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

I can only remember a few times as a kid when my mom told us that we didn’t have to go to school because it was closed for snow. Back then, we waded through drifts of freezing flakes. Our feet were armed with a layer of socks, a newspaper bag, and moon boots. We carried […]

View full post »

by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
email a friend

  • Emily - I’ve heard DC can be wimpy with snow, although I’m starting to think NY is not far behind. My kids have had more snow days this year than I had during my whole childhood! Love your snow day activities – especially #2. I’m going to have to try that and duct tape all 3 of my boys, including their mouths.:)March 5, 2015 – 10:48 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Mine too Emily and I only have ONE KID!!! Here’s to the duct tape. Please let me know if you have success with it 😉March 5, 2015 – 11:12 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandy Ramsey - Good Lord! I’m so glad we don’t get snow in Florida! I have seen so many posts on Facebook lately about schools being closed and moms going crazy.I can’t even imagine. Hang in there, my friend!March 5, 2015 – 10:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - Today I thought about making a snowman with a raised middle finger! Good, right? It wasn’t a snow day, though.
    I remember them being magical as a kid but can you imagine what it was like for my parents?? My dad still had to drive to work. My mom had to stay home with FIVE annoying kids. Holy cow. I feel claustrophobic just thinking about it.March 5, 2015 – 11:14 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OOH yes so good! Love the idea of a snowman flipping the bird! haha
      And yeah, trying to make it fun for Tucker but so done with wet coats and boots and snow.March 6, 2015 – 3:11 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - I thought this was pretty entertaining, but you got me over the edge with pee-writing in the snow. Boy parents are so lucky! 😀
    This is great. And yes, snow days are starting to grind my gears a bit, too. I’m with you on that thought that we closed school far less when we were kids…I think we just live in a much more litigious society.
    And now I’m off to finish my post (which pretty much means come up with an idea, bang it out, and go).
    XOXOMarch 5, 2015 – 11:20 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Um Lisa? Just saying that girls can pee in the snow too. It’s not the same but you know the whole “everything boys can do, girls can do better?” I have to believe that a little bit. I’m outnumbered here.March 6, 2015 – 11:15 pmReplyCancel

      • Lisa @ the Meaning of Me - True, that. But you have to admit peeing in the snow with boy parts has to be way more fun than with girl parts. 😉March 6, 2015 – 11:36 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike - Your feelings on snow days seem to echo what a lot of parents say. It’s nice for one or two here and there…but several can really wreak havoc on parents jobs and schedules. Plus, the kids have those darn makeup days at the end when it’s summer. Maybe I’m not supposed to laugh but the duct taping is absolutely hysterical, Kristi!! One of the funniest pictures I accidentally never took because the two of us got caught in the moment. I made a snowman in the backyard. Phoenix just sat there 3 feet away, in the falling snow, staring at it and would not budge LOLOL!! Picture of you in a sun dress…yes please! Happy Friday and have a great weekend! 🙂March 6, 2015 – 3:13 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Snow days ARE nice but the unplanned part of them is pretty hard. I try to balance giving less to work with less to Tucker but then I feel like an asshole giving less to Tucker and then I get depressed and give less to Tucker. It’s just better to have the routine, I think. And YAY for laughing at the duct tape!! A stupid woman on Pinterest today commented that these are the worst snow day ideas ever. DUH. It was a JOKE. Sigh.
      Happy Friday Mike. I love the picture in my head of Phoenix just staring at the snowman. At least he didn’t pee on him?March 6, 2015 – 11:24 pmReplyCancel

      • Mike - I completely understand on your conundrum with Tucker. That would be a bugger. No, Phoenix didn’t pee on the snowman but he would have most definitely contemplated doing so on the Pinterest woman. Funny you should mention getting a joke. YOU are one of the FEW that continues to see (and actually read) the humor in my posts since Phoenix passed away. I guess folks thought he was the only funny one of our standup routine. Either that, or skimmers are alive and well, huh? 🙂March 7, 2015 – 4:23 amReplyCancel

        • Kristi Campbell - Well skimmers ARE alive and well and they suck. Also I always knew you were funny too. 🙂March 7, 2015 – 10:35 pmReplyCancel

  • Allie - I love it – and I am playing Spiderman with my kids today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But seriously, how many days has it ben? I am so sorry – I would have completely lost it by now. Last year – when Atlanta shut down for a week – I literally put the kids in the car and head south(west). I had to get OUT!March 6, 2015 – 7:19 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OMG Allie! I think we’re on day 12 or something??? Maybe more. SUCKS. I mean obviously I love spending surprise time with Tucker but OMG.March 6, 2015 – 11:25 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - Ha! Well, I’ve got girls, so I can’t do the pee thing. They did, however, do lots of baking during our snow days/weeks. They also made a snow chair last week. Guess they were tired of snow men – so they went in a different direction!March 6, 2015 – 7:24 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Anything boys can do girls can do better? Maybe not peeing in the snow though. YAY to lots of baking! And a snow chair!! What a great idea!March 6, 2015 – 11:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - Oh, I remember those snow days in D.C. when we would listen to the radio in the morning waiting for them to announce which counties were closing for the day. Even all those decades ago people complained that D.C. was wimpy. 😉

    I remember we used to read a lot when cooped up at home, and played a lot of board games.

    Good luck my dear!March 6, 2015 – 9:58 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - DC was wimpy then too? That helps and yeah, we play a lot of games too but sadly the ones my son loves aren’t very inspiring and they end quickly. Too quickly!!March 6, 2015 – 11:29 pmReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - “Grinds my gears”… I’m TOTALLY stealing that phrase. LOVE IT!!

    Yes- I am so done with this winter and the snow days too. They throw me completely off and take away any semblence of normalcy, which in turn causes major flustering and flakiness over here too.

    I just can’t do one more. We should all have a “Wear your sundress day” just to bring a bit of FUN to our dreadful winter season that keeps hold on. Seriously- lets DO IT!!

    I suppose we will all have our winter gear on top of the dress, but hey- 😉March 6, 2015 – 10:36 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yes!! Let’s do a “wear your sundress day” and post photos of us all in the snow freezing our heads off!!! LOL. Ugh to the snow days. The worst part is that I want to make them magical and then I get stuck in my brain and am terrible. Sigh. I just want spring already.March 6, 2015 – 11:32 pmReplyCancel

  • April G - I’ve never had a snow day and on the few days I’ve been where it snowed, it was celebrated and all the kids went to school late. I’m sorry that you’ve spent so much time indoors. I would never have usd that much duct tape. I’m too cheap. LOL. Have a great weekend.March 6, 2015 – 12:40 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - LOL to the duct tape and I don’t know whether it’s sad or awesome that you’ve never had a snow day but I love that when you did have snow, that all of the kids celebrated and went to school late. That sounds fun.March 7, 2015 – 12:10 amReplyCancel

  • Kim - I love the duct tape and the writing by peeing in the snow!!
    I hate snow and always deemed snow days as days we didn’t step foot outside. When the boys were little (3 & 5) we had a horrible winter and, of course, Chris was deployed. Luckily friends would come and take the boys out to play in the snow because they knew I wasn’t going to!!!March 6, 2015 – 1:01 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - haha Kim. Peeing in the snow may happen although I have to admit that the duct tape was a joke 🙂 and yay for your neighbors!!! If you ever feel like paying it forward, please consider coming to DC and taking Tucker outside.March 7, 2015 – 12:11 amReplyCancel

  • Allison - You have NO IDEA how absolutely terrible NC is, friend. I mean, terrible. It rained last night and was 37 degrees so we were on a three hour delay this morning. Whuck?
    Anyways, peeing in the snow is so rewarding for my sons, too. In fact, they ask to go outside to pee, then come back in. Whatever. I will stay in and eat cookies.
    xoMarch 6, 2015 – 1:58 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You have three hour delays? Ours are two hours or school is cancelled and really??? It was 37 (which hello freezing has to be below 32 if I remember Junior High science at all) and wow. Also can I steal “WHUCK?”because awesome. Love that your boys go outside to pee and that you stay inside to eat cookies. 🙂March 7, 2015 – 12:13 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - Peeing in the snow – I love it! I used to walk in the snow and make a huge “I Love Chris” message outside of my bedroom window so I could sit in my room and look at it like the lovesick teenager that I was.

