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

Recently, we said our final goodbyes to Lightning the Hamster. As we wrapped his too-still, too-light body in tissue and ziplock bags, I remembered my own childhood and how I once loved a pet rat named Pip Squeak. Today, Lightning waits in the freezer for warmer ground and a proper background pet funeral with a […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - Look at that boy rocking his IEP! Major win! Happy dancing for you here. 🙂
    Lightning and Strike? Hey buddy I hope you’re OK and not cold? Oh. My. Heart. He is too too cute. And yeah, I’d have caved and brought home a new pet, too, because that unexpected love? And that desire to make all things right for these kids of ours? Yeah. We have three cats already and when Zilla fell in love with one during our volunteer stint at the animal shelter over the summer? I seriously considered the logistics of bringing that little cat home. We didn’t, of course, mostly because four cats is kind of insane and our high-maintenance Rottens would never have stood for it. Still, I wonder if she was adopted…is she OK? Do people love her? *sigh* I need a bigger house for all the hypothetical cats we love.February 21, 2016 – 11:22 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I know right?? He’s SO rocking it. Of course, he’s also so not but that’s okay… My heart too with the whole not cold thing. He has experience with death with his Granny (my husband’s mom) who had an open casket. He whispered “shhh” then too when he was two. And then one of the church ladies got annoyed with him for running in church. He was two.
      And he was him. Running laps is what he does.
      We would SO HAVE CATS if I could breathe around them. Stupid mean allergies. I can’t even breathe around them for real. It’s not just itchy eyes and stuff. I mean I have like cat-induced-asthma. Which so sucks. 🙁 I need a bigger house anyway 🙂February 22, 2016 – 11:10 pmReplyCancel

  • Margaretha (Equine Guided MD) - We lost one of our horses to colic in 2014 and like you, I promptly went and got another. A pet’s death is difficult (our Beau was a pasture pet) to cope with, but rescuing another fills the gap. Some of the gap, anyway.February 21, 2016 – 11:55 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Oh wow, losing a horse. That feels so much harder. I have loved horses forever and went to horse camp and was even offered a job herding in MT riding but life never made it convenient. But wow. A horse. Why is it that that feels so much bigger? Bigger brains? Better bonding? Anyway, thank you.February 22, 2016 – 11:12 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerry - The concept of death, pet or human, it is a hard one, not just for children. It’s hard to wrap the head around, no matter how old. Sweet that he thought his deceased pet would be cold. I recently was thinking about my guide dog, buried in the yard. It’s easier not to let the mind wander to that place.
    Caving is alright, when it comes to allowing your child to love something again, as dearly as most kids love and will always remember their pets.
    Glad your son is doing well in school. I remember, when I was old enough to attend my own IEP meetings, but that was more when I was entering high school. It can be hard to be signgled out as different, but hopefully there are those school officials who are supportive. You sound like you give him all the help you can.
    Glad you and Lizzi and the other ladies had such a wonderful time.February 22, 2016 – 1:20 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It so is hard, Kerry, and thanks for saying so. I can think of the pets in my childhood home, that somebody else now owns.. sigh. Thanks for the caving justification and the remembering.
      So far, IEP is mostly okay but we’ll see as I hear and know it gets harder the older the kids get. Glad you went to your own though.February 22, 2016 – 11:14 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - You are better than I am! I could never. I told my kids the only real pet we could have was a dog. I guess I amended that to dogs and cats.
    So we’ll see if I amend again!February 22, 2016 – 9:55 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Ugh I wish we could have the cat. And I think I’m ready for a dog again.February 22, 2016 – 11:16 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - I am a weak mama too, especially when it comes to animals! And, T’s “I won” face is priceless…And even though I’m barely a blogger these days, I am simultaneously happy and envious that you are seeing all these fellow bloggers in real life. I suppose if I was more active in that world, I’d be hanging with all of you at BlogHer and such things. Well, I’m glad I can at least catch glimpses of what it would be like. 🙂February 22, 2016 – 10:31 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - LOL I know his “I WON” looks like total 6yo manipulation and victory right? And yet I think it’s adorable which is further proof that I am WEAK. I know I will meet you in person. It’s going to happen. It has to.February 22, 2016 – 11:18 pmReplyCancel

  • christine - For the love of all that is holy!! How? HOW do I now know two people with dead rodents in their freezers?!?!?! I’m speechless.

    The guinea pig is adorable. My kids have no idea a person can purchase an animal from the pet store. When the kids were little and we needed to kill time, I’d take them to see the fish and other animals, but it was more zoo and less store as far as they were concerned. 🙂
    Not gonna lie, I’m quite jealous that you were able to entertain Lizzi AND go to the big birthday bash. I would have loved to be there.
    Not jealous of the snow, but glad you and Tucker had some fun in it.February 22, 2016 – 12:59 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Obviously you have horrible taste in friends, Christine. Because WHO KEEPS A RODENT IN THE FREEZER???
      Also that Brit the Liz was here and suggested it because of Dyanne. I was like “sorry hubs, go dig now we need a funeral” but Lizzi said “Oh Dyanne keeps them in the freezer” and I was like hum okay…
      Wish you were at the birthday. And here so I could meet you.February 22, 2016 – 11:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - Welcome to the family, Strike! Better yours than mine, Kristi – I do NOT do small furry things. Just bigger furry things.

