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

My childhood wasn’t especially spectacular or amazing. But it was mine, and I hang onto the magic that I feel like it should have had, and now hold the spectacular moments that it did close to my heart. Years ago, my roommate commented on my cherished bulletin board. Loaded with photos, concert tickets, my high […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Emily - I love this and not just because I too had that “I’m so cool” bulletin board too! My husband commented to me tonight that he thought my post was quite negative and I agreed that it was. However, I didn’t change it because I guess I do always feel bummed out about summer being over and I didn’t want to try to make my post fake by being all bright and cheery when I truly hate the end of summer. However (again), your post really made me look at summer’s end from a different perspective. You are right — it IS our kids’ turn to make those memories and if I take a step back and stop mourning my own loss of summer and watch them with their new beginnings of school, etc, perhaps I will feel less bummed out?? Or maybe not…but I can try!September 4, 2014 – 10:09 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I so miss the bulletin board, Emily!! I almost wanna start a new one just to prove to Tucker that I had a life before. Of course, it would be as filed with him as the one magnetic side of the fridge is but whatever!! I loved your post and think it should stay exactly as it is. End of summer totally sucks. It sucks. Except it was like 97 here today and I’m a little bit done with that part….September 5, 2014 – 11:58 pmReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - I loved how you finished this sentence and got to admit I totally am not a fan of summer ending. Each year I get a bit nostalgic and definitely down as it approaches. This year as you know it was kindergarten approaching for Emma that got me even worse then usual. I totally wrote all about this on Wednesday and probably could link up here tonight with that post as it pretty much sums up the sentence and how I feel about summer or the lack thereof now. Still not going to steal you thunder on that. But still just so glad all went so well for Tucker and got to admit Emma is totally shining and beaming right now when she talks about kindergarten and the school bus, too. Still can’t believe our babies are doing it and how ell they are indeed doing this now. Hugs and huge thank you for holding my hand through this the whole time! 🙂September 4, 2014 – 10:10 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Ah to the summer nostalgia, eh? I mean really, it’s a huge thing and I’m so so glad that Emma was beaming and shining over the school bus! I saw your FB status so know it went well but still, it’s totally fine and normal that we’re completely freaking the eff out!!! AND thank YOU, sweet one, for doing the same with me.September 5, 2014 – 11:59 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - It is Tucker’s turn, but he has so many more years of childhood left! Celebrate the beginnings and mourn the endings – yes. That is exactly how I feel, Kristi. And I think you need to work on perfecting that sexy pout. Just sayin’.September 4, 2014 – 10:10 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Ah Dana, yeah, he does have a billion years left in it, but omg they go fast. And wait, you have tips for the pout? Might be (probably) too late.September 6, 2014 – 12:01 amReplyCancel

  • celeste - SO beautiful. My oldest started high school this week and it was (is) a huge milestone for all of us. It’s going to be a lot of work, but it’s also going to be a lot of excitement. A lot of growing. Maturing. I know what you mean about it being his turn. It’s such a mixed blessing, but it is definitely a blessing.September 4, 2014 – 10:34 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Oh Celeste! High school. My husband’s daughter moved here for high school… and I know know that the days and years will go much too soon until I’m calling my son a freshman. EEEP. It’s definitely a blessing.. Still, so sad!!!September 6, 2014 – 12:02 amReplyCancel

  • Jess H. - I think those memorable summer moments are what made our typical childhoods so spectacular. This is a lovely post.September 4, 2014 – 11:42 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I think so, too, Jess. I miss them, and wish for days past but also see how much love and beauty is in the now. But yeah, miss miss them…September 6, 2014 – 12:03 amReplyCancel

  • Allie - As always, you amaze me with how quickly you can come up with a blog. I’ve been trying to writing my for two days! I’d forgotten about the labels at the bottom of cigarette packs. I had no idea that they represented the 50 states. I vaguely remember my dad saving something that came from the Raleigh cigarette packs.September 5, 2014 – 5:27 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Well, I can pull them out SOMETIMES (not usually) but it’s impossible to not see them and think how much better they’d be if I’d have spent “real” time. Ugh. And holy cow, yeah, the cigarette thing was awesome. You should find out if you still have your dad’s collection. I’ll bet they’re worth something (maybe) now???September 6, 2014 – 12:05 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - Se, I told you you would come up with something awesome! 🙂 I love your spin on it. As I have grieved my girls growing up, I haven’t really thought about it as i relates to my childhood. I had so much fun in middle school, actually. (High School, not so much!) I have feared my oldest being a middle schooler, but hadn’t really thought about how much fun I had then and the fact that , maybe, she will have fun, too, and it won’t be as drama-filled as everyone has warned me it will be. My childhood was not anything out of the ordinary either, but I have great memories – I hope my girls do too.September 5, 2014 – 6:21 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Well, sweets, I think “awesome” is relative but thank you so much for your faith and support and joining in and overall wonderfulness. Grieving childhood is hard and really I have to wonder how much of this is about me and about Tucker, ya know? I mean, not really but mostly??? If that makes sense. You loved middle school? I hated it. I was the biggest loser in middle school, and also freshman and sophomore years in high school. Somehow, junior year in hs, I managed to be better but wow, was I awkward. And yeah, I think that it was all less drama filled than we’ve been told. Mine was not remembered fondly, but it was also pretty drama-free. Here’s to your girls and Tucker having excellent memories!!September 6, 2014 – 12:08 amReplyCancel

  • Kerri - Oh my friend, I love this post. How you told us about your summer memories and how you cannot wait for Tucker to make his own. I hope it takes some time before he wants to go to the playground aloneSeptember 5, 2014 – 9:47 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It better be years and years, you. Unless you and B baby are here to help with buying me a spy cam!September 6, 2014 – 12:09 amReplyCancel

  • Twindaddy - Watching our children grow brings on a torrent of mixed emotions, doesn’t it? Pride at the things they’ve accomplished. Mourning of little things lost. There was a time when the twins told me daily how they wanted to be strong like me when they grew up. Now the thought of being like me fills them with dread. Damned teenagers…September 5, 2014 – 10:12 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Teenagers are assholes. I’m living proof. But well, yeah, the emotions. Them growing up and doing and being their own people? that part is hard.September 6, 2014 – 12:10 amReplyCancel

      • Twindaddy - Haha. I was definitely an asshole when I was a teen. The twins, so far, haven’t been much of an issue.September 8, 2014 – 8:29 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Ok I’m never jumping in leaves again. 😉 I feel like such a party pooper to be excited that summer is over – look forward to cooler temps and dark by 5:00. That dark think makes me feel wonderful – like I’m actually staying up late. Christopher on the other hand is mourning summer and not feeling going to bed while he can still see light through his window. Love the pout pictures and I didn’t know there was a state stick on the bottom of cigarettes.September 5, 2014 – 12:28 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yup, sorry, leaves are nasty. You’re allowed to be cooler by staying up until 8 or whatever when it gets dark at 5pm. Also there’s the ugly heat thing that’s going on. I dunno about down there, but here, it’s been like the hottest week of the summer, so that makes me ready for fall, too!September 6, 2014 – 12:12 amReplyCancel

  • Tamara - I have been mourning the loss of the beginning to the end of childhood, but I just have to think of it only as a beginning. He’s beginning childhood, not ending it! I swear. Five is a big age, but it’s oh so small. (I say this because I’m feeling old today)
    I wish my parents would still buy me a fall wardrobe. Do you think I could convince them to do it?
    (no)September 5, 2014 – 1:56 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yeah. It’s beginning. I know this. You know this. Perhaps, together, we’ve got this. Especially if I can get the photos I mean you know. No pressure or guilt or whatever 😉 But yeah, five is both big huge and tiny baby, all at once… and if I were your mom, I’d totally be shopping with you now. Buying? Um, maybe. You ARE super cute.September 6, 2014 – 12:14 amReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - Love this Kristi!! I too, saved EVERYTHING that was worthy of good… trying to believe it was.

    Tucker is JUST beginning his childhood. These will be the days he remembers, sort of. My kids don’t remember but a few special events around that time of their life. It amazes me that they don’t remember more… but I know it’s ingrained in their hearts somewhere!September 5, 2014 – 1:58 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - The good that we believed was good simply was. I have to know that amusement parks, playgrounds, beaches and oceans just were GOOD. And thank you Chris. Especially for saying that Tucker’s just beginning his childhood. xoxo to the imprints on their hearts, too…September 6, 2014 – 12:24 amReplyCancel

  • Yvonne - Gosh I’ve been so busy fretting about the possibility my country could be torn apart in 2 weeks time that I forgot to check out the FTST, and haven’t got a post. This sounds a good one too, though I also always feel grief for the end of long light days.(And here it’s light till around 10.30pm in June and early July and where I come from it’s never completely dark then.)
    So yes, I can relate to your feeling. Also relate to sadness at your child starting school. I think I’ve told you before that I felt that way when mine did. I’ve often felt that although I’d never want to hold them back, it would nice now and then just to be able to hold that baby or 2 year old again – maybe for a day.
    Your bulletin board was great! What a lovely way to remember your own childhood, and I laughed that your dad was the only person who wasn’t drunk who visited your apartment.September 5, 2014 – 2:35 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yvonne, I so very hope that your country is NOT torn apart and feel very ignorant of the situation. I read your post about it and the whole thing is just sad… I know, too, that you relate to the sadness and grief of passing childhood while also celebrating it. It’s just too dang fast, all of it. And thank you, too, for reading to the point that you caught that my dad was the sober visitor!!!September 6, 2014 – 12:26 amReplyCancel