    I made my kids shovel because I can.March 6, 2015 – 4:49 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw to teenage angsty love stricken Dana who tromped in the snow. That makes me like you even more than I do.
      Also gah send your kids here. My husband put a chair in the extra spot he shoveled and was totally shamed by the HOA.March 7, 2015 – 12:15 amReplyCancel

  • Marty Sabolo - I don’t have kids, but if I did I think all seven on my list would include vodka or Rumchata or both!March 6, 2015 – 9:36 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Vodka yes. Vodka is a much classier option than my boxed wine. What is Rumchata???March 7, 2015 – 12:16 amReplyCancel

  • Marcia @ Menopausal Mother - Kristi, this is HILARIOUS!! It makes me wish I lived in snow (but only for a week) so I can try some of this stuff out. Think it will with ornery teenagers???March 7, 2015 – 12:14 amReplyCancel

  • Kelly L McKenzie - Ok so I shouldn’t tell you that the local mountains are closed for the entire season due to lack of snow? And that the remaining mountains are pumping out as much fake snow as the mild temperatures will allow? Or that our violets, snow drops and daffodils are up? Ok. You didn’t hear it from me.March 7, 2015 – 1:28 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Are you serious??? Ugh. I thought it was supposed to be cold up there in the great white north. Huh. Enjoy your flowers. Sigh.March 7, 2015 – 5:50 pmReplyCancel

  • Don - Hahaha, yes, everyone is wimpier nowadays! A fun activity for me is to tell the kids to get the hell out of the house while daddy gets pretty drunk playing Mario Kart. Maybe.

    I don’t have any snow boots, so being out in the snow sucks to me. Sucks royally.March 8, 2015 – 6:40 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Um, I know you’re attached to those gym sandals you’ve owned since 1997 but you do know you’re actually ALLOWED to buy snow boots, right? I mean it was your birthday this week after all.March 9, 2015 – 12:15 amReplyCancel

  • My Inner Chick - 4.Bake cookies. If you don’t know how to bake them, eat them.

    Now, this is my all time fave. Especially when they are chocolate chip! Mmmmmmmmm

    How are you, Kristi? xxxMarch 9, 2015 – 7:50 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Much better today with a regular routine back in the mix and here’s to cookies although I like sugar cookies best (can we still be friends?). How are you, Sweet Kim?March 9, 2015 – 8:05 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Your post just made me cold. I’m also sitting here with wet hair and drinking a smoothie, with the window open as it approaches 70 degrees if it’s not there already. My what a change from a few days ago.

    LOL to the snowman. You should have had Tucker sign it. LOL! Well I guess that would be rude. But kinda funny.March 10, 2015 – 11:16 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Huh. 70 degrees eh? So jealous. LOL to having Tucker sign the snowman!! HAHA 🙂March 11, 2015 – 11:11 amReplyCancel

  • Meredith - Ummmm. Your snowman looks amazing compared to mine. HA! Love it. In Utah, they NEVER cancel school here either. Even when I desperately want them to. And, this year we were practically begging for snow, but I’m glad spring is here. 🙂March 22, 2015 – 10:48 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - LOL really? Also, I am SO glad spring is here. So glad. I’m so over the wet, muddy boots and gloves!March 22, 2015 – 11:14 amReplyCancel

  • Sarah - I love the tampon box car wash! So cute! Hopefully Spring will get here soon!March 23, 2015 – 11:54 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - LOL Sarah. And here’s to spring coming sooner than later. I’m so over the freezing cold!March 25, 2015 – 11:14 amReplyCancel

  • Tarana Khan - This was fun! But I can imagine how it gets with snow days after a while.March 23, 2015 – 2:06 pmReplyCancel

Some days, it’s hard to not bring the feelings from what’s going on outside – freezing rain mixing with piles of partially melted dingy snow – to the inside. Gray skies make Spring feel far away. While I know that it’ll come sooner than I want it to in the weeks that fly by, the […]

View full post »

by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
email a friend

  • ivy - AWESOME mummy! Even cooler than the eyeball guy….wayyyyyy cooler! Hope my fav guy is feeling better! & you too of course!March 1, 2015 – 11:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Wow! You did all of that after Netflix and wine?! You are a Fleek mom! I feel I will never use that word IRL but I can comment it just this one time 😉 Nice job on the shirt!March 1, 2015 – 11:30 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Well the wine and Netflix was the night before (or maybe 2 or 3 days before) I actually got the for-real idea. The for real Fleek On Fleek idea!! LOL. Loved our convo. Big.March 1, 2015 – 11:57 pmReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - AW!! I love that you had some fun snow time and got to see DANA!!!!! Damn winter… so DONE.

    And that DIY project- BRILLIANT!!! SO proud of you!! And there is nothing sweeter than seeing Tucker’s precious face. NOTHING.March 2, 2015 – 12:38 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - So so done with winter, Chris. So done. Thank you for liking the dang DIY project! I can’t believe I pulled it off!March 2, 2015 – 10:04 pmReplyCancel

  • clark - very cool creative shit there!

    (actually my main, ‘hey you totally rock that parental-unit gig’ is that you brought out the beach stuff to play in the snow. lol (my-never-too-far-away-five-year-old-self) totally is laughing in appreciation…. nicely done!)March 2, 2015 – 6:21 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - LOL thanks Clark. Yay for beach stuff in the snow. More at the beach but yeah the snow… 😉March 2, 2015 – 10:46 pmReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - That. Was. Brilliant! So creative! And it looks terrific! Way to go Mom! Whoo!March 2, 2015 – 10:12 amReplyCancel

  • Allie - I’m impressed. I hate the DIY projects – I always get Audrey to do them for me:). And I wish could have had lunch with you and Dana. Did you know she lives about 4 four miles from where I used to live in Maryland?March 2, 2015 – 12:29 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I hate DIY crap too but this time? Maybe I don’t hate it as much as I think I do. Maybe I just don’t like the idea of it. And really? You used to live right by Dana??? I wish you still did!March 2, 2015 – 10:58 pmReplyCancel

  • Kim - I’m impressed with the shirts (I don’t craft!) but mostly I’m just excited that you and Dana actually know each other in person – so fun!!March 2, 2015 – 1:08 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Knowing Dana is huge fun and I don’t really usually craft, either! But this one worked…March 2, 2015 – 10:59 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - Oh my, I am loving the mummy shirt and that he SAID it and you were able to reward his expression and well the fact that he is adorable. Now I have to figure out what “on fleek” means so I can be coolMarch 2, 2015 – 1:15 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA let me know when you google On Fleek. I can’t even remember what the word Fleek is and have to read this again and yay Kenya for making us cooler. And for um unexpected crafts???March 2, 2015 – 11:01 pmReplyCancel

  • Yvonne - I read what Tucker said about wanting a mummy and thought, “Aw, that’s sweet, he wanted to have his mummy on a tee-shirt.”
    And then I read on, and remembered that in America you are slightly more sensible than us Brits and don’t refer to your mothers as dead embalmed Egyptians!
    And what a great mommy – I mean mummy – Tucker and his mummy – oops I mean mommy made!March 2, 2015 – 1:26 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA Yvonne! I wish he wanted me on his tee-shirt! So funny that you assumed mummy was me and that completely makes sense! haha 🙂March 2, 2015 – 11:05 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah - Next time you have lunch with Dana I want to come!!!!March 2, 2015 – 2:10 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - Sorry I talked your ear off – I could have stayed and chatted for a few more hours! You are a very impressive mummy/mommy, my friend.March 2, 2015 – 3:00 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Dude! Do not apologize for talking my ear off! I’d have loved to have stayed for hours more!!! I had a blast (thank you). 🙂March 2, 2015 – 11:07 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - I am just so impressed with that t-shirt! We were never challenged with a craft that difficult for the 100th day. They always told us to bring in 100 of something and I always chose cheerios or pennies. I know – lame!!March 2, 2015 – 4:21 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’m kinda impressed with the t-shirt too! I had no idea about 100 day and asked Tucker’s tutor about it (who is a sped preschool teacher) and she said it was a big deal so I tried to go big!!March 2, 2015 – 11:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - Argh, what’s the first thing I should say??? It’s either that Dana IS awesome and so are you, or that your mummy shirt ROCKED and he will remember it forever.
    So will I.March 2, 2015 – 5:01 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Dana IS awesome. And so are YOU! I will remember his mummy shirt forever and love that you will and hope that he does. That works right? 😉March 2, 2015 – 11:09 pmReplyCancel

