you’re completely convinced of that. Poor kid. I think Tuck sounds cool too! And thanks for the warm wishes. I have so many unpacked boxes… sigh.August 3, 2018 – 10:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah - As a current Virginia resident, I’m slightly jealous that you don’t have to deal with all the gnats. I recently had one fly up my nose, and that was a traumatizing experience.

    And I’m so glad that Tucker ended up going to LEGO camp and that they had name tags so he didn’t have to worry. I’m kind of sad I’m too old to go because that sounds like a blast!!August 3, 2018 – 2:40 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You’re in Virginia? We just moved from Oakton. I miss our neighbors a LOT but not so much the gnats. Or mosquitos. Or other random bugs flying in my face. Gnats up the nose are no joke! Ugh! LEGO camp was fun for him. They added motors to stuff and had a blast. Maybe you could teach one!!!August 3, 2018 – 10:22 pmReplyCancel

  • Pat B - Returning to an area with so many memories can be both good and bad. I hope that as you settle in, Tucker will feel more comfortable with his new home and his activities, and make new friends.

    Moving can be hard.

    Going for a walk and seeing butterflies presents such a peaceful scene.

    Name tags can be a good thing for all ages.

    Wishing you a good week ahead.August 4, 2018 – 12:11 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I hope so too, Pat. Thanks. I’m hopeful that school starting soon will help – he’ll be shy of course but I really hope he’ll find some friends who accept him as he is quickly. We have a meet-up with a boy who will be in his grade and Cub Scouts on Tuesday morning and I’m very hopeful about that relationship. Just one friendly face in the cafeteria makes such a difference!August 4, 2018 – 12:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - You made my eyes tear up with the last part. A sob out of nowhere would break my heart. You have to write the part two, how he enjoyed lego camp. So glad they had name tags.

    I get it about being in a “new” place even though you grew up there. It’s a long way from here.. Except for the few years in Japan, I’ve always lived in some part of the south east so even though they were new places a lot of it was the same – weather, people, accents etc.

    Not sure if I would want to trade gnats and bugs for mice, rodents and flying prey. That’s a tough one.August 4, 2018 – 8:42 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - He did enjoy Lego camp but wow, that was rough – hearing him feel so sad and insecure. Regarding the mice, rodents, and flying prey – we really haven’t seen any of them so far. My mom’s in Montana and has three small dogs – they have to watch them really closely because of the bald eagles! If we get a dog, I’ll get one that’s too big to carry away. 🙂August 4, 2018 – 12:49 pmReplyCancel

  • Debi Lewis - I remember when Sammi couldn’t say the letter “R.” I thought it sounded so cute, and I loved it, but the speech therapist in third grade said other kids were struggling to understand her, so we did it. I didn’t think Sammi had an opinion about it one way or another, but later, she said she hated listening to recordings of herself because she had no “R.” It made me so sad! Because of that, I think I can understand how Tucker might feel. I love the idea of calling him “Tuck,” actually. Have you ever read the book Tuck Everlasting? https://www.amazon.com/Tuck-Everlasting-Natalie-Babbitt/dp/1250059291August 4, 2018 – 9:37 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It’s so hard – of course their voices are so precious to us but then they’re hard on themselves. Tucker’s been in speech since he was two years old and he’s come a long way but now is more aware of it, if that makes sense. I’ve not read Tuck Everlasting. I’ll have to check it out – thanks!August 4, 2018 – 12:52 pmReplyCancel

  • Trina - Such a nice depiction of Summertime. I still remember my childhood, we used to play games outside the house. Those times were golden.August 6, 2018 – 12:52 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - It’s been a summer of change for you, for sure. And Tucker, which makes it doubly hard for you as his mother. Thank goodness for name tags, butterflies, and taking the time to grieve and remember.August 6, 2018 – 2:08 pmReplyCancel

Today, I created three new recycling bags of packing paper looking for a photo of my brother and I with my grandparents. I won’t give any more away because I’ll use that photo one of these weeks. Speaking of packing paper… I unwound a huge taped-up wad of it to find a charging cord, a […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Kenya G. Johnson - My post was going to go another way too, and I won’t say to much because I’ll probably use it. But I was just thinking today as much of a techie as I am I miss having a cellphone that didn’t do a million things.