  • Michele @ A Storybook Life - What a sweet post about coming to terms with the end of one season (literally, in summer, and figuratively, in Tucker’s life) and in finding the promise and joy of what’s to come. The fall and the year ahead will bring lots of memorable experiences for both of you! (But yeah, watch out for the spiders in the leaf piles. Ewwww.)September 5, 2014 – 3:26 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Michele!! The end of summer IS sad, but all that’s coming, and the memories to be made are awesome, too. And yeah, leaf piles in these parts can be pretty disgusting. 😉September 6, 2014 – 12:28 amReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Life, Unexpectedly - But starting kindergarten is not the end of childhood, Kristi! But I agree, whenever the kids reach another mile stone, I’m getting quite angsty. In only a little over a week, I’m going to have a first-grader here!! Can’t believe it!September 5, 2014 – 4:45 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Oh I know, I know, Stephanie, that it’s not the end to childhood. It just feels like the beginning to the end, if that makes sense! Yikes to the first grader but also, so beautiful and perfect. I get the angsty!! 🙂September 6, 2014 – 12:29 amReplyCancel

  • Brittnei - I definitely feel different about the summer ending at this time in my life than I did in summers past. I think the change in location has changed my perspective on summer tremendously also which is why I decided to write about that this week! I love how Tucker has an end to childhood but also a beginning at this age. You describe it so well. I wonder how he will capture all of the memories. I noticed you mentioned a cyber bulletin. Whatever it is, I know it will make what we did back then and even now look ancient. Haha!September 5, 2014 – 8:32 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA to the cyber bulletin board – I just made it up!! I mean, the way kids today and the way kids when kids like Tucker and JR are old enough to treasure keepsakes – who knows what they will have!!! I did love my bulletin board though and thank you for your sweet words about summer and well, all of it. For joining up. 🙂September 6, 2014 – 12:32 amReplyCancel

  • Marcia @ Menopausal Mother - I had one of those peg boards in college—it was a mish-mash of my life and I was so proud of it. I understand how you felt dropping your son off at school—that first week is so tough. He is growing up now and creating his own memories—just like you did. Scary and exciting at the same time. I think you’ll find that you will grow together in this journey—-and it will just get better and better. XOSeptember 5, 2014 – 9:46 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Oh Marcia weren’t those peg boards AWESOME!!!??? I miss mine. I think I may make a new one because why not? And yeah, the first school days are pretty tough and sucky and scary but also so exciting. I think you’re right and thank you!September 6, 2014 – 12:33 amReplyCancel

  • Kelly L McKenzie - This time last week I was creeping into the bedrooms of my daughter’s room mates. They weren’t there and weren’t expected for a week. I knew I was safe! I went in them to get a sense of the girls with whom my daughter would be spending the next 8 months of her life. What did I find? Lives well lived. Mirror doors decorated just as you’ve described. Countless photos of family and friends. I was left feeling grateful. My gal will have a wonderful year.September 6, 2014 – 3:01 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Kelly! HAHA I love it! And I’m glad that you found lives well lived. Here’s to your daughter having a wonderful year (and you, too!!).September 7, 2014 – 5:19 pmReplyCancel

  • jamie@southmainmuse - “For me, the end of summer has always meant, and, continues to mean grief for the loss of long, light-filled days.”

    So true. Your baby heading to kindergarten. My oldest baby turns 21 tomorrow. Oy. We’ll get through the colder months and our babies will continue to spread their wings. hugs.September 6, 2014 – 6:21 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Jamie,
      My husband’s daughter will be 21 in April so I understand the Oy. Happy happy birthday to your baby today!! Here’s to them spreading their wings and for us to try and make time pass more slowly!1September 7, 2014 – 5:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - Love this! I have a bulletin board, too…aren’t they grand?September 7, 2014 – 1:20 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Bulletin boards are totally awesome, sweets! So awesome.September 7, 2014 – 10:10 pmReplyCancel

  • Linda Atwell - Out One Ear - Kristi–you’ll probably hate me for this, but I loved how “feel good” this post made me feel. The part you’re gonna hate is: It reminded me of the Mary Tyler Moore Theme song, Love Is All Around and the final lyric: You’r gonna make it after all.” Now I’m singing that song in my head and thinking of you and Tucker. You can delete this comment after reading. You have my permission. But see, you are going to make it after all–even with Tucker going off to kindergarten. In fact, you are both going to make it after all. Well, that’s enough about that. Happy Sunday evening.September 7, 2014 – 11:47 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Linda, your comment made me laugh out loud – not the internet “LOL” thing but that thing we do, audibly. “You’re gonna make it after all!” It also makes me think you’re right, and that your comment holds deeper understanding and love and support, that I very much appreciate so much. I mean, yeah, that damn song is in my head, but maybe, it’s not such a bad thing to have an earworm like this one. Maybe, we all need that song in our heads.
      I love you. And your twisted awesome, lovely and perfect brain with this song.September 9, 2014 – 12:26 amReplyCancel

  • Allison - I, too, love fall but mourn in this season as well. For all the same reasons. & I get scared about the dumb things my kids will do in their turn and I also get excited for them to remember how beautiful life and changing seasons are. Here’s to hoping for the best…September 8, 2014 – 3:57 pmReplyCancel

    • Allison - Ding dang- everyone is being so sad & weepy in this link up… Immagonna write a post to perk everyone up!September 8, 2014 – 4:09 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Gah to the mourning and the sadness and also to the love of the seasons. Thanks, you.September 9, 2014 – 12:27 amReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - It is a sign of resilience when facing a loss, that you see the positive in what comes next. I do it by loving the colors of the changing season, the warm reds, yellows, and oranges. 🙂September 8, 2014 – 5:36 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Sigh. Here’s to loving the colors. And here, the cooler, crisper temperatures!!September 9, 2014 – 12:38 amReplyCancel

  • Alison - The ending of something just means the beginning of something else, yes? Something bigger and better. 🙂September 9, 2014 – 4:07 amReplyCancel

  • Allison - SOOOO I missed the linky party but I am on a mission to cheer everyone up! 🙂 http://www.godanskermom.com/2014/09/10/fall-doesnt-stink-aka-defense-fall/September 10, 2014 – 3:25 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerith Stull - It’s so scary to think about how responsible we are for someone’s childhood. I never really thought of it much (beyond parental duties of care giving and rearing). But as my oldest got to be a high schooler and beyond (she’s 20 now), I hear her talk about her childhood as if it’s in the past…. in the past… powerful!September 11, 2014 – 2:16 pmReplyCancel

So, some of you know that I’m more than a little worried about my son Tucker starting kindergarten on Tuesday (OMFG deep breaths). I’m worried that he’ll be picked on, that he’ll give up on the academics and language that he’s already behind on, and I’m beyond sad and sadsasd, that it’s the beginning of […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
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  • clark - no! frickin! way! I am FRIST
    Damn!
    (1st rule of FRIST Claim FRIST first read, second)September 1, 2014 – 6:38 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - WHOOT!September 1, 2014 – 12:40 pmReplyCancel

    • Considerer - You are NOT! I GOT THIS. I just agreed, VERY EARLY, while it was still being edited TO WAIT. But I claimed Frist then and there :pSeptember 2, 2014 – 4:47 amReplyCancel

  • zoe - How lovely was this? My little adventurous friend will be king of the playground! My prediction!
    Oh yeah….NOT FRIST!!! BITE THAT CLARK!!! HAHASeptember 1, 2014 – 7:40 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA you bit Clark? Nice! Er wait, um what? And yeah, I think he might be pretty awesome on the playground. It’s the rest of it! But I know I know… and thanks, Zoe.September 1, 2014 – 12:41 pmReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - One day behind you and we start on Wednesday, but like you trying my best to have all the hope in the world and see all the good in it, but damned if I say not an emotional wreck here still this morning thinking about it all. Wishing Tucker a ton of luck and best wishes tomorrow and of course you too my friend. Love you and hugs 🙂September 1, 2014 – 8:27 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’m really jealous of that one day. Tell me that’s weird? Ok fine it’s not weird because it’s ONE MORE DAY. But still. I know I know I know… and Sending you huge hugs and peace and knowing of all of the knowings that Emma and Tucker and Scarlet will be FINE and perfect and amazing and well, them. But please text me too when you’re texting Tamara? M’kay? I have my moms here that are already texting. Thank God for them!!!
      Love you back and huge ginormious hugs at you.September 1, 2014 – 10:42 pmReplyCancel

      • Janine Huldie - Ok, now I am jealous that you will get it over and done with tomorrow and sitting here still a bundle of nerves. I adore you tons and seriously promise to text you. Love you and larger then life hugs back at you tonight!!!September 1, 2014 – 10:51 pmReplyCancel

        • Kristi Campbell - OH! Crap! I didn’t mean to make you jealous – YOU HAVE ONE MORE DAY!! But yeah I totally get that getting it over with is hugebig, and yes, please, let’s text. Maybe we can agree to meet at a virtual Starbucks and promise to not cry enough to scare the other people?September 1, 2014 – 10:53 pmReplyCancel

          • Janine Huldie - I totally know you didn’t mean that and still see how crazy these emotions have gotten me. I swear I have been walking around do today even more so as we are closing in on it with a lump the size of Texas in my throat. And by the way, the Starbucks virtual chat sounds great. Would have Lily with me though, but still you made me smile more the you know with that! 😉September 1, 2014 – 11:02 pm