  • K - OMG that shirt is incredible! Sometimes it’s the little things in life that mean the most — like the fact that you made Tucker his mummy shirt even when it might have been easier to do a googly-eyed shirt. And it turned out AMAZING! I refuse to believe that you’re a non-crafter…you’re just a crafter in disguise (a crafty crafter! ;)).March 2, 2015 – 9:35 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - K!!! 🙂
      Hahah to me being a crafter! Maybe so! I mean I don’t actually *want* to be a crafter but this was pretty cool and way better than the googly-eye shirt.March 2, 2015 – 11:12 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike - Oh dang, Daylight Savings coming up! Thank you for the reminder. I hope Tucker is on the mend now…poor little guy! He’s still handsome always. I’m always so impressed with folks who can do DIY projects. I’ve told you before (in regards to your awesome drawings I love) that I would get kicked out of stick figure drawing class if there was one. That t-shirt rocks, my dear! Hey an IRL pic of Dana…you have nice IRL friends 🙂 So, to go off topic a tad…those boots are smokin’ hot, Kristi 🙂 I hope you have a great week! 🙂March 3, 2015 – 3:34 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I can’t believe Daylight Savings is so soon Mike and haha to getting kicked out of stick figure drawing class. I probably would as well!! yay for you liking the boots too 🙂March 3, 2015 – 6:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa - I loved this shirt when I saw it the first time and I love it still. I’m way impressed and I’m with your husband – mummies are not neat and tidy. This shirt is fantastic! You good mom, you!
    Oh those cheeks – was the rash painful? I just want to reach out and pinch that little face!
    You and Dana had real lunch in real life together – awesome!
    Have a great week! XOXOMarch 4, 2015 – 12:59 amReplyCancel

    • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - I loved this shirt when I saw it the first time and I love it still. I’m way impressed and I’m with your husband – mummies are not neat and tidy. This shirt is fantastic! You good mom, you!
      Oh those cheeks – was the rash painful? I just want to reach out and pinch that little face!
      You and Dana had real lunch in real life together – awesome!
      Have a great week! XOXOMarch 4, 2015 – 12:59 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I was pretty impressed myself, Lisa. I suck at this type of stuff! And no, the rash wasn’t painful except to look at poor guy!!!March 5, 2015 – 7:11 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - So jealous that yo and Dana got to have lunch!!! March 4, 2015 – 8:46 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah | Thank You Honey - This is so adorable!March 5, 2015 – 10:01 amReplyCancel

In hindsight, I’m not convinced that I completely understood what pregnancy meant. I mean, obviously, I knew that it came with worry and fear and cravings and doubt. I didn’t realize that I’d be concerned about whether eating lunch meat was actually okay or not, and I didn’t understand how hard and beautiful and surreal […]

View full post »

by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
email a friend

  • Allie - Oh chica, we did it again!!!! Love this post and I agree about the cost of self righteousness. Ugh. I hate it in others, but I especially abhor it in myself! #nomoremommywars!February 26, 2015 – 10:02 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - I screwed up the link-up, again. Go figure. BUT I love this post. Serious love to you and the putting it out there that self-righteousness is too costly. Because it bites us in the ass every freaking time!February 26, 2015 – 10:12 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It so bites us in the ass every time Kerri and sorry about the linkie code. One of these days, I’ll get it to you sooner so there’s more time for you to play with it.February 27, 2015 – 6:41 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah - Yup. Exactly.

    You have your story and I have mine.February 26, 2015 – 10:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Kelly L McKenzie - You know I just wish someone had said this to me when I had my first child 21 years ago. And then when I had my second 19 years ago. Honestly, looking back it really isn’t important whether they were breast fed for 2 months or 22 months. But man was it ever important then.February 26, 2015 – 10:25 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I remember counting the hours of sleep and freaking out about it Kelly. I wish I knew then that an hour or two doesn’t really matter but yeah, it really felt huge then.February 27, 2015 – 7:02 pmReplyCancel

  • Roshni - I wish people would just go back to the days of ‘if you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything’! Parents need support and understanding; they don’t need judgment and unsolicited advice.February 27, 2015 – 12:05 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I so agree Roshni – parents – especially new parents – so need support and understanding. It’s hard enough without somebody telling you that you’re doing it wrong. xoFebruary 27, 2015 – 7:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Nicki - Love this #Mommitment to end mom wars! Let’s be in it together, help one another, not criticize, judge, turn away from each other. Thank you for getting straight to it with your hugest heart and amazing words.

    And I’m allergic to cats too! 🙂February 27, 2015 – 12:53 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yes, Nicki! Let’s be in it together. Help each other. Let’s help and heal and promote and not tear down.February 27, 2015 – 7:30 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike - Obviously I have never been a participant nor “combatant” in mommy wars. But, I HAVE observed it from the sidelines working with females all of my life. And wowee have I learned a ton. On a bit of digression I often just make sure to stay as neutral as possible though still supporting my mommy friends. Remember, this is from a guy’s standpoint. Anyhooooo, that said, you really nailed it with this Kristi – “Being self righteous comes with a price”. Often a very high price. I haven’t walked a mile in anyone else’s shoes but my own. I’m applying that to mommy wars. I’m not being a jerk but women can sometimes be very catty. If that gets a boo-hiss, tomato throwing at me on the fence it was not meant to offend anyone. And in the end…when we/you/me/they are laying in that final bed before saying goodbye…all of that self-righteousness didn’t mean a gosh darn thing. More than likely it only brought on suffering to the self-righteous one. I hope this all came out right. FANTASTIC post or you wouldn’t have had this long response from me. Btw…I’m HIGHLY allergic to cats. And get this…dogs too. Yep! Love you dearest…always 🙂February 27, 2015 – 4:24 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Women can be horribly catty and you’re not being a jerk by saying that. At all. And sweets, it all came out just perfectly. Yikes to you being allergic to cats and DOGS! (me too a little bit but cats are worse)
      Thanks too for the reminder that when we’re laying in that final bed… sigh. Yes. You. Love you back times a kajillion.February 27, 2015 – 10:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Kim - I so wish that we could end the Mommy Wars – so silly!!! When I had our fist son and got involved in a moms group I was blown away by the opinions of so many and the fact that they felt justified in “sharing” them with everyone.
    Even with my sister and sis-in-law I keep my opinions on babies and kids to myself unless they specifically ask for my advice/opinion about something.February 27, 2015 – 6:41 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I so vividly remember one of the early days mommy groups I joined. It was HORRIBLE. I mean seriously awful… People talking about things that should just be a mom’s decision. Like breastfeeding. I have an opinion and it’s strong but it’s based on my life ya know?February 27, 2015 – 10:57 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - GIRL!!!!! You rocked finishing this sentence. This post was the BOMB? We are both off the same generation so I can say bomb right? I don’t know what the new word is. Anyway seriously this was a great post. The breastfeeding training nurses weren’t what I’d call very friendly about my lack of success. I wish I could go back and listen to my mommy intuition that breast feeding didn’t seem to be working for me. Christopher ended up back in the hospital dehydrated. I had no idea he wasn’t getting anything. Poor thing. But they allowed me to stay in the hospital with them to continue to breastfeed him and the supplemented him with a bottle every other time. Long story short he wasn’t getting anything from me. When I went to a check up with him and he had lost some weight only ounces off of 10 lbs but it seem drastic at the time, the nurse asked me how breastfeeding was going. I told her that I quit. No one told me to quit but I knew nothing was happening. But she acted like I should have gotten permission first and that it was so disappointing that I didn’t try harder. Oh I felt SO bad. I know you whole post wasn’t about this but just in general collectively we need to be more sensitive to one another about how we parent. I’m guilty too and you’ve opened my eyes. Maybe that nurse wasn’t trying to hurt my feelings and maybe I was overly sensitive but I wouldn’t ever want to make someone feel that way about anything.

