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

The original Star Wars movie came out when I was a little kid. My dad, my brother and I couldn’t wait to see it and went to the theater one Saturday afternoon thinking we’d be among the coveted first to watch incredible life-like “how did they DO that?” 1977 effects. You know, like this. After waiting in […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Out One Ear - Linda Atwell - I remember the year Lindsey realized Christmas, Santa, etc., was a big thing. Cabbage Patch kids had just come out. I had to fight a bunch of other ladies to get my daughter one and make her dream come true. So I totally understand: this. is. a. big. huge. deal. Not only for Tucker, but for you too. Enjoy. Enjoy. Enjoy.

    The Sesame Street Live looked fun and if that would’ve been available when my kids were little, I would’ve loved to have taken them. Glad Tucker enjoyed. This is what Christmas is all about (to me) making memories with our kids. You can never go wrong with the memories.

    🙂December 15, 2014 – 1:06 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OMG I remember Cabbage Patch dolls! I wanted one too (although I didn’t get one). Wow, they were ugly little things weren’t they? Still, they were the thing!!!! Thank you for getting it and for getting that the memories are really what matter!!December 15, 2014 – 10:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - You are that COOL mom! I’m so happy you were able to take Tucker to see the show.

    Sounds like private swimming lessons are a good idea. What a scary experience for you! I’m glad the lifeguard was there and everything is OK.December 15, 2014 – 10:07 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - haha I TRY to be the cool mom and thank you! Yeah, private swimming lessons I think are a perfect idea although super expensive… still though, what price for a sweet life and skill? Thanks, KristiDecember 15, 2014 – 11:02 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - I’m so glad he had fun at Sesame Street and how can you not be thankful for a birthday party where you kid didn’t drown? Holy crap you must’ve freaked!!! Good job mama, holding it togetherDecember 15, 2014 – 10:20 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - YUP! I was kindof freaking. Stupid me though…I had on a swim suit but none of the other moms were in the pool so I waited thinking that it was “good for him” to be by himself in there with friends, which it WAS, but the poor kid doesn’t have the skills at all…December 15, 2014 – 11:04 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - Kidzilla loves her Legos, too!
    So glad you had fun at Sesame Street – doing those things together and making special memories are the things that really matter.
    Hooray for “getting” Christmas. Isn’t it absolutely wonderful???
    Huge hugs to all of you XOXOXOXODecember 15, 2014 – 12:21 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yes, “getting” Christmas is amazing!!! And here’s to legos and making memories!!!December 15, 2014 – 11:05 pmReplyCancel

  • Kim - Oh – there was a time (like last year!) that advent calendar would have been a hit here!!! This past summer my oldest son decided to get rid of ALL of his Legos – this was a collection he had worked on for over 10 years. It was hard for me but I let (and helped) him sell them all.
    Thanks for sharing the calendar!!!December 15, 2014 – 12:46 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Sorry I’m late with the Lego advent calendar (but maybe be glad as they are stupid expensive but obviously worth it when it makes your kid “get it” and all that). He got rid of ALL OF HIS LEGOS??? I wish I knew. I’d have bought them!!! You rock for helping him to sell them all!!December 15, 2014 – 11:06 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - I love Sesame Street Live! My good friend was the director of one of the big ones so we got backstage passes to meet Elmo, baby.
    And I’m so old I went to the Star Wars Ice Capades as a kid. I even got a nose bleed there. And a fake lightsaber.
    I was just telling Scarlet that story this morning!December 15, 2014 – 2:21 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You met Elmo??? You so rock!!! Tucker would have hated that part but I’d have been super psyched!!! And you rock with your little girl nosebleed and fake lightsaber. 🙂December 15, 2014 – 11:07 pmReplyCancel

  • Chronicallysickmanicmother - I find it hilarious when they don’t like the costumes getting close to them.

    Star Wars advent calendar! AWESOME!December 15, 2014 – 4:30 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It IS funny when they get freaked out by the costumes, even when knowing what they are and yeah the Lego Star Wars advent calendar is totally awesome 🙂December 15, 2014 – 11:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - We never saw Sesame Street Live, but we did see The Wiggles in concert. Loved it then, so glad I don’t have to go now.

    I can see why the characters can make Tucker uncomfortable – they can be scary. Gwen had a friend years ago who was TERRIFIED of the Chick Fil-A cow. As in she ran screaming out the door. Poor kid.December 15, 2014 – 7:31 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OOOH I got email alerts for the Wiggles for a couple of years and it never worked out!! I’m kinda jealous. And yeah the costume guys up close can be huge scary – that’s funny/sad about your friend who was terrified of the chick-fil-a cow. I don’t blame her!!December 15, 2014 – 11:11 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike - Yes, MY jump-in-after-Tucker needle pegged just reading that pool scene! I’m so glad you got him signed up for swimming lessons. We were in the water always on the boat during my childhood. I hated the swimming lessons but wow did it make myself and two step sisters expert swimmers. That’s so awesome you played hooky and went to see Sesame Street! I love it when parents do this with their kids because what happened in school that day will never be remember (assuming it’s a normal day). Sesame Street with mom will be a memory of a lifetime! Just like I still remember right where my dad and I were standing when he told me he was taking me to Star Wars on that Wed May 25th opening night! Good post, Kristi 🙂 Good luck to whomever wins the tickets!! 🙂December 15, 2014 – 8:12 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yeah, I was freaking out a little bit. I was THISCLOSE to jumping in but then the lifeguard did…sigh. And yeah, I learned to swim young as well. Honestly, I didn’t realize how much help he’d need to do so and am glad we’re going to pay a fortune to get him private lessons…
      And YAY to Sesame Street Live being a memory he will cherish!! I hope so!!! I love that you remember your dad telling you that you’d be seeing Star Wars in 1977!!!December 15, 2014 – 11:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - We have great memories of taking the boys to Sesame Street Live – it’s a great show and I’m glad Tucker enjoyed it. (my boys were never big fans of the costumed characters up close either). And, I definitely get your excitement over his excitement about Christmas — that’s awesome!December 15, 2014 – 10:12 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Emily – I’m kindof relieved to read that your boys weren’t fans of the live “costumes” either!!! And yeah, the Christmas understanding is incredible even though I have to listen to “Can I open a present now?” 200 times a day 🙂December 15, 2014 – 11:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Michele @ A Storybook Life - Now that’s an awesome tradition that your dad started and you’re carrying on with Tucker! I would think it’s an ultimate compliment to a parent when their kid remembers something so fondly to do it with their own child. 🙂 It’s also a good reminder to me, the slave to the “schedule,” that surprises and a change from the schedule can be the source of great memories.

    I’d love to be entered in the giveaway — Teddy is currently obsessed with his good friends Elmo and “Ernie and Burp.” (Whoops, he learned about Bert and burping the baby on the same day.)

    And I’m excited for you that Tucker is getting into Christmas! Great Advent calendar. 🙂December 16, 2014 – 3:50 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I think so too Michele! And you’re entered! I love “Ernie and Burp!” Awesome!! I’ll have to remind my dad how awesome it was that he pulled us out of school to see Star Wars! That’ll make him happy.December 16, 2014 – 7:05 pmReplyCancel

  • Rebekah - Yes please! My older daughter is ob.sessed. with Elmo! So fun!December 16, 2014 – 9:03 amReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - I seem to recall that we got pulled out of school to see Star Wars too! Of course, by the time Return of the Jedi opened, I was working for the theatre (at Tyson’s Corner – it is gone now, lol!) and got myself in on opening day. 🙂

    I have done lots of sharing so people can enter for those tickets – I hope whoever wins them has a great time!December 16, 2014 – 10:20 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You got pulled out of school for Star Wars!?? Awesome!!! Also, you worked in Tyson’s Corner? As in VA? I live about 15 minutes from Tyson’s Corner! Are you still in the area now?? Thanks so much for sharing!!! I appreciate it!December 16, 2014 – 7:07 pmReplyCancel

      • Elizabeth - Yup, the same one in VA! We moved away decades ago but it remains one of my favorite places. 🙂December 16, 2014 – 8:32 pmReplyCancel

        • Kristi Campbell - WOW small world!! I moved here from Denver in 2004 and promised I’d not stay but well the schools, and my hubs job. WOW. seriously small world. I love it!!!December 16, 2014 – 11:07 pmReplyCancel

  • celeste noelani - That is AMAZING about Tucker getting that it’s Christmas this year. I hope it’s a wonderful one for you all.December 16, 2014 – 11:51 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks Celeste! I love that he gets Christmas, even though it means saying “no you can’t open your presents yet” 12 times every day. I’ll take it!!December 16, 2014 – 7:07 pmReplyCancel

  • Amy Neumyer - I absolutely love your blog and would love to win those tickets for my family! Thank you!December 16, 2014 – 7:51 pmReplyCancel

  • My Inner Chick - What a doll face!
    Merry Christmas, sweet, sweet girl. xxxDecember 18, 2014 – 6:25 pmReplyCancel

I don’t consider myself as being particularly wimpy. I am the eight-year-old who slept on a board placed on her bedroom floor for six weeks after taking a dare from her brother to jump off a six-foot retainer wall at the elementary school that left me unable to walk home. During the 80’s and 90’s, I […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • zoe - Heroism and bravery are really all about the circumstances we find ourselves having to adapt to aren’t they? Either way… yours and Tucker’s willingness to adapt to whatever you all deal with has made ya all brave… just face it your brave, sister!December 11, 2014 – 10:18 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I edited the shit out of it since you commented because I wrote it from my phone laying in bed with T man but THANK YOU and yes. We just have to adapt.December 13, 2014 – 1:19 amReplyCancel

  • Emily - Yes I agree – we are all brave and wimpy at the same time. Sometimes I’m brave and other times, total wimpy wimp. And when it comes to our kids, on the one hand we have to be so very brave no matter what but on the other hand, we can also be so afraid. As you know, I can relate to your feelings so well, with ALL of my kids.December 11, 2014 – 10:18 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’m totally wimpy – and was when it came to this post that I redid today a bunch of times because I tried to write it on my phone (damn the deadlines)… and thank you so much Emily. I know you can relate and I’m so lucky to have you as a friend.December 13, 2014 – 1:21 amReplyCancel

  • Anna Fitfunner - I wouldn’t worry too much about labels or assumptions that people make. Tucker will grow to be all that he can be, because he has loving parents and a fundamentally positive outlook on life. And your stepdaughter. Well, that’s a tougher one. She’s old enough to make her own choices, including the really horrible dumb ones. I think that you can resolve to do the best that you can. It will have to be good enough.