    Yay to a yummy lunch and seeing you and Lizzi…I’m always thankful for that.February 22, 2016 – 5:32 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yeah well… allergies and life dictate more than they should cause I KNOW you’d have caved. Maybe. 😉February 22, 2016 – 11:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Dyanne @ I Want Backsies - Let it go on the record that I tried to talk you into a guinea pig when you were thinking hamster….
    Guinea pigs are so cool! If you whistle to them, they will whistle (well, squeal, but it sounds like a whistle) back. Ours did it when they heard my footsteps on the stairs in the morning.
    If you get tired of litter, I can tell you about an awesome way to have reusable fleece bedding in their cage instead. They love it and it’s less mess, sort of.February 22, 2016 – 8:16 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - YOU SO DID. I remember (bows head). And YES please tell me about the fleece bedding and whether it’s true we need two of them and already I think the cage is too small although I asked at the store… Also they crap a lot huh?February 22, 2016 – 11:31 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - How could anyone say no to that face?!?!?! And, yay for rocking the IEP!!! You may be a weak woman, but you are a great, strong mama! 🙂February 22, 2016 – 9:42 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Right? NOBODY could say no to that face. Or maybe practical people could but I couldn’t! And thanks for the yay for the IEP – huge stuff. Also thank you. For coming. For saying. 🙂February 22, 2016 – 11:33 pmReplyCancel

  • Cynthia - This post is so sweet! From hamsters to guinea pigs to reunions with wonderful friends to Tucker’s improvement in his phrases. Yay! I went to our local no-kill shelter and came home with probably the most deranged dog they had (I did not know this at the time). But you love them unexpectedly anyways…even when you take them on a walk and at the end of the street is the tax place with a little waving balloon guy who makes your dog freak out and growl and never mind that all the ladies at the bank across the street were looking out the window at him and laughing…hard. But that’s neither here nor there. Hehe.
    Sending hugs! It’s good to be back blogging…if irregularly, but still. 🙂February 22, 2016 – 9:47 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - LOL Tell me more about your most deranged dog? I once had one of them, but wow did I love him. I’m so glad you’re back. I think all of us who were once regular no longer are, with only a few exceptions!February 22, 2016 – 11:34 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandra - Now I’m all nostalgic for the pet guinea pig we used to have…damn you! They are the sweetest little things.February 27, 2016 – 3:23 amReplyCancel

Ok first, friends, I have less than 20 minutes to write this post as I’ve been working on something else today, which I am excited to announce here and promise to do so soon. I say this because holycrapwow, I didn’t have time to do Finish the Sentence this week the way that I wanted to. […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • JT Walters - Once I knew the truth I’d have done exactly what I did. I have done everything I know how to help my son. As you know he just received the diagnosis of (LKS) far too late for the IVIG to give him his words. I just pray he does not have a third rare disease.

    I have been criticized for only hearing what I want). That is not true at all. I believe remaining optimistic is a force multiplier. Being pessimistic in our situation is counter productive. And just because some says something to me does not mean I am required to respond especially if it is negative.

    I’d change nothing because I honesty embraced everything I could get for my son. We flew to Ohio for healthcare for years.

    Everything I have done was in the best interest of Alex.February 18, 2016 – 10:38 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You’re so right that being pessimistic is counter-productive. You are an amazing mama. Truly.February 19, 2016 – 3:50 pmReplyCancel

      • JT Walters - We are all amazing parents and should support each other on our respective journeys celebrating each and every achievement because they mean so much more in our world. We never take our children’s achievements for granted.February 19, 2016 – 4:37 pmReplyCancel

  • Linda Atwell - Out One Ear - Yes, yes, yes. I love the line, “each moment that leads us to now makes us who we are,” because it is so true. If we would have taken a different path, made a different decision, would we be who we are or a different version of who we are? I don’t want any do-overs either–although hindsight does offer fresh wisdom. Oh well, can’t wait to hear what you are working on. I’m sure it is super exciting, awesome, incredible!February 19, 2016 – 1:08 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks Linda! You’re so kind! Where are you these days anyway? Are you back from sunny Mazatlan??February 19, 2016 – 4:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Sufian - Hi,

    Hope you are doing great Job.

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    Muhammad SufianFebruary 19, 2016 – 8:25 amReplyCancel

  • Michele - So much to say. First, I can’t wait to see what you’re cooking up that you’re going to reveal soon! Second, I love the mental picture of Tucker flexing in the mirror, wanting to be “mega-strong.” That is so awesome. And finally – don’t you sometimes think of life as one of those “choose your own adventure” books? Like, if I hadn’t moved here when I did, or taken that job when I did, or, or, or…but we can’t look back and instead, like you say, can only be grateful for the choices that brought us to where we are today. I’m grateful that all of our choices brought us to LTYM at the same time! xoFebruary 19, 2016 – 9:54 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw thanks for reading, Michele. I ended up changing this post but the message remains that our paths do take us to who we become. I, too, am so very glad that Listen to Your Mother brought us together!! 🙂February 19, 2016 – 5:45 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - If we went back to do over, we wouldn’t have the things (or people) who have contributed to who we are today. I’ve had Christopher 11 years and his existence has made such an impact on my life. So yes yes yes – “each moment that leads us to now makes us who we are.”

    Anyway, life is getting in the of me writing an FTSF post, I just can’t even with 20 mins. I wish I could! I’d post more often.

    Can’t wait to hear the details of your announcement!February 19, 2016 – 2:08 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Kenya, it’s so true how much our kids impact our lives and give new meaning to everything. Also, the linkup stays open until Sunday. I so hope you’ll link up. By the way, I’m super excited as I ordered CC2 today!! WHOOT!February 19, 2016 – 5:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - Yup, I knew too. There’s something about a mama’s instinct that overrides everything else. Oh and I’m with Tucker – I want abs too! 🙂February 19, 2016 – 2:20 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It’s funny how much we know without knowing, isn’t it? And I want abs too!February 19, 2016 – 5:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Allie - He want’s abs? Me too! I love that kid!February 20, 2016 – 11:22 amReplyCancel

  • Tamara - The Apple stocks. Yes. And the 2008 stock market crash. I still get so annoyed.. but I musn’t think about it.
    Instead I’ll think of perfect babies with abs.February 20, 2016 – 3:48 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Perfect babies with abs. 😀 Love. And yeah, I can’t think about that stuff too much either. No regrets, right? RIGHT. right. RIGHT.February 21, 2016 – 2:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Pat B - What a beautiful photo of you and your little guy. I’ve held very preemie grand babies. I too have some large dog shaped holes in my heart, but I know the love that these animals gave to me and received from me. I love your comment about life having its turning points. That is so true, and they really don’t stop. We continue to learn from each phase of our lives and our interactions with others. Thank you for a beautiful post.February 20, 2016 – 11:58 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks so much Pat, and it really is true that we learn so much from each experience – maybe even from the most difficult ones even more than from our successes. I appreciate you coming by, linking up, and for your kind comment!February 21, 2016 – 2:23 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - I don’t want many do-overs either. What if they changed where I am now…and I don’t want to change that.