    Speaking of bounce sheets – I couldn’t go down that aisle when I was pregnant. It took me years to be able to use them again without connecting them to the feeling of nausea.February 27, 2015 – 7:37 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Kenya!!! Really? For real? I felt like I was I dunno… like should have spent more time but your “GIRL!!!!” gave me gigantic grins and happies and um, wait, there’s a new word for BOMB?? Um, ok but I don’t know what it is and since you don’t either, I agree that our votes mean that BOMB is still the word for now and ever. Seriously though I’m so sorry you had those same jerks of the breastfeeding nurses. Between them and my own husband telling me maybe it was too big for the baby’s mouth (OMG because it did seem like it) and all of that??? Horrible!!! Tucker also went back to the hospital at 2 days because he’d lost weight. It did end up working out for us but it wasn’t as natural or whatever that I thought it would be.
      And that sucks about that nurse. For you and for all the new moms who have no clue!!! UGh to that. And bounce sheets are stinky. Here’s to us being nice(ish) because OMG to our son’s wives when they do everything wrong because they WILL 😉February 27, 2015 – 11:03 pmReplyCancel

  • My Inner Chick - “”self righteousness people”

    One of my greatest pet peeves.

    My suggestion: take a long look in the mirror. You may find a many things you do not like.

    Have I told you lately that you are one of my favorite bloggers?

    Well.

    You. Are.

    xxx Kiss and Happy Weekend. Savor.February 27, 2015 – 7:48 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - YES to taking a look in the mirror. Also is it weird that I talk to myself in the mirror, like a lot???
      And oh you. Really for real? Me being one of your favorites brings me gigantic joy as I feel the exact same way. xxooFebruary 27, 2015 – 10:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - Mommy wars are pointless, just like any other war. Who could the winner possibly be? Certainly not the children who are the reason we are mothers in the first place.

    I’d like to think I’m becoming less self- righteous as I get older. I’m trying, anyway.February 27, 2015 – 8:16 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - There is so no winner ever in the wars. Mommy wars. People wars. Any of them.February 27, 2015 – 11:32 pmReplyCancel

  • Deb - Truth. xoFebruary 27, 2015 – 2:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Marcia @ Menopausal Mother - Sooooo true! My sister-in-law and I got along fine for years until we had kids. She was a workaholic and I was a stay-at-home mom. She thought breast feeding was disgusting and I breast fed all four of my kids. Needless to say, I really got tired of bring judged by her. We haven’t spoken to each other in three years because even though we both have grown children now, she was STILL judging my choices in parenting. I decided I didn’t need her negativity in my life.February 27, 2015 – 4:18 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw Marcia, I’m so sorry that you and your sister in law had such a disagreement about breast feeding. Such a fundamental part of parenting – the feeding of our kids. How we do it? It’s just up to us. Our lives. Our boobs. Our kids. Sigh. It sounds like you made the right choice to cut her out of your life although I’m sure that was horribly painful… i had to cut somebody out who was mean about Tucker not developing at the same pace as her own kid.February 27, 2015 – 11:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Bev - Beautiful response to the prompt. I sadly had heard lots about the mommy wars before I even became pregnant. Since I worked with families with young children before having children of my own, I came to understand how hard parenting is. Every day you are faced with a million choices and every day this little person’s (or people’s) life depends on what decisions you make. You will never know what is the “right” decision, but you do know what works for you and your family. Instead of tearing each other down and judging and criticizing, we should be recognizing how hard we all work every day to raise the best children we can. Thank you for sharing!February 28, 2015 – 7:32 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I so agree Bev that we should be recognizing how hard each of us works to raise the best kids that we can. Thank you!February 28, 2015 – 2:34 pmReplyCancel

  • Scott - I’ve never understood the mentality of women who attack other women for simply making different parenting choices. It just doesn’t make any sense.February 28, 2015 – 9:09 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It totally doesn’t make sense. It’s dumb. And mean. And just all around crappy.February 28, 2015 – 2:41 pmReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - Well said! I heard the other day the word “sanctimommy” and it seems like such a great word. It is sad that so many put that fear and doubt into sanctimonious behavior instead of just owning they are scared and not sure what to do.February 28, 2015 – 8:44 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OOOH I love the word “scantimommy!” So fitting. And yeah, I completely agree that it sucks that people prefer to make us afraid or feel dumb when we’re just trying to do what we do…February 28, 2015 – 10:50 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - It’s all so bewildering, isn’t it?
    Since Scarlet was a. happy surprise.. I thought I still had years before pregnancy and child-rearing. I knew nothing, and how much can you learn in nine months anyway? You learn all of everything from DOING it, and.. it’s still so exhausting and I know nothing. And I want to bean Cassidy, Des and Scarlet are sick, and oh god. Take me away!March 1, 2015 – 11:16 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It is SO bewildering! I can relate to wanting to be taken away! Sorry they’re all sick though and so hope they’re feeling better!!March 5, 2015 – 6:38 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - That feeling that you get when someone else had just expressed everything you were thinking and didn’t know you were and everything you would like to say in the most perfect way and better than you ever could. I love this SO much. The shoe size analogy with the numbers written in different languages was great. And before I even read the post I LOVED where you took this prompt. This was perfect, perfect, perfect. And amen.March 2, 2015 – 7:48 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw thank you! You always leave the best comments. I so appreciate them and you!! Thanks too for liking the shoe size thing – that was my favorite part!!March 5, 2015 – 6:39 pmReplyCancel

  • Jhanis - You know, what’s funny to me is that I never knew about the “mommy wars” when I was pregnant with my son up until I started reading blogs and became active in social media. I was out of the loop and perhaps that was better? Now, I think a lot if I’m parenting the right/wrong way. Messes me up! LOLMarch 4, 2015 – 8:05 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I do think you’re lucky to have missed all the mommy wars while you were pregnant, Jhanis! And yeah, doubting ourselves just sucks. Here: You’re doing it right!! 🙂March 5, 2015 – 7:03 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah | Thank You Honey - It is so funny looking back at how crazy you can become. I was a freak up till my son was 1 or 2 years old. Too funny.March 5, 2015 – 10:07 amReplyCancel

  • Yvonne - Yes to everything you’ve said here Kristi.
    What you write about here is kinda my obsession right now. I seem to keep writing about variations on the theme of “us and them.” (Even did a review of a book by that name this week!) It’s so ingrained in our culture that it can be hard to even notice it, and it’s not confined to parenting. In the UK, with an election coming up soon, it is utterly rife. To be honest, I don’t think it will end until we are willing to face our own darker side, and you are doing just that here by owning your own self-righteousness and by pointing out that what is right for you might not be for someone else.March 15, 2015 – 3:34 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Yvonne. Your comments are always so well thought out and spot on. I agree that we do need to face our darker sides in order to be less “us and them.” I have to wonder if it’s cultural or human -did cave people do the same??March 16, 2015 – 4:22 pmReplyCancel

Today’s Our Land Series post was written by a woman that I think is brave and doing good good things for moms around the world. A few years ago, when my son Tucker was even younger than he is now, my husband Robert and I talked about him going to Afghanistan for six months in […]

View full post »

by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
email a friend

  • Mike - First and foremost, congratulations on parent.guide! I too attempted a long distance relationship/marriage with a flight attendant. Oh, it had all of the movie quality excitement and romance to it in the beginning but that wore thin soon. I share that because I get how you felt being apart from your husband. Those 3 days a month just don’t cut it. I’m trilled the three of you are together now and that you are building a social circle that is rich and rewarding. I know blogging has provided me with a fantastic friendship community to add to my day to face in person friendships. All of my best to you and your family, Jess! Thank you for sharing her with us, Kristi 🙂February 25, 2015 – 12:13 amReplyCancel