    I don’t think that you need to be concerned about being brave or a wimp. As you say, we are both. And that is okay.December 11, 2014 – 10:19 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Anna!! I am trying to not worry about the labels so much… but sometimes it’s hard because so many other people need a label to define him if that makes sense… thanks so much and you rock as always.December 13, 2014 – 1:28 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - I am brave and wimpy too, Kristi – I think we all are. Being a mom makes us unbelievably courageous and incredibly terrified. I know the uncertainty about Tucker’s undiagnosis amplifies the brave and wimpy, but I think you are doing pretty awesome.December 11, 2014 – 10:54 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks Dana!! I think you’re doing pretty awesome too. I guess we’re all doing enough…December 13, 2014 – 1:29 amReplyCancel

  • Kelly L McKenzie - Some days I feel strong enough to take on anything and other days I can’t even face a dog walk. However, I take great comfort in knowing that I’m not alone. Most folks are like this I find when I get to know them. My motto is to “take it one day at a time.” Now if I’d only remember to practice it …December 11, 2014 – 11:26 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Kelly,
      You saying that some days you can’t face a dog walk is SO SO COMFORTING – thank you!!! I miss my dog so much and want to get another but I also remember that there were mornings and nights when I just didn’t want to go and didn’t enjoy it and couldn’t face it… You’re not alone. Which means I’m not either.December 13, 2014 – 1:31 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - Brave is what you call it when the proverbial shit hits the fan and you stand there and let it fly in your face anyway. I think. Sometimes you just want to run away from it screaming “eew eew eew” though, right? And it’s not necessarily a wrong choice, either.
    I think this may be my favorite thing of yours – which I’ve probably said before – but it’s all so true. I like knowing that you’re the same as me – that many of us are the same. No matter what our thing is in life, we all feel like we could conquer anything some days and really just wish someone else could do it on others. Normal. Human. Reality.
    Meanwhile, I can’t tell you how I laughed at “advanced maternal age” because I found it the most hilarious thing about my pregnancy. I mean, OK, I guess I was but did they really need to put the big freaking orange sticker on my file??? Honestly. Like how my body felt for nine months wasn’t kind of a clue…December 11, 2014 – 11:40 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I think you’re right. And I love your explanation that standing there while it flies in your face anyway. Because YES. That. And OMG I so so so love that your stupid orange stamp was the same as mine because yes – really??? I mean REALLY??? To AMA!!?!?December 13, 2014 – 11:53 pmReplyCancel

  • Out One Ear - Linda Atwell - Now your site is working again! Huge bummer. I left a very creative message and now it is gone. Let me try to recreate…
    I am a coward and I am brave too. I am 1001 different things. You always write stuff that makes me think, makes me relate to you in such an incredible way. I was at a writers workshop and the host asked us to tell them about ourselves and of course I started off that I’m a wife and mother…but I really don’t let just those two things define me. I’m a writer, an entrepreneur, an insurance adjuster, a gardner, a traveler (and I’m happiest when I’m on the road)…. anyway, I don’t want to be defined in one specific way. I shared a post today about a grown woman who did want to be identified in a certain way (not that she ONLY wanted to be identified in one specific way) but I could relate. Special needs, developmentally delayed, etc., are one part of her, but not all of her. Anyway, I digress in this response in a way that I didn’t digress during my first response (an excellent one I might add that will not be so excellent this second time around).

    I too am incredibly dumb and shockingly smart. The older I get, the less I realize I know. So when I’m shockingly smart–I LOVE IT! Anyway, your post is excellent and I love reading everything you write.

    p.s. hope things are better with your stepdaughter. I don’t expect a response here. And as far as a Lindsey update: she is doing better every single day. Not great yet, but moving toward great. Happy holidays to you and your adorable family.December 11, 2014 – 11:54 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - So sorry it wasn’t… maybe, it wasn’t working because I was typing this post from my phone while lying in bed with Tucker waiting for him to sleep knowing the deadline was coming and hating the post but then finding a way to edit it that was okay enough? Because sometimes good enough is right?? ?
      And thank you Linda. I adore your words so much, here, and at your place. And well to the stupid step daughter… we don’t know anything new except for that Tucker absorbs more than we think because yesterday, my husband and I were talking thinking that Tucker was drinking his “ba” (and yes he’s five and whatever) and all of a sudden he said “Cameron is my stupid sister???” Holy crap. I guess it’s time to watch what we say…
      I’m so glad too to know Lindsey is doing better every day… and huge big Happy Holidays to you and yours!! xoxoxoDecember 13, 2014 – 11:57 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike - Kristi, as you know I see you as a hero always…neither brave nor wimpy but a constant of goodness every day. I know you may not feel like that but we are always our own worst enemy. Cliché, yes…but true. Shall we use the word brave then I see you have already and will continue to climb life’s biggest mountains. You will stand in front of the fastest, most intimidating oncoming trains of this ether we all share. There will be days where you hang on to a branch by one arm in the fiercest of rapid rivers. Yet, you will always survive and you will always be my hero. Apprehension or trepidation or a bit uneasy you might also find yourself at times. Wimpy never…in my book. xoxo, Mike 🙂December 12, 2014 – 12:21 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - How awesome is your comment Mike? It’s awesome times a kajillion. Thank you. Yes to holding onto the branch and yes, to holding it out for our friends. xxoo huge right back and for real, thank you!December 13, 2014 – 11:58 pmReplyCancel

  • Nicki - I love this post so much Kristi. So true. So honest. Life and parenthood make us want to run and hide, and also scream F*ck yeah I can do this because I’m AWESOME! And you are. Thank you for telling it like it is. xxDecember 12, 2014 – 12:57 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw Nix, you’re the bestest. I hated this post because I wrote it in 20 minutes on my phone but now I think it’s almost okay after editing and that you saw its potential is HUGE to me so thank you so so much!! You are AWESOME. xxooDecember 14, 2014 – 12:00 amReplyCancel

  • April - Sometimes just living life is courageous enough. I remember when people asked how I finished law school while single and pregnant and I didn’t really have an answer. I wasn’t sure if I should’ve made the decision to just drop out of the world or what? What was my option? Get a job? It would be just as much work, and would be no good with the mounting law school debt and no degree. Bravery doesn’t mean that you have to be spokesperson everywhere you go. BDecember 12, 2014 – 6:07 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - April,
      I will not say “I can’t imagine” to finishing law school while single and pregnant because it drives me nuts when people tell me that they can’t imagine how I do it… but I will say that you did good… and that it’d have been easier to have crawled under the covers. I know what you mean though and yeah, bravery doesn’t mean we have to be the spokesperson. Thank you for that reminder.December 14, 2014 – 12:12 amReplyCancel

  • Tarana Khan - When it comes to any challenge my son has to face (now or in future), I am a wimp too. Can we help it if we worry ourselves silly about our little angels?December 12, 2014 – 9:50 amReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - It has been my observation that your bravery is a bigger part of you than any fears.December 12, 2014 – 9:54 amReplyCancel

  • Allie Smith - I know I’m wimpy, especially about scary and violent things (I cannot listen to stories about medical procedures ever- or watch violent movies!). But overall, I think I have a courage that is borderline delusional. Gets me into trouble sometimes;). I thinks its because as a teen I was scared of everything. One day I decided, enough was enough. It was time to kick a little a**.December 12, 2014 – 2:16 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - UGH to the ugly medical stuff – I’m a total wimp about that too unless it’s happening to me or a loved one and by a loved one mostly I mean a REALLY close loved one… here’s to kicking a little ass.December 14, 2014 – 12:15 amReplyCancel

  • Mrs. AOK - I don’t think you’re wimpy. I think you’re a Mom with a big heart, worry, in some freakish way, is love… no? I’ve written a few posts on worry and anxiousness, and what I have gathered, I’m not alone, many of us worry about the what if. It’s somewhat instinctual, well I believe.
    Anyway, you shouldn’t sale yourself short, you’re doing everything you can, and doing it with love. I think it’s quite commendable to share your story, because you never know who you’re helping.
    XOXODecember 13, 2014 – 9:21 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Mrs. AOK… yes, you’re right.. in many ways, love IS the freakish and worry… and thank you so much… I think sharing our stories is all of the everythings really. Even when it’s hard.December 14, 2014 – 12:16 amReplyCancel

  • Tamara - I love the last line. I’d like to believe I have the courage to imagine my own.
    I always see my kids as so much braver than I am. And then I wonder if I used to be more like them, and it’s slowly disintegrating.
    Or maybe I used to be afraid, and it’s slowly building back up.December 13, 2014 – 11:45 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Let’s imagine our own and let’s imagine for our kids. They have so much more already than we even know… in all of the ways. Let’s say fuck being afraid, okay?December 14, 2014 – 12:17 amReplyCancel

  • Kim - I think you are incredibly brave!!!
    And, for the record, I would love to see Tucker’s Lego advent calendar!!!December 14, 2014 – 10:35 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Ok I will show his cool Lego advent calendar in tonight’s post! Thanks for letting me know you’d like to see it and also? I think YOU are brave 🙂December 14, 2014 – 10:37 pmReplyCancel

  • Seana Turner - It isn’t to face the uncertainties of life. Especially when we anticipate painful moments for ones we love. I’ve had my own share of struggles in this area. Fortunately, times always get better, something surprising happens, and a new season begins. In the meantime, isn’t it nice to draw courage from our friends (blogging and otherwise!), family, and God? Sending you warm thoughts:)December 14, 2014 – 5:06 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Seana, yes, you’re so right that we do draw so much encouragement from friends (online and offline), family and God. So much. The painful moments are hard but yes, we do get through almost mostly always stronger… thank you!December 14, 2014 – 10:38 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandy Ramsey - I think being a mother has made me a wimp. I can look back at some of the crazy things I did years ago with barely a care about consequences and would never in a million years think about doing them today. It’s my kids. I just don’t take chances anymore..because, like you, I’m afraid of their being here without me. On the other hand, it’s made me the fiercest of warriors in matters that I would never have guessed would make a difference. Life is crazy. That’s what it is.December 14, 2014 – 5:33 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Ok so I saw that you’re focusing on other things but did you delete your blog???? I just tried to go and got an error (I’ve had errors this weekend so am not sure what that means) but yeah, being a mom made me a wimp too!! I used to do SO much and now? I can’t risk it because my baby boy needs me more than he needs anybody else (or so it feels and I try to not jynx myself by saying that but yes)… here’s to being warriors!!December 14, 2014 – 10:42 pmReplyCancel

      • Sandy Ramsey - I did pull it down. A lot of people asked me why I didn’t leave it up but it wasn’t free space. I’ll start another after the beginning of the new year. I just thought it was time to do something different. I had no idea what I was doing in the beginning and wanted to change so much it was just easier to start from scratch. Most people think that makes me crazy but I’m still here…it’s just my first blog that’s gone. I intend to hang around with the great people I’ve gotten to know for a long time! So you’re not quite rid of me yet!December 15, 2014 – 6:30 amReplyCancel

        • Kristi Campbell - Wow. I think it’s awesome that you just did it. Pulled it down. I pay for this space as well but would be way too chicken to just pull it all down (funny that I say that in a post about courage). I so look forward to what your next adventure is!!!December 16, 2014 – 7:11 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - Wow. Once again WOW. So profound and as always so relatable. You’ve perfectly put it. I agree that we all have 1001 faces. This is why most of us are good and bad and brave and not so brave at the same time. And oh my god, yes, it takes courage to imagine greatness. To allow yourself. It is so much easier to duck behind fear. I love how you think, and live and write and I’m proud to be your friend. I can totally see that eight-year-old girl in you. 🙂

    xoxoDecember 14, 2014 – 8:44 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw Katia! Thank you thank you friend. I’m proud to be YOUR friend and everything – all the words – right back at you!!December 16, 2014 – 7:10 pmReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - YES!!! We ALL need to have that kind of courage! Because really? There is greatness in us all to be imagined. I hate that some limit themselves in fear…

    Oh wait. I have done that too many times to count!