    Before you know it, Tucker will have those abs. My boy’s get more defined as mine get less. Sigh.February 21, 2016 – 1:35 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandra - Oh my gawsh I so miss the 80s and my great curly hair and I thought I was all-that! But I do wish I could go back and pay closer attention to my little babies instead of wishing those long, sleepless nights away. Now that I’m a postpartum nurse and I see the mothers crying after two sleepless nights, I want to tell them, “Trust me, in 12 years you’ll wish you had held this baby and just cherished this moment instead of crying because you have had no sleep in 6 days.” Wimps.February 27, 2016 – 3:19 amReplyCancel

When I was six, we lived in a small house with a linoleum kitchen near the entrance, a family room on the right, and a 70’s carpeted hallway between the two that led to our bedrooms. Mine was at the end on the left, and my younger brothers shared the one on the right. On […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Kenya G. Johnson - Beauuuuutiful! I think the advantage of being an older mom is that we can’t hardly be a grandparent at 45 like some of my friends. So therefore, we ARE younger and probably FEEL younger that a 45-year-old grandma.

    And I LOVE the way children love.February 11, 2016 – 10:33 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You know, that’s really true. It gives us experiences in life that we may have experienced before, but are doing so now… and that DOES keep us younger, because being the mom to a boy who is six, at my age…February 12, 2016 – 10:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Don - Hey! I’m the dad to a six year old boy who just lost his tooth! Is it the same kid? This was really great, Kristi. You weren’t meant to be a mom to Tman until you were. Young you wouldn’t have the same patience or understanding or experience to deal with him the same. You’d have still been great, but not as great as you are now. Just my opinion. For what it’s worth, I think you’re beautiful too, wrinkly ass and all.February 11, 2016 – 10:36 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Hey! I do think it’s the same kid because hello. Wait, that never happened. Right so thanks, you. So right that I wasn’t his mom, until I was and yeah. Thanks for thinking my wrinkly ass face is beautiful.February 12, 2016 – 10:23 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - You sure are, and I am too!
    I remember being six but I remember even more how I felt when my sister-in-law got a job teaching first grade.
    “First grade?? That’s so little and adorable!”
    I have to tell myself that a lot.
    By the way, I’m linking up tomorrow. I love this.February 11, 2016 – 11:27 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I remember six and also when I was nine, thinking they were so young, as my mom taught first and second grade. I have to tell myself too.February 12, 2016 – 11:05 pmReplyCancel

  • Julie S. - This is wonderful because you’re so right, in our child’s eyes we are a super hero and can do everything that is amazing. But don’t we just see something different when we look in that mirror?February 12, 2016 – 12:14 amReplyCancel

  • Sandra - This was so lovely and although there was so much success substance to this post, the second you mentioned wrinkles and sagging skin, I started pulling at the waddle on my neck. I wish I was okay with ageing but I don’t think I’ll ever be.February 12, 2016 – 10:21 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Sandra, UGH to the wrinkles. Trust me that I am not immune to treatments and expensive lotions and all of the all shit. Gah.February 12, 2016 – 11:28 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - Yup, you nailed yet another FTSF post! I think I was too afraid to try this one this week, because looking into a mirror now and I mean REALLY looking is scary and I’m not just talking about the aging stuff (which sucks – ugh I hate my neck now!) but all that stuff on the inside too that may not actually be reflected in a mirror but you know it’s there. I think Kerri said it best in the comments on FB that this post was like therapy and I so get that.February 12, 2016 – 10:35 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw thanks Emily and you know that you’d ROCK this prompt, and just saying that it’s open until Sunday if you decide to write…February 13, 2016 – 12:57 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Also yeah, I know. Aging SUCKS 🙁February 13, 2016 – 12:57 amReplyCancel

  • Rabia @TheLiebers - Our kids make us feel old and at the same time they keep us young. I spent 20 minutes the other night watching my boys jump over my sewing mat on the floor. “Watch me, Mommy!” and then “Ooops! I blinked, guys. Do it again!” It was hysterical! And one of those “guess you had to be there” moments!February 12, 2016 – 11:07 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I love your had to be there moment! Sounds fun, and beyond time and space and wrinkles.February 13, 2016 – 12:59 amReplyCancel

  • Allie - This was hard for me to read. I’ve been struggling with the mirror lately. All the insecurity you describe, that’s me. Damn father time! And yes, I know deep down in my soul aging is better than the alternative, but that doesn’t mean we have to be comfortable with it. As for those other moms….well you know my feelings on that.February 12, 2016 – 1:10 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Allie, I know. DAMN FATHER TIME. For real. I know too, that it’s better than the alternative but still, it sucks to remember looking better but also when we looked better we still saw flaws and in 10 years, in 20, we’re going to wish we still loo like we do NOW, which is maybe hardest part of all.February 13, 2016 – 1:01 amReplyCancel

  • Echo - This is so beautiful. I really love your perspective on yourself and life. It’s wonderful to be open to seeing yourself through someone else’s eyes. I hope that I can reach that point someday as well.February 12, 2016 – 2:12 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Echo, I hope that you can too. I write that I can, and sometimes, I really do, but also I write to remind me that what I see isn’t what is really there…February 13, 2016 – 1:02 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - I look in the mirror and see the toothpaste smudges my kids left there. And then I get annoyed and then I remember that I am the mother of a 14 and 17 year old, and soon there won’t be toothpaste smudges on the mirror anymore.