  • Nina - I can’t imagine being away from my husband that long! The longest we’ve been apart was seven days and it was rough! I’m glad they’re reunited, and it’s just too unfortunate that they couldn’t all stay together to begin with, but at least they’re in the same place now. I would’ve moved too, even if it meant starting over.February 25, 2015 – 10:35 amReplyCancel

  • Kim - Oh, such a hard situation! As the wife of a military pilot I have spent lots of time home along while my husband was gone (often in another country). I’m so happy that it worked out for you to move to Australia so y’all could be together again.
    I agree that it is much harder to make close friends as a mom and in certain places.February 25, 2015 – 1:33 pmReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - An excellent example of making amazing lemonade, lemon meringue pie, lemon curd, lemon cookies, and lemon tea from what life gave you. Well done! 🙂February 25, 2015 – 2:40 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Wonderful post. I could relate some to the mini deployments my husband had when we were stationed in Japan. We didn’t have any children when we were there and even though we were stationed on base with other Americans it was still hard to establish a connection and especially when the women had children and I didn’t. Fast forwarding to to when living back in America and we had a four year old, my husband was deployed overseas. I laugh at remembering how many times my son inquired if that man was daddy. Sometimes I had to agree – wow that did look like daddy. But it made me stop going on base. Because we dropped my husband off on base to go to Iraq, my son thought Iraq was somewhere on base. Anyway that has nothing to do with your post – it just triggered a memory. I wished I had thought to blog my way through my experiences back then. I’m glad you made the discovery of your website to keep you sane and connected.February 25, 2015 – 4:14 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - What a tough decision that must have been for you and your husband – to spend the year apart, and then to move across the globe. I’m glad you are slowly finding friends in Australia, and that you’ve found an outlet through your website. Thanks for sharing your story!February 25, 2015 – 4:16 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - One of my good friends was in a similar situation. Her husband moved to Brazil for work, but she stayed in NY with her 2 young sons for 2 years. She finally ended up moving there. She thought it was only going to be for one year, but now they are about to embark on Year #5. This is supposed to be their last year there. They have all adjusted and are making the best of it, even though it will never be truly home for them. I think adventures and challenges like that can make a family more bonded and it can also help each person grow individually. The fact that you started Parent Guide is testament to that – I think it’s awesome you started that site!February 25, 2015 – 9:00 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandy Ramsey - I cannot imagine either of those scenarios was an easy choice but I think you are right. The benefits for your son, having his father every day, make it worth it. It sounds like you are making the best of things and have really made something positive for yourself happen with parent.guide. I can’t wait to take a look at your site! Thank you for sharing your wonderful story!February 25, 2015 – 9:14 pmReplyCancel

  • Roshni - Wow! Such a fascinating story! You definitely did the right thing by moving to be with your husband and you also turned your sense of isolation into such a positive venture! I do hope your friends’ circle has expanded or that you at least have some friends who you are close to!February 26, 2015 – 1:47 amReplyCancel

  • Tamara - So many tough decisions, but always honored by your family. Glad you reunited and found such an awesome outlet too. Before I got to the end I was thinking, “I hope she’s a blogger or other such writer because it really helps.”February 26, 2015 – 1:27 pmReplyCancel

Rushed, always rushed, I stood in the checkout line. Shifting from foot to foot, glancing at the clock while precious seconds slipped away, I was annoyed that I once again chose the slow line. The woman in front of me had given the cashier the wrong brand of formula or something. An employee delivered the […]

View full post »

by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
email a friend

  • Kerri - Oh I love this, I love how you took that moment and made it more, more than it could have been. But not less than it should be. We all get frustrated, run late, get freaking pissed but if we try to balance those moments with understanding in compassion we will change the world. I JUST KNOW IT

    PS–my post is done and I will link up later tonight after I get that precious time with the girls 🙂February 19, 2015 – 12:51 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Kerri. I of course had a totally different post planned (and in my mind, it was awesome) but well, tired and sick and I’m so glad you liked it and are doing #1000Speak! We will change the world. We will indeed.February 19, 2015 – 8:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Roshni - I definitely want to work more on my patience and understanding! Thank you for the reminder, Kristi!February 19, 2015 – 1:03 pmReplyCancel

  • Kelly L McKenzie - I know. All it takes it just to place yourself in another person’s shoes. Sometimes it’s easier than other times. I found myself shouting at this poor confused woman crossing the street the other day. She was tottering through the crosswalk and I was running late and trying to turn left. Thank you for the reminder to wait, to be patient, to understand that she could be confused as to her direction, she might be short of breath or she…?February 19, 2015 – 2:42 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - So right Kelly – although also so so hard. I think we get caught up in the day to day and forget that others are caught up in theirs. I hope to be better about this.February 19, 2015 – 8:41 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike - Terrific post as always, Kristi! I would have to say in the past many years there has only been one circumstance where I felt frantically rushed. That was when I was given 45 minutes to leave work (on my overtime days) to go pick up Phoenix from daycare and take him home on each of those days. This required driving to one opposite end of town to get him, to another opposite end to our house to drop him off and then back another opposite way to return to work. I had it down to a science time- wise but if there were a lot of “kids” being picked up it became a really close call. We can get written up if going over our breaktime on a habitual basis. I never did. So, over those 11 years I learned in all other circumstances to plan ahead time-wise so that I’m never in a hurry. I HATE feeling rushed and/or stressed about feeling rushed. Just this morning I was in the check out line at the grocery store and a very similar thing happened to me as you mentioned above. It was a great opportunity to people watch (I mean duh…all the hot moms shopping at that time..LOL) and talk up people in line about anything. I love your compassion, warmth, caring, sharing and insight always as all of us take something positive away from your posts each time. Love ya, Mike 🙂February 19, 2015 – 3:28 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks Mike. Love back at you. I can imagine the stress in trying to get Phoenix home each day and getting back to work… so much of my own stress and lateness is due to my own “I can fit one more thing in” attitude (including 5 more minutes of sleep too often). You’re amazing. Tell me that you’re writing a #1000Speak post too?February 19, 2015 – 8:46 pmReplyCancel

      • Mike - Actually, I’m not but I’m thrilled to see the huge outpouring of linkups you have to this post my dear! Great job! 🙂February 20, 2015 – 2:53 amReplyCancel

        • Kristi Campbell - You still have time if you change your mind!! There are some pretty amazing posts going around with this one…February 20, 2015 – 6:55 pmReplyCancel

  • My Inner Chick - **I will remember that all of us are more alike than different**

    YES!

    Somebody asked me about what I’ve learned or experienced the most from knowing my African Pen-Pal and that is exactly what I said…

    “We are more alike than different, even from 10,000 miles away. We want the same things. We want & crave creativity. We want to be valued, respected, needed. But most of all, we want LOVE.”

    kisses and lots & lots of love from MN. xxFebruary 19, 2015 – 4:30 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - We so are more alike than different!!! Love that you have a pen-pal too – I used to have one years ago. Maybe I need to revisit that! xxoo and love and kisses right back at you from DC Kim.February 19, 2015 – 8:58 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - You and I had similar approaches to this, Kristi. Compassion happens at the individual level, and we need to remember that we each make a difference. I’ll be linking up later tonight, but I couldn’t wait to start reading.February 19, 2015 – 5:00 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Great minds then Dana! I can’t wait to read your post. Just checked and doesn’t look like it’s up yet but I’m psyched to read it!February 19, 2015 – 9:00 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Somewhere along the line I completely missed that Feb 20th was United Nations World Day of Social Justice. I was wondering why that day was chosen. Duh me.

    Ever since this time last year where a too long visit in Walmart tested my patience, while I missed being a part of or witnessing a horrific accident I have slowed down on my attitude.

    It’s interesting how that accident changed me because I thought all the lives that were affected my someone speeding.

    I know that’s not what we are talking about here but your post triggered that thought.