    BUT- what has come toward me, I have battled with the courage needed. As have you, my friend.

    And we continue to build amazing strength to take the next bold step into the unknown. You, me, and ours and them.December 15, 2014 – 6:16 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Here’s to us taking the next steps into the unknown and the scary and facing it with bravery Chris!! (and it seems to me that you are doing JUST that right now, waking from your surgery!! Hope you’re okay!). xxooDecember 16, 2014 – 8:03 pmReplyCancel

  • Brittnei - Loved reading this! I didn’t write something this week, but I do believe you explained this so perfectly! You are brave. Well, at least I think you are, for whatever that is worth. I see a woman who is fierce in her ability to explain the complexities of this life in a way that can relate to so many in the world. 🙂December 16, 2014 – 12:44 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw Brittnei! Your words mean so so much to me – thank you! I see you as brave, too! Standing by your beliefs and learning so much from life is the brave path and you are so on it!!! <3December 16, 2014 – 8:04 pmReplyCancel

  • BritishMumUSA - As I said before you are an amazing mum, and a BRAVE woman!!!! We can chat when ever privately, you have my contact info…. The school that both my children attend, middle and high school have an inclusive program so children with a LD are included. What my children have learned growing up with LD children is that in the end we are all human and deserve the same respect. They hold each other up and bring each other up. It is beautiful to watch. My daughters have gone to bat for them too… Your son will develop awesome friendships and go a long way!!! Your daughter will make the right choices…. 🙂 Sending hugs and love!!!!December 16, 2014 – 1:53 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw thanks, Ray! You are too!!! YAY for your kids learning respect for everybody – I love that they have inclusion programs. So so important. Thanks for the hugs and love, sweet one! I very much appreciate them and your awesome friendship!December 16, 2014 – 8:16 pmReplyCancel

  • Angel the Alien - Tucker is growing up in a pretty good generation, as far as having special needs goes. He has a mother who loves him unconditionally, and who will help him to learn about his brain and make it work for him, and who will advocate for him and teach him to advocate for himself. I think he will do things that are above and beyond what you can imagine! 🙂December 18, 2014 – 5:01 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I think so too Angel! It’s so much better now than when I was a kid. I can’t remember any special needs kids in my classes – I don’t know where they were! I’m glad that there’s inclusion today!December 20, 2014 – 12:46 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - I’m scared of a lot of things but I do have the courage to believe in the best future for my son and love it that you said it first!December 19, 2014 – 12:52 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Here’s to the VeryBest futures for our little boys, Kenya! The VeryBest!December 20, 2014 – 12:46 pmReplyCancel

  • Meredith - Bravery is different for everyone. I think I’m a big fat scaredy cat about 90% of things…I could NEVER skydive. Ever. But, then, I think of things I’ve done that were hard, and maybe I didn’t want to do, and I think that is it’s own kind of bravery. 🙂January 6, 2015 – 10:46 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You know, it’s funny. I could NEVER skydive now… because why, ya know? But another way to think of it is how stinking brave are we for even becoming moms, for loving a man enough to have a baby with him… that’s pretty brave right??? so yeah, we’re all brave I think 🙂January 6, 2015 – 11:09 pmReplyCancel

It seems like just about everybody in the First World has an Elf on a Shelf.  I watch elves misbehaving on Facebook, in blog posts, and on Twitter. Oh, you forgot to move the elf last night? He got into your wine? He wrapped himself in toilet paper? Uhm… maybe you’re missing the point. It’s possible that I read too much […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Joy - We don’t have an Elf on the Shelf and I guess I wouldn’t buy one! 🙂 What is the purpose of it, anyway? Please enlighten me!December 3, 2012 – 11:41 amReplyCancel

    • admin - Joy! Of my daily joy! The purpose of the elf is to terrify your kids into behaving for Santa. The idea is that he flies to the north pole every night to report to the big jolly guy on whether your kids have been naughty or nice. Then he comes back and perches himself on a shelf. It’s supposed to be fun for the kids to spot him each day in a different place. It probably is fun for families who have less ridiculous moms than I am. I get the idea, and think it could be cute in a Big Brother is always watching YOU kind of way. I just think he’s ugly. And scary. In a scary clown kind of way. But maybe it’s just me.December 3, 2012 – 11:48 amReplyCancel

      • Joy - Okay, I understand. We do not have this tradition here (maybe you read my about page by now?) 😉 and are not familiar with the Elf. It sounds like a nice idea but I don’t like his appearance either. And as you can see you are not alone out there! I might have too google for Elf on a Shelf is creepy and have some fun!December 3, 2012 – 12:02 pmReplyCancel

  • Frances - No, you are not alone. The Elf is super creepy and teaches the wrong message. We don’t even do Santa here, because the idea of a fat guy in a red suit entering your house at night is really creepy, too. When my kids see Santa at the mall, they look away and quickly walk past – even though they know it’s just a guy wearing a costume. We do talk about St. Nicholas – how he was a real person known for his spirit of generosity. My kids get that.December 3, 2012 – 1:33 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Wow, I never thought about that Santa is be scary too. Big fat guy coming down the chimney…Thanks so much for commenting!December 3, 2012 – 5:59 pmReplyCancel

    • Joy - I like what you wrote about the “big fat guy”, tee hee! 😉
      We celebrate St. Nicholas on December 6. He comes to your house (you can rent him) and tells the kids about the good and bad things they did in the course of the year and gives them some small presents, nuts, and tangerines.
      Historically, we celebrate the Christ Child on December 24 but it becomes more and more common to celebrate Santa instead. Unfortunately, we like to adopt a lot of traditions from the US (obviously we like you guys very much 😉 ) like e.g. Halloween which is something I am not too excited about. We have our own culture and traditions and should not forget about them.December 4, 2012 – 1:02 amReplyCancel

      • admin - You’re right. You should celebrate what’s traditional in your culture. So are you renting St. Nicholas this year? Sounds fun!December 4, 2012 – 10:28 amReplyCancel

        • Joy - Probably not. Sunny is already afraid of the one that is coming to kindergarten each year!December 4, 2012 – 10:33 amReplyCancel

      • mdbc77 - i love the idea of having santa give the kids a good/bad report!December 4, 2012 – 11:19 amReplyCancel

        • Joy - You can read more about it in my blog! 🙂December 4, 2012 – 11:29 amReplyCancel

    • Pam - I totally agree. We always taught my son that Santa wasn’t real. He always knew we were the ones who brought him gifts. I felt convicted about this when my niece was 12. She was the one who argued with all the kids when they told her Santa wasn’t real. When she discovered the truth she was hurt and betrayed. She couldn’t believe that her parents would lie to her like that, and thought, what else have they lied to me about?

      That was enough for me. I wasn’t going to lie to my child about a fat guy coming to our house.December 7, 2014 – 7:55 pmReplyCancel

      • Kristi Campbell - Aw, Pam! That’s sad that your niece felt so betrayed. We’ve actually been talking about Santa but you bring up a good point. Maybe we need to reconsider that.December 8, 2014 – 10:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Courtney - Ha! I love your drawing! We do it, and yes, I paid for it. I do understand those who don’t. It’s fun, and honestly, it has helped my son believe a little bit longer. He has been poking holes in the Santa story since he was 4. Ours sits up high, most of the time. He does not help the kids behave better, but it’s fun to get creative with him. 🙂December 3, 2012 – 1:44 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Courtney, I know you do it and I’ve actually had this post in draft mode for a while waiting until it got closer to Christmas to publish. When I saw your post, I almost scrapped it because I love that your seven-year old still believes in the magic. In the end, though, I had nothing else to write today so I used it. I’m relieved that it didn’t offend you! And I’m really glad that Elf brings your family magic. Maybe I will warm up to him when Tucker starts “getting” Christmas better.December 3, 2012 – 5:58 pmReplyCancel

  • mdbc77 - i almost bought one of those elves a year or so ago, but i took one look at the price tag and thought, uh no i am not paying thirty bucks for that thing! i, too, feel it is creepy and a total waste of time! my cousin called me a few days ago to ask if we had one and said she was going to get one for my kids (her kids are teenagers now) and i asked her if she was coming over every night to stage a new “elf-tastrophy” for me. we have not yet received that elf as a gift from her!

    i don’t like to tell my kids that “santa’s watching you” because i think that is creepy, too. but, we have been making regular “phone calls” to the jolly fat man this season. surprisingly, it works wonders when your five year old son is misbehaving at the store. i kind of wonder what the folks in ear-shot think when they hear my husband say, “yes santa i’ve got a little boy here who’s not listening….” it would be really funny if someone came over and asked him for the number though! lol.December 4, 2012 – 11:24 amReplyCancel

  • Meredith - Your second graphic made me laugh so much! That is SO creepy–and so funny 🙂December 4, 2012 – 2:32 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Thanks Meredith! Glad it made you laugh! He really IS creepy! 🙂December 4, 2012 – 3:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Robin Jingjit - Exactly! It’s weird and there is NO WAY my boys wouldn’t touch it. Plus, we don’t do santa/any magic characters as real in our house, so it wouldn’t fit for us either. We talk about/watch movies/read books about Santa and he’s fun for them, too, but they don’t think he’s actually coming.December 4, 2012 – 6:06 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Thanks, Robin. It’s such a relief that I’m not the only one who thinks the elf is nuts. Thanks so much for commenting!December 4, 2012 – 7:10 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Mommy, for real. - I am with you 100%, and so is my daughter! When we tried out this little tradition two years ago, we nearly drove her into therapy. It scared her to death, and she refused to be anywhere in the house without us for weeks, just after having laid eyes on him for all of ten seconds. (She immediately hid under a blanket and wouldn’t come out.) FESTIVE FAIL.December 4, 2012 – 10:14 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Stephanie, that’s funny! And reaffirming, somehow. 🙂December 6, 2012 – 9:54 amReplyCancel

  • MomboMombo - must admit – never heard of it! Living off the grid is good at times…December 5, 2012 – 4:25 amReplyCancel