  • Tamara - Friday here. Hi, I’m Tamara. And I’m terrified of kindergarten. Help me.
    This post is reading like my prayer and my mantra right now.
    Yesterday Scarlet went to the fair without me and did some harness jumping thing and I thought, “Well, she’s flying away, isn’t she?”
    And then she came back.September 1, 2014 – 9:32 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - And then she came back. That my love, is what I needed to read. and OMFG. How how how do people do this? How do they? I mean, I know they do it and do it and do it and it all gets better and bigger and awesomer but really? How, exactly, does this letting go thing work? You and Janine better text me please? Please?September 1, 2014 – 10:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerith Stull - Deep breaths! You got this!September 1, 2014 – 9:34 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you, Kerith. I know, I know, but I need every reminder that I get so thank you so much.September 1, 2014 – 10:50 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - It is okay to be sad. It’s an end, but it’s a beginning. And you’ll be in my heart tomorrow, as Tucker goes to school and flys.September 1, 2014 – 10:59 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Dana. He WILL fly, I hope. I appreciate being in your heart tomorrow. I know that it will matter and does matter and, well, all of the things. Thank you.September 1, 2014 – 10:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Twindaddy - If it helps any, I had all these same fears about the twins going into high school this year. It’s natural to worry. I have no doubt Tucker will do fine. He’s an amazing kid.September 1, 2014 – 11:11 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OMG high school. I was such an asshole in high school. And yes, it helps, so thank you. Big.September 1, 2014 – 10:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - Beautifully said. You so well capture the bittersweetness of it all. Thank you!September 1, 2014 – 11:56 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw thank you huge, Elizabeth. I’m sortof in shock that it’s happened so quickly. Feels like Tucker was a baby just well, a few months ago? Bittersweet is the perfect word.September 1, 2014 – 10:55 pmReplyCancel

  • KeAnne - Hugs and good luck tomorrow! I hope you both have a great day and first week. We survived ours although I think we already have a cold. Awesome 😉September 1, 2014 – 12:42 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, KeAnne! A cold? Well, it almost figures, I guess. Sigh. I’m so glad that you survived yours well!!September 1, 2014 – 10:56 pmReplyCancel

  • Allie @ The Latchkey Mom - I was thinking about you today and hoping you were okay. I think you would feel this way, on the cusp of kindergarten whatever the situation. Tucker is your first born AND your baby – so you’re feelings are magnified. Your fears are valid, but I truly believe he will fly:)! Hang in there momma.September 1, 2014 – 12:46 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you Allie, for reminding me that it’s totally normal and for saying that Tucker is my first born (because I still could have many babies!!!). I think he’ll fly, too… but thank you… xooxSeptember 1, 2014 – 10:57 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - I am a very non-confrontationl person and I avoid fights at all costs – except when it comes to my kids. I have confronted people and said things and done things I never thought I could do in the name of making things right for my kids. I hope you don’t have to fight to make things fine for Tucker, but if you do I know you will. And, yay, for last minute summer celebrations – we stayed in the pool far too late last night splashing and laughing, knowing it probably won’t happen again until next summer. Hugs to you, friend! I know tomorrow will be hard, but you all come out on the other side with a smile and new found grace & love!September 1, 2014 – 2:22 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Lisa!! I so very much hope that I don’t have to fight for things to be right for Tucker either, but it’s a big change that nobody tells us about! He’s got an advantage in that he’s been riding the bus, goes to school, etc. But this is a new school, new bus, new teacher, new ALL OF IT, and well, sigh he’s super shy and scared. I bought him a $50 lego thing today after he cried about going to school without me tomorrow. DOH. I’m so happy you spent the time last night in the pool. I wish I lived there so that we could come and hoard at your pool!! <3September 1, 2014 – 11:01 pmReplyCancel

      • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - You and Tucker would be welcome at our pool anytime! My girls would love to “baby-sit” him while you and I sipped margaritas. Ahhhh, sound absolutely lovely!September 2, 2014 – 5:31 pmReplyCancel

        • Kristi Campbell - So, um, how far of a drive is it again?September 2, 2014 – 8:04 pmReplyCancel

          • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - I’m in central NC – takes me about 5 hours to DC. But, we’ll be closing the pool soon. 🙁 Maybe next summer! Though, you are still welcome anytime!September 3, 2014 – 4:28 pm

  • Tracie - “When we don’t know, and are not in control, we will become the grace.” This. So much this.

    I hope you both find all the grace you need tomorrow and throughout this year. It is a big change, but you are an awesome mom, and I know you have prepared him as much as possible for the newness of it all. The rest will all work out.September 1, 2014 – 4:58 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you, Tracie. I think that the grace comes when we need it the most, as you show in your own post about your grandmother. You feel the grace, as does she. Here’s to all of us feeling it when we need it the very most. Thank you so much!September 1, 2014 – 11:09 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - I think the anxiety you feel is something parents across the board feel. No matter what the conditions, how old, or milestones they’ve crossed. I felt like that for the the 1 year old class on up to first grade. I’ve leveled out for 3rd and 4th and surely next year for 5th but I am sure it will start over again for middle school and then high school, college and 1st job and so on. The wonderful thing about young ones is that they don’t judge so easily. And 99% of teachers are wonderful. My wish for Tucker is to have a wonderful first day tomorrow. Sleep well tonight mom!September 1, 2014 – 6:32 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you Kenya! I took him to school this morning and he did completely fine! I did cry in the car before leaving the parking lot but assume that’s totally normal and justified. I hope Christopher is having an amazing first day in 4th grade!September 2, 2014 – 1:23 pmReplyCancel

  • Echo - This is beautiful! Sending our children off to school can be terrifying for everyone! I think sending our special needs kids off to school, just makes it that much more horrifying. The unknown. At home, even the unknown is somewhat predictable with our kids. At school, it is like a black hole of chaos and unpredictability. The unknown. We just have to grip our pillow tight, smile and hope for the best. All we want for our kids is to have a happy, healthy life and really, nothing else matters.September 1, 2014 – 8:34 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Echo,
      You’re so so right that nothing else matters. 🙂 But yeah, that unpredictability. Sigh. It’s a scary world out there.
      It gives me Whiplash to think about how fast he’s growing up. The years, they just come crawling faster.
      (nice job with the grip our pillow tight, by the way)September 2, 2014 – 1:33 pmReplyCancel

  • Pattie - The first day of kindergarten is filled with all of the emotions but in the end it is a good day. We have to let our babies grow up and this is the first big step towards that. Your Tucker will be fine and so will you. He will fly because you are the wind beneath his wings. He will fly very high. Just you watch!September 1, 2014 – 9:03 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you huge, Pattie. He did fly, and did not cry, although I did. I think that the test is more tomorrow, when he gets maybe what’s going on and where he’s going. His school was super nice though, and called me 1/2-way through the day to tell me he was fine which is big huge.September 2, 2014 – 10:50 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah - Big hugs for you! A week in, it’s going better than expected.September 1, 2014 – 10:13 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - I’ll be thinking of you and Tucker tomorrow. New chapters are always exciting and sad all at once.September 2, 2014 – 12:26 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, K2 and thanks so much for reaching out today. That meant so very very much to me and I really appreciated it then and now. He seemed okay. The test will be tomorrow, right?September 2, 2014 – 10:52 pmReplyCancel

  • christine - I’m thinking of you today! How are you doing? How did drop-off go? How many tears were there? I am 13 minutes away from leaving the house to take my youngest to preschool. Sure, I’ve taught there and my kids have attended the school for 13 years, but I’m still sad to leave him.
    Can’t wait to hear how it all went!September 2, 2014 – 8:18 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you big huge, Christine! Drop off went really well. While Tucker cried earlier and actually told me that I hurt his feelings b/c I couldn’t go to class with him, he seemed fine when I left. His aide left me a message as well, letting me know he was having a great day so eeep!! And yeah, the whole sad to leave them stuff. It’s big. No matter how long it’s been going on for!!!September 2, 2014 – 11:00 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandy Ramsey - I know that today is THE day. I hope you are doing okay. You have done all things right by Tucker. He is a strong and amazing boy, Kristi. And you are a strong and amazing mama. This post just hit home for me. As parents, we watch our children grow and see them deal with the consequences, decisions, and hard things that come with growing up and hitting the different stages. It’s never, ever all the time easy. I still cry in the car sometimes for all of my kids. They deal with so much. But you know what? They deal. They have been raised to know that I am here, always. You said it all when you wrote that with all that we have we will do everything we can to make it okay. And when it’s not, we’ll find another way. That is the way it is done. Hang in there today! I’ll be thinking of you and can’t wait to hear how it went!September 2, 2014 – 10:43 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you huge, Sandy. I know as in the *know* that it’s okay and that he’s okay (as okay as okay is) but wow, what a huge change, ya know? I mean, for me as in he’s no longer a baby, and for him, in that he’s no longer a baby, if that makes sense. I guess I just miss the baby, and the him, and the all of it that means he’s becoming more to the world and less to me… if that makes sense. Also? It went really really well. He did great. He was happy to see me, supposedly didn’t cry or hit, and well, I think it went perfectly – or as much as I can ask for. Thank you again.September 2, 2014 – 11:04 pmReplyCancel

  • Astrid - Oh, I totally understand your mixed emotions. I remember I was actually aware that Kindergarten was the beginning of the end of my childhood, and this was painful. When I turned foru (which is when kids start Kindergarten here), the teachers and othe rkids sang “and this is really old”, and I protested that I wasn’t old, at which point they changed the song to “it’s not old at all”.September 2, 2014 – 6:03 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Astrid, you remember when you were four? I’m a little (big) impressed by that because I don’t really remember anything until I was at least five! And yeah, the beginning to the end of childhood? So sad, as a person and as a parent. Sigh. I LOVE that you made your teachers and class change the words to the song! “It’s not old at all!” LOVE!!!September 2, 2014 – 11:07 pmReplyCancel

  • Susan Zutautas - How did school go for Tucker today?September 2, 2014 – 7:47 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It was awesome Susan. I love love love that you asked. Of course, he does not want to go back tomorrow, but he was really happy today and that, I suppose, is the biggest next big thing.September 2, 2014 – 11:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - Each moment of each day- you have a purpose. Each moment of each day- was meant to be. Every moment. Meant to be. Has a purpose. Each step. Whether faltering, fearful, falling…

    Look back at all your days, moments, steps.

    You’ll find it in your history.

    Now go make more miraculous history.

    Every day. Every moment. Every step.

    Meant to be.

    On purpose.