    But yes ultimately I treat people the way I would want them to treat my son. I know someone who is goes out to eat a lot with the family. That person usually reports on Facebook some kind of dissatifaction with the service and “going off” on the wait staff. First of all I just wouldn’t ever do that, but secondly I wouldn’t do that in front of my children. You can’t teach compassion if you don’t have any. I hate to see children being a witness to that kind of behavior.February 19, 2015 – 5:22 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Wow to the accident last year and it affecting you so much. I can see how that would happen though -it’s like missing the flight that crashes or something. I think about that stuff way too much I guess but hadn’t in a while until I read your comment. It’s that stuff that changes how we are and how we think. Wow.
      Here’s to treating people the way we want them to treat our sons. I think about that a lot too – and the person who goes off on the wait staff? I don’t think I’ve ever done that. I hope I never will. xoxo friend.February 19, 2015 – 10:23 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah - Brian was homeless for a brief period during his “troubled youth” as I like to call it. What he learned from it was to always say ‘Hi’ to homeless people holding signs. One of the strongest memories of that time was how demeaning it was to be completely ignored. Make eye contact, say hi. A tiny, tiny action, but a compassionate, important one.February 19, 2015 – 8:11 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Brian was homeless for a while? Wow. That’s pretty intense although I know as I type those words that each of us live lives more intense than people would realize and that for us, they’re just the way things were. Still. Wow. I’m glad you told me and I’m glad that you said that making eye contact is important. xoxoFebruary 19, 2015 – 10:39 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - My lack of blogging these days (and the fact that my kids are all on school break this week) has prevented me from producing any sort of post for this…I am going to tweet and share though and I hope you all know that I am 100% behind ALL of these compassionate voices!February 19, 2015 – 9:04 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You’re on school break this week?? I feel that!! We’ve had ONE DAY of school this week – the rest, including tomorrow – cancelled and UGH!!! I know you’re in 100% and if you decide that you do want to participate, the linkie is open until like 7am on Saturday. No pressure or anything though 😉February 19, 2015 – 10:41 pmReplyCancel

  • Rudey - Each day we choose – awesome line! And, I particularly loved this: ” I’ll take the time to smile at a tired mother in a checkout line somewhere, and remember that each of us chooses the wrong brand, forgets our coupons completely, and has a story.” We all have our story and we are all so interconnected. Thank you for starting this wonderful project. I’m excited to be a part of it.

    #1000voices.February 19, 2015 – 9:11 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’m so so glad that you participated Rudey and loved your post. You’re right – we all have a story. We all are more interconnected than we often realize. xxoo and thank you.February 19, 2015 – 10:59 pmReplyCancel

  • Echo - I love this, Kristi! Even the most compassionate person has those moments. Moments like the one in the checkout line, I know I have. We just need to try to have more of our compassionate moments as well!February 19, 2015 – 9:14 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - We so do Echo!! We so so do. Those moments at checkout – they’re easy. Being compassionate? Less so but well yeah, the mattering.February 19, 2015 – 11:00 pmReplyCancel

  • Vidya Sury - Seeing through the eyes of compassion takes a LOT of practice, as I’ve learned the hard way, Kristi. Sometimes, in our own emergencies, everything else around us becomes hazy. One of the phrases my Mom was fond of repeating was “try walking in their shoes” and what hurt sometimes, was the fact that some people had no shoes. Deeply humbling.

    Hugs! Your “pledge” moved me to tears. Yes, I brought enough tissues along. Thank you. So thrilled today is also FTSF.February 20, 2015 – 3:43 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You’re so right that during our own emergencies that other things become hazy. So right. But yes walking (or imagining) in other’s shoes is so important and yes humbling. Very. I’m so happy that this worked with FTSF as well my friend and that so many people are participating!! THank you!February 20, 2015 – 6:57 pmReplyCancel

  • Rena McDaniel - Great post! Shared.February 20, 2015 – 6:43 amReplyCancel

  • Allie - Oh Kristi, I have been in the same line at the grocery store!!!!! And unfortunately, had the same reaction:(. I like myself better when I have compassion.February 20, 2015 – 8:59 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I like myself better when I have compassion too Allie! I hope you are all feeling better!!February 20, 2015 – 7:45 pmReplyCancel

  • Ana Lynn - Beautiful post Kristi, that touches on so many things that deserve more attention in today’s world. And we all have moments where compassion escapes us, but I do believe if more of us makes an honest effort to remember to be compassionate, we can slowly start to make a difference!February 20, 2015 – 9:12 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I think you’re right, Ana and love that you (and I and um 1000+) believe we can make a difference! We can! We are!!February 20, 2015 – 9:12 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandy Ramsey - Wow Kristi! This one really hits in the heart. I literally have chills right now after reading these words and I think so many people will feel the same way. You nailed it…all the things we think and feel in the rush of our busy days and busy lives. I am guilty of these things. This post makes me want to take a moment and remember that everyone has a story. Thank you so, so much for this. This is going down as one of my favorite posts of all time.February 20, 2015 – 10:04 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It makes me want to remember that everybody has a story too, Sandy… and that too often, like when in a line at checkout, that I forget that… xoxo huge love to you.February 20, 2015 – 11:14 pmReplyCancel

  • Joy Christi - I’m there. I’m with you and crying through the posts, and struggling to remind myself that even though I cannot string words together in the beautiful manner that you do, my words are enough. My efforts are a start.
    Beautiful!February 20, 2015 – 10:33 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You strung the words together Joy. I read them and they were strung and beautiful and so so important. A start x 1000.February 20, 2015 – 11:16 pmReplyCancel

  • christine - Seeing that I have 6 bottomless pits in my house, and I usually have the grocery shopping timed just right to get done and to pick up in time, I have been in that checkout line so, so, so many times. I used to get ridiculously frustrated. Now, I just don’t. I’ve learned that the speed of the line will not change because of my irritation. I’ve learned to stop and genuinely smile when the slow person gives me an apologetic look.Or chat with the teller who just likes to talk with her customers, even if it means a dip in her productivity.

    We absolutely choose. Every day, many times a day. I couldn’t agree with you more.February 20, 2015 – 11:22 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw Christine!!! We so do choose and had to chuckle at your six bottomless pits because yeah, my ONE means that my timing at the grocery store is often off. Here’s to realizing that the speed of the checkout line or the speed of life changes based on our lateness or our compassion, and to the giving of compassion.February 20, 2015 – 11:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Dani Heart - Wow… I never thought it would be this big. So exciting. I can’t wait to read all the stories. I love it!February 20, 2015 – 12:53 pmReplyCancel

  • bostoncandylady - Thank you so much for letting us post links to our blogs here – I’ve really been enjoying going through some of these entries. And you inspired me to find some of the posts that didn’t have comments and add my own to them.

    May all beings be well, may all beings know peace.February 20, 2015 – 2:57 pmReplyCancel

  • Marcia @ Blogitudes - Your “drop in the bucket” so matters here today, Kristi! Thank you for co-hosting the link-up. 🙂 Thank you for your excellent post. Everything we do matters in one way or another. Your post is a great inspiration to really look around at those we see each day and really see them – to be more understanding of what they might be going through … and then to make a choice to do good and treat them with compassion (as you said). Excellent post … and thank you again for providing this link-up!February 20, 2015 – 4:06 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank YOU for your most excellent post and for participating and for believing that everything we do matters and for all of it.February 21, 2015 – 9:55 pmReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - Lovely post as always, Kristi! Thank you for co-hosting this amazing event!February 20, 2015 – 5:59 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you Elizabeth for participating. For believing. For YOU. Your voice.February 21, 2015 – 9:56 pmReplyCancel

  • Louise - Ah! Waiting in line at the checkout. The frustration of waiting in line at the checkout.

    And the need for perspective at times while doing so – very true.

    I love how you wrote this. And I love all the drops in the buckets that these posts are all making. So happy to be part of this movement.

    Also – I wanted to let you know I posted one of your pics from a previous #1000Speak post for my post with credit – hope that was okay. I thought it was beautiful (the people and the globe on yellow and how we’re gonna change the world!)February 20, 2015 – 8:00 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Louise,
      I’m so happy to be a part of it as well and yes to the drops in the buckets! I did see that you’d used that graphic and of course it’s okay! I loved seeing it on your blog 🙂February 22, 2015 – 11:39 amReplyCancel

  • Dani - There’s nothing more refreshing than honesty, transparency and heart, Kristi.

