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

My first thought about this week’s Finish the Sentence Friday prompt of “I’m afraid of/that…” was that I could write about my fear of dying. But then I thought about the difference between fear and worry, and what that means. My fear of spiders and other all bugs (except fireflies because they are awesome and […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • JT Walters - I have lots of worry but when everything has either died or been taken then what left do I have to fear. If I can’t change my situation then why worry.

    Fear and worry is for people who still have things to lose. I have already lost everything and frankly death will be a relief. That is how I feel and you know why.February 1, 2018 – 11:38 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - That breaks my heart but I understand. Although I do think that you can still change things. Maybe that’s me being naive.February 3, 2018 – 9:29 pmReplyCancel

      • JT Walters - I hope you are right. I think it is a beautiful thought and not naive.😊February 3, 2018 – 10:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Cheryl Blinston - Ha! I just dreamed of a snake biting me this week! It was scary. Thanks for hosting! Happy FridayFebruary 2, 2018 – 12:04 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - I’m glad I didn’t read this last night because certainly that snake would have come! Is it okay that I laughed at the sinkhole. I think irrationally like that too. LOL! We had several potholes in our neighborhood after the big snow. So I was wondering if the ice had been so heavy that the road would cave in to sinkholes. They’ve been fixed. I guess I can relaz about that.

    As for *that* old – that’s what I say about my parent. They aren’t *that* old. 🙁February 2, 2018 – 6:42 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’m glad then too that you didn’t. Because I’d feel guilty forever! Weird about the potholes and sinkholes. I don’t think they’re related but sinkholes are scary in general and when do they happen? Yikes. Ugh to *that* old. Same, with the parents…February 3, 2018 – 9:31 pmReplyCancel

  • Vickie - I think death is a given for many of us. Snakes! I do get that!!!February 2, 2018 – 8:57 amReplyCancel

  • Debi - I was running once and nearing a woman walking two German Shepards. I knew that I shouldn’t run right up behind them and startle them, so I made a wide arc onto the grass to the left of them. The dogs were startled anyway and both of them lunged at me, snarling and growling and barking while the woman walking them struggled to put her phone away and get control of the leashes. I have never run a faster 1/10 of a mile, not before and not since. They never touched me, but they were SO SCARY that I now run wide arcs around every dog in my path: Yorkies, elderly retrievers, our neighbor’s chihuahua-and-maybe-potbelly-pig mix. I just do not want to be scared like that. I get it!February 2, 2018 – 11:58 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Wow. That sounds so so scary… and also LOL to the maybe-potbelly-pig mix. My last dog was a shepherd and he was the most gentle creature ever, but I now they aren’t all that gentle. There’s a reason we’re afraid of them… Thank you. I’m so glad you told me about this.February 3, 2018 – 10:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - You’re right that there is a distinction between fear and worry and yet sometimes we muddle the two together. I feel as if fear is more prominent and yet momentary while worry is persistent and often nagging below the surface. Either way, I missed your drawings — they made me smile today. 🙂February 2, 2018 – 12:44 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Emily. I so appreciate you saying so about the drawings… I didn’t know what to write and sortof hated this prompt even though I came up with it… The fear and worry, they are so often tangled up together.February 3, 2018 – 10:29 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - I don’t think you’re at that age yet! When my grandfather died 100, we called it sad. My father at 36? Tragedy.
    I’m not afraid of sinkholes or lava or satellites. But when I think of malls, I’m afraid of active shooters.February 2, 2018 – 4:37 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I guess the fact that we’re all at that age every day is what scares me. Your dad, tragedy. And omg to the active shooters.February 3, 2018 – 10:30 pmReplyCancel

  • Pat B - I really enjoy your artwork here. They are so cute, and really help present your message in a great way.
    I don’t really fear what comes after death, but the timing of my death is a concern because of what that might mean to others.
    Having that dream for years would make me not want to go to bed.
    Thanks for the prompt this week.February 3, 2018 – 12:48 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you for your sweet words about my silly drawings, Pat. And yeah… I think I never feared death until I had a little boy who is now only 8, and I can’t imagine him not having me…. Gah. So glad you linked up!!!February 3, 2018 – 10:32 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerry - My grade eight class went to camp for a week and my sister came along, as a sort of guide for me. Well, we were playing that survival game, and I was given the distinction of being Mother Nature. We were walking in the woods on the camp’s land, just the two of us, when suddenly I heard a hissing sound in front of us. Well, it sounded like hissing, at first, but then my sister stopped walking abruptly and told me to back up, slowly. We’d come across a rattlesnake and that wasn’t hissing. It was the warning rattle it was giving us.

    I was afraid in that moment. A lot of games we’d play, like that one where you run and jump over something. Not a snake though, not unless absolutely necessary.

    Yikes!

    I do see your difference between fear and worry. I have been one or the other, but sometimes, the two get kind of tangled up.

    Lots of fears and worries. Not sure I can settle on what to write about for this one, but I’ll see. I am actually distracting myself with writing on my blog, when I have other writing I should be doing, some paid work that really needs to get completed.