    • admin - Indeed. He’s a creepy asshole.December 6, 2012 – 9:54 amReplyCancel

  • Rachel - You KNOW I love this post!December 6, 2012 – 6:37 amReplyCancel

    • admin - Ha! I love how you called him a “pint sized weasel” on your blog!December 6, 2012 – 9:53 amReplyCancel

  • Angel The Alien - I don’t really “get” Elf On The Shelf. Not only is he creepy, but the story doesn’t make sense… he’s clearly a doll, and people buy him, so how can he be magic? I saw a blogger who did something different… she made this tiny little door that can be propped up against any wall or piece of furniture, and she says it is a magic door for the elves to go in and out of when they want to spy on the kids.December 8, 2013 – 12:20 amReplyCancel

  • Frances - My kids are already scared of Santa, so we don’t do anything Santa-related here. But I read the Elf on a Shelf story to my son yesterday for the first time. I asked him, “Do you think this is real?” He said no. He asked why someone would write a book like that. I explained that the same people who make the doll also wrote the book and they were trying to make as much money as possible from the books and dolls. He asked for another story. We will not be welcoming any elves into our home.December 8, 2013 – 9:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Angel,
    I don’t really get it either but agree that it’s weird…I like the tiny door idea!December 8, 2013 – 11:06 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Francis,
    I love that you explained that they are just making money from it!!!!December 8, 2013 – 11:07 pmReplyCancel

    • blob - FOR YOUR INFO… THEY LOVE BEING WITH KIDS! THEY DO NOT GET PAYED! PLUS, WHERE WOULD THEY EVEN USE THE MONEY! THEY CAN”T GO FLYING AROUND BUYING STUFF!December 8, 2024 – 6:42 amReplyCancel

  • Mytwicebakedpotato - I am SO with you! Creepy little voyeur and tattle tale! No thank you! I really think that was one of my best decisions to avoid him like the plague! 😉December 8, 2013 – 11:48 pmReplyCancel

  • shelli - geez – psycho much? There is a very lovely story that goes along with elf on a shelf – its the CHILDREN who love it and the CHILDREN are what matters at Christmastime. Anyone who sees a doll and thinks violent images needs some serious therapy or has simply watched too much tv!! Sorry that you have such a Bah- Humbug approach to Christmas and that you think we all live under a rock (which we dont)but MY opinion is that he is adorable, and although i dont own one (because i dont have small children anymore)I certainly WOULD get one if my grandchildren wanted one here because i think hes cheery and festive – and that is MY opinion 🙂 God Bless you all on this very Merry Holiday and throughout the new year!December 9, 2013 – 9:52 amReplyCancel

    • blob - Shelli IS CORECTT! SO ALL OF YOU NEED TO ACTULLY BE HAPPY ABOUT IT! IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT YOUR GUYS OPINION IS IT MATTERS OF THE KIDS! WE ALL LOVE IT WHEN KIDS WAKE UP TO PREASITS UNDER TE TREE THEM WITH SMILES ON THEIR FACES, WHEN WE DON’T AGURE WITH THEM. THAT IS WHATV CHRISTMAS IS!December 8, 2024 – 6:46 amReplyCancel

  • Joyful Me - Who has the energy to do that? Not me. We just put our tree up tonight and I’m almost done with my holiday cards. We are lucky if the laundry is folded. I do not have time to move an elf around and make him be amusing. Creepy? Maybe just super annoying.December 21, 2013 – 9:57 pmReplyCancel

  • Tarana - All types of dolls scare me (except stuffed animals) and so an elf would never make it’s way in our home, though I’ve seen some cute ones people have put up!December 22, 2013 – 6:00 amReplyCancel

  • Judith - Playing IT with your kids – oh my, youth traumas. I saw IT at 13 years old and couldn’t brush my teeth over the sink for weeks. Anyway, that elf looks proper creepy and is definitely never being invited into my home – thanks for the heads up!December 22, 2013 – 2:41 pmReplyCancel

  • Joy Christi - I don’t do EOTS either, mostly because Im lazy and we also take pride in having our children afraid of US, vs. Santa, elves, Easter bunnies, etc. 🙂
    I like your “It” idea!December 23, 2013 – 5:55 amReplyCancel

  • Emily - Hahahahaha!! That picture of the elf with the bloody knife – hilarious! We’ve never done the Elf on the Shelf…by the time I heard about this trendy Xmas tradition, my kids were too old to believe in the creepy elf. I agree – he’s one creepy dude. Is he a dude or a dudette? I’m with you – no elves in this house!December 8, 2014 – 10:37 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You’re so lucky your kids were too old! I resurrected this post after hearing kids at the bus stop talking about their elves and thought HOLY CRAP would I get one for Tucker (probably if he asked). 🙂December 8, 2014 – 11:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - Hangs my head in shame, because we do have one but in my defense it isn’t the one you have in the pic above and was the original they were selling way back. Kevin’s mom bought it for us before we had Emma and the past two years has kept the girls mostly well behaved for the month of December – so he can’t be all bad if he can magically do that at least in my eyes 😉December 9, 2014 – 6:21 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Janine,
      I will never judge you or any parent that gets their kids to behave during December! I’m just a baby who thinks that the elf is creepy! 🙂December 10, 2014 – 10:35 amReplyCancel

  • Allie - Honestly, it was fun the first couple of years, but not anymore. I had a friend who went over the top with her elf doing crazy stuff and posted it on FB. Of course their kids told me kids, who wanted to know why their elf was so lame. I refused to join the madness, but Rich felt they would be scarred. The elf went mad – one time with a sharpie. Mom was not pleased. It’s well know in these parts that mom hates the elf. I think he’s aging though, he’s back to more sedate “watching” and there have been no complaints…December 9, 2014 – 7:25 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - The elf went mad with a sharpie! OUCH! See? I’m smart to not have one then right? Also, who am I kidding… we all know that if Tucker actually wanted that creepy thing in our house that he’d get to have him…December 10, 2014 – 10:36 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - So glad I didn’t read this in the middle of the night! Yes I agree that he is creepy. My dad said he looks like he’s related to Chucky. I agree! I just clicked on a FB link crepp/funny something like 10 naughty pictures elf on the shelf doesn’t want you to see. Google it! So glad I’m not in the minority thinking he’s a creep.December 9, 2014 – 7:33 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - See! Your dad and you agree! YAY 🙂 I’m going to try to find what you saw on Google and thanks so much!!December 10, 2014 – 10:37 amReplyCancel

  • Kerri - I have been quite clear on my views of the freaking Elf. I think the one perk of Tucker and Bridget is that we never, ever, like ever, have to deal with the Elf for them. Unfortunately it is the one negative Abby comment!!!December 9, 2014 – 9:05 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yeah, the elf. Sigh. He’s just icky. Plus $30!!!! Yay for no elf for B&T! Sorry about Abby though 😉December 10, 2014 – 10:38 amReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - This is hilarious and yes- I totally get your take on it!! My kids LIVE for their Little Kris Kringle…. he isn’t scary to them- he is a giver of good.

    Our Elf doesn’t do stupid nasty things, and make a mess in our house. Our Elf gives encouraging notes for the kids every single day they wake to go look for where he has hidden with his precious words!!

    My kids feel like Little Kris is part of our family. I had no idea it was going to take off like this a few years ago, when my friend got us the Elf.

    Last summer, my kids were talking about Little Kris and how they wish he could just stay in our home all year long.

    When Cass was so sick last week, Little Kris watched her play games and he watched a movie with her too. (Parents can touch the Elf, not the kids. So Cass used a velveeta box top to safely have the Elf sit upright to do these things with her all day.

    It’s kinda precious. 🙂December 9, 2014 – 9:12 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OOH! Your elf gives notes of encouragement?? I love that idea!! Ok if Tucker ever asks for an elf – that’s what ours is doing. And awwww to Cass using a cheese box top to have Elf sit up and watch a movie with her. I LOVE that.December 10, 2014 – 10:46 amReplyCancel

  • Deb - OMG I COULD NOT AGREE MOREDecember 9, 2014 – 9:29 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - Kristi, I just love you! 😀
    I was firmly situated in your camp until very recently. I definitely saw no merit. But then Kidzilla happened. And an Elf came to live in their classroom at school. And she was so enamored of the idea, she started wishing an Elf would come to our house. And so…one did. St. Nicholas dispatched her, though, and she is here to help Zilla remember how important good behavior is – not because of Christmas gifts, but just because (it’s a thing we’re working on in school…long story…buy me a coffee and send me an email) good behavior is important all the time. Our elf does not do nasty things like poop chocolate kisses into jars on the kitchen counter or dump out the breakfast cereal container, whatever. Our Elf just quietly reminds Zilla about speaking sweetly and kindly and leaves a little praise for things done well.
    Do we need this crutch? No, not really. But it’s been a particularly rough spell and we saw no harm in having a little help from the Christmas magic. She’s going to be past all of this far too soon. Sigh…December 9, 2014 – 10:54 amReplyCancel

  • Susan Zutautas - I never did like or see the purpose of “Elf on a Shelf”. Last Christmas I had to ask someone what the hell this elf thing was. Some years I don’t get out much 🙂 I never thought he was creepy though but after reading your post I think he is. I watched Chucky when I was pregnant …. talk about creepy and terrifying.December 9, 2014 – 11:21 amReplyCancel

  • Sarah - Glad to know I’m not the only hold-out. I don’t actually find the little fella creepy, I just can’t get on that bandwagon. And the more people on it, the more I hear about it, the more resistant I become. I get that way with popular stuff.December 9, 2014 – 1:02 pmReplyCancel

  • christine - No elf in our house. While I agree, he is a little creepy looking, I don’t really like the whole someone is watching you to see if you’re good in order to decide if you are getting presents. We get presents because it’s a celebration.