    Miraculous.September 2, 2014 – 10:04 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Chris,
      On purpose. Yes. That. All of that. Here’s to all of it, sweets. All of it. Even the all that we don’t embrace, because it matters too.September 2, 2014 – 11:09 pmReplyCancel

  • K - Beautifully articulated, and I just read in the comments that his first day went well, which makes me so happy! Here’s to many, many more awesome days ahead!September 3, 2014 – 12:07 pmReplyCancel

  • Brittnei - Oh! You are right! I saw so many final summer photos and activities from so many blog friends recently. I know already that Tucker had a good first day and for that I’m thankful that the anticipation of that is over so you can feel more at ease right now. I know the worry won’t go away completely per se since he has to go to school several times a week, but so far so good! In that picture of you two I can see your smile in his!September 3, 2014 – 7:06 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw, thanks, Brittnei! I love that you can see my smile in his, and yeah, so far, so good with kindergarten although I’ll learn more on Tuesday night at back to school night, when we’ll be able to spend more time with the teachers and aides and therapists!September 6, 2014 – 12:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Rebecca - Dang, this is me in a couple years. I’m terrified, I’m scared, I can only hope all of these bloggers I’ve seen posting about the start of kindergarten recently, including yours, prepare me for that day. I definitely need these years to prepare because I’m a sap like that. Yet, I’m also excited for you and your son, there are so many experiences to be had!September 3, 2014 – 9:12 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Hi Rebecca,
      So sorry that you’re also terrified – it’s terrifying, letting these precious humans grow up and spend so much time with us not knowing how they’re doing each minute of the day. I hope that by the time kindergarten comes for you, that you’re ready (although I don’t think any of us really ever can be ready!!). Thanks so much for your comment and I do know that this will be wonderful for him.September 6, 2014 – 12:50 pmReplyCancel

  • GaYLA kEEHN - My sons kindergarten was the worst year he ever had in school. He is now 25. They had two kindergarten teachers and neither were happy about “handicapped” kids being “thrust” upon them. The one my son had told me she did not go into teaching to be in Special Education and they should be in their own classroom away from the other kids. The Special kids made noises and distracted the typical kids from learning. Thankfully, my son had an aide who was almost always with him. The following year, my son got a wonderful teacher and he had many more really good teachers after that. He is such a blessing.
    Gayla Keehn, Clarksville, IN.September 4, 2014 – 4:17 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Hi Gayla, that’s so awful that your son’s kindergarten teachers were not happy about having special needs kids in class. Horrible!! I’m so glad to read that your son had wonderful teachers after that. All children are blessings!! Thank you for your comment, I really appreciate it!September 6, 2014 – 12:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Jolene Philo - Hang in there, mamma! You and Tucker will make it. I’m praying his kindergarten teacher loves him as much as you do and makes the transition a smooth one. Thanks for sharing your fears and dreams at the DifferentDream.com Tuesday link up.September 4, 2014 – 8:22 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Jolene, thank you so much and I very much hope that his teacher loves him, too!! She seems really nice so here’s hoping!!!September 6, 2014 – 12:53 pmReplyCancel

  • Laurie Hollman PhD @ Parental Intelligence - Hi. Kindergarten is a great milestone, but to keep it in perspective, it’s not the conclusion of a journey but just another piece of the stretch and reach into the possible. There will be many teachers, some more or less nurturing, but YOU are the primary teacher, the life coach as they say, and you’re #1 at that. Hope this week and the days moving forward are filled with happy opportunities that will clearly always be surrounded by your devoted love.
    LaurieSeptember 6, 2014 – 5:47 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Laurie. I know, as in *know* that it’s not a conclusion… but it often feels like one, if that makes sense. Thank you so much and I do know that my son will reach and soar and that he’s going to be amazing, at all stages. And that maybe, I will too…September 7, 2014 – 11:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - “Witnessing our children experiencing childhood is likely much more magical and awe-inspiring than actually living childhood was for us, or is for them.”
    I think you may be right, Kristi. And I think it’s because our children are magical and awe-inspiring…much more than we ever imagined they could be. True for you? It is for me.
    I like what Laurie Hollman said in her comment – this is just one of many milestone, each a step along the way. I think I’m going to hold on to that one because what I’ve been kind of stuck on lately is that with one child, every one of her firsts…is also a last. Ugh! How easy to get bogged down in the sadness of that??? But I don’t want to do that and as a result miss all the fantastic things that await her – and me.
    Hope Kindergarten is going well for all of you so far! XOXOXOSeptember 7, 2014 – 1:19 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Totally true for me, Lisa. Totally, and completely. I think you’re right about when we have an ONLY child, that we know that every first is also a last. While exciting and wonderful, also heartbreaking and sad… I don’t want to get bogged down in the sadness either. <3September 7, 2014 – 11:29 pmReplyCancel

  • Meredith - LOVE this one too. So beautiful. It’s amazing how these milestones help us really soak the kids up. I think it’s God’s way of making us appreciate them, instead of rushing through it. 🙂September 10, 2014 – 3:43 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - YES, I love the idea that it’s God’s way of making us stop rushing.September 11, 2014 – 1:08 amReplyCancel

  • Jhanis - I’m really glad you shared this Kristi! My 3yo is lagging behind at school too. She has speech delays and it looks like she is having a hard time keeping up with her classmates. It pains me so much! I just do what I can to help her. Hoping to have even at least half of your strength and patience.September 11, 2014 – 5:05 amReplyCancel

  • Lillian Connelly - My daughter started preK this year and we have all been staring in awe at her. It seems like just yesterday she was a baby. We cannot believe how tall she is nor how grown up. It’s almost a shock. I hope your son has enjoyed school so far. I can understand your fears and concerns.September 11, 2014 – 9:26 amReplyCancel

  • Jessica - I just read your article about special needs parents. It was us to a t! My daughter wasn’t progressing as she should. Language is far behind, and she is never still, never! . Her pediatrician wants her evaluated for autism. I don’t think she is autistic. Like your son, she will make eye contact and loves to be loved on and love on others. Something is keeping her from progressing the way she should. I too did the ” she will catch up, she just needs time.” And when I gave her time nothing changed. So then came the heartbreaking realization that I needed to speak with her dr. Then when he agreed with me, it was a blow to the stomach. You feel it deep down that your child isn’t like others, but to have a professional agree with you, makes it real, not paranoia. You feel validated and devastated all in the same moment. You feel validated because you have felt for some time that your child was not like others, even though anytime you confessed your worries to others, they said your child just needed ” time”. You feel devastated, because you want your child to be perfect. It takes time for the shock to wear off before you realize, no matter what the diagnosis is, your child is still perfect. They will always be perfect to you. Who knows, maybe whatever is delaying her development, it might be the reason, she is so loving, and sweet. She is imperfectly perfect to me !!!! I just wanted you to know, you touched a place in my heart with that article. I cried through it all. So thank you for writing it !!!December 10, 2014 – 10:14 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Wow, thank you so so much, Jessica!!! You’re so right that we feel devastated and not because of the kids so much (although that’s so hard) but because EVERYBODY says “they’ll catch up.” So we believe. We have to right? Until we can’t… sigh… thank you so much for this comment tonight. It makes me happy and gives me so much hope that us mamas need one another to get through this all!!! THANK YOU!!!December 11, 2014 – 11:32 pmReplyCancel

Today’s Our Land Series post was authored by the introspective and compassionate author Yvonne, of Inquiring Parent (and book Drawings in Sand).  Yvonne is the amazing woman who taught me that the difference between self esteem and self compassion is actually not only significant, but is super important. Yvonne practices what she preaches, and documents the process in a way that is inspiring and […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Considerer - *taps mic*

    *coughs*

    *is overcome by sudden stage fright*August 27, 2014 – 7:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - My mother always taught me I should treat others the way I would like to be treated and refill to this day I try my best to heed those words, because probably one the best pieces of advice I ever got. Reading this, I could truly relate and like I said I very much always try to respect others and think of how they would feel before I do react for the most part.August 27, 2014 – 8:18 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I try to think of how other people would feel, too, Janine but I don’t always do a good job of not assuming that they don’t respect me or something. If that makes sense.August 28, 2014 – 12:06 pmReplyCancel

    • Yvonne - Janine, how great that you have been able to follow your mother’s wise advice.
      As a child I remember reading “The Water Babies” in which were Mrs Do-as-you-would-be-done-by, and Mrs Be-Done-By-As-You-Did. You can imagine the latter was a bit fierce and I aspired to be Mrs DAYWBDY! Yet, I didn’t always find it easy, partly because although many adults tell children that’s how to live, they don’t follow it themselves so kids get punished. This process has helped me a lot.August 28, 2014 – 4:10 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - This is what I needed to hear today, this week, this summer:

    “Times with my children came to mind. If realised that if I think they should respect me when it seems they aren’t, I feel hurt and defensive. Without the thought, I wonder if something is bothering them. I realise that their behaviour doesn’t mean anything about me.

    With the thought – it’s personal. Without the thought – it’s not.”

    I’ve been bothered with the emergence of the term “respect” in my dialogue (which is really more of a monologue these days) with my son. As you know I come from the Middle East where part of the culture is evaluating yourself, the environment etc based on the concept of respect. I often found talk of respect and the demanding of it, as you describe in your post, a bit laughable. As you suggest those who deserve respect don’t get it by demanding it. And now I’m a parent to a five-year-old boy and I constantly demand respect. I demand respect and cringe.

    This was precisely what I needed, as I was starting to feel this dissonance with myself. As usual, I am bookmarking this and will be coming back to it. What a WONDERFUL addition to Our Land, Kristi I think it brings a totally new dimension to the series by offering some practical advice on our way to wonder and compassion.