    And that ^^ is why I didn’t write this week. But I’m glad you did.February 12, 2016 – 7:08 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Awww… please write. But yeah, I definitely get that. No smudges comes way way way WAY too soon.February 13, 2016 – 1:03 amReplyCancel

  • Pat B - This is such a sweet post. Your description of your memory of chewing the forbidden Bubble-Yum is a fun read.February 12, 2016 – 7:22 pmReplyCancel

  • Shay from Trashy Blog - Well, this was fucking beautiful, my friend. There are no other words. BEAUTIFUL.February 12, 2016 – 8:48 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - That you came by to say that this is fucking beautiful is the highlight of my month. THANK YOU.February 13, 2016 – 1:08 amReplyCancel

  • Shay from Trashy Blog - I would be here way more often, but life is so goddamned busy that I’ve had to slow way down on my blog reading in order to get my own writing done in the very limited hours I have to do it. Working on blogging and a new novel (like we all are, right?), and with a career, a little fun side job (I promise it’s not street walking–although I’m not judging any street walkers who happen to be reading, I swear), my two boys, and my other passions that include but are not limited to working out, reading, traveling, and drinking rum and cokes with friends, well, dammit, there’s NEVER ANY TIME! I’M SO EXCITED! I’M SO EXCITED! I’M SO…tired. LOLOL. But I’m preaching to the choir, I know. I miss you, friend! And that crazy Jen Kehl!February 13, 2016 – 7:45 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Shay! Well now that you mention Jen – we are launching a new site for parents with special needs kids! And I know what you mean about no time no time – I never have any either. I want you to finish your book so I can read it! I started a fiction one for Nanowrimo but got stuck… sigh. LOL to I’M SO…tired. DItto sister.February 15, 2016 – 12:41 pmReplyCancel

  • A.J. Goode - Oh, my goodness . . .

    You made me cry, Kristi. I really hated this week’s prompt at first, but it’s been amazing to see what everyone did with it — especially you! I love the way you used the mirror to show how we see things so differently in our own reflections, but I REALLY love the way you were to see the yourself through your son’s eyes as well.

    Thank you so much for this.February 14, 2016 – 8:14 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw AJ thank you thank you! Seeing myself through my son’s eyes helps me to remember that he doesn’t care about fat, or wrinkles, or whether I have mascara on… xoxoFebruary 15, 2016 – 12:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - This is so lovely, Kristi. I had every intention of getting in on this one, but…I missed it! 🙁 I also see the toothpaste smudges, and if I’m being honest I’ll say I really try to avoid the mirror if at all possible. 😀 Maybe I’ll write it anyway and just not link.February 14, 2016 – 9:48 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you Lisa! I can always add your link manually if you decide to write!February 15, 2016 – 12:45 pmReplyCancel

  • Roshni - I’m the only meanie here who’s going to let you know that my 12 year old son pointed out my crow feet and chin hairs yesterday!
    You’re welcome! 😀February 15, 2016 – 11:46 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Well my son has told his dad that his belly is too big, and he’s told me my breath is stinky, so there’s that 🙂February 17, 2016 – 11:07 pmReplyCancel

As I wrapped my little boy’s lifeless hamster in tissues and ziplocks, readying him for a later burial and for a for-now freezer-stay, I remembered my childhood, and felt the blue vinyl sticking to my legs while crying with my brother in the back seat of my mom’s car. We were on the way to […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Emily - I have memories of pet rodents too…we had a gerbil and without taking up too much of your comment space, let’s just say it bit the tip of my nose and was hanging off of it swinging back and forth (with me screaming) and my brother came in the room and knocked him off my nose. He scurried to a corner of the room and we both ran out and left him there until our parents came home. Ahh, childhood memories…I love that you had a pet rat. I feel bad for T and his hamster, but I love how you handled it. I agree, he was 99 probably.February 4, 2016 – 10:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Linda Atwell - Out One Ear - A SNAKE???? That would be my answer too Kristi! And it is odd that this is your post today.

    You see, there was one in the newspaper to a Dear Abby type columnist and the parents were writing about how devastated their child was with the death of his cat. The child wrote a note and put it on the grave and the next morning the note was gone. The parents were trying to decide whether to write back once but the columnist thought that wasn’t a good idea. But as I was reading, I am almost certain I would have written back once. They had planned to write from the cat’s perspective/voice that this was the one letter they were able to write and he was okay and now moving onto his next phase in the universe.

    For me, I didn’t see anything wrong with this plan at all. We let our kids believe in Santa and the tooth fairy and Easter bunny, so why not let a little 6-yr-old think the dead cat wrote a note. Of course, someday they will realize the parent actually did this but I think if something like that would’ve happened in my childhood I would’ve thought my parents were being kind (when I found out).

    Oh well, this really has nothing to do with Tucker’s loss. I’ve just been thinking about this cat letter all day. I’m probably all wet. Maybe death, as the advice columnist said, is something our kids needs to learn to deal with. It is a teachable moment. I think allowing Tucker to make a headstone is wonderful. BTW, after my long rant, please let Tucker know that I’m sorry for his loss and will be thinking of him (during this difficult time.) Hugs to all of you. And I hope you don’t get a snake. 🙂February 4, 2016 – 11:06 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You know what, Linda? I’m with you. I don’t really see the harm in writing a letter back from the cat. Really. Hm. And thank you – I’ll let Tucker know, although he seems to have moved on pretty easily and no way we’re getting a snake. Shudder.February 5, 2016 – 5:34 pmReplyCancel

  • JT Walters - Yamato took the words right out of my mouth. Agreed.

    Loss of a pet teaches us to love those in our lives more because our existence is temporal.

    And it is practicing learning grieving and coping.February 4, 2016 – 11:30 pmReplyCancel

  • My Inner Chick - ***One day, Lighting the Hamster was running free on the wheel, and the next, he was too light, and too still.**

    Kristi, no matter what you write about, (even little rats) you always make me “FEEL” deep down in my stomach.

    You touch humanity every. single. time.