    Instead of the elf, we have three wise men looking for Jesus. They do move to a new spot each night, and the kids have fun looking for them. Nothing creepy about it, especially since both little kids, completely independent of each other, said on day 1 this year, “Yeah, I know you are the one who moves them.” It’s still fun to do. 🙂December 9, 2014 – 1:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - Your drawing of homicidal elf just amped up my fear of dolls and clowns to a new level. If one of those maniacal things every makes its way to my house, I am beheading it and burning it immediately.December 9, 2014 – 1:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Kim - I’m right there with you – I think the elf is beyond creepy and I’m super happy that my boys had no interest in the elf when he became a big deal a few years ago. Plus, knowing how lame the tooth fairy was at our house, I’m pretty sure that the elf would have sat in the same spot forever!!!December 9, 2014 – 1:28 pmReplyCancel

  • Pattie - That creepy thing came out in 2004 – my daughter was 19 – so I was spared any of this nonsense. Even if this had been around when she was little I can assure you that she would have thought the thing ghoulish. Can you blame her?December 9, 2014 – 4:01 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - haha! I do think they’re creepy.
    I’m not for or against them, but I have no desire to have one here. It’s fun to watch them unfold on Facebook, though. People are hilarious.
    I do love making magic, as you probably know from my many posts, but it’s just not the way we do so.
    Doesn’t mean it will never happen, but I’m not pulling for it, by any means!December 9, 2014 – 4:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - I am so with you. There is no elf in our house. I just knew it would not be a good fit. 😉December 9, 2014 – 7:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Michelle - I am right there with you…RIGHT THERE. It’s creepy. it’s creepy and it’s a spy. I fail to see how this inspires Christmas spirit.December 9, 2014 – 9:38 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - I so agree! I really can’t stand the elf. I wrote a post kind of like this a couple years ago and people called me a monster and assumed that I must have had a terrible childhood since I was ruining the magic of christmas for our own children. It was my first experience with haters and I couldn’t believe how passionate people were about it! Of course, several agreed with me, too. Anyway, I agree and we DO NOT have a creepy elf!!!!! 🙂December 9, 2014 – 9:53 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike - I had absolutely no clue about the Elf on a Shelf until I read this post!! And now I wish I hadn’t!! Not because of you or because of your blog…but because dolls like that freak me out. Thank you, Kristi. Please don’t mind if I call you at 4 a.m. your time because I’m having nightmares lol 🙂December 10, 2014 – 1:16 amReplyCancel

  • Brittnei - When I saw this floating around, I knew I had to stop over and comment! I definitely see what you are saying and I used to think the same thing about my dolls when I was growing up. If we did celebrate Christmas, there would be no elf on our shelf either!December 11, 2014 – 12:10 amReplyCancel

  • Lana - Every time I see one of these elves, I thank God that my kids are too old for it. I agree – totally creepy and weird! Although I will admit some of the things people come up with for it are definitely creative.December 11, 2014 – 1:08 amReplyCancel

  • My Inner Chick - YES!
    I agree.
    he’s a little pediphile. (is that spelled correctly?)
    my kids are older.
    I think I shall scare the shit outta them w/ this little creepy, ugly, freaky dude.

    xxxxxxxxxxxx KISS from MN.December 11, 2014 – 10:39 amReplyCancel

  • Sandy Ramsey - I have no elf. I have never had no elf. I will never have no elf. The end.December 14, 2014 – 4:38 pmReplyCancel

  • Jill - My four year olds LOVE the elf. I don’t put a lot of creativity in to moving it around the house. It’s a thing with us. I get that a lot of people don’t like it and we sort of use it as a tool to facilitate good behavior…with better than 50 percent success. The elf doesn’t creep me out, which is funny because I’m always freaked out by puppets and dolls. Maybe because he’s so little. But now that I’ve seen your graphic of the knife-wielding elf? I’m glad our elf is back in his box. Or is he????December 27, 2014 – 11:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Ange - That’s it! Besides how creepy it was something bothered me about it. We don’t do Santa\Magic either in our house. We don’t have one and never will.December 22, 2018 – 6:08 pmReplyCancel

    • blob - THAT’S SO SAD THAT YOU DO NOT DO SANTA/MAGIC!December 8, 2024 – 6:33 amReplyCancel

  • Lillian - I want a elf on the shelf that is scaryDecember 17, 2023 – 10:48 amReplyCancel

    • blob - ELF ON THE SHELFS ARE AWESOME!December 8, 2024 – 6:31 amReplyCancel

  • blob - ELF ON THE SHELFS ARE AWESOME!December 8, 2024 – 6:32 amReplyCancel

One summer, when I was about six and attending day camp, a girl who was a few years older and eons cooler than I was, asked me whether my hair got darker when it was wet. Then, I was the shyest of shy, had few friends, and sported that kind of little-kid white-blonde hair that is […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
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  • Dana - We are more alike than different – mothers, kids, People. Except for the underwear and yoga pants – that’s why thongs were invented, Kristi.December 4, 2014 – 11:21 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Um. So thongs are for real pants and no underwear is for sweats and yoga pants. Right??? Crap. DId I get this wrong?December 5, 2014 – 12:18 amReplyCancel

      • Dana - You do what works for you, Kristi. I think you can never go wrong with a thong, and I don’t enjoy commando. TMI – I’m shutting up now.December 5, 2014 – 10:43 amReplyCancel

  • Mike - Ha, this was awesome. Btw…ironic as I was thinking of you today while driving to work and had planned to email you. I’ve been doing a lot of “getting by” the past 3 months but hoping soon for a little bit more than that. It’s hard to allow “getting by” sometimes because we put so much unnecessary pressure on ourselves. Luckily, I’ve been blessed with some incredible superheroes in my life during this time both here in Reno and online. I do wear underwear under my sweats…I mean, hello? Now off to wet my hair…I always have my glasses off when I get of the shower and I’ve never paid attention. BRB!!

    Ok…yes it is darker when it’s wet. Vewy, vewy interesting doctor 🙂

    Awesome post, Kristi 🙂December 4, 2014 – 11:47 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Mike, I know (and can’t stand) that you’ve been doing so much “getting by” the last three months but obviously completely understand. HAHAH to you actually wetting your hair and looking!!! 🙂 Thanks, you. xoDecember 6, 2014 – 11:45 pmReplyCancel

  • karen - LOVE your post, and so true. There are so many nights when I go to bed and wonder how the hell I made it through this day or week, then Dino is so happy and loved. I realize that doing the best I can is all that matters. Our kids don’t want perfect moms, they want their moms and think we are perfect just the way we are.December 5, 2014 – 5:08 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I think doing our best is too often forgotten. It’s so easy to remember all the stuff we sucked at this week, but really, we were so awesome, too…December 6, 2014 – 11:46 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - As usual, you have hit the nail on the head my friend!! I love this so much. Earlier this week, someone at work told me “You always look so put together! I don’t know how you do it with three kids.” I thought, ” I don’t do it! I don’t think I look put together, but I KNOW I don’t FEEL put together. My head is spinning with all the to-do’s and all the I didn’t-s.” But, I just said “Thanks!” and moved on with my day. You are, indeed, a superhero and this post reminds me that I am too, so thank you for that! XOXODecember 5, 2014 – 7:23 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I know exactly what you mean!! It’s SO SO easy to feel like we’re just NOT. Not enough, not put together, not doing it… but really, we are. We’re doing it all just perfectly enough. And YOU are a superhero (and me, too, omg!!!) xxoo back at ya, Lisa.December 6, 2014 – 11:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Allie Smith - When people ask me, “How do you do it?” I always laugh and say, “You’re kidding, right?” And I agree with you, we’re all basically the same, just different problems. When the problems are “ours,” they seem extraordinary:)! The universe has a secret scale = everyone has burdens, it just depends on the context, I guess. I wouldn’t change my struggles with anybody!December 5, 2014 – 7:26 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yup. Why do people even ask “how do you do it?” I guess because they feel the same way that we do – that we’re not and that we’re not. I agree that I wouldn’t change my struggles with anybody either!December 6, 2014 – 11:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - No underwear with the yoga/sweatpants? Um awesome? No, can’t pull that one off. I’d rather you be able to tell I’m wearing bunched up granny panties. Ok that’s gross too. I don’t like thongs so I try to find the no line underwear. But if you wear a shirt that covers your butt then no one is the wiser.

    People who know me IRL especially when we are doing photography events, tell me that I am so cool. A cool under pressure kind of girl. It’s probably the worst way to be really, it’s not healthy to hold in all the things that make you want to scream. This flawed and perfect woman takes long showers and leans against the shower wall trying to think about nothing.

    You’re were a nicer kid than I was. I wanted to fight the girl that put water on my hair to see what it was going to do.December 5, 2014 – 9:37 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHAH to the granny panties, Kenya! Those are known here in this house as “period panties” as well. Um yeah… moving on. Cool under pressure is good, mostly, I think, although running around to the side of the building and crying or punching the wall is okay too… I know that shower feeling… that one where you just let the water take your brain as much as possible (and your hair too). Ugh that you know that mean girl who wanted to put water on your hair. Whats with that anyway???December 6, 2014 – 11:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - Awesome my friend. We are all more alike than different. We all pick up puke the same way for example. 🙂December 5, 2014 – 10:42 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - YUP! Or catch it in our bare hands to save ourselves from having to pick it up!!!December 6, 2014 – 11:52 pmReplyCancel

  • Kim - I love this!!! Sometimes I feel inadequate when I see other moms that seem to do so much more and to do it all better but you are exactly right – we are all getting by and we all have our little “issues.”December 5, 2014 – 1:30 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I think seeing other moms doing so much more is deceiving really. I mean, we all just do and our kids think we’re pretty perfect right? So why shouldn’t we see us the way our kids do? I want to, anyway…December 6, 2014 – 11:53 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah - Yes, we’re all superheroes, panties (I love the word panties) or not. (Maggie came home from school and said, My teacher doesn’t call them panties. She calls them underpants.–Makes you wonder about the conversations.)
    Anyhow. yeah I hate that comment. It can feel demeaning or conciliatory, like you poor little thing.
    Best to avoid.December 5, 2014 – 1:37 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I love and hate the word panties. It reminds me of icky words like “niche” and “moist.” Gross!!! I do wonder about that convo that Maggie had with her teacher… and yeah, I hate it too. It feels gross. Like moist. (and panties – sorry) 🙂December 6, 2014 – 11:55 pmReplyCancel

  • Rebecca - Hilarious pictures, Kristi!!! I feel like I know that woman 😉
    You hit this one on the head, BIG time. Love your humorous writing style, love your views, and love you! I completely agree that we are all wearing our superhero capes but thank god we can laugh at ourselves regularly, because motherhood is ridiculously hard!December 5, 2014 – 2:50 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHAH thanks again for letting me use your story, Rebecca!!! 🙂 And here’s to laughing at ourselves (and sometimes at each other but of course in the nicest, most respectful of ways) 😉December 6, 2014 – 11:56 pmReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - Hahaha! Love this! I need a cape – I can do anything even go out with concealer dots under my eyes, if I am wearing a cape!December 5, 2014 – 3:40 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - It is a ridiculous question, isn’t it? I remember my friends who had suffered a terrible tragedy were asked that a lot. And they were asked how they go on. They would answer, “There is no alternative is there?”
    Some of us wear those capes more often, I should think.December 5, 2014 – 10:58 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It really is a sucky and ridiculous question. I mean, what else are we to do??? xxoo SWDecember 6, 2014 – 11:58 pmReplyCancel

  • April - We are definitely more alike than different. We ARE just trying to make it and hopefully our children come out of the other side as a relatively healthy and happy adult. Great post hun! But I like your IRL story better. 🙂December 6, 2014 – 11:13 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw, thanks, April!!! And yeah, here’s to all of us just raising kids who come out happy and healthy. How we do it almost doesn’t matter. We just do what we can.December 6, 2014 – 11:58 pmReplyCancel