    This is so nostalgic. I think one of the reasons I enjoyed Stranger Things so much is because I could relate to being around that age at that time. And thinking about MTV and there was another video channel but anyway thinking back at the WHO was on MTV makes it seem like it was a premium channel.

    I miss the Casey Kasem countdown. That’s a throwback!July 26, 2018 – 9:40 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It’s weird right? I mean we love how we get all into technology and the whole “LOOK WHAT I CAN DO!” which is awesome but also feels sometimes like cheating, in a way… I loved Stranger Things so much too, and I think their use of old technology was so cool. Have you watched “The Americans?” I can’t remember if I asked before but they did a great job of showing the 70’s fashion and tv and the rest of it too.
      OM WHO was on MTV!!!!! I miss Casey Kasem too!July 26, 2018 – 9:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - I miss the simplicity of the 80s too and talk to my kids about it all the time! And, boy is your memory impressive — you totally jogged my memory of that SNL parody of “Ebony & Ivory” And that photo ID photo is awesome — so cute and yes, so YOU.July 26, 2018 – 10:14 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OMG the Ebony and Ivory parody. “You are black, and I am white,” I MISS SNL back then. I don’t think Tucker gets the 80’s and what it was really like to not have YouTube… but I’ll keep preaching. xoJuly 26, 2018 – 11:38 pmReplyCancel

  • Pat B - This was so enjoyable!

    Love that picture of the young you.

    Those windowless vans struck a note of fear into the hearts of parents and made sure their children knew what not to do.July 27, 2018 – 12:27 amReplyCancel

  • Pat B - This caused some great reminiscing of the times. Love that photo of the younger you.

    Oh, the scary white vans, or vans of any color that did not have windows except for the cab. Parents warned their children of the possible dangers and what to do. Women didn’t park next to them in the grocery store parking lots at night.July 27, 2018 – 12:31 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Pat. I still get a bit freaked out when I see one of those vans today. And I’d never park next to one even now! 🙂July 27, 2018 – 10:29 pmReplyCancel

  • Lizzi - Reckon I was a 90’s child lol. 1982 is before my time 😜

    Sounds idyllic in a lot of ways though, and I remember similar things but a bit more techy. Computers were debuting in schools and lots more people had them at home. I think I babysat for £5 an hour and considered myself well off, by the time I was allowed to (?1997). I remember making our own entertainment though, and the Dewy Decimal system, and pavement chalk and water fights and being kinda carefree.July 27, 2018 – 1:26 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yeah yeah, before your time. Sigh. I’m OLD. I do think there’s something to kids making their own entertainment. I need to make Tucker do that more often when it doesn’t involve the iPad…July 27, 2018 – 10:31 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerry - Ah, the eighties. Love it Kristi. I hardly remember them, but the music lives on for me, in a big way. It mist have left quite the impression, but I know I’m definitely not the only one.July 28, 2018 – 9:36 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Even Tucker knows a bunch of 80’s music so some of it must’ve been good. Or maybe I just play it in the car a lot and now it’s familiar to him 🙂August 4, 2018 – 12:57 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah Balding - I don’t have any recollection of the 80s as I was less than 2 years old when it ended. 😆I did get properly schooled in 80s music by my parents, so at least I got that going for me. My high school years were in the early 2000s, but I regale my 18 year old sister with stories of a time when you would drive places without a cell phone and had to rewind VHS tapes. I did not share any pictures from that time because I was obsessed with trying to perm my stick straight hair and failed miserably. 😂July 28, 2018 – 8:44 pmReplyCancel

  • Christine Carter - Ah… Those were the days, right? My gosh, it WAS so much simpler then. I’m glad I don’t go to high school these days. I can only imagine what I would have done with social media during those crazy, reckless, wandering years!July 30, 2018 – 8:46 amReplyCancel

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