    I appreciate, my sweet.

    xx Love and Understanding about all LIVING things from Duluth.February 5, 2016 – 10:15 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw you are the sweet sweetest, you. Thank you and sending you love and understanding right back. xxooFebruary 5, 2016 – 5:35 pmReplyCancel

  • Allie - How do you do that – make me feel bad about a hamster? Ironically, I’m reading The World According to Humphrey (who’s a hamster) with Cammy right now. And it made me remember when my brother had hamsters, and we thought they were boys. But then one of them had babies. And then they ate the babies. I will never forget it – scarred me for life! And so we will not be having any hamsters in our house.February 5, 2016 – 12:02 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Ooh I’ll have to check out The World According to Humphrey! GROSS to your brother’s hamster eating her babies! NASTY. Don’t blame you for saying no way!February 5, 2016 – 5:36 pmReplyCancel

  • Marcia @Menopausalmom - Awwwww…..poor Tucker! I can totally relate—we’ve had so many rodents over the years. Dozens of hamsters, 2 albino rats, a hedgehog, a guinea pig, 8 chinchillas, a flying squirrel…..even though I knew many had short life spans, it still hurt like hell every time one of them died and hurt even worse to see my kids cry. Now I only have three chinchillas left. They live on average up to 12 years, so I still have some time with my babies.February 5, 2016 – 11:14 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Chinchillas live for 12 years??? Maybe that’d be a better pet investment. Anything will be better than a snake!February 7, 2016 – 2:11 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - I’ll never be there UNLESS of course I have another little boy that wants one. Christopher never did. Whew? This was a sweet story. Sorry about Lighting. Remember that Iguana looking thing I sent you a picture of that we were going to name Gramps if he really liked it? That was cute. That I could do. I THINK.February 6, 2016 – 10:28 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Oh I remember Gramps! He was cute in his ugly lizard way! Lightning really was a sweet hamster. Super gentle and he never bit. Sigh. Thanks, Kenya.February 7, 2016 – 2:13 pmReplyCancel

  • PIper George - We had a conversation just last week in the pet shop that went something like this:

    Mummy, what’s that? (points to cage)
    It’s a hamster. I had a hamster once, it was very cuddly. Once I left it on the sofa and had to cut the sofa apart to get it back from the innards where it went to hide.
    Mummy, whats that?
    That’s also a hamster. My brother once left my hamster on the stairs and my mum almost fell down after leaping to avoid crushing it.
    Mummy, what’s that?
    That’s a rat. Rats are super intelligent, we had one that would sit on my shoulder while I took it for walks. Ah – memories of old pets, so lovely.
    Mummy, can I have one?
    Fuck that, no rodents in cages in our house!February 6, 2016 – 5:44 pmReplyCancel

  • clark - Did not have the experience of rodential pets as a young boy. The family (mother was a clark) always had a dog) and the impression I mange to catch, casting my mind back to the years before the world totally infringed was that my mother was totally devastated by each death (of the family dogs).
    As a child. I was less so. (Full Disclosure: having no children, my contribution must be my experience as a child. Which is not the worst thing in the world.)
    In any event, I liked the dogs we had growing up and, when they died, I would be saddened.
    Eventually I grew older and had a family dog of my own.* That was Ola. And, eventually, she died (as all life does).
    I was devastated.
    In a sense, I guess, now that we’re talking about parents and children and pets, I came to know my mother better, through my own experience with the death of pet.
    Nice work Kristi! excellent post.

    *that is not to imply that Phyllis is not a factor, but in the case of Ola, I was the alpha. it a totally grateful turn of events, our second dog, Bella made Phyllis the alpha of our pack… an experience all humans should have at least once in lifeFebruary 6, 2016 – 8:10 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You’re so right that everybody should experience being the alpha – glad that it’s Phyllis’ turn with Bella. I like how you related this to your own life experience and how the death of pets helped you to know your mother better. That’s pretty awesome, ya know?February 7, 2016 – 2:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Growing up, we did have snakes as pets. Rather, my dad had snakes, and we got to hold them and have him bring them to school for show-and-tell. They were pretty cool–figuratively and literally. However, none of my kids have had snakes for pets. We have had hamsters and rats, though. I’m sorry for Tucker’s loss. It’s a sad thing when a pet dies. I remember missing school when my dog died–I just couldn’t bear to go.February 7, 2016 – 12:48 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I remember missing school when my dog died, too, Kristi! Ew to the snakes although I’ll bet you were a hit at show-and-tell!February 7, 2016 – 2:22 pmReplyCancel

  • Bev - I had a hamster, Hammy, whom I loved dearly when I was in middle school. My dad, an oncologist, diagnosed him with cancer about 18 months after I got him. A vet confirmed it and we had little Hammy put to sleep. My mom, who resisted getting a hamster because in her eyes, eww, rodent! But she had bonded with Hammy when I was at overnight camp and was just as sad about the end of his short life as I. You really do find love in companionship in unexpected places.February 7, 2016 – 7:37 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw poor Hammy! And poor Lightning! I’m surprised by how much I miss him.February 7, 2016 – 2:23 pmReplyCancel

  • Mimi - As always, I love your words and how you take something so poignant and make it relatable for all of us. I too am thankful for those moments when my own childhood, parenting, and my children’s here and now come together. I hope whatever T gets next, though, it’s not a snake! 😉February 7, 2016 – 3:10 pmReplyCancel

  • Rabia @TheLiebers - I used to have a pet rat. Someone gave him to me for my classroom. His name was Nicodemus. A few of the parents weren’t exactly thrilled, but he was a sweet rat. He was old when I got him and he only lasted another year or so. I’m sorry to hear about T’s hamster. FWIW, large rocks make good headstones. We have a fish graveyard in our front yard around a tree. I never thought I’d be burying fish, but it seemed important to the kids.February 8, 2016 – 11:08 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Rabia, I’ll keep it in mind that rocks make good headstones. We had a mini-graveyard in my growing-up home as a kid… under a tree but our yard was WAY bigger than this one! And yeah, the things we do for kids huh?February 9, 2016 – 12:05 amReplyCancel

  • Sarah - Yeah, we had our share of rodents too, and how we loved them. Two hamsters (Hamster Fannett (a play on the name of a high school for two small nearby towns–Hampshire Fannett) and Beanbag), a very long-lived mouse named Moley (pronounced like the sauce but spelled with that extra y) and Rollins Rutabaga, a rat who didn’t last long at all. That was the end. I remember burying Moley with my sister in the backyard, wrapped in blankets inside a shoebox. For the record, I think we were in high school and middle school.