  • Echo - You are right, my friend. We get by! We may trip over or own doubts or catch our cape in the car door, but we get by.December 6, 2014 – 4:07 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Love the image of catching our capes in the car door because I SO WOULD!! Thanks, Sweets!!! And yeah… we get by…December 6, 2014 – 11:59 pmReplyCancel

  • Kelly L McKenzie - Thank you. My husband died shortly after our daughter’s third birthday. Our son was 16 months old. I cannot tell you the amount of times someone has said to me “How do you do it?” At first, I responded with a smile and a quick “there’s no choice.” Over the years that evolved into a more breezy “Hanging on by a thread here. Just like you. ” Initially I was quite daunted by the 3 year old preschool phone list. Every single child had two happily married parents’ names beside their number. Except mine. These same folks recoiled in shock when I’d say “Her father passed away in January.” Or so I thought. Over the months (and yes happily over wine) these parents became my friends. I learned their lives weren’t all happy-happy sugar coated land and over the passing years many of them have also been dealt potentially crushing challenges. Everybody wears a cape. In order to see them we just need to get to know them.December 7, 2014 – 11:55 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Kelly… sigh. I hate what you went through and even me, in writing this post wants to say “holy SHIT how did you do it?” but really, what I think that means is “holy SHIT, you are strong, and amazing, and I’m sure that you had nights of tears while hiding in your closet screaming to the world about how unfair life is. But also moments thanking life for being amazing. For the friends that you kept. For the sanity that you kept. Here’s to our capes. Here’s to seeing all of them.December 8, 2014 – 10:57 pmReplyCancel

  • BritishMumUSA - Oh Kristin, You are so correct on this one. No one has the market on doing it, we all just do it. After what I have been through with my teen, I thought I was all alone until one day a very brave mom approached me and asked me about what I had been through with my daughter. I confirmed I had, and then she divulged to me that she was going through it as we spoke. I was never alone, and that day two years ago I made a promise to never let her think that she was alone. We have grown to be best of friends. Who would have thought in my 40’s I could get a best friend!!!! Parents rocks and sucks… We are there in the thick of it no matter what. I would not have it any other way, I am just glad that I realized I was not alone, and I was able to help another parent realize it too. 🙂 Thanks Kristi…December 7, 2014 – 2:13 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - BMU – I need to hear more about your daughter. I think that might help me A LOT… I’m so glad that you found a friend who was going through the same thing! I am so so glad for both of you and so glad that I know you in this huge internets place. And yeah, we all just do….December 8, 2014 – 10:59 pmReplyCancel

  • My Inner Chick - Remember that Nike ad: (((Just Do It.)))

    So simple. So true.

    I mean, what else can we do…except do, live, survive?

    —this post reminds me, and I shall NEVER forget, of a mom who lost all 4 of her children in a fire.

    A woman asked her, “How do you do it? How are you surviving?”

    She simply said, “Because God is who He says He is.”

    Krisi, I love how your powerful, honest, authentic voice educates others!

    Thank you. xxxDecember 7, 2014 – 3:47 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - JUST DO IT. And so true. I mean, there are those who can’t and that’s awful but a different subject. For those that are (us), what else can we do but do? And we’re fucking awesome for doing it, right???

      Wow to the “Because God is who he says He is…” Just, WOW. I’m not sure I’d be able to be there… truly. Ever. xxooDecember 8, 2014 – 11:00 pmReplyCancel

  • Roshni - I never thought of it that way but you’re so right that none of us really consider ourselves as superwomen! We just do what we have to do!!
    Hey, hope you enter the British Airways giveaway on my blog!December 7, 2014 – 7:27 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - We are just super and we are just normal and slacking. We’re okay though you know?? And I entered!!!December 8, 2014 – 11:01 pmReplyCancel

  • Ashley Fuchs - This is so great, Kristi! I would love to share it with my readers. And of COURSE my show is called “The Incredible Adventures of Malleable Mom!” Because incredible can mean amazing or aaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!depending on which part of the roller coaster ride you are on, right?!December 10, 2014 – 7:54 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I love love love the name of your show!!! Because YESSSSSS!!! that damned roller coaster!!!!December 14, 2014 – 1:26 amReplyCancel

  • Mrs. AOK - Lovely post! We’re all doing it, we do it in our own way, but doing it nonetheless, and sometimes, yes, it’s nice to be seen for what we’re doing. However, we don’t do it for the affirmation of others, well, most of us, anyway. 🙂
    I actually love a good mismatched sock day.
    XOXODecember 10, 2014 – 4:33 pmReplyCancel

  • Becky Holland - wonderfully written. I love what you said “we should just remember that we’re all awesome and horrible. We’re all flawed and perfect, all at once, every single day.” so true.December 12, 2014 – 10:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Brittnei - I can so identify with what you are saying! Some people are quite mean when they don’t understand something you say or they might have never heard of what you are doing or saying before. I usually take that as a learning opportunity to learn a new perspective or what someone means. Though I may not choose what someone is saying, I can usually understand where they might be coming from, especially when it’s a parent or another woman talking to me. 🙂December 16, 2014 – 1:00 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Brittnei,
      You are a kind soul and I love that you’re able to take people being mean or being stupid as a learning opportunity to get a new perspective. I love that! You rock.December 16, 2014 – 8:01 pmReplyCancel

  • Tarana Khan - Now that I think about it, yes, it’s a silly thing to say. We do it because we can’t think of not doing what we’re supposed to, because we love our kids to bits!January 6, 2015 – 5:03 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Maybe anything we think about seems silly. Which is the challenge and the problem because everything matters and yet, well what matters, right?January 6, 2015 – 10:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Menstrual Cup - Oh yes! A mom’s job is a 24-hour job that is priceless. I admire all moms who manage to care for the family and still be their very best inside and out!June 6, 2016 – 6:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Moon Cup - Love this post! Moms really have a tough job. Thanks for sharing!August 31, 2016 – 5:48 pmReplyCancel

Thanksgiving reminds us to be thankful for all that we have, all that we are, and all that we’ve been. It’s a time to think about what we want to do, and who we want to be tomorrow and forever. It’s a time to reflect and to remember that every single person that you pass on […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
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  • Mytwicebakedpotato - I am thankful! Not always happy, satisfied, relaxed or content but I know I am blessed and I’m grateful. happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!November 27, 2014 – 12:03 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’m thankful mostly too. It’s harder some days (and in some situations) more than others. Here’s to remembering the gratitude!!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and TBP and your sweetie!!November 27, 2014 – 8:23 pmReplyCancel

  • Michele - Joining you! I love how you’ve described everyone’s beautiful, messed-up lives – so very true. Now if we could all carry this understanding beyond Thanksgiving…but today’s a good start. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! I’m so grateful to have met you and all our LTYM cast this year.November 27, 2014 – 3:22 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks huge, Michele… carrying this beyond Thanksgiving to everyday is the challenge, right? But yeah, today is a good start… Happy Thanksgiving!!November 27, 2014 – 8:24 pmReplyCancel

  • karen - beautiful post, It may not be the life I expected, but its the life I’m grateful for and blessed to be living.November 27, 2014 – 7:23 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Karen, I so hear you on this not being the life I expected but it being the one I’m grateful for. Hugs to you and yours on this holiday and on all of the days!!November 27, 2014 – 8:25 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah - This is wise and beautiful and absolutely not what I want to do. But OK. For Thanksgiving. I hope you have a happy one.November 27, 2014 – 9:40 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Sarah…yeah, this crap is HARD but well yeah. We have to or else how can we ask others to do the same? And Happy Thanksgiving to you too, Sweets!!November 27, 2014 – 8:28 pmReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - Well said, my friend! Enjoy this day, in all its crazy, messed-up, wouldn’t-change-a-thing glory!November 27, 2014 – 10:09 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - I will join you in all of this, Kristi. Happy Thanksgiving, my friend.November 27, 2014 – 10:20 amReplyCancel

  • Katia - Amen! So many of us are unable to see beyond the borders of our own body, education and history. What you describe here is what true empathy is all about. I love you for seeing this and for being able to express it so beautifully. I just finished reading and already want to reread this.November 27, 2014 – 12:44 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Katia, you’re so right about not seeing beyond ourselves… and that’s the hardest part because if we don’t, they don’t, and we all feel alone… xxoo and hugs to you too in this very fragile time.November 27, 2014 – 8:31 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike - Absolutely beautiful and wonderfully written. Wishing you and your family a safe and very Happy Thanksgiving, Kristi. I give thanks and appreciation for your friendship 🙂November 27, 2014 – 2:46 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - xxoo Mike. Please tell me that you managed to have a thankful Thanksgiving today filled with love and family…November 27, 2014 – 8:32 pmReplyCancel

  • Echo - You are the hero of the day! This is one of the best Thanksgiving posts that I have read! Way to ride the lightning, my friend! Happy Thanksgiving to you!November 27, 2014 – 10:25 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Happy Thanksgiving Echo and thank you so so much!!! You’re the bestest!! I hope that your turkey was fabulous and that you enjoyed some lovely whisky in a jar! xxooNovember 28, 2014 – 2:16 pmReplyCancel

  • Jhanis - “We’re broken and gifted with the power to fix. To heal. To love.” <- can't love this any more than I do.
    I hope you had a wonderful celebration Kristi!November 28, 2014 – 6:13 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you Jhanis!!! I hope that you’re having an excellent weekend!!!November 28, 2014 – 2:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Allie - Well said and I second! Happy Thanksgiving Kristi!November 28, 2014 – 7:53 amReplyCancel

  • Sarah @ LeftBrainBuddha - <3 <3 <3 Love this 🙂November 28, 2014 – 8:34 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - Beautiful Kristi!!So true that everyone is struggling with something and we just don’t always know what’ beneath the surface. I’m thankful for the good and the bad because it means I HERE surrounded by the people I love. Hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving!November 28, 2014 – 9:04 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you Lisa! I think it’s good to remember that all of us struggle with things…. and Happy Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!!November 28, 2014 – 2:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Scott - I’m thankful for amazing people like you. There aren’t enough of you.November 28, 2014 – 9:24 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw! You win my favorite comment award! I’m thankful for amazing people like YOU!!! Happy Thanksgiving Scott. I hope you’re having an excellent weekend!!November 28, 2014 – 2:22 pmReplyCancel

      • Scott - Yay! I hope your Thanksgiving was all kinds of awesome!December 1, 2014 – 3:41 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - Beautifully said my friend. I hope you had a wonderful ThanksgivingNovember 28, 2014 – 10:22 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Kerri!! It wasn’t bad and happy Thanksgiving to you too! I hope it was awesome!!! (and happy birthday again to Bridget!!!)November 28, 2014 – 2:23 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - Oh my god, Amen. This makes me very happy.
    Nice to find you in this beautiful, scary world.
    Hope your Thanksgiving was beautiful!November 28, 2014 – 5:15 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - So glad to have found YOU in this beautiful and scary world, SW. My Thanksgiving was meh this year actually but that’s okay because mostly days have beautiful and me. And the beautiful wins.December 1, 2014 – 6:53 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - I love your thoughts here, Kristi, and I just love you to pieces!
    We simply have to figure out how and when we are going to intentionally cross paths one of these days!November 29, 2014 – 2:12 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw Lisa!!! I love you to pieces right back!! (in the good way, not the “is that your friend in the chipper way.” And yes – please let’s do!! What are your spring plans? Maybe we could meet up at Dutch Wonderland? And even stay at the same hotel so we could sneak some us time once the kids were in bed and the hubs were watching them>???December 1, 2014 – 6:54 pmReplyCancel

      • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - Your friend in the chipper — nearly spit my drink out but after my first Daisy scouts meeting tonight I’m not wasting my Scotch! Ha!
        I think that’s a definite possibility – let’s definitely consider that! I don’t know what my 9PM plans are, never mind spring, so…we’ll talk.December 1, 2014 – 7:39 pmReplyCancel

  • Nicki - Oh! This is perfect. Yes. Yesyesyesyes. Such a wondrous thing to read what’s in my heart so beautifully articulated by you. A belated Happy Thanksgiving, Kristi. So grateful for you.November 29, 2014 – 8:57 pmReplyCancel

  • My Inner Chick - **It’s crazy gorgeous, incredibly messy, scary, unknown, and completely worth it.**

    Yep, that pretty much describes “Life.”