    Thanks for this distraction.February 3, 2018 – 1:50 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OMG Kerry, that’s terrifying. I, too, heard that sound and deleted it from this post because it was too long already and I didn’t like it but had that same experience with the rattle.. wow.
      To the in general fear and worry… Yes, I get that. I need to write for some paid stuff too but gah, I just want to sleep right now 🙂February 3, 2018 – 10:35 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - Interesting point about fear vs worry…I think fear is more motivating than worry. If I’m scared, I do something to make myself not scared. Worrying is more passive, and always less effective.

    A viable age to die…ugh. I refuse to believe that until…well, until later. Much later.February 7, 2018 – 4:07 pmReplyCancel

I have far fewer photos in albums than the 26,942 that live in my phone. Most of my digital ones begin in 2007, which makes sense – that’s when the first iPhone was released. Before then, we were stuck dropping off a roll of film and waiting to pick up the envelope of memories. Most […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Kenya G. Johnson - Omg girl – see masterpiece! I’m out of breath! I’d love that experience but I couldn’t do it as well as you, go as deep (physically or mfbtalky) to appreciate all its worth!January 25, 2018 – 10:16 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Again, masterpiece is cringy (is this a word that Christopher uses? Tucker says “cringy” all the time and now it’s in my brain) but thank you. It’s funny. I REALLY struggled. And then when I started writing about diving, I didn’t. I think I’m getting this. Next time, I maybe will skip the back-story…. anyway, I think I’m getting this. And OMG you should so go diving. I think Christopher is almost old enough. It’s super-safe, and wow-amazing life changing. I want to go after finding this photo. Which is the worst photo ever but wow, I want to go diving so I guess it worked. Thank you for the idea, co-host!January 25, 2018 – 11:25 pmReplyCancel

      • Kenya G. Johnson - You did fine! And considering the fact that you did it in the 11th hour makes it a masterpiece to me. I couldn’t have done it. And back to scuba diving – we all snorkled in Jamaica, it was awesome, and water you could also see clear to the bottom but I just don’t think I could go deep to where I could see the dark park. Nemo made me scared of the drop off.January 26, 2018 – 7:13 amReplyCancel

        • Kristi Campbell - LOL to Nemo making you scared of the drop off. Most dives I’ve been on don’t have big drop offs but in Turks & Caicos, the walls are amazing. Ooh I love seeing to the bottom of the water. I haven’t been to Jamaica but have heard the water’s amazing. And thanks!January 26, 2018 – 4:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Valerie Newman - Kristi. What a fantastic, life changing experience. Love the meme, “Thank the earth for places that man still knows nothing about”.January 26, 2018 – 8:01 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Val! I love that there are still places we have no idea about. There’s something magical about that.January 26, 2018 – 4:10 pmReplyCancel

  • Debi Lewis - WOW!

    I could picture all of that, Kristi. Beautifully written!!!

    I’m terrified of scuba diving; as an asthmatic, having to control and be conscious of my breathing is too scary for me. That said, I love snorkeling, and I find the sensations to be similar. You reminded me that we need to get a plan together for spring break — maybe somewhere I can snorkel. 🙂January 26, 2018 – 9:56 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Debi! I can imagine that scuba diving with asthma is a big no-no but love that you enjoy snorkeling! I’m always scared that the water will get in the breathing thing – silly I know. OOOH spring break snorkeling! Nice!January 26, 2018 – 4:11 pmReplyCancel

  • JT Walters - Alex and I have very similar experiences except in the sky. When we fly, it is a magical place where we almost believe our prayers can be heard. Flying through clouds blind requires a leap of faith. We are humbly small in aw of the world, aerodynamics, physics and yet certain we are not the first people to have flown.

    I have scuba dived before but here. Sharks are the main concern not whales. It kinda stops spear fishing. I never dove in the Turks and Caicos but parasailed and I loved that.

    But great sorrow and great joy must always come to an end. Nature believes in balance.

    I didn’t know FTSF had a Facebook page? You should include the link! Finding Nine Facebook page I’ve found.

    That you for the very visually descriptive FTSF article.