    And by the way, you know we have a snake, right?February 8, 2016 – 1:14 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - LOL to the names of your hamsters!!! AND UM NO I DID NOT KNOW YOU HAVE A SNAKE. WHERE THE FUCK IS IT???February 9, 2016 – 12:06 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - My condolences on the loss of Lightning. And Pip Squeak. Loving and losing a pet is tough for kids, but it may be even tougher for the parents who love those kids. And pets.

    I will take a snake over a rodent any day, but I wouldn’t be thrilled about it.February 8, 2016 – 2:31 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks for the condolences, Dana! So true that it’s harder for the parents with the crying kids and also are you for real that you’d rather have a snake than a rodent????February 9, 2016 – 12:08 amReplyCancel

  • Dyanne @ I Want Backsies - My hamster died the night before school picture day when I was in 4th grade. I cried all night and my school picture is just dreadful.
    Upgrade to a guinea pig. They are much hardier.February 8, 2016 – 8:34 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Ok so we looked at guinea pigs but they were so big but seriously it’s time for a change so THANK YOU!!! Sorry about your 4th grade picture and the loss of your hamster by the way 🙁February 9, 2016 – 12:09 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - I read this DAYS ago and I swore I left a comment…insane. So sorry about Tucker’s hamster. But your reflections are beautiful, as always. I love how you are able to take something and tie it to another experience and bring it all together into something wonderful and relatable for everyone. xoFebruary 10, 2016 – 2:25 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Well you told me how sorry you were over email which totally counts so thank you. xoxoFebruary 10, 2016 – 8:56 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandra - “Fuck no!” to the pet snake bahaha I laughed out loud and I’m laying in bed after a nightshift with my husband sleeping next to me. If he’d awakened to my snickers I have no idea how I would have explained that one! I did find it very sweet about your pet rats. They do say they make great pets. Have a good weekend Kristi.February 12, 2016 – 10:30 amReplyCancel

The truth about learning from life is that it takes a long time to do so. Some things, like wanting to live with passion and purpose, or knowing the importance of giving our kids a magical childhood are born with us. Knowing how to make those things happen while living with stress and too-late-bedtimes isn’t […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
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  • Emily - I think we’re going to learn a lot just by reading each other’s posts here! I’m a big over-thinker sometimes (your #5), but I also think that sometimes comes with the territory of being a writer. We think a lot before we write (although not always – sometimes I just wing it). And, can I just say, I love Tucker’s questions! When did we get Daddy? That is awesome.January 28, 2016 – 10:09 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I hope so, and I hope we all think about the big stuff as well as the small stuff and OMG I so very love Tucker’s questions as well!!! And gah to the overthinking. So right you are. Also why Daddy?? LOLJanuary 30, 2016 – 12:14 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - I love, “When did we get daddy.” Because mom has certainly always been there. Awww. Christopher can talk my ear off now, more than I can process and keep up with – much less write down anymore. I cannot fathom a time when he won’t want to talk to me at all, so I embrace the wordiness.January 28, 2016 – 10:12 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I love that part too, Kenya, and will hang onto it for a long long time, I think! Oh please say these boys of ours will always talk to us!! I can’t imagine trying to navigate their worlds without their honesty. For real!!January 30, 2016 – 12:27 amReplyCancel

  • Vidya Sury - Children are great reminders to pause, even if they keep us rushing around. They keep us grounded by their simplicity and logic. Sometimes I think their favorite place is outside our comfort zone, which makes us very lucky, or how else would we stretch and truly enjoy life!

    I love what you said about Statistics – I had pretty much the same thing about Accounting. Thought I hated it, until the moment when things clicked and I started loving it, the added bonus being that I actually had a pretty good head for it.

    My favorite line here is: Try to not hurt anybody. Ever.

    Life is wonderful, isn’t it? Hugs – so happy we’re connected! So much love in this post!January 29, 2016 – 6:48 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Children are awesome mostly and I am so lucky to have this boy to ground me as you say while he’s also rushing me around 🙂
      And LOVE that you had a similar experience with accounting!!!
      Here’s to not hurting others and to you, so kind to co-host with me again this week. Thank you!!!January 30, 2016 – 12:29 amReplyCancel

  • Yvonne - Lovely post Kristi. I love that you point out we can learn from children and they can learn from us. It is two-way, and it needs to be – otherwise there’s no balance. We need to give and receive!January 29, 2016 – 7:57 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It’s so two-way, and I hope we’ll always remember that (as humans now and as humans always). xo thank you for your insight always.January 30, 2016 – 12:31 amReplyCancel

  • Allie - This is all kinds of wise: “Don’t overthink, but think about your decisions. Many of them, when made for the wrong reasons, are likely a little bit manic. Maybe, you’re trying to re-get a feeling you’ll never feel again. Maybe not. But, think about what you’re deciding, and why you’re deciding it.” Guilty of this, often. Maybe right now. Lots of decisions to make. Thanks. I need to read this.