    And when it’s been INCREDIBLY MESSY, this is when I learned the MOST!

    xx kiss from MN.November 30, 2014 – 4:29 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - xx from DC, MIC ak Kim. Yeah, completely worth it but sometimes? Holy crap does it get messy and scary and well all the rest…December 1, 2014 – 6:56 pmReplyCancel

  • Angel the Alien - I agree! I learned this when I was a kid because I was homeless for a while, and I was much younger than the other people at the homeless shelter. For some reason people used to tell their life stories to me and drop whatever persona they usually used. I remember this guy who was kind of scary looking, was in a gang and used drugs and stuff, but one day we were talking and he was telling me all about his daughter who had died when she was 6, and he was crying real tears. Everyone has multiple sides to them and everyone has something to teach!November 30, 2014 – 8:30 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Oh Angel – I HATE that you were homeless but I LOVE that you experienced something so incredible there – the lesson that this scary guy, who uses drugs and stuff, was maybe like that because of the saddest story ever – losing a little kid…
      Thanks so much for your awesome Angel Comment!December 1, 2014 – 6:57 pmReplyCancel

  • Robbie - Love these words of wisdom.November 30, 2014 – 9:44 pmReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - *And she shouts from the rooftops* (Or from her seat wearing her PJ’s) AAAAAAAAAMEN!!!!!

    It’s really amazing once you get to ‘*know*’ people… oh their stories!! Their battles!! Their VICTORIES!!!

    This post is PERFECT in every on purpose way, my dear friend.

    LOVE it, and LOVE you!!!December 2, 2014 – 11:30 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It’s so so true… knowing people, their battles, and victories is YES wow, so so much to take in at times. Hugs to you love!December 17, 2014 – 8:15 pmReplyCancel

  • Lynne - Yes let us be thankful for this crazy but beautiful life we live in. Wonderful post! Thanks for sharing!December 15, 2014 – 12:42 amReplyCancel

Sometimes, late at night, when I can’t sleep, I stare at my bedroom ceiling and think about my boobs. I think about the day when I first asked my mom for a bra, after being made fun of for my little nub-boobs. I think about how I have used my boobs, stuck them out to avoid […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
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  • zoe - Totally ten! I think there were ten in why we should be thankful for boobs never mind the thanks due for kicking cancers effing ass.November 22, 2014 – 7:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike - Thank you Kristi and Lizzi for your cancer awareness. I donated $20,000 to cancer this past year with results that I had not hoped for long term. It did bless me with 3 of the most magical months of my life. Never give up the fight. Love you both. MikeNovember 22, 2014 – 8:09 pmReplyCancel

    • Considerer - *hugs* Mike, you’ve done so, so much to raise awareness and funds. Together we’ll all keep fighting it.November 22, 2014 – 8:47 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - XOXO Mike…. Here’s to remembering that you got three amazing months… and huge gigantic hugs coming your way…November 23, 2014 – 7:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - What an amazing and creative way to encourage people to give to a wonderful and worthy cause!November 22, 2014 – 8:32 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - I’m so glad you got that mammogram, Kristi – protect those boobies. And thank you for sharing Lizzi’s story – she is one talented and fabulous Brit.November 22, 2014 – 10:20 pmReplyCancel

    • Considerer - Ohhh bless your boots, Dana (or, in the spirit of this post and popular mis-reading of my expression, ‘bless your boobs’ (!)) thank you 🙂November 23, 2014 – 4:44 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yeah, I actually wish we could get mammograms 2/year because a year seems too long… here’s to boobies! And to Lizzi!!! 🙂November 23, 2014 – 7:22 pmReplyCancel

  • Lizzy - Muddle-Headed Mamma - I have been thinking too, over the last few months, of the incredible journey our breasts go through throughout our lives and how quickly our attitude towards them changes once we become mothers or when that bitch Cancer comes along. I don’t have a history of breast cancer in my family, but so many people I know have either battled it themselves or love someone who is or has battled it. Some of these women are so young too. They are terminally ill with little children at home. It is just heartbreaking. I love what Lizzi is doing to fight the war against cancer. She is so proactive and talented and creative. What a beautiful person and what a beautiful mind.November 22, 2014 – 11:06 pmReplyCancel

    • Considerer - Awh thanks so much, Lizzy – that’s really kind of you to say 🙂November 23, 2014 – 4:46 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Lizzy,
      I love what Lizzi is doing too and so hear you. My next door neighbor is younger than my husband and fighting pancreatic cancer. So not fair. Something that messes with little kids and moms and young and old all alike? So not cool. xxoo to you sweets.November 23, 2014 – 7:41 pmReplyCancel

  • clark - you do realize that today is Saturday, don’t you?*
    ha
    ha

    Good Post. (go!!! breasteses!!)
    sorry, best I got at 4 am…. will try again later, this is, after all, a 2 day ‘hop.

    * I apologise for the lie, I am writing this on Sunday morning**, but I was going to write this mid-Saturday evening, but somehow, when I started to read your Post… I got, all, “oh shit this is a serious Post Kristi’s written, best save the smartass for another time…”
    and then Saturday Night stole it’s way in, a surprising, but welcome reminder of a younger time
    ** fuckin internet, all ‘record everything when it happens’ a blogger can’t rightly sneak up on a sister, with this logging in shitNovember 23, 2014 – 4:10 amReplyCancel

    • Sarah - Clark said breasteses! Snort.

      Lovely story, Lizzi.November 23, 2014 – 10:19 amReplyCancel

      • Considerer - Heheh I’d say ‘breastses’ as well, but ‘Breasticles’ or ‘BOOBIES’ is more my level 😀 And thanks.November 23, 2014 – 6:18 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Well see Clark, I can get in EARLY when somebody else writes most of my post for me. Feel free to send me something before Sunday next link up. I actually almost posted this last week to HAVE TWO but then I thought “nah. why overachieve like that?”
      HAHAH feel free to get all smartass on any of my serious posts anytime. The one before this could use some smartass comments – my stupid step daughter is knocked up and stuff… and well yeah.
      Also? I’m way too lazy to check whether it was Saturday or Sunday so feel free to lie to me about stuff like that any time. Seriously.November 23, 2014 – 7:44 pmReplyCancel

  • Catherine - Love this idea – what a good way to get people donating, and pretty unique too! Great story as well 🙂November 23, 2014 – 7:02 amReplyCancel

  • Chronicallysickmanicmother - oh i so get the worry over family medical history. what could beNovember 23, 2014 – 7:25 amReplyCancel

  • Scott - Lizzi, this is an amazing piece! I love it!November 23, 2014 – 9:38 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Me too Scott!!!November 23, 2014 – 7:48 pmReplyCancel

    • Considerer - Awwwh THANK YOU 😀 I had the most wonderful reaction from Kristi for it 🙂 I kind of love it too.November 24, 2014 – 2:42 amReplyCancel

      • Scott - Only kind of?November 24, 2014 – 10:18 amReplyCancel

        • Considerer - Mhmm but only cos I try to love people, not things 😀November 24, 2014 – 11:41 amReplyCancel

          • Scott - It’s okay to love things…so long as you don’t get carried away with it.November 24, 2014 – 1:22 pm

          • Kristi Campbell - Agree with Scott. Loving some things is okay. Like, I love my phone. It is a useful tool and I love it. I think it’s also okay to love shoes when SNOW IS COMING tomorrow. Stuff like that.November 25, 2014 – 7:31 pm

          • Considerer - I love my phone because I get to keep my far-away friends close to me through it. So really I love them – the phone is just the means.November 25, 2014 – 7:38 pm

  • Allie - Oh sweet girl, it makes me sad that you think about this – and it’s easy for me to say, “Don’t!” But that’s what I want to say. Just take care of yourself, and get your mammograms:)> Cancer does suck and I truly can’t think about it too much – because I will get serious anxiety. My annual physical/OBGYN appointments are in the same month and once I get a clean bill of health – I’m happy for about six months and then I get the anxiety itch again…until the exams:). Maybe I should switch it up where I see a doctor every six months. Oh, man, I am rambling. Happy healthy thoughts my friend.November 23, 2014 – 9:55 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Allie, I get sad that I think about this too but part of me is like “ok it’s gonna happen, so let’s just cut them off now….” ya know?? And yeah, I think we should see a doc every six months too, especially after the age of 40, AND, I think we should get free yearly MRI’s because stuff like pancreatic and liver cancer can be seen then and treated but the symptoms come too late and UGH UGH yeah I hear the anxiety… although too? Weird but I also avoid the doc. Like right now, I know I have cavities in my teeth to fill and I’m procrastinating going to get it done. SO DUMB. And now who is rambling??November 23, 2014 – 7:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Louise - Love your intro and boob thoughts – it is certainly a journey they go through and I love how you wrote it.

    As for kicking cancers ass – way to intro Lizzi and her piece – and way to add to the fight! And may you never have to reach the end of your quote.November 23, 2014 – 10:33 amReplyCancel

    • Considerer - I’ll second that statement! I hope Kristi never has to finish the quote!