    Jobs are hard to come by!!January 26, 2018 – 11:29 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yes, flying can definitely be like that too especially in the small planes that you and Alex have taken. So cool.
      Yikes to diving with sharks. I suppose that’s always a danger. I’d freak out if I saw one! I went parasailing in Mexico once. It was fun but scary.
      Thank you for your kind words and yes, jobs are hard to come by!January 26, 2018 – 4:15 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - I think I told you once before how I “failed” the scuba diving class on our honeymoon. I just couldn’t do it — too freaked out. My husband passed and I told him to go without me, which he did. He came back saying how amazing it was and I cried the rest of the day.:( The way you describe it makes me want to try it again, but it also makes me scared. I’m just a wimp about some things. I did go zip lining in Costa Rica though, so there’s that!! And that job you once had — so cool! When I worked at the ASPCA, I was able to bring my dog to work (of course, bc it’s the ASPCA!), but there was no free candy or beer Fridays. I gotta find a job like that one!!January 26, 2018 – 6:23 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - See and I think I might pass on ziplining… I went once when I was a kid at camp but the older I get the more afraid of heights I am. I might do it, if Tucker really wanted to but I might pass. And I need to find a job like that old one too! I don’t think companies are that cool any longer. Well, maybe Google and Facebook… and Apple? But maybe not. Lawsuits and stuff with beer Fridays I bet.January 26, 2018 – 8:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - I know that feeling so well. When I had graduated college and was between jobs, I went to Key West and spent a boatload of money without a care in the world. I miss that weightlessness.. literally and figuratively.January 29, 2018 – 12:59 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I miss that time too. Literally and figuratively. How much did you dive?January 31, 2018 – 12:44 amReplyCancel

  • Allison G smith - It upsets me that your boss didn’t give you a heads up. Two weeks????? I’ve never been scuba diving, probably never will. Too scared. But I do want to go to Turks and Caicos!January 29, 2018 – 5:34 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yeah, he was an uberjerk. Seriously. He was stoned all the time, and thought he was much more brilliant than he was. He used to yell at me from his office to help him with PowerPoint. The days 😀 D: D You so should go to Turks and Caicos!January 31, 2018 – 12:45 amReplyCancel

  • Echo - This is so beautiful. I could serious almost feel it. It is kind of how I felt the first time I saw the ocean. I was 27 and my husband drove me to Florida. When he pointed it out to me as it appeared in view tears welled in my eyes. It was magic.January 31, 2018 – 10:38 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I cried when I saw Lake Tahoe, Echo. Totally could not hold back tears. I love that you felt the same way when you saw the ocean. There’s something magic about it for sure.February 1, 2018 – 8:09 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - Your description of the dive is both awesome and terrifying! I think I’m still traumatized by those choose your own adventure books I read as a kid – there was one where you scuba dived, got the bends, and died. Ridiculous, I know. But for some reason I can’t forget that.

    I’m glad you don’t have the same silly fears! I also am in awe of places on earth we know nothing about. I felt that way a bit in Alaska.January 31, 2018 – 2:48 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’ve read that too! But wow, Dana, if you can get over that? You and your family would LOVE it. I mean wow, you’ve gone so many amazing places. Under the ocean? Oh please say you’ll consider it. Just thinking about it makes me want Tucker to be old enough to go (and I spend most of my time not wishing him older, but younger because I miss littler-him).February 1, 2018 – 8:10 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerry - I skipped this photo week, though I do post photos on my blog sometimes and may join in on one in a future month.

    I don’t think I’d get much out of this, like how I am going to the west coast in May and thought about taking a whale boat cruise because I love whales. The risk is mostly that maybe there will be some, off in the distance, and I won’t hear them, making it really just a boat ride and I don’t enjoy boat rides much at all for the hell of it.

    So, still your description of seeing down deep and imagining freeing from tank and things and drifting down. Wow. Of course, not really, but wow.

    I do like that there are places man hasn’t conquered yet, though if we don’t learn more, we don’t protect things enough. Or, perhaps, we’d just mess it all up if we knew more of what’s down there and easier ways to get to it. So I don’t know.

    So, as I often think of just going for more things, tonight, as I read I consider just going scuba diving anyway, even if it would be possibly confusing and disconcerting without being able to see. Still, maybe the experience of that state of being would be worth it all.February 2, 2018 – 11:26 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I completely understand feeling like it wouldn’t be worth it. And, honestly, it may not be. There is though, the freedom of breathing underwater. Of weightlessness. That’s pretty powerful, too, although you could scuba dive in a large pool to get those feelings. This week is a photo week too…February 21, 2018 – 8:03 pmReplyCancel

Winter Winter snow pants hang on the door of the coat closet rather than in it. Boots litter the floor along with chunky salt crystals tracked in from the porch. Gloves and hats tumble from an out-of-place box that sits more neatly on a shelf in warmer months. Dark-too-early days combine with school cancellations and […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Kenya G. Johnson - Beautiful snow angel in the asphalt!

    The part you wrote about him being taller from the night before, I wish that was something I’d taken pictures of for a timelaspe. The little head that barely reached the top of the mattress that used to come to wake me up in the morning to the age he stopped doing it. But I can remember one time looking to see if he was standing on something becuase he looked so tall.