    Thank you for all 3.

    With blessings,
    DaniFebruary 20, 2015 – 9:56 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - As always, I love the words I find here.
    True that we make choices every day about what we will see or not see, do or not do. Sometimes I feel guilty, though, when I want to do more, but simply can’t. In those cases, I at least offer a prayer for the person I’d like to help. Is it bad if I say I don’t get impatient in line? I don’t know why – I used to. Maybe it’s because I’m always the person making it take long for the people behind me. Do you have any idea how long it takes an ADHD mom with an ADHD kid to take care of grocery checkout? LONG. 😀 Anyway, for some reason, I don’t do it any more. I check out the magazines, I people watch, I play a game with Zilla. It could also be that I don’t feel quite as stressed and impatient since changing my job situation.
    Anyway, I’m exhausted and blathering.
    This is good – and I will make a conscious effort to choose to see more around me. That’s a promise.February 20, 2015 – 10:13 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw Lisa, you’re so awesome. Thank you!! I know what you mean about feeling guilty when we can’t do more but doing something – even recognizing pain and praying is something and it’s compassion. I believe that. xxooFebruary 22, 2015 – 11:41 amReplyCancel

  • Marcia @ Menopausal Mother - It makes my heart swell to see all of the writers in the link-up to share their stories of compassion. And I love your positivity in this post–thank you for helping to spread the word!February 20, 2015 – 11:24 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks Marcia! I was so excited when I saw that you’d joined as well!!February 22, 2015 – 11:42 amReplyCancel

  • Nicki - “…all of us are more alike than different.” YES! This is so perfect, Kristi, thank you. You always say it just right. Love you xxFebruary 21, 2015 – 1:35 amReplyCancel

  • roweeee - Great to read your post on my journey through 1000 posts.
    I have had terrible trouble trying to get just a few items from the supermarket as I have been recovering from chemo and have a severe auto-immune disease. On an afternoon just like the one you described, a man pushed in front of me in the queue and when I spoke to him, he denied it. I then saw a staff member in the queue and told her that I was ill and she quickly ushered me through another checkout and as the man walked passed, he could see me getting with a disability permit. Am I supposed to have compassion for him?
    My post was about the compassion fatigue I’ve experienced trying to pick a topic for my post: https://beyondtheflow.wordpress.com/2015/02/20/compassion-fatigue-a-light-bulb-moment/
    xx RowenaFebruary 21, 2015 – 2:12 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’m still reading through them and each one fills me with such hope and joy. People’s commitment to showing compassion in the ways that they can is inspiring. Sigh though to the man who pushed ahead of you. I suppose the answer is that you should have compassion for him because who knows what his day is (perhaps he has a loved one in ICU or something) but jeez it’s hard to have compassion for others when they are unkind. I’m sorry you had to deal with that.February 22, 2015 – 11:46 amReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - I’ve stood in that checkout line as well. It is difficult to see beyond what is going on inside our own heads at times to see the people around us. I am trying to strengthen my compassion muscles to get better at truly seeing the people around me in my daily life.February 21, 2015 – 8:25 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I love the way you put that Elizabeth – strengthening your compassion muscles. Yes!February 22, 2015 – 11:47 amReplyCancel

  • Serins - yes, helping is helping. That smile in the check out line may uplift someone. We don’t know their story.February 21, 2015 – 11:33 amReplyCancel

  • Kate (Shakespeare's Mom) - Beautifully written, Kristi. You continue to inspire me with your dedication to making the world a little bit brighter and a little bit more compassionate. Your passion for supporting and loving and understanding our fellow humans really comes through in your writing, not just in this post, but in so much of your work.February 21, 2015 – 5:00 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - This is why I love you so much, the ability to walk in the shoes of others, express it so beautifully and write straight into the heart. I loved what you said about treating yourself the way you want the world to treat Tucker. That really struck a chord bwith me. I’m going to remind myself of that sentence the next time I deprive myself of sleep, worry too much or think unkind thoughts of myself. I love you so much, my friend!February 21, 2015 – 6:05 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I really do want to treat myself the way that I want others to treat Tucker and yet I struggle with that so much and thank you huge for getting that. It’s just hard right? And I so love you back. You know that.February 24, 2015 – 12:14 amReplyCancel

  • Tamara - I SO joined you – #127 and proud!
    I’ve had so many similar thoughts at the grocery store. Depends on the day really. So beautifully written as always. I mean, of course!!February 21, 2015 – 7:37 pmReplyCancel

  • Galit Breen - Love this. Yes, compassion is, for sure, a choice.February 21, 2015 – 7:52 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - We are more alike than different. Beautiful post. Here’s my little drop in the ocean: I’m sending good thoughts your way, hoping that everything is going well.February 22, 2015 – 1:21 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Your drop of kind words causes ripples of thankfulness and meaning and I thank you for that you.February 24, 2015 – 12:17 amReplyCancel

  • Yvonne - Kristi, most people can relate to that scenario – certainly I can! And you are absolutely right that each day – each moment – we choose whether or not to see others, and what they might be going through. Only last night a friend said something about why a mutual friend of ours might do what he does that I sometimes take personally and I had not seen it the way she described before, but realised it made more sense than the story I was telling.

    I love all the intentions you have, and particularly this one:
    “I’ll treat myself the way that I’d like for people to treat my son.” It does start with us, yet so often we want others to treat us better than we treat ourselves.

    I love your post, your beautiful mind and that you made compassion your Finish the sentence Friday. Thank you!February 22, 2015 – 12:31 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yvonne, you are an absolute rock star for getting this movement going and reaching and just YES. And yes – here’s to wanting to treat ourselves with as much kindness as we want the world to show our children. That. All of it. The heart and the beauty. Thank you for #100Speak and thank you for you.February 24, 2015 – 12:20 amReplyCancel

  • Allison - YES, this is my life. I make up stories all the time for the people I encounter…projecting something on to them. Honestly, it helps humanize the entire experience that is this stressed out, harried thing called life.
    And I am always late, but I always try to share.
    Thank you for this!February 22, 2015 – 3:43 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I love that you make up stories for those you run across the same way that I do Allison – one more way we’re alike yes? And yeah, ugh to the late. Hugs to you sweet one.February 24, 2015 – 12:22 amReplyCancel

  • Jackie @ The Courage In Me - Loved this so much! So profound and thought-provoking. Thank you! Oh and this: “That all of our stories matter. The ones we tell and the ones we keep to ourselves.” So so true.February 22, 2015 – 9:49 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks Jackie. Our stories. All of them. Thank you too for sharing yours.February 24, 2015 – 12:23 amReplyCancel

  • jaklumen - Just a small marker to let you know I was here.

    I’m still so impressed by your clip in Tamara’s video. You were rockin’ the camera.February 23, 2015 – 2:30 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw. Awe awe. I need to share that video. Thank you. I am glad that you were here and that I was on your #1000Speak as well. Thank you for writing and sharing.February 24, 2015 – 12:24 amReplyCancel

  • Jessica - I absolutely love this! These are the things we all need to try to do everyday. I feel like we’re all programmed to judge and compete, but it doesn’t have to be like that. With a little extra effort, we can all make life so much better. Love this compassion initiative! 🙂February 23, 2015 – 1:16 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Hi Jessica!!! You’re so right that nothing has to be the way that we think it does and that yeah, we can all make life and living better. xo to you friend!February 24, 2015 – 12:25 amReplyCancel

  • Nina - Putting ourselves in other people’s shoes is a great way to extend compassion to others. I can’t imagine a world where we only think of ourselves with no regard for others. Every time someone annoys me, I think that that person is loved by someone else just as I love my own family and friends. Helps to bind us together and find something we have in common.February 24, 2015 – 1:02 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It so is Nina! I love the idea of remembering that somebody who annoys us is loved as much as we love our friends and families. Thank you!February 24, 2015 – 8:15 pmReplyCancel

  • Jhanis - I am so glad to be a part of this movement! I mean my son because he wrote for me for #1000Speak LOLMarch 4, 2015 – 7:50 amReplyCancel