    You, Yvonne, are my guru (or to quote rap, Respect. 😉 )August 28, 2014 – 8:17 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I so agree, Katia! I think it’s hard to not demand respect from our kids at times when demanding it goes against getting it really. I love how Yvonne breaks it down here and makes me realize that whatever feelings I’m having are my feelings, not the people who I attribute them to. Thanks so much!August 28, 2014 – 12:07 pmReplyCancel

    • Yvonne - Oh Katia! “I demand respect and cringe.” Been there, done that! I can definitely relate, and to what you write about teh dissonance with yourself. It can be such a challenge to step away from the way our culture predominantly behaves, and I definitely struggled with that a lot when my girls were small. (And occasionally do now.) Sometimes we know something in our hearts, but because all around us seem to see it differently we don’t trust our knowing. That’s why it’s so wonderful to have this amazing tool the internet!

      I love what you wrote here; it’s so wonderful to see how this is resonating with you (and with others!)August 28, 2014 – 5:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Allie @ The Latchkey Mom - Wow, that was a lot to take in – all of it good stuff. Honestly, I printed it out because I think it’s something I need to read again (and again). I love the concept of the turnaround! And I agree, I think our fears and insecurities get in the way of how we perceive reality. wow, wow, wow…August 28, 2014 – 10:14 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Allie,
      I love the concept of the turnaround, too. So true that our own fears and insecurities form our perceptions which really may or may not be accurate. Thanks, Allie!August 28, 2014 – 12:09 pmReplyCancel

    • Yvonne - Allie, the process can take a while to get used to. But so worth it.
      The turnarounds are powerful and do be sure to go through the questions first, because otherwise they can sometimes feel like self-judgments – which is never their purpose. Instead it’s to see innocence in ourselves and others.August 28, 2014 – 5:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - Wow Yvonne! This is amazing. I think I need to re-read it a few more times to totally understand it though. It is wonderful that this book changed your life and this process seems liberating!!August 28, 2014 – 12:51 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I think I need to read it at least weekly, Chris and thank you so much for coming by! Here’s to all of us learning and growing.August 28, 2014 – 4:48 pmReplyCancel

    • Yvonne - Chris, yes liberating is the word I’d use too! I remember not long after I’d read the book, realising that almost everything I thought was probably a lot of nonsense, so I didn’t have to take it too seriously. Now, if only I had remembered that all the time! 🙂August 28, 2014 – 5:36 pmReplyCancel

  • Deb @ Urban Moo Cow - I loved this and I love yvonne. I think the practice aspect is the most important. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense but you just have to do it. In a car so can’t be too eloquent. 🙂August 28, 2014 – 1:09 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Me too, Deb. Me too. And yeah, here’s to the practice, over and over and over. xxooAugust 28, 2014 – 4:49 pmReplyCancel

    • Yvonne - Aw Deb, you are so sweet. Practice is important, yes. And I agree with you that even if doesn’t make sense it does when you do it. Perfectly eloquent! Thank you for that addition!August 28, 2014 – 5:39 pmReplyCancel

  • Yvonne - Kristi, THANK YOU so much for having me on your blog and for letting me share this wonderful tool. I am so thrilled that people are finding it resonates.
    And thank you everyone for your comments.August 28, 2014 – 5:42 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yvonne, thank YOU so very much for your awesome Our Land contribution! I love it and am honored that you shared it here!August 29, 2014 – 10:10 amReplyCancel

  • Anna Fitfunner - Intriguing post. Yvonne, I am just now becoming aware of your writing (initially through FTSF and now through Kristi). Not sure about what The Work is, but I’ll check it out. Thanks for sharing!August 29, 2014 – 1:41 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yvonne is great, Anna. She’s the one who let me know about the difference between self compassion and self esteem, which is really a huge difference.August 29, 2014 – 11:06 pmReplyCancel

  • Marcia @ Menopausal Mother - Very interesting perspective—especially on the “turnaround.” I think respect has to start within ourselves. We can’t expect others to respect us if we don’t respect ourselves.August 29, 2014 – 9:17 pmReplyCancel

  • April - I actually stopped getting angry with people when I started believing the quote from Maya Angelou, “When people show you who they are, believe them.” The reason for that is, when they act a certain way, I know that’s who they are. I can try to change them, but I also realize that it’s not about me. I have enjoyed immensely learning about other people in this process, some people are closer to me than others because of it. I don’t expect everyone to respect me, nor do I demand it, especially if it’s a person in passing. That story of the teacher reminds me of the issue with blacks and tipping. There’s a whole “thing” where blacks don’t tip, yet blacks tend to get worse service. It’s not bad or rude service, it’s just not as good, not as attentive as you can visually see from other tables. But where did it start? Someone started, and others continued. I know when I get good service, I give a good tip (great = great too!). I actually had one server hug me after a rough service with our table. She was great, even though there was a lot of us and a couple of orders changed. Our tip was about 25% on a large bill. Before she looked at it, she was irritated and upset. I had a feeling she expected less than great because we did have so many issues. But she actually hugged me. It was really sweet. I just remember, it’s not about me.August 31, 2014 – 7:16 pmReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - Phenomenal! I am going to read this one over and over!September 1, 2014 – 12:45 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandy Ramsey - Yvonne , I cannot tell you how eye opening this is! I sat here reading this and could point out so many parallels in my own thinking and how I need to change that thinking. The point is truer than true that when I expect people to act a certain way, treat me a certain way, and that doesn’t happen, I get angry, frustrated. This is going straight to my Pocket because I know this will not be the last time I visit this post! Thank you!September 4, 2014 – 2:04 pmReplyCancel

Last night, after gingerly sneaking out of my sleeping son’s room to the familiar sounds of his gentle snores, the quiet creakiness of a house after dark, and my guilt for leaving him while he’s asleep and unable to protest, I retreated to my office to write. I needed the soothing taptaptap of my keyboard. […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Kathy Radigan - I felt this way each time my kids started kindergarten, but really felt it four years ago when my last baby did!! I too felt as if some of my sweetest days were behind me. It goes so fast!!! I will say that I adored kindergarten all three times and the kids are just way too cute, but that doesn’t make the endings any better!! Much love to you my friend and congratulations on your well deserved success!!! xoxoAugust 25, 2014 – 12:24 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Kathy, thank you so much for your kind words and reminding me that I’m not alone in this!! It so goes too fast and makes me wonder what I’ve done with all of this time, really… I so appreciate your encouragement and am SO happy I had the honor of meeting you in person this summer!!August 26, 2014 – 12:31 amReplyCancel

  • Mytwicebakedpotato - Here’s to a great start of school!! Hang in there, mama 🙂August 25, 2014 – 12:27 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi - You have done exactly enough, but I understand the reflection that comes with change and milestones.

    Happy birthday!August 25, 2014 – 12:35 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yeah, the reflection is, perhaps, the hardest part of all. Wondering what we should have could have done… thanks, K2.August 26, 2014 – 12:33 amReplyCancel

  • Kathy at kissing the frog - Honestly, I feel this way at the end of every summer. Did we do enough, and that they are growing up. I know I have great memories of our summers, so I hope they do, too. Good luck with kindergarten – you’ll both do great. 🙂August 25, 2014 – 2:26 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you Kathy!!! Sometimes, this summer felt so very very long, and now? I’m so not ready for it to be over. 🙂August 26, 2014 – 12:34 amReplyCancel

  • Mike - Now that Phoenix and I actually have a community of bloggers who choose to follow us or reciprocate comments…this summer I’ve been blessed with learning about the hottest topic, bar none. That being Moms and their children’s upcoming start to Kindergarten. It’s been fascinating to read all of the emotion that has existed in it’s most raw form with those mothers. From an outsiders viewpoint from me to you as both your real life friend and blogger friend – I can assure you did more than a GREAT majority of mothers, Kristi! It’s only relevant on a different level, yet quite the same, in that I’ve asked the same questions. Did I do enough with him this summer? Have I done enough, ever? Those 2 self-questions of yours zeroed in like a marksman at my heart. Hence, I’ve been pounding out bucket list items and road trips (some all in the same) with my own kid, Phoenix. You are blessed with decades upon decades of time left with Tucker who, I say again, is going to achieve beyond your wildest dreams! 🙂 I’m getting in as much time as I can in “doing enough” with a kid that has an hourglass with only limited sand. And yet, those 2 questions will forever haunt me. It’s a fact. I sooooo related to this and thank you for listening to another one of my dang rambles! Your writing affects me in a great way. Huge kudos always to you for that, our friend 🙂August 25, 2014 – 3:21 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Mike. You HAVE done enough with Phoenix this summer, I promise. You HAVE done enough with him, this life. He knows. I promise. And thank you… xoxo
      There’s so much more I want to say, but. Well. Hugs and love and peace.August 26, 2014 – 12:36 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - I really should not have read this as soon as I got up on the first day of school. I already have a beginning/end story bubbling inside me, and this is making it overflow. I understand your sadness that is mixed with thankfulness. I am so proud of the impact your LTYM reading has had on so many parents, and I am so glad I was able to see it in person.