    And about your three days in a row once upon a time, this year Christopher has had three full days of school in a row. That’s it. Oh my – and yes to more winter to be had. Maybe not so much here, I don’t know. This winter has already been uncharacteristic for us. We shall see.January 19, 2018 – 7:40 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Perfect snow angel right? And on a tennis court…but still. And wow, maybe I need to start taking more pictures. I take pictures of him all the time but not maybe enough about how tall he is compared to things (or me). Thanks for that idea. It’s warm-ish here now but going to get cold cold again. Like you said, we shall see.January 19, 2018 – 10:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Debi - Oh my gosh, the newspaper bags over our feet! I TOTALLY remember that, except we used plastic grocery bags which showed over the top of the boots and were horribly, horribly embarrassing. And as for your before-school fun, that is the real good stuff of parenting — being able to say yes to something amazing and paradigm-shifting for a kid. Tucker is a lucky boy!January 19, 2018 – 11:02 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - LOL to the embarrassment. Me too except that I also was a “walker” and so felt sorry for the bus kids who could wear tennis shoes all the way haha. Aw thanks, I almost said no to sledding before school but then was like “why not?” It’s more about sanity and the moments than being a good parent most of the time for me. 🙂January 19, 2018 – 10:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa@TheGoldenSpoons - I love winter, but getting a bit of cabin fever today. They said we would get just a couple inches of snow Tuesday night-Wednesday morning. It snowed ALL DAY Wednesday and we ended up with a bout 9 inches. Loving the lazy snow days, but we’ll pay for it in spring when we desperately need a break and don’t get one !:-)January 19, 2018 – 11:10 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’ve gotten the cabin fever a few times since December whatever-it-was when Tucker’s school let out. Trying to work and do all the things is so hard.
      WOWOWOWOWOWOOW to 9 inches where you are! Amazing! That’s so cool but also yes. To paying it back. Here, we only pay it back now when we don’t have snow days. A few years ago (maybe 5????) we had like 11 snow days and so the schools built that many in and now we never use that many but also don’t get out early if we don’t which is just dumb…January 19, 2018 – 10:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - I love that phrase, “clocks that laugh” at us…I so remember that feeling when my boys were younger because I wanted them to go to bed so I could go to bed! Now, I go to bed before them sometimes because…teenagers! I’ve discovered that one of the keys to surviving a long, cold, winter (like this one is proving to be) is a good, warm winter coat! My husband got me a new coat for Christmas and it’s so warm — I’m not nearly as cranky now! 🙂January 19, 2018 – 1:14 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Gah, thanks, Emily. I look at my clocks all the time and feel like they are laughing at me. There’s one in my office that’s been “dead” for years and I still look. The time’s the same (for years) and yet my baby is now almost as tall as I am, and well, that’s the clock laughing, right?
      I can’t imagine going to bed before Tucker but also I can which is again, the clock laughing at me.
      OOOH I love that you got a new coat!!! Maybe that’s what I need… it’s been a while…January 19, 2018 – 10:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerry - I used to love going sledding on the hill in my yard or the barn bank at my friend’s place. All of us lived in the country and so snow days were common. Now my nephew lives in that house I grew up in and goes to school out in the country too. He has had several snow days already this winter.

    I am glad you and your boys made it back from your winter driving adventure safe. Winter driving can be treacherous, that’s for sure.

    This post made me think of that famous old classic line: “back in my day, we used to have to walk miles in the snow just to get to school,” which makes me picture my grandparent’s days of going to a one room schoolhouse.January 19, 2018 – 2:02 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’m not sure exactly why but it makes me very happy that your nephew lives in the house you grew up in and goes to school out in the country. That feels so, I don’t know… good, somehow. I hope that makes sense. As somebody who lives far away from family and travels for tradition, that just feels happy to me.
      LOL to “Back in my day…”
      We used to make fun of my dad for saying how he had to walk so far to school. But in truth he did. He walked a few miles.
      When I was a kid, I probably walked 1/4 of a mile with my newspaper bags and boots, but today? Tucker’s not allowed to walk because the street in front of the school is super-busy… so there’s truth to it, I guess…January 19, 2018 – 10:30 pmReplyCancel

  • JT Walters - I’m happy Tucker still goes down slides. Alex was offended when I took him to the park at five(5). He thought it was too babyish.

    “I’m bored” is a child’s favorite saying and it is suppose to irritate you. You are adulting “The act of attempting to live an adult life while raising a child.” and not the grand entertainer. It is important for all children to be bored so they learn to “Entertain themselves” and this help their autonomy, creativity, and independence. You can appreciate the fact that Tucker is bored and appreciate Tucker without having to pressure yourself.

    Yes, his as all children before him, childhood is fleeting. It is both wonderful and horrifying. Wait until the morning he shows up to breakfast taller than you. I’ve been through that and while I never took a minute for granted, I think it would have been okay to not pressure myself so much. After all, no one will ever appreciate or love our children as we have. Are we setting them up for failure expecting so much love and attention? What happens when our children say, “I’m bored.” and another adult says unkind words in response.

    What happened when you were bored?

    Went to a friend’s house?
    Wrote a story?
    Crafted?
    Played a video game?
    Taught yourself something?

    My point is boredom is a bridge to creativity, independence, and autonomy. The answer should be, “Good.” It is an opportunity for emotional growth to match the physical grow you see everyday and a sign Tucker is ready to start becoming creative. Let go of making everything structured and let him start structure his down time.