  • Sarah | Thank You Honey - I love this & I love this movement! #1000SpeakMarch 5, 2015 – 10:09 amReplyCancel

Today’s Our Land post was written by my fabulous friend Jill, of Ripped Jeans and Bifocals. Jill is hilarious and amazing. We’ve bonded over being slightly *ah hem* older moms who parent superhero kids and even though she claims to hate Uggs (who hates Uggs???), I still like her.  I’m positive that you will, too. Special […]

View full post »

by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
email a friend

  • Mike - Jill, you are an absolutely brilliant writer and thank you for sharing her with us here, Kristi! Under VERY different circumstances there could be a lot of humor in reading this but not when it’s at (adorably cute) Kyle’s expense. My heart breaks for him to have to go through this as I can not stand to see a child in pain. Re: “there’s my owie doctor” really tugged at my heart strings. From my computer chair reading this I think you are being a rock star mom and doing an absolutely fantastic job with him. Btw…your other son is just as adorable. Many kudos from me to you and a big blogger hug being sent your way! Many blessings for right and perfect improved health to Kyle every day forthcoming! 🙂February 17, 2015 – 3:00 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - You’re doing it right, Jill. You may be winging it (aren’t we all?) but you are doing it right. I got home 15 minutes ago from taking my 13 year old for his third HPV vaccination. He whined and moaned but he knows it’s for his own good. But little kids don’t know, and I can imagine how tough it is for you to put your little guy through the jabs and the tears. I feel for you!February 17, 2015 – 4:29 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Dana,
      What great timing having just gotten home from the doc yourself! And yeah, I’d say we’re all winging it.February 18, 2015 – 5:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - I’m going to tell you something that might make you fell better – or terrify the crap out of you that this may never stop – I have this same struggle with my 12 year old daughter. She has no special needs, but is terrified of doctors, dentists, and anything that resembles a medical setting. I once took her to get a flu shot, after dragging her out from under the exam table where she was in tornado drill position, it took me and two nurses to hold her down while a third nurse administered the shot. She was 8. More recently, before she started 6th grade, she had to have a state mandated TDAP booster. Full on panic attack!!! She was seriously swatting at the nurse, almost hyperventilating, and I had to practically sit on her so the nurse could give the shot. Oy! It was ridiculous. Long story to say – you are not alone my friend and I feel your pain!!February 17, 2015 – 4:33 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - I have a friend whose daughter has a huge phobia of needles and shots and she called me the other day asking me if she should lie about going to the doctor the next day because she knew her daughter would refuse to get in the car if she knew. Her daughter had already been to the doctor the day before for tests regarding her growth and it entailed needles and lots of people holding her down. I honestly didn’t know what to tell her. I think she ultimately decided to tell her daughter that they “might” need to go to the doctor tomorrow for a few more tests. It’s all so hard. I think we all need to “wing it” at times because there really is no right answer. I love your sense of humor though – I have found that when going through tough times, especially with our kids, that we need to keep the humor going. It’s the only way to stay sane!February 17, 2015 – 4:40 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I don’t know what I would do and feel really really lucky right now that my kiddo doesn’t have such a fear of shots and the doctor.February 18, 2015 – 5:50 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - I just discovered Jill’s blog this week and I am in love – because older moms. Duh.
    My Kidzilla doesn’t have a ton of medical issues (lots of others, but that’s another day) and things like shots, and the freaking blood pressure cuff of all things drive her absolutely crazy. I hate it.
    Jill, I love how you mix the honesty with humor – it’s about all we can do to keep on doing what we do.
    Thanks for a great post, ladies!February 17, 2015 – 5:55 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - YAYYY for older moms Lisa! We rock we do. Interesting that Kidzilla hates the blood pressure cuff (and totally weird that Tucker loves that thing right?).February 18, 2015 – 5:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - An excellent post, telling so well the tension between doing what is right for them and making them miserable. You’re doing great, Mom!February 17, 2015 – 7:02 pmReplyCancel

  • Kathleen O'Donnell - Can I just say how incredibly awesome it is that you’ve adopted a special needs child? I get all kinds of good feels just thinking about that. I’m adopted myself (special needs debatable) so I have a soft spot for those who adopt and those who are adopted. I also have a special needs granddaughter. So, you had me from the get go. I would dare say, you are doing it all so right. You’ve got to tell him. It’s not like blowing Santa’s cover or anything. This post cheered my soul.February 17, 2015 – 7:40 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Kathleen,
      I’m adopted too! Whoot! HAHA to it not being like blowing Santa’s cover.February 18, 2015 – 6:12 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Me me me *raising hand for hating Uggs.

    —-

    I wish I had some advice for Jill. Honestly for my sanity I’d continue waiting until the last possible moment to say what’s on the agenda. I don’t think that’s right are wrong and our babies still love us at the end of the day just because – it doesn’t matter what kind of day they’ve had, it matter that we’re there at the end of the day.

    Excellent post!February 17, 2015 – 7:41 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You hate Uggs?? Kenya!!!! Sigh. I like the point you make about our babies still loving us at the end of the day. So so true (thank goodness).February 18, 2015 – 6:13 pmReplyCancel

    • Jill - Thank you for your kind words. Waiting till the last minute seems to be what’s working…at least working a little. And I am virtual high-fiving you on the Uggs, girl. See, Kristi?February 18, 2015 – 10:03 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandy Ramsey - Oh boy! The age old dilemna of ‘Am I doing it right?’ I’m still raising three out of five kids total and I still don’t have the answer. I will only say that I tell my kids that honesty is ALWAYS better than lying. There are consequences if you tell the truth but they will be far worse if you lie. That’s about the best I can do. I read what you write and I listen to how you talk about your children. Jill, I think you’re doing just fine. I wish it were easier for both of you when it can to the doctor appointments though. My heart goes out to you.February 17, 2015 – 9:39 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I think Jill’s doing just fine too, Sandy and also wish that going to the doctor wasn’t so awful for them both.February 18, 2015 – 6:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah - The constant conversations I have with my daughter about shots! She, too, has a pile (not nearly as good as plethora) of doctors, and they’re arranged in her mind into categories of ones who give shots and ones who don’t. There’s only one on the do column, but as her birthday is approaching, that visit is also approaching. The conversations, the conversations. Sometimes I think it’s all we ever talk about!February 17, 2015 – 9:44 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Tucker always asks about shots as well but for some reason, he’s not terrified of them thank goodness!February 18, 2015 – 6:31 pmReplyCancel

  • Seana Turner - I’m sending much love out to Jill. People who help children with physical and emotional struggles live a very difficult and selfless life. It’s a whole different world from raising a healthy child. It’s expensive, it’s time consuming, it’s draining, and it’s often isolating. Hang in there – you are doing it right!!February 18, 2015 – 12:13 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks Seana! I agree with you that it’s a different world and that Jill’s doing it just right!February 18, 2015 – 6:35 pmReplyCancel

  • Shay from Trashy Blog - It sounds like you’re doing an awesome job. No, scratch that. A fcking amazing job. Keep up the good work, Mom!February 18, 2015 – 12:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - Yes, you’re doing it right.
    Although I hope you wouldn’t think my outfit is tacky! (it probably is)
    It’s a different world from raising a healthy child, and I have two of those, but the anxious mother side of me can at least see how vast those differences are, and how we all get sucked into the world of worry.February 18, 2015 – 9:13 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - First I am so with you on the Uggs. No matter how Tom Brady tries, they will never look right to me.

    Can I say how much I get this post? Thankfully Bridget isn’t aware about the doctors. She just goes with the flow, even when it comes to blood work. BUT I get the winging it. I am surprised every day that this child who I have to physically hold down for tests will immediately jump into my arms for comfort. That she still loves and wants me when I have been a party to her torture is amazing.

    I don’t have the answer, I wish I did, to make it easier for all of you. Just know you are not alone and I hope that helps in some small wayFebruary 19, 2015 – 10:00 amReplyCancel

« Older posts Newer posts »

N e v e r   m i s s   a   n e w   p o s t !