    You are right – you and Tucker will be just fine. XoxoAugust 25, 2014 – 6:30 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Our first day isn’t for another week, and I’m already weepy and terrified and all of the stuff. While I *know* he will be fine, I also am well. Anyway. You get it, and thank you Dana!! <3August 26, 2014 – 12:38 amReplyCancel

  • zoe - 🙂 nuff said!
    & HAPPY BIRTHDAY!August 25, 2014 – 6:39 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Looks like Tucker has had a wonderful summer. Kindergarten for Christopher doesn’t seem so long ago but he’s going into the 4th grade. I can remember feeling sad. More so because it was the real beginning of serious school. Of course I had tears at the drop off and on day two when he actually took the bus. But I think it gets easier, especially once you know he’s had a good day. 😉 This quote is so freaking true it hurts knowing it – Making the decision to have a child – it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. – Elizabeth Stone. Way to tell the truth Elizabeth. :-/

    That snake in the water float gave me the heebeegeebees.August 25, 2014 – 7:03 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Kenya, I know I will have massive amounts of tears at drop off (or the bus, I’m not sure what’s better). It just goes so so fast!! And that quote is so so true. I’ve heard it before but without the first line which makes it even better. Thanks, Kenya. I hope 4th grade is awesome to Christopher!August 26, 2014 – 10:02 amReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - Aww, Kristi, you know I totally get it and then some and I still am not wanting to admit this is the last week of summer here even as much as I know it is. I also (as you already know) am totally weepy over Emma starting Kindergarten next week. We got her teacher and room assignment on Friday. She has the “nice” teacher – the one I was told that everyone just loves and would be great for her. So, I know I should be sighing a big sigh of relief, but still all over the place myself. I like you definitely have a lot to be thankful for, but not going to lie still totally emotional here, as well. Hugs to you today and just know again I get it completely!August 25, 2014 – 8:00 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I know you get it Janine! I wish you lived closer so we could go have a cryfest breakfast on Tuesday!! We don’t get to meet Tucker’s teacher until Thursday – so fingers crossed and OMG how did today come so quickly??August 26, 2014 – 8:26 pmReplyCancel

  • christine - I’ve sent 5 kids off to kindergarten and two off to high school. I get sad at the end of every single summer. My kids love summer, as we do many of the things you do with Tucker. Tucker will remember these summers you packed full of fun. I promise. You’ll have lots of summers to do it again and again. Yet when they go to kindergarten, it is a change. A big one. It’s the start of them becoming big kids. Of becoming more independent beings. It’s great for them, but so darn difficult for us. You have done more than enough, and you’ll keep doing it as long as you are alive. 🙂August 25, 2014 – 8:05 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Christine, I know that we have lots of summers to come, but this is the one that well, yeah, becoming big kids! Thank you so much for your sweet comment!August 26, 2014 – 8:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Michele @ A Storybook Life - What a bittersweet time (and post). You have made a full summer of memories that both you and Tucker will cherish for many years to come! Kindergarten is going to be a big change, but an exciting one, too. Here’s to lots more good memories to be made over this school year! And I am so, so thankful to have met you and all the LTYM ladies this year — absolute highlight. We are here for you!August 25, 2014 – 8:34 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Michele!! I’m so glad that I met you and all of the LTYM ladies this year as well!! And yeah, the kindergarten thing – it’s kinda sad. It’s like he’s not a little baby anymore. Which, duh, but still. *sniff*August 26, 2014 – 8:31 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerith Stull - As moms, we always seem to second guess ourselves. What a sucky thing we do to ourselves! In the immortal words of “Frozen”…. Let it go! And Let Tucker go a little, too. This going to be a fantastic year for both of you! You’re going to rock this out!August 25, 2014 – 9:24 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw, thank you Kerith!! Here’s to letting it go (and I still haven’t seen Frozen!) and not doing this to ourselves!August 26, 2014 – 8:32 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah - Virtual hand holding! First day was today for MoCo.August 25, 2014 – 10:35 amReplyCancel

  • Allie Smith - Kristi, my heart hurts for you. I remember last year, when my baby went to kindergarten, I lost my sh&&! Its so hard to let them go. I understand your fears, too. But you have.done everything possible for your son. You made it momma…he’s going to FULL kindergarten. Also, having met him, I am confident he’s going to thrive!August 25, 2014 – 12:11 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Allie. Seriously, thank you. I am pretty sure that I will completely lose my shit, too. On Tuesday, and maybe a few times before then as well.August 26, 2014 – 8:34 pmReplyCancel

  • KeAnne - Hugs. Today was my baby’s first day, and I’m having soooo many feelings. I hope it’s a good day for him. It is a huge milestone and like you, I hope our summer was full of fun and great memories.August 25, 2014 – 12:55 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Oh! KeAnne! How did it go? I hope it was amazing and of course, sending huge hugs back. So hard this letting go stuff is!!!August 26, 2014 – 8:37 pmReplyCancel

  • Yvonne - Kristi, I can relate to your feelings. When my older daughter started school, I felt so sad. It did help that I read a magazine article at the time, in which the writer said that children grow up, and we should just accept that and that feeling sad about was childish and being in denial. It took me a long time to realise that no, it wasn’t. It was accepting my feelings. It’s utterly okay to feel the way I did and that you do.
    As to whether you’ve done enough – of course you have. If you hadn’t done enough you probably wouldn’t be worrying about whether or not you had!August 25, 2014 – 4:11 pmReplyCancel

    • Yvonne - Just noticed that should say “It did NOT help that I read a magazine article at the time…”
      Autocorrect at work again!August 26, 2014 – 4:45 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’m so glad you clarified that Yvonne, because I was all like “wait, it’s childish to think that it’s sad?” But you’re right. No, it’s not. It’s part of what it is and it’s about accepting reality, our feelings, and all of it. And thank you for saying if I hadn’t done enough, I’d probably not be worrying about it!August 26, 2014 – 8:49 pmReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - I share your sadness at the life change you are facing – you are in my thoughts and virtual hugs! I am certain you are doing great, Tucker will do great, and his progress and success will be deeply gratifying. 😀August 25, 2014 – 4:28 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you so much Elizabeth. I very much appreciate the virtual hugs and knowing that I’m not alone!!August 26, 2014 – 8:49 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - That’s what I keep believing – that we will all be fine. And even knowing that doesn’t always help me. I think it does on a surface level but the deep-rooted pain of my own kindergarten experience is still so alive down there, and only Scarlet’s inevitable flourishing will raise me above.

    Hey that’s good. I may use that in my own blog! (just kidding)August 25, 2014 – 4:57 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - We HAVE to believe they will all be fine, right? I mean, what else is there? Still though, ohmygod. And you should totally use that in a blog post!August 26, 2014 – 8:50 pmReplyCancel

  • Roshni - I’m sure there will be a riot of emotions as is normal for such a big transition, but I’m positive that he will make friends, his teacher will be empathetic and understanding, and he will have a grand party of a time every day!!August 25, 2014 – 5:33 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you so much, Roshni. From your lips!! I hope his teacher is amazing and that he really has so much fun!August 26, 2014 – 8:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Dyanne @ I Want Backsies - Ahh, that end of summer feeling. I had it in that limbo time between being a student and having a child who was a student; it never seems to go away. (There’s also a Sunday night feeling that never goes away, either.) You know it’s going to be harder on you than on him to go to kindergarten. Just remember the words a wise friend told me: you don’t cry when they go to kindergarten (or graduate). They’re SUPPOSED to that and we should rejoice. Cry if they DON’T.August 25, 2014 – 8:13 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Dyanne, I know that Sunday night feeling!!! And yeah, it’s like the summertime one but for me, now, the summertime one is just almost overwhelming. I can’t believe that my one and only baby is five now, and no longer really a little little kid, ya know? And yeah, I *know* that’s what they’re supposed to be doing, and that we should rejoice. I’ll try to do that rather than just feeling nostalgic for baby-him!August 26, 2014 – 8:53 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - I remember that terrified pre-kindergarten feeling too…I was sooo scared for him and what lay ahead. But, you are so right when you say he will be just fine, because he will! Yes, there will be bumps in the road, but you know what?? There are bumps in the road for every kid, whether special needs or not. That is something I have discovered with my 3 dudes….you and T have so many adventures ahead — I can’t wait to hear about them! And, you so make me want to try out for LTYM next year….maybe, just maybe…August 25, 2014 – 9:44 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Oh Emily, you’d be incredible at LTYM!!! Seriously!! It was such an amazing experience – truly awesome. Thanks for the reassurance that Tucker will be just fine – I do know all kids face bumps, and well, I know you get it too, so I don’t need to go into the “somebody will make fun of his words” thing with you (and please God, don’t let them make fun of his words!!!).August 26, 2014 – 9:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Out One Ear - Linda Atwell - Krisit: I don’t remember feeling this way when my kids went to kindergarten, but I do remember this when my son went off to college. (More on that in a bit). I do remember worrying the school would lose my daughter. She wanted to ride the bus and I followed it to school and snuck in to make sure my daughter found her desk. She was rather annoyed with me. Maybe I told you this story earlier. I’m getting old. I forget a lot. I know Tucker (and you) will do fine. But I too, suffered from end of summer blues when my kids were in school. More because we’d been having so much fun and now we were going to be on a schedule. The school’s schedule. Some days I resented that schedule. Some days I loved it. Now on to my son leaving for college. I had such mixed feelings–the ones you expressed in this post. One part of me was giddy for the new experiences he would now have on his own. One part of me cried for the little boy who was leaving home, leaving me to be an empty nester. It was hard. It is hard. But you both will get through this, survive, and create so many more memories during his incredible school years. I’m sure there will be a field trip soon. I’m sure you’ll volunteer and wa-lah, a new memory.August 25, 2014 – 10:02 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Linda,
      I love that you followed Lindsey’s bus and snuck in to make sure she found her desk!!! I have not heard that story before and love it! I think that the having fun during summer giving way to a schedule has something to do with it all as well. And I am SO volunteering for every single field trip!!! Thanks so much for understanding and for the reassurance, you. I really appreciate it, so much. AND OMG COLLEGE!!! Gulp.August 26, 2014 – 9:13 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - I am certain you will be fine, but I know it is hard – so hard! I am thankful that your beautiful words have made it to so many through HuffPost & your LTYM video (and I’m only a little jealous because Huff Post hasn’t even bothered to respond to any of the three pieces I’ve sent them!). August 25, 2014 – 10:09 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Lisa. I’m sure it’ll be fine, too, but OMG my heart, ya know?? And hang in there with HuffPo, okay!August 26, 2014 – 9:25 pmReplyCancel

  • Tarana - Big moment, Kristi! I hope kindergarten goes well for your little guy. I completely relate to your fears even though I still have another year to go.August 26, 2014 – 3:52 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - So big, right? Thank you so much and I’m happy to share our successes with you to copy in a year!!August 26, 2014 – 11:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - I finally saw your LTYM speech!!! WOW. I am still in tears…

    You are so amazing Kristi. I am so excited for all your success as a writer, and a leader in embracing motherhood as YOU know it to be. Countless lives and hearts are lifted and blessed by you.