    I put centers in my classroom every year just so children had constructive creative down time to grow. Perhaps a center (no Zelda in centers) or two with activities to do when Tucker is bored. We always have tons of books to read. Reading is a good activity as is writing a story or even building a model. These are skills but then cut out two hours of time a day just to enjoy the fleeting days of your son’s childhood.

    Boredom is a bridge, IMO.January 19, 2018 – 5:07 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I tell him that Steve Jobs was bored and thought about having 1,000 songs in your pocket and made it happen. I think we’re on the same page for sure, although also, I very much wish I’d had Tucker at a younger age and gave him a sibling or two.
      But yes, I remember being bored. We played, and it was glorious. Thank you for the reminder.January 19, 2018 – 11:35 pmReplyCancel

      • JT Walters - If you had Tucker younger, he wouldn’t be Tucker. And if you had more children, there is no guarantee they’d get along and you’d have more bored children on snow days and less time with Tucker than you do now.

        I have those feelings too but if I am totally honest with myself a second child would not be for Alex but for me. I miss having a baby, toddler, child that grew up and became a brooding teenager.

        Alex wouldn’t want to share me and I seriously doubt Tucker wants to share you. I have those thoughts too but our son’s come first. There are less costly and less time consuming ways to deal with boredom. I use to pull out schematics and circuit boards making Alex put them together. I differed.

        Please be kind to yourself. You are an awesome Mom and the perfect Mom for Tucker. His life is exactly as it should be complaints of boredom and all. You did a good job Momma Bear!!😊January 20, 2018 – 1:01 amReplyCancel

        • Kristi Campbell - This is true, about if I had Tucker younger, and I think about that a lot. I’m thankful for the boy I have, versus the one(s) I may have had if I’d been younger. Still, sometimes, I wish I were younger… I get what you’re saying about Alex and Tucker not wanting the competition… here we are, and YOU please be kind to yourself, too… things will get better. I have to believe that for you. xoJanuary 21, 2018 – 12:45 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - I don’t hear “I’m bored” anymore…there is no more boring when you always have a phone in your hand! Or when a nap in the middle of the day sounds like a fabulous idea. Which it does at 16 or 19, but not at 8.

    Please don’t throw bowls of dinner at the wall. You know you’ll be the one cleaning it up.;)January 19, 2018 – 6:33 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Truth to the un-bored with a phone in your hand, especially when you have people to talk to. Tux has an iPad and it’s my go-to when I have to work from home, but it’s not the same as human connection. Which is gooooood…..LOL I’d always be the one cleaning it up. Probably.January 19, 2018 – 11:38 pmReplyCancel

  • zoe - Thanks for inviting me back here! It’s funny because I don’t even think of Tucker as a “little boy!” One of your stories made me remember when I was 5 and I stepped off the school bus into a snowbank and my mother had forgotten to come pick me up at the bus stop and I was so stuck in the snow bank that I couldn’t move and I don’t even know how long I stood there ,struggling to free myself , until she finally remembered that I was missing. Yeah parents didn’t worry quite as much back then I don’t think.January 20, 2018 – 9:22 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - SO HAPPY you’re back here, girl. LOL to parents not worrying as much back then. SO TRUE. And yeah, Tucker as a “little boy….” sigh. Eight is still kinda little though, right?? I mean it IS still little. He’s still little in his sweet, sensitive ways. OMG he’s so sensitive and sweet, but also doesn’t know how to be, sometimes.January 21, 2018 – 12:47 amReplyCancel

  • Pat B - I thought I’d already commented here, but I’m not seeing my post, so I don’t know if this is a duplicate or not.

    I loved the way you presented the different winters, and so nice to keep these tucked away in your memory banks.

    The word scenery of your Mom driving on that curvy slippery road is great, and then to follow up with your own experience. . .

    Oh, I can still remember the piles of wet coats and boots by the entry, especially when it wasn’t just your own kids’ winter coats and boots, but the neighbors’ too.January 22, 2018 – 9:49 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I don’t see your comment either so it doesn’t seem to be a duplicate. Thank you for the kind words about winter then and winter recently… LOL to the piles of wet coats and boots by the entry – we’re still dealing with that and have some gloves that I’m not sure who they belong to…January 24, 2018 – 7:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - I had a similar moment in upstate NY where we stopped sliding in time for a giant tractor trailer going the other way to miss us. Whew.
    My mom loves winter and I think of cracked skin, viruses, and people sliding on the ice.
    I need to think more about sledding before school and all of the memories my kids are making – with me, even when I feel it’s without me.January 24, 2018 – 10:16 pmReplyCancel

This is a Listicle Friday post. It’s the prompt for Week 2 of the newly formatted Finish the Sentence Friday writing community. I’m cohosting with Kenya Johnson of Sporadically Yours. This week we’re sharing 10 of our favorite things. I don’t much care for whiskers on kittens as I’m unable to breathe if I’m anywhere near a cat. […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Kenya G. Johnson - I don’t know if I grinned more at your favorite things or the fact that we are doing THIS. So cool!