    Have a good weekend! Tell Tucker that most cats are just mean…January 29, 2016 – 1:05 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Allie! You’re the bestest and yeah, I do that too. Which I guess is why I need to remind myself and also YAY for you agreeing that most cats are just mean 🙂January 30, 2016 – 12:32 amReplyCancel

  • Kerry - Love the questions asked by children. Best thing ever. My dog and cat are right here and I’ve asked for you, to hopefully try and get your child an answer, but they aren’t talking.
    🙂
    I try to listen a lot. I don’t know about statistics, but I do know how to really listen.
    Thank you for the invitation to join you as a co-host for the week with FTSF. I am happy I did.January 29, 2016 – 2:57 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - LOL to your cat and your dog not talking, Kerry!! HA! I guess they will not make it that easy for us. And I’m so very glad you co-hosted this week. Thank you for wanting to and for doing so and for all of your thoughts, always.January 30, 2016 – 12:34 amReplyCancel

  • Tamara - Statistics class – it’s because you truly learned, rather than just memorized. What a difference. And how cool that you kept at it.
    I love kid questions so much.January 29, 2016 – 3:52 pmReplyCancel

  • Kelly L McKenzie - Can’t agree with you more on the listening to your kids and have them listen to you front. So often it’s the parents’ way or no way at all, I find. I certainly wasn’t the perfect mom to my two – Ha! Pass the wine please – however I did make a point of trying to listen to them. Lot harder at the end of a long week … but still, I tried.January 29, 2016 – 6:53 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Passing the wine for sure to you always and yeah, the listening is WAY harder at the end of the week, especially after um 9 NINE snow days ehre!!!January 30, 2016 – 12:37 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - When did we get Daddy? That’s hilarious. Talk less, listen more – that should be everyone’s mantra. I know it should be mine. Even when the words are coming out and I’m babbling on and on, I know this. I need to learn how to stop.January 29, 2016 – 9:45 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - When did we get Daddy might be one of my favorite questions EVER ever from him and yeah, listening more is big huge. Me too, me too, me too. xoJanuary 30, 2016 – 12:39 amReplyCancel

  • JT Walters - I am learning love is unconditional and it can be shown instead of said.

    I have learned the boy I dreamed of having stinks compared to the boy I have!

    Listening can be done by watching and giving in isn’t the worst thing in the world.

    I am learning it is okay to do take out now and again especially when we are sick.

    I am learning the being a good role model and parent is more important than any mishugosh I’d have normally gotten into protecting my son. Teaching him conflict resolution is important.

    I am learning Kristi Campbell and several other Mom bloggers of children with special needs are the bombdiggity and my personal heroes. I admire their courage in sharing their journey.January 29, 2016 – 10:15 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HELLZ yes to take-out, always and you’re an amazing parent and can’t compare yourself to anybody and protecting your son is EVERYTHING and I boo to the fact you’re sick 🙁
      And all of us parents who are parenting are amazing and YOU JT are amazing.January 30, 2016 – 12:41 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa Sadikman - I think that point about listening rather than talking is dead on. I talk so much because I’m afraid of the silence and coming off as not knowing – especially as my kids get older and smarter. They DO have enlightening opinions and it’s ok if I don’t always know the answer. Love Tucker’s questions and worlds and you ❤️January 30, 2016 – 12:46 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Love YOU Lisa and isn’t it kind of weird that they know so much from other people? I get continually surprised by how much Tucker knows outside of what he knows from me, if that makes sense…January 30, 2016 – 11:01 pmReplyCancel

  • JT Walters - Kristi I ❤️ U but I am a fraud. I am just making it up as I go the best way I can. Balancing homework and amusing my son with attempts at healthy meals. The days I do take out or drive thru I feel so guilty.

    I try and protect my son but often fail and even worse embarrass him.

    I love u but I am a fraud making it up as I go! Intentions are A+ but results may not be in the end.

    Thanks for being so kind to all of us out here just making it up as we go hoping
    And praying our children will be as happy and healthy as possible. ❤️U and all the Mom bloggers!!January 30, 2016 – 12:20 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Honey! Take-out and drive-thru and crappy Chili’s in wherever Florida are FINE. It’s food, and it’s an experience and we (and our kids) learn from each of them!!! All of us make it up as we go. For real.January 31, 2016 – 9:52 pmReplyCancel

  • Nicki - You are so wise, darling Kristi. These all feel so true for me, but this one really grabbed my heart and mind: “If there are big lessons brewing, they’ll need time to sit.”January 31, 2016 – 7:00 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Golden Spoons - Love your lessons – especially the listen more than we talk one. We tell our kids that all the time. My hubby likes to say “God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason.” Funny – but true! 🙂February 1, 2016 – 2:00 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I love that expression from your husband, Lisa! LOL and so so true! 🙂February 2, 2016 – 6:31 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandra - I leave you with these two thoughts: 1. Why do girls pee from their bottoms? and 2. You’re son made two worlds in Minecraft? You’ve lost him, that’s it, he’ll never look at you than more than someone who imposes a bedtime and get between him and the worlds….I also mourn the loss of my youngest to League of Legends.February 2, 2016 – 5:47 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Oh no! I’ve lost him already? He’s only six! Yikes!!! And lol to girls peeing from their bottoms. I think it may be time to buy an anatomy book.February 2, 2016 – 6:33 pmReplyCancel

  • Rabia @TheLiebers - I’m learning that the best lessons and the hardest and the things most worth knowing are the hardest to learn. I’m also parenting a very emotional tween. I think there may be a connection, but my brain is too fried to find it! LOLFebruary 2, 2016 – 10:53 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - LOL Rabia! Maybe you’re getting the lesson now that parenting an emotional tween requires wine?? That’d be my personal take-away.February 2, 2016 – 6:36 pmReplyCancel

  • Full Spectrum Mama - LOVE your sense of wonder and humor. Yay – so glad to have found this blog.February 10, 2016 – 12:51 pmReplyCancel