    I love this post. Because as always it speaks the raw and genuine truth of every mother out there.

    You did enough. You are enough. And your sweet boy will always and forever be blessed by his mama.

    Congrats on the HuffPo gig as well!!! I clicked over and I am a FAN!!

    Always a fan. 🙂August 26, 2014 – 2:41 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Oh! You just now saw it? Well thank you huge, for watching it!!! And thank you for being a fan on HuffPo!! I’m totally not amazing – you are amazing – but I also believe that together, all of us, making words and putting them out there, is amazing so there’s that… You give me so much hope and encouragement, even when I feel sad and wonder why why why I do this. I thank you for that, and for being such a wonderful friend.August 26, 2014 – 11:29 pmReplyCancel

  • Pattie - Your Tucker is going to be fine next week. You will be fine as well. The kids do grow up too fast, I liked 3-5 the most and was quite sad when my daughter started kindergarten. Just think, you can always volunteer and think of how much fun that will be!

    Always love reading your posts, you have a lot of love in you and it spills over into your posts.August 26, 2014 – 3:17 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’m so sad because 3-5 is and has been amazing. I know the rest of the years will be as well, but wow, they happen fast!August 26, 2014 – 11:38 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - Dutch Wonderland – less than ninety minutes from our house! Again, you dance so close to us and I had no idea. One of these days, we are going to have to figure out how to run into one another on purpose.
    Kindergarten…don’t be sad if I tell you that it’s a lot like you said. The end of the babyhood, a distinct milestone and change in the dynamic – all of it. Kidzilla went there my baby and came out my big girl. Sigh. But it’s good. All of it is good. Yes, they grow up too too fast, but if we spent too much time thinking about that, we’ll miss the next thing. Just grab on, my friend, and hold on tight because it is a great and crazy and scary ride ahead!!!August 26, 2014 – 5:35 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Please we MUST find a way to meet on purpose on accident on purpose!!! We did the Dutch Wonderland a little last minute (like the night before decided and drove up and back the same day) and now (DUH) I remember how close you are!!
      I’ll try to not be sad that it is, indeed, like I said and that Kidzilla went in a little kid and emerged a big kid but OMG I’m so not ready! I mean, I’m ready I guess but OMG!!! Hanging on tight. Thanks for the advice <3August 26, 2014 – 11:49 pmReplyCancel

  • Rebecca - I imagine I am going to be you when the day comes for me. The possibilities are so fun and so damn scary at the same time. Though I will say it’s incredibly wonderful that you can sooth yourself with some taptaptap (and wine) because that’s what will keep you sane. That and knowing your baby is always your baby, no matter what. <3August 26, 2014 – 5:52 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Rebecca, yeah, sweets. It’s not not easy and well. The taptaptap only means that I am lucky enough to have lovely mamas like you come here and tell me that I’m not crazy for bawling at my son entering kindergarten!!! Here’s to staying sane and thank you so much for your sweet sweet comment!August 26, 2014 – 11:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Brittnei - That baby picture of Tucker with that quote is priceless! I have several blog friends that are in this same place and I am overwhelmed reading about how all of you must be feeling at this point in your children’s lives. It’s so wonderful, yet you all are so right…it’s the end to a certain part of their lives and a new beginning. How wonderful that you were recognized by the Huffington post! Congrats on that. I knew you had the ability to affect people in that way because you definitely affected me in that way for sure. I was sad the past few days because a new place in our lives has had me lose yet another friend….another end but new beginning right? I’m moving on and not looking back. Me and hubby know we are doing the right thing. Tucker is going to be such a great student. I’m looking forward to hearing how things go. I know it’s not for 2 more weeks but still! 🙂August 27, 2014 – 1:02 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Brittnei!!
      The whole kindergarten thing is NUTS. It’s like, all of a sudden, we have to realize that our little babies aren’t babies. I’m so sorry to hear that a new place in your life has lost you a friend. No matter the ability to realize that it does make for a new beginning, any relationship ending that way is hard. Breaking up with a friend has to be one of the hardest things ever (and if you’re not familiar with Stephanie and Jessica’s HerStories Project, it’s all about that).
      Only you and your husband know what is right for your family and shame on those who judge, because judging others is not our place. Hang in there and hugs to you, sweet friend.August 29, 2014 – 11:36 pmReplyCancel

  • My Inner Chick - Kristi,
    you will be okay, dear. Seriously.
    you both need this & Kindergarten is FUuuuuuN))
    —-now you can focus a bit on your passions, writing, & changing the world.
    xxAugust 29, 2014 – 1:10 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, sweets. From your lips. I think and hope and mostly know you are so right. xxoo. Here’s to focusing on our passions! xxAugust 29, 2014 – 11:37 pmReplyCancel

  • Joy @ icansaymama - I get this so very well Kristi, do you remember how much I was terrified of school? He will be fine, I am so sure about that, and you certainly have done enough and more, my friend!

    Sunny will have to start all over again in school, too, with everything new except for his teacher and I am terrified about that again, too. But I trust he will adjust to it again as he did last year and I hope he will love school again like he used to do.August 30, 2014 – 3:13 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Joy, I definitely remember how worried you were about Sunny’s school transition and also remember that he did very well with it! Thank you for the reminder, though. While I know in my head and heart that Tucker will likely thrive in kindergarten, well, of course I’m worried. Here’s to both of our amazing little boys doing so very well and loving their teachers and classmates and finding joy and love in school! (growing up is hard though!)
      xoSeptember 1, 2014 – 1:42 pmReplyCancel

  • don - Awe, you sappy dame you.

    I feel much the same about Cool as he’s begun kindergarten. I feel better knowing that we’re in a really good school district, but he is smaller than a lot of the other kids and maybe slightly less athletic, etc. and he’s starting to ask about that sort of stuff. All I can do is point out how awesome he is in other aspects and try to convince him that he actually is pretty good at sports, but he doesn’t buy it. Sigh….

    We’ve never had any concerns with Ace, and I don’t foresee worrying about Gman either, but Cool is a special bird, just like the Tman. They’ll both be fine though and one day we’ll laugh and wonder why we every worried about them in the first place. Kudos on the Huffpo thing. It should have happened much sooner.August 31, 2014 – 12:36 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yeah yeah, I know I know. Aw, poor Cool. He’ll find his place. I know he will. Plus, who wants to homeschool? So yeah, he’ll find his place! Here’s to us laughing and wondering why we were so damned worried about them! Can we drink BLL to celebrate?September 1, 2014 – 1:45 pmReplyCancel

  • Tricia - Oh yes, you will both definitely be just fine. Mine starts Kindergarten in a couple weeks too and although her routine will be the same as her previous two years at this school, Kindergarten really is this big Milestone that makes everything feel so different. Congrats on Huff Po and all the LTYM sharing!August 31, 2014 – 2:25 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It really really is such a huge milestone, isn’t it? Scary and wonderful but so scary. You still have a few more weeks? Is it horrible that I’m a little jealous of that? Thanks so much, Tricia!September 1, 2014 – 1:51 pmReplyCancel

When I was a little kid, I believed in a lot of things. I believed in magic, wonder, in the power of wishes and kisses, and that I – and all of us – have the power to change the world. I still believe. Back then, though, I thought Bad People only came in windowless […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Dana - How in the hell do you pull off this genius in a matter of hours? I had major writers block tonight so I have no post, although razor blades and creepy dolls did figure into my trashed draft. Happy, happy birthday, Kristi – may your year be full of wonder. And congrats on your HuffPo piece!August 21, 2014 – 10:06 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Dana, to be fair, I didn’t finish it. The doggie drawings were going to have 2013 and Tucker not noticing Chief missing and then 2014, where he asks when his dog Chief is coming back from being ill and me not knowing what to say. So um, yeah, here’s to posting incomplete posts. Will I fix it? Who knows. Probably not though. You know… no pressure of course, but the linkie code is open until Sunday and I’d LOVE your thoughts on razor blades and creepy dolls!! And thank you so much!!!August 22, 2014 – 12:25 pmReplyCancel

  • Michelle AKA Crumpets and Bollocks - I love it. We have got to make plaid pants cool again. I think we can do it, except I don’t know how to make pants.

    My favorite part: I believe I can change the world.August 21, 2014 – 10:08 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Michelle, I don’t know how to make pants, either. In fact, I haven’t really sewn anything since I got that D- in 7th grade home ec for messing up a stupid pig pillow. Probably, that class crushed my soul a little bit. Here’s to changing the world!August 22, 2014 – 12:29 pmReplyCancel

  • Allie - Okay. First, I believe in Tucker:)!

    I did (and still do:)) believe in Shaun Cassidy…The do run, run, the do run run run. Yeah, when my heart stood still…

    And I STILL believe in letter writing!

    I love the approach you took with this. Oh the nostalgia makes me smile. I love the 70s – and the 80s!