    I don’t own ANY Uggs, maybe it’s not cold enough here to appreciate having a pair. I had on flip flops yesterday because my slippers were too hot. You know I love love love Apple products too but they are slowing making me mad with the updates and seemingly slowing down devices that are hardly old. I don’t think I’ll ever jump ship though. I like Apple grass.

    And just wait until Tucker’s voice starts to change. It’s going to stab you in the heart. Actually it’s kind of subtle, you’ll look back on a video and realize he doesn’t sound like that anymore. 🙁January 11, 2018 – 9:50 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It really is so cool that we’re doing this! I love it. And Uggs are so comfortable. You don’t have to wear socks with them (I don’t but maybe that’s weird). They’d be too hot with socks, I think. It’s hot here today like we texted but I haven’t been out really.
      Yeah, the updates with Apple are nuts. I’m still on the iPhone 7S and although the 10 looks cool, I think I can wait a little while this time.
      ARRRGH to Tucker’s voice starting to change. Reading that makes me want to take more videos of him now. I love love his voice. Sigh.January 12, 2018 – 6:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - I only own Ugg slippers, but I would wear them 24/7 if I could. In the winter, I almost do. Except when I’m in bed with my flannel sheets, which are one of my new favorite things. But I’m with you on good sheets.

    And to what Kenya said about Tucker’s voice ^^^ – so true about when it changes. Now I listen to videos when James had a boy voice, and it’s hard to remember him sounding that way. Sigh.January 11, 2018 – 10:08 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw to James boy voice. Like I said to Kenya, you all make me want to take more videos! Sigh sigh sigh for sure. YAY for Ugg slippers and flannel sheets. Good sheets are a big win.January 12, 2018 – 6:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - Great list! I share several of your favorites…as for your #1, yup, I totally get that. I remember that same feeling of wanting to hear my son’s voice. I remember the exact moment when I first heard him try to approximate the word “cookie” by saying, “cook, cook.” Pure music to my ears. 🙂January 12, 2018 – 8:59 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Awww to “cook, cook!” So cute! Those first words and attempts are precious and will be with me always. I know it. Thanks, Emily! xoxoJanuary 12, 2018 – 6:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa@TheGoldenSpoons - Ok. I honestly have never liked UGG boots, but those are kinda cute. Someone else posted a picture of some really cute UGG booties – like not “furry” ones – on Instagram over Christmas and I thought they were fabulous. And yes to good sheets! One of those adult realizations, isn’t it? Love that you and Kenya are teaming up and hope to do better with linking up this year!January 12, 2018 – 12:44 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I used to not like Ugg boots either but now I love them. They’re so comfy and comfy and well. Comfy! Maybe Ugg boots are in your future. I hope to see you more this year too! I hope this new format will get some of us back together more often. I miss those earlier days.January 12, 2018 – 6:28 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerry - Don’t you just love the sound flip-flops make when you walk? Know that sound I am referring to? I hate the part of winter where I must wear boots because I can never find a pair that fit me, as I have legs that are too thick for most pairs. Now flip flops I can get behind. My feet aren’t that big that it’s an issue to find a pair of flip flops that work.

    Wow. I have never said that much on the subject of flip flops before. Ah well.

    Love your list. Might have a few similar favourite things when I write up my own list later.January 13, 2018 – 10:18 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Kerry,
      I really really REALLY love the sound flip-flops make when you walk. Sorta like “flip, flop” maybe? Click clack? I love. I didn’t used to love that sound as it felt so un-shy but now I do love it. A friend of mine has a similar issue with finding boots – her calves are wide but she’s found a few pairs that are made for wider calves. I have a hard time finding boots for Tucker. His feet aren’t really “wide,” but they’re extra tall or something? Like from bottom of foot to top, they’re thicker than most people’s and no boots (or dress shoes) fit him. We have to get the extra wide with velcro ties and even those are at their limits. HAHA to never having said as much about flip flops. I hope you join in!January 13, 2018 – 9:14 pmReplyCancel

      • Kerry - It’s kind of a sucking sound, which many find irritating, but I like it.January 14, 2018 – 7:38 pmReplyCancel

  • clark - we called them ‘loris’ back when I was a kid (as opposed to back when I was young)… totally enjoyed wearing them. Even developed the odd, toe-clench technique that made running possible.
    I think this re-(something) of the FTSF will be fun.January 13, 2018 – 6:37 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - The toe-clench technique in making running possible in boots like this is a skill that should never be lost on anybody. You should probably buy some, just for that reason! And I think the re-something of FTSF will be fun, too. 🙂January 13, 2018 – 9:34 pmReplyCancel

  • Allie G smith - Love Uggs, and flip-flops. ANd flexibility (although still, the job is tough). I like amazon, especially now that I’m working. But still so so so sad about my beloved bookstores. Actually, one of my resolutions this year is to not order books from Amazon. And I still love malls….January 16, 2018 – 2:12 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OMG I’m so trying to not order books on amazon but Audible is now Amazon which sucks to much…January 16, 2018 – 10:54 pmReplyCancel