      And THANKS for your encouragement here – I really enjoyed writing this for Kristi, and it’s so special that she wanted to join in with this, and so lovely 😀November 24, 2014 – 11:55 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks for liking the boob thoughts Louise! And here’s to kicking cancer’s ass!November 25, 2014 – 6:40 pmReplyCancel

  • Claudia Schmidt - So sorry that you have so much history of breast cancer in your birth family but I hope you don’t spend too many nights worrying about it, ’cause if there’s one thing cancer has taught me it’s that life is short, so don’t waste your time worrying – get out there and enjoy what you have. AND, just so you know, I had no history of BC in my family and still got it, so there you go. You might get lucky and never have to experience it. And good for you for spending the $50 for the 3D scan. xoNovember 23, 2014 – 12:28 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’m trying to comment on your last blog post and can’t get a good connection…
      THANK YOU for your awesome comment… and here’s what I’m still trying to say on your last post:

      WOW. I hadn’t thought much about how breast cancer has affected my day to day because I’m still in a situation that means I’m obsessed by it for other reasons; my bio mom had both removed last year, my bio aunt had them both removed before then, my son’s teacher is BRCA-1 positive and had them both removed… and well, crap. I almost want “them” to take them because I am so scared 🙁
      I can’t say that it’s yet made me change my day to day other than to appreciate it so much more, knowing how fleeting life is… and crap. well thank you for writing this!!November 23, 2014 – 11:36 pmReplyCancel

  • May - I understand why you would lay in the dark and think such thoughts. That family history is pretty compelling. And now I am left to wonder if there is a mere $50 difference for the better test, how can the insurance companies ethically not see that we all are offered that test.November 23, 2014 – 3:02 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I agree! The insurance companies should pay the difference. I also think we should all get regular MRI’s but maybe I’m just being paranoid!November 25, 2014 – 6:39 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandy Ramsey - I can understand why you would lay awake at night thinking about your boobs. I would too. At least you’re being proactive with the extra screening. Good for you!
    That Lizzi….she sure can spin a tale, can’t she? I loved this. Of course, I always love her fiction pieces. And her non-fiction pieces. And her. And you.
    Good work, my friends.November 23, 2014 – 9:35 pmReplyCancel

    • Considerer - DA, I’m finding a trail of lovely comments from you all over the place today, and it’s turning my heart all sparkly and my face all smiley. Thank you so much, now and always, for your encouragement and the way you’re so enthusiastic about the things I write.

      You happify me 🙂 <3November 24, 2014 – 11:57 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I wish there was more to do with the screening and YES Lizzi can tell a great tale! I’d asked for a happy ending and got it! 🙂November 25, 2014 – 7:32 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - I laughed and snorted out loud through all of these comments…proof that there is just a lovely little bit of immaturity in all of us! I howled at Sarah’s reaction to Clark’s “breasteses” the most.
    I’m glad you think about your boobies and that you got your mammogram – got mine, too! And I SO did the 3D thing because how awesome is that? I was worried about this mammo for some reason – can’t explain why. But all is well and I was so happy for them that I bought the girls some new bras.
    Great story, Lizzi!November 23, 2014 – 10:44 pmReplyCancel

    • Considerer - Thanks Lisa 🙂 I enjoyed writing this one. Kristi wanted a happy ending 🙂November 24, 2014 – 11:59 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - The comments are almost as good as the story, Lisa!! I mean yeah, Clark typing “breasteses” is pretty awesome… and Sarah’s reaction even BETTER!! HAHAH YAy for mammograms! Good for you (and I was worried too…. I guess I always am… feel those boobies in the shower!!! Also yay for new bras. Funny that you bought them after your successful mammogram! 🙂November 25, 2014 – 7:33 pmReplyCancel

  • My Inner Chick - Beautiful.
    Life-changing.
    Awesome.
    Amazing Post.
    This is what blogging is about 🙂 XxxxNovember 23, 2014 – 10:58 pmReplyCancel

    • Considerer - We are DOING! 😀 YES! This is what blogging’s about.November 24, 2014 – 12:00 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yup. Totally what blogging is about. Kicking horrible shit in the ASS. Just like you’re doing…November 25, 2014 – 7:34 pmReplyCancel

  • Nina - Ooh your story had me reading, Kristi! I wasn’t expecting the end 🙂 So lovely.

    Hoping that your family history will spare you. I have two relatives who fought/are fighting breast cancer, and it’s rough.November 24, 2014 – 9:34 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Nina! I so hope my history will spare me as well but if not, I hope I find out that it won’t in time to just hack ’em off and be done with it… although now that I type that, I am not sure that’s how it works…November 25, 2014 – 7:35 pmReplyCancel

  • Gretchen - I can’t even begin to describe how much I love this. I was selfish and chose for Lizzi to write me a letter (which I absolutely do not regret) but I am so glad you chose for her to write a story for you! I was completely drawn in and I want to read more! Lizzi, I knew you were a talented writer, but I didn’t know you could write like THIS. A beautiful and touching story, I feel emotionally invested in Oliver already. And Olivia! I almost started crying with that last line!November 24, 2014 – 10:04 amReplyCancel

    • Considerer - Aw Gretchen, that’s such a lovely thing to say! Thank you so much. And you weren’t selfish! You JOINED IN! You DONATED! You HELPED ME KICK CANCER’S ASS. FO REAL! And that’s huge, and hugely un-selfish. And I loved writing your letter-for-real to you 😀

      I’m smiling because Kristi wanted more of this story, too. Hmmm perhaps I could make it happen one day. I have more Anitra owing at the moment. But this is lovely to know. Thank you.November 24, 2014 – 12:05 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I almost asked for a letter as well but was honestly a little curious how her happy ending (part of my “demand”) would be because so much of her fiction is scary and/or dark… and well, I was not disappointed at all!!!
      I want more of Oliver and Olivia too!!!November 25, 2014 – 7:37 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - I would lay awake every night, had I that family history. Heck, there’s a slight chance of heart disease and that does keep me up sometimes.
    I rise to Lizzi’s challenge!
    And what a compelling story. I had to come back to it because my a-hole cold wouldn’t allow me to keep my eyes open last night.
    Glad I came back.November 24, 2014 – 10:12 amReplyCancel

    • Considerer - Ooooh which bit of what challenge are you rising to, Tamara? I’d love to know 😀

      And thank you – I’m glad you like the story so much.November 24, 2014 – 12:06 pmReplyCancel

      • Tamara - The challenge to donate – NOW – or in my case, later today because I’m couch-bound with the worst cold ever.
        I’m thinking of doing something along the lines for a childhood friend who has a two-year-old with a rare brain tumor.November 24, 2014 – 12:20 pmReplyCancel

        • Considerer - Oh bless your boots for doing that. And it sounds like you’ve got a really good cause to donate to. What an awful situation for your friend to be in 🙁 I hope the fundraising is sufficient to help her kid.

          *grins* I didn’t just challenge, though – I offered writing in return for the donation, so…let me know if you want anything. I love that you’re so willing to participate anyway, but the offer’s there.November 24, 2014 – 12:34 pmReplyCancel

          • Tamara - I’m totally considering the offer! I just have to get off the couch first.. I’ll let you know!November 24, 2014 – 5:27 pm

    • Kristi Campbell - Yeah. It’s hard, that stuff that keep us up at night and you should SO do Lizzi’s challenge! You’ll love it and weep to having an asshole cold. I hope you’re way better now!!!November 25, 2014 – 7:38 pmReplyCancel

  • Brittnei - Lizzi is such a good writer. This was excellent! I loved your speal about your boobs, too. JR weaned at 27 months and it has only been about 4 months since then so I’m in the beeping phase haha. It’s been a little strange with him not nursing, but I’m getting used to our cuddles without him nursing. He still searches to feel my boobs and he just pats them and says “boo boo” and then lays his head on me. 🙂November 24, 2014 – 11:26 amReplyCancel

    • Considerer - Awh JR’s so cute. We had a giggle yesterday when Neff measured his height against me and was discovered to be ‘half a boob’ tall.

      And thank you 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed the story so much 🙂November 24, 2014 – 12:08 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I agree, Brittnei! Thanks too for loving my speal about my boobs! HAHA to being in the beeping phase. I hate to tell you but it’ll maybe last a while… I think it’s them remembering that they used to have free access. I did “baby led weaning” with Tucker, so he directed when he was ready to be done (which I think is the kinder, gentler, more nature-way of doing but also would have cut that shit off if he’d been like four years old or whatever that Time magazine chick’s kid was) and it worked really well. AWWW to him just laying his head on you! Kids are so awesome. What we sacrifice with our bodies for them is just inspiring… and I’m shudding up because I know Lizzi wants this part of sacrifice more than anything and I’d never want to sound like I’m complaining – I’m not..

      And YES, she kicks ASS at writing and cancer fighting!!November 25, 2014 – 8:03 pmReplyCancel

  • Michele - Thank you to both Kristi and Lizzi for joining in the fight against this dreadful disease, and adding to the stock of beautifully written pieces as you do it. My 7-year cancerversary is on Sunday, and although I’m in good health, it’s never far from my mind, so it means so much to have you collaborating like this! Kristi, I hope and trust that your vigilance will keep you in good health, and Lizzi, I’d love to read more of this story!!November 25, 2014 – 10:31 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Michele! Your 7-year cancerversary is on SUNDAY??? Wow, sweets!! Please tell me that you’re celebrating HUGELY!!! I hope that they just figure out how to get this stuff out of us sooner and have a hard time not wanting to beg for an MRI yearly… but thanks, and I agree that I want more of this story…November 26, 2014 – 7:32 pmReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - Wonderful post! Honest, direct, delightful. Love the story!November 25, 2014 – 10:48 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Have you been holding out on getting a boobs mashed? With family history I’ve been getting them since I was 35. With two re-screens, my boobs have been mashed TEN TIMES. The apprehension is always the same but it could be me because I’m no better than when I get my teeth cleaned and I wait for them to say no cavities.

    The first time my brother beeped me, we were still taking baths together. They were nubs and that was my last bath with him. LOL!

    Loved Lizzi’s story – she’s got skills!November 26, 2014 – 6:09 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I was holding out and I know I know I know (I am horrible about doctors and dentists) but I did get my first this year and will go all the time. Also, last time dentist? Got the cavity alert and haven’t been in to have them filled because I’m a CHICKEN!!! I’m impressed you’ve been getting the boobie mashing for like YEARS!!!November 26, 2014 – 7:40 pmReplyCancel

  • Roshni - A beautiful post by both of you!!November 26, 2014 – 11:37 pmReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - Okay- FIRST of all- Kristi, would do me the honor of getting tested for the BRCA genetic mutation? Please? Pretty Please? Your generational history screams that you may have the mutation, which in itself is scary, I know. BUT- it will save you. Please? For me? For Precious Tucker? It’s just a simple blood test… or perhaps have your mom or her sister take the test and then see their results and find out if you may have the potential.

    Next..
    Oh LIZZI this is AMAZING!!! I just KNEW the story would have some amazingly beautiful and tear soaking ending!! Oh, you are SO gifted!!! Ya done good, as always my love. REAL good.December 2, 2014 – 11:26 pmReplyCancel

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