I asked my six-year-old son what he’d be if he were a crayon. “What do you mean?” he said. “Like the color?” “Sure,” I said. “Gold,” he said, “Because gold is awesome. It’s treasure.” “What else?” “Nothing. Pencils are better because they have erasers,” he said. “True,” I said. “But gold is a pretty awesome […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
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  • Emily - I just knew you’d make this prompt come alive. 🙂 I love your P.S.’s too. As for that snowstorm, we are actually driving north tomorrow, away from the storm I think, because Big Dude’s boarding school is having a parent event that they refuse to cancel, so off we go! Not sure when we’ll make it back, but oh well! I’m bringing wine with me just in case. :))))January 21, 2016 – 10:12 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks for loving the PS’s Emily! I was kinda lost with this prompt (obviously) so I appreciate that you enjoyed it. And yay for you for traveling away from the storm tomorrow for BD’s school (does he love it? Need an update please.)
      School was cancelled today and didn’t need to be, and is cancelled tomorrow and maybe needs to be.. I guess this is gonna be a big one — I was scheduled to get a haircut on Saturday and they already called me to reschedule, and it’s kinda sorta nice outside. Yikes. Glad you’re bringing wine!!!January 21, 2016 – 10:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Kelly L McKenzie - Ok so I’m the Canuck on the west coast and now I have to go and google why Tennessee is orange. Ha! And man alive, that storm is all we are hearing about way out here! Stay safe. Enjoy your wine and your orange and gold crayons. Happy coloUring …January 21, 2016 – 10:26 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - LOL Kelly – here’s the thing about the US. So “most” of us (the people like me who grew up in rational states like Colorado) enjoy our pro football teams, like the Denver Broncos.
      Those people (like my husband, bless him) who grew up in the South don’t care much about pro football but about College Football and his team is the Tennessee Volunteers. Because Tucker’s fav color is orange, and the Vols color is orange with a big old Tennessee T, it’s well, that’s part of it. Enough of it anyway, I think.January 21, 2016 – 10:45 pmReplyCancel

    • Lizzi - Hehehe I love it when the ‘u’ words get spelled right 😉January 22, 2016 – 2:18 amReplyCancel

      • Kristi Campbell - Um the “u” is extra and not needed. Just saying.January 22, 2016 – 11:48 pmReplyCancel

        • Lizzi - It’s *always* needed – it’s HOW IT’S SPELLED! 😉January 23, 2016 – 3:33 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - Oh your post is beautiful! I love it! And dammit why don’t I think to ask my Husband shit like that more often? 😀 I know I’d get awesome responses. Except today…because Man Flu. Ugh! Man flu and a snowstorn – heaven help me!
    Looking at 6-12 here from late Friday until Sunday morning. We don’t even get a snow day out of the deal. Just me and the dude with Man Flu and the Kidzilla who believes she’s hatching a cold, too. And me with a cold.
    Screw the wine; I’m having Scotch. 😀January 21, 2016 – 11:12 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - LOL it’s not really worth asking husband shit like that, in my humble opinion!!! You might get better responses than I would. I used to get better but OMG UGH TO MAN FLU!!! The worst!!!
      They’re talking 24″ here which, being from Colorado, I’m like “whatever, kinda big” but for here??? They’ve already shut school down tomorrow. OMG> for real. I’m supposed to get a haircut on Saturday (weep). Hope you all feel better so so soon!!!January 22, 2016 – 12:07 amReplyCancel

  • My Inner Chick - ****I’d erase all of the supposed tos, and replace them with creativity, acceptance and empathy.***

    this is exactly why I dig you! xxxxx kiss from MNJanuary 21, 2016 – 11:36 pmReplyCancel

  • ivy - You know those mixed up crayons that are a fusion of a whole mess of crayons? Yup i would definitely be plaid.January 22, 2016 – 2:09 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - I have one more errand run before we hunker down – we need beer! And junk food.

    “Without crayons, we’d never dream of being invisible.” Love that. It makes me sad to know that so many people feel that way. Color in the blank spaces – yes.

    And your conversation with Robert made me laugh – he’s a blogger’s husband for sure. Just answer my wife so she’ll leave me alone and not ask me anymore dumb questions…ha!January 22, 2016 – 12:52 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Beer and junk food YAY! We have so much food here it’s crazy. I went to the store yesterday and Robert went today without knowing what I’d gotten. I think we have three dozen eggs and four loaves of bread. And enough sandwich stuff to feed the neighborhood.January 22, 2016 – 2:41 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerry - I love love love this. Crayons. Now you’re speaking my language. I have wanted to take part in this for a while, but this week is when I was meant to begin. Working on my colourful post now.January 22, 2016 – 1:12 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Oh I hope you do link up Kerry! It’s a fun blog hop! I can’t wait to read your colorful post 🙂January 22, 2016 – 5:58 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - Well, I love the world you would draw. My kids are home today, too. Right now, we have a little snow but mostly sleet. Yuck! Hope you can sat safe, warm, and sane through the big storm! Love the About page, too – I need to update mine desperately!January 22, 2016 – 1:32 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks Lisa! It’s starting to pile up here a little bit – is it still just sleeting for you? I hope you guys stay safe and warm as well and that NONE OF US loses power (knocks on wood).January 22, 2016 – 6:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Allie - You are a clever you, yes you are! I am no, therefore, I did not write a post. Actually, I haven’t written anything in a while. Ugh…I have to shake it off.

    As always – little Tucker is Brilliant. And I don’t like your husband’s answer either. I have the Volunteers…………… And the Gators, who are also Orange (and My husband is a Gator:()January 22, 2016 – 2:12 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yeah, my husband’s answer was boring. Sometimes, I try to rile him up with stupid questions – maybe I’ve just done that too often. Hey write about being a crayon! You’ll get there. Truly. xoJanuary 22, 2016 – 6:11 pmReplyCancel

  • Marcia @Menopausalmom - This is beautiful, I love this line—“Without erasers, we’d never dream of being invisible.” Brilliant!January 22, 2016 – 11:16 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Well I happen to know via my close to you friend that there’s no school or work today either. We got about two snowflakes and Christopher had one day of school last week. Three for MLK and teacher work days, then one off for the weather that didn’t happen.

    Christopher also loves orange and adopted this favorite color based on the Bengals colors.January 25, 2016 – 8:58 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - UGH! No school tomorrow either. Gah. Tucker only had one day of school last week too – two for MLK/Teacher Work and then two for snow that didn’t happen until Saturday afternoon. GO orange! (as in the Broncos ;))January 26, 2016 – 7:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Kraig - Every weekend i used to visit this site, for
    the reason that i wish for enjoyment, as this this web site conations actually
    pleasant funny data too.October 9, 2018 – 1:49 amReplyCancel

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