Hey friends. I know you’re confused about why I’m publishing on a Tuesday when I’ve been such a slacker reliable weekly writer of Finish the Sentence Friday. I have a super duper exciting announcement about Finish the Sentence Friday improvements and a new host! I know! I’m bouncing too! But, like all super duper exciting announcements and […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Linda Atwell - This is awesome!
    I hope you are having a blast in Colorado.
    Maybe I’ll even be able to participate in these once in a while!January 9, 2018 – 11:27 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I hope you will! We’re actually back from Colorado but it was fun. Tucker got to snow tube with his cousins for the third year in a row on NY day and that was magical. So was seeing family and friends.January 10, 2018 – 6:34 pmReplyCancel

  • Kelly L McKenzie - WOW! Gotta say I love this idea. I think it shakes things up in a refreshingly good way.

    I am sorry I’ve been neglectful lately with FTSF, guys. I’ve met some wonderful folks over here and I look forward to participating more and reading the posts.January 9, 2018 – 11:30 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I love that you love this idea, Kelly! I think you’re right about it shaking things up and no need to apologize for missing FTSF lately. I know life gets in the way of blogging. It’s pretty much the only time I post any longer. I hope you’ll join us!January 10, 2018 – 6:35 pmReplyCancel

  • Lizzi - WELL! This does sound exciting! Hope all goes well. Love the new idea and new graphic…and your new co-host is most definitely awesome.

    Might even join in, occasionally 😉

    (P.S. Ya gotta open parentheses to close them, or it makes it a parenthesis and that’s just lonely!!! I’M FLOORED ya did that *bitch, whine*)January 10, 2018 – 4:31 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Join in join in join in join in join in!!! Um, what parenthesis. Did I mess up? I posted late and am SICK but edited some today… and now I don’t see them. Ugh. Did I really???? Nah. I don’t believe it.January 10, 2018 – 7:09 pmReplyCancel

      • Lizzi - I *think* you edited it out without realising 😉January 11, 2018 – 2:01 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - I’m so thrilled! That’s a line a movie “Lady Sings the Blues”, so I said it in Diana Ross’s voice. Can’t remember if she was so thrilled for real or sarcastic, but I am so thrilled for real, ready to get this party started! Thanks for being on board, if you had approached me with this idea in a day, I would have had a heart attack.January 10, 2018 – 6:38 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’m so thrilled for real too and completely ready to get the party started! Whoot! HAHA to the heart attack. Honestly, when you said “and I’d be the co-host” I thought “Um, I don’t really want a co-host” until I heard the idea and then really wanted to do this with you. I’m so grateful for your idea. I love it and think it’s brilliant.January 10, 2018 – 7:11 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - Yay – how exciting! You and Kenya are two of my oldest blogging friends (as in I’ve known you the longest – you’re not old!)…I miss those days of connecting.January 10, 2018 – 8:45 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - LOL to clarifying that we’re old because you’ve known us the longest instead of just being old. 😀 I miss those days, too. Maybe this will help.January 10, 2018 – 7:11 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - Wow, this post was like a trip down memory lane for me — bloppy bloggers, blogging awards — fun times! And, I LOVE this new format — great idea and great new co-host too! Maybe this will give me motivation to participate more now. I’ve always loved FTSF because who doesn’t appreciate prompts?! Especially for bloggers with dwindling content like me! Looking forward to this!January 10, 2018 – 9:46 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I know right? I remember the first blogging award and I was FLOORED. I miss those days a little bit. And yeah, I have dwindling content too. I hope you’ll join!!! It’s a fun idea!January 10, 2018 – 7:14 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - I. Love. It. And if that’s the same Jena Schwartz, not only do we have mutual blogging friends, but she lives two towns over. We were at the same Regina Spektor concert.January 10, 2018 – 5:01 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It is Jena Schwartz. She’s amazing. You’re amazing. No wonder you live so close to one another. That’s really cool you were at the same concert!January 10, 2018 – 7:15 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - Love the pre-set schedule. Sounds like a fun concept!January 11, 2018 – 9:11 amReplyCancel

  • Kerry - You are right in that it isn’t such a bad idea to shake things up sometimes. I don’t always like writing lists, but maybe I can come up with ten things I love for this first one.

    I’ve been taking part in a stream of consciousness post each week (or nearly always each week) for a few years now: SoCS or Stream of Consciousness Saturday. I may combine both once a month.

    Not so sure about the photo one, but we’ll see. I can do the others. Sure.January 12, 2018 – 12:17 amReplyCancel

The calendar did that flip, flip, swish, swish thing again, and it’s almost 2018. And so, tonight, I look at the most unforgettable moments of 2017 (the best, the worst). 2017 holds wonder and light, and also intense grief and loss. I suppose all years do, although some are better than worse. 2017 was the […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • JT Walters - This year my first book will be published, I will have (1) art exhibition and Alex returns. The first to are for me but the last is my only real wish!December 28, 2017 – 11:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - Happy New Year Kristi! And may 2018 bring you many moments of joy, growth, acceptance, love and an awesome man-bun. 🙂December 29, 2017 – 9:42 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Emily! Happy happy new year to you! Here’s to all of those things for you and yours (although maybe your boys aren’t hoping for a man-bun but you know, other than that 😉December 29, 2017 – 10:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerry - Beautiful, as always, Kristi.

    Bad year in so many ways, but personally it was long awaited and I wasn’t about to let a certain foolish man child ruin that.

    Future on your nightstand. What a symbolic image that is.

    As for and speaking of this is us…the show returns on Tuesday night and I can’t think of a better way to start off 2018, but that’s just me.

    Happy New Year’s Kristi and I may just combine my end-of-the-year reflections post with both Ten Things of Thankful and FTSF.December 30, 2017 – 9:16 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you Kerry and yes, it’s important to not let that manchild ruin things but wow it’s hard to avoid the confusion and anger and… I can’t wait for This is Us again! I so hope you end up linking up with Ten Things and FTSF. Happy happy New Year, my friend. I hope 2018 is fabulous for you (I know it will be!). xoDecember 31, 2017 – 12:57 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - Middle aged is me now too, and most of the time, that’s okay. Wrinkles are life lines – years of smiling and laughing and scrunching up the head in concentration. May 2018 bring more laughter and smiling, and less of all the bad stuff. And a lunch or two with you.December 30, 2017 – 3:20 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Here’s to way more smiles and at LEAST a lunch or two with you. I try to remember that wrinkles are lifelines but wowza sometimes I look in the mirror and am surprised, dangit. Happy New Year, Dana!December 31, 2017 – 1:05 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - I really can’t wait to see the man-bun!
    Again, as always, you put into words what I feel inside – that these kids are still more ours than the future. So true. For now. It’s a beautiful and terrifying thing.
    I hope the year ahead is a good one for us all, in all the ways we need it to be. xoxoJanuary 1, 2018 – 10:47 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’ll definitely post manbun photos. And yeah, to the beautiful and terrifying. I hope 2018 is great for all of us as well. So much. XOXOJanuary 3, 2018 – 12:31 pmReplyCancel

  • Echo - 2017 was a shite year for us! It, literally, sent me to the Sanitarium! I definitely need 2018 to be better, so I am all for that rebel yell!!!!January 3, 2018 – 6:16 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - UGH to the Sanitarium! No more can they keep us in!
      Listen, damn it, we will win!
      Here’s to rebel yelling really effing loud and changing the whole wide world. xoJanuary 3, 2018 – 11:12 pmReplyCancel

  • Linda Atwell - This is perfect.
    I LOVE the picture of Tucker with Men in Black. How cool is that. And I cannot believe how much your little man looks like you! More and more all the time. I can’t wait to see a picture of his man-bun.
    I hope this year is better than last year. Maybe DT will be impeached?
    Hugs.January 4, 2018 – 2:46 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OMG from your lips. DT being impeached would be wonderful. Perfect! I’ll be sure to post some man bun photos 😉 and Happy New Year, my friend! xoJanuary 4, 2018 – 3:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - I think this time last year I was still in denial about 45. I can’t believe a year later that hasn’t been resolved. Sigh.

    I can’t wait for the debut of Tucker’s man bun. Maybe by his birthday/beach week?

    And Will Smith looks so real. They didn’t do as good with Tommy Lee Jones. Maybe they had a hard time trying to put in his wrinkles. LOL!January 7, 2018 – 5:37 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Right? Tommy’s face looks saggy or something but Will’s looks awesome… Maybe the man bun by this summer/birthday/beach, unless he cuts it off before then? I think he thinks about cutting it off but doesn’t want the attention of “omg Tux, you cut your hair!” and all that goes with it. We’ll see… And yeah, I’m in denial about 49. Gulllllllp. January 7, 2018 – 9:37 pmReplyCancel

  • Lux - Oh that is a beautiful way of putting things into perspective. Yes, time is fleeting. And the moments we hold dear are gone before we even notice. But the memories remain. Time is so important. That’s a favorite gift of mine to receive and give.January 8, 2018 – 3:43 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you Lux! And yes, the memories remain, thank goodness. Time goes too quickly sometimes for me!January 18, 2018 – 1:34 pmReplyCancel

  • My Inner Chick - **A ball caught rather than missed.

    A joke that flew rather than fell.

    Pants fitting just right.

    The time we said exactly what we wanted to – no more, no less.

    Love, returned.**

    beautiful, darling!

    OMGgggosh, and that photo above w/ Tucker and Men In Black, CLASSIC & Priceless. xxx from MN.January 13, 2018 – 1:47 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Sorry I just saw this Kim! Thank you thank you thank you and I love that photo, too! xoxoxo right back at you.January 18, 2018 – 3:04 pmReplyCancel

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