    I was never sold on the pet rock, though.August 21, 2014 – 10:13 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I believe in Tucker, too, Allie and thank you for believing in him, too! Ah, the do run run run!! I love the 70’s and 80’s too. And the pet rock? Easiest pet I’ve ever owned.August 22, 2014 – 12:30 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - There must have been something about white vans in the news, because I had that same fear. I still do. And I drive a white van! Luckily it has windows. Whew.
    I believe in you and Tucker too!August 21, 2014 – 10:16 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I just remember hearing about it from my mom. The windowless ones picked up little kids, and stole them OR gave them stickers with LSD on them or something like that. HAHA to you now driving a white van! You’re like the anti-scary!August 23, 2014 – 10:03 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - I know, I was thinking the same as Dana. It would take me days, Kristi. You’ve managed to resurrect the magic and beauty and beyond wordness of childhood and then you perfectly tied it in with Tucker and I was nodding in agreement all along and it’s just amazing how seamlessly you move from talking about avocado green fridges and stretching phone cords to special needs acceptance and beauty and make it sound like two parts of one thought. Phew. Happy birthday. You are amazing.August 21, 2014 – 10:22 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw Katia, you’re so sweet. I mentioned to Dana too but basically, I just didn’t finish the post and already had the photo from an old post (same with the first drawing), so… And thank you for the happy birthday and telling me I’m amazing. You, my friend, are amazing.August 23, 2014 – 10:04 pmReplyCancel

  • karen - wow…you pretty much captured all the things I believed when I was a kid too. Tucker rocks…standing around half naked watching a fish tank is just a boy thing. If Dino could, he’d do pretty much everything naked.August 21, 2014 – 11:20 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA Karen, yeah, Tucker spends an incredible amount of time walking around sans pants. Glad to hear he’s not the only one!August 23, 2014 – 10:05 pmReplyCancel

  • Ke - Yep Shaun Cassidy – the Joe Hardy one if there need be any clarification. I miss my carefree youth – 6th through 8th grade were THE BEST. I always wished my doll would blink or something to let me know she was really alive. I wanted them to be but certainly not while I was asleep.August 22, 2014 – 12:48 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Heeehee to not being alive while you were asleep but hoping she’d blink, Kenya! And for real – 6th to 8th grade were the best for you? I had a really hard time in 7th grade (and again, in 9th) and have always blamed in on being “that age” as a girl but wow, glad to hear that those years were awesome for you – so maybe just me! I’m not sure what the icky years are for boys…or if they have them… or even if other girls had them… anyway, rambling. 🙂August 23, 2014 – 10:07 pmReplyCancel

  • Kelly L McKenzie - And of course mine is the link with no picture. Lord. Imagine a lovely piece of chocolate cake. Perfect for your birthday. Happy Birthday and Happy HuffPost!August 22, 2014 – 2:28 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Sorry Kelly that your photo didn’t come through 🙁 and thank you for the birthday wishes!!! and the idea of cake – if it makes you feel better, I’m way more of a nachos girl than a dessert girl, and way more of a vanilla girl than a chocolate one!! Thank you!!August 23, 2014 – 10:10 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike - First and foremost, Happy Birthday Kristi! Sorry, we are a few hours late on it. Yesterday was technology Heck here. Everything crashed. Anyhoo, I actually bought and played Shaun Cassidy’s “Da Doo Run Run” on a 45 over and over and over. Yep, a little dude back in those days. All dogs go to heaven is an absolute and where they go is where I want to go when my number is called. At 5 years old my bio mom told me that watermelon seeds were where babies came from. I swore off watermelon for nearly 15 years. I still think about that every time I eat it LOL! 🙂 You KNOW how deeply and in the most special way that Phoenix and I believe in Tucker…and you…ALWAYS!! I have two friends, one with an autistic brother…another with an autistic son. Because of YOU specifically coming into my life it has allowed a whole deeper dialogue of understanding and candid conversation with the two of them that I can speak of with far more education. Because of. YOU! Thank you for that 🙂 Yesterday is but a memory, tomorrow is only a dream. Therefore today is all we have. You and Tucker rock every one Today there is! Sooooo proud of both of you! Love ya guys, Mike and Phoenix 🙂August 22, 2014 – 3:58 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You were early!!!!! (which you also now know :))
      I want to go to the place where the dogs go, too. As long as Tucker will go there, too… You didn’t eat watermelon for 15 years worried you’d have a kid??? OMG> that’s awesomely funny and incredibly sad, rolled into one…
      I am so humbled and honored and thankful that because of Tucker and me, that you’ve gained new understanding – and more meaningful conversations (it’s OK to ask!!!) – for your friends’ son and brother. That’s amazing. You’re amazing, and a force of good here on the internets that is largely unequaled. Your spirit and goodness and love is felt by all that you interact with here in this cyberspace place (and I know in real life too).
      We love you guys too! Are you gonna do the ice bucket thing? Tucker wants to do it – ever since I did it, it’s been rainy and chilly when we might have (and I will NOT put ice in his – maybe like one cube) and he still really wants to do it!August 23, 2014 – 10:15 pmReplyCancel

  • christine - You took the heads off your dolls at night? Wow.
    I don’t know about witches, but something awful lived under my bed. No body part could hang over the edge or it would be chopped off.

    Congrats on the HuffPost thing!

    Can’t wait to see what your new idea is.

    Happy birthday!August 22, 2014 – 7:24 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Um, yeah, I took their heads off at night so they couldn’t find their bodies and attack me. That probably says a lot about me? Or, um, nothing? Maybe that my mom just let me watch some horrible show? I dunno… can we still be friends?
      Here’s to the awfulness under our beds, and it no longer being there, because I’d have lost all limbs by now. Maybe even my head, during college years.
      And thank you!!August 23, 2014 – 10:17 pmReplyCancel

  • Yvonne - I had witches under my bed too Kristi! And believed in dolls coming alive, though I never had any Barbies. I wanted a “Sindy” which might have been a British version, but my mum didn’t like them. Can’t think why… 🙂
    You look so cute on your bike, and Pooh raincoats are a fashion statement that has stood the test of time! (Not quite so sure about the plaid trousers.)
    And yes, you can change the world – you’re right, all of us can!August 22, 2014 – 9:28 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yvonne! Yikes to the witches under your bed!!! Glad your mum didn’t like Sindy because Barbies were weird and gross. I once read that if they were proportionate (and I won’t get the numbers right), they’d have measurements like 38 breast, 21 waist, and like 32 hips. Um okay.
      Here’s to Pooh Raincoats and ALL OF US TOGETHER changing the world!!!August 23, 2014 – 10:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - I was more a Parker Stevenson fan myself. 😉 Happy happy happy birthday! I hope tomorrow is an amazing day for you!August 22, 2014 – 10:16 amReplyCancel

  • Twindaddy - I’ve been mooned! AAAAAuuuuuuuuuugh!

    He’s still a cutie.August 22, 2014 – 10:52 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Uh oh. Is the mooning bad? Should I censor this??? And yeah, he’s got the cutest butt in the solar system. Fer Sher.August 23, 2014 – 11:23 pmReplyCancel

      • Twindaddy - Haha, no. I was just being silly.August 25, 2014 – 11:36 amReplyCancel

  • Catherine @ Making Meal Time - This post makes me want to go run out and do something good for the world. It’s true, we can all change the world!August 22, 2014 – 12:00 pmReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - How did I miss this last night and will admit not co-hosting, I totally forgot that it was even the week for FTSF. I am not kidding, I actually watched Weekend at Bernie’s when I would have been up commenting! Crazy as it seems, but as a kid I believed in much of what you did and you reminded me totally of those big white vans (I had almost forgotten), but still love what you now believe in now and hoping like you that we can indeed make a difference.August 22, 2014 – 1:05 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’m actually a little in Shock and Awe, that you even forgot it was FTSF night. I mean, YOU!!! YOU STARTED IT. I’m also super amazing impressed, that you were just IRLing and forgot. That’s why. That’s what it’s about right? Also please tell me you’ll still cohost sometimes???
      I love Weekend at Bernie’s. I hated it the first time I saw it but loved it by number 3 and now, I’m probably on like 10, but haven’t seen it in 15 years. Makes me want to watch, again.August 23, 2014 – 11:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Rebecca - At first this post was cracking me up and taking me down memory lane- especially with the bigger the stereo comment. (AHHAH! been there!) but then you took me to the next level and I am so happy and my spirit full because I believe in so much goodness and acceptance too! Beautiful things and so much love, empathy, compassion and change can be found everywhere! This was an uplifting and feel good post. MUAH!August 22, 2014 – 4:08 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Rebecca, I sorta miss the big stereos because well hello! but not the room they took in the house. I think 1/2 of my living room as a kid was taken up by the only stereo in the house!!! And yeah, here’s to acceptance and goodness. It’s really what matters the very most to me, now… Thank you big for the MUAH! I so appreciate it, and your comment. Huge.August 23, 2014 – 11:31 pmReplyCancel

  • Marcia @ Menopausal Mother - Thanks for taking me down memory lane–I remember ALL of these things! I too, believe in the magic of youth! Congrats on your Huff Po piece! 🙂August 22, 2014 – 8:50 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you so much, Marcia! And isn’t it funny how much the world has changed? I mean for real. Cell phones??? Yikes.August 23, 2014 – 11:38 pmReplyCancel

  • Brittnei - There was actually a movie that came out when I was little called All Dogs Go To Heaven. I sure thought they did! Hahaha with the non-cordless phone. I remember phones like that! You were such a cute little girl when you were growing up. Awwww! I love that you said that special needs and autism are not things that need to be pitied. I’ll be honest and say that I most definitely learned that from you. I love how blogging and reading about other people’s lives and situations can open you up to a whole new world right where you are in your own little space. I like so much of what you believe now, too. 🙂August 22, 2014 – 9:52 pmReplyCancel

    • jaklumen - I got well acquainted with many Don Bluth movies like “All Dogs Go To Heaven” because… he’s one of my dad’s cousins. Yes, for real, I checked.August 23, 2014 – 7:28 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Brittnei, I’m so happy that my words about special needs and autism made your world bigger…and yeah, here’s to our spaces being more expanded, always. I think that’s truly what this life is about – understanding what’s here, now, and understanding all of it is part of something so very much more. I like so much of what YOU believe, now, too. Here’s to finding out and celebrating here and always. Also I love that you remember the phone cords!!!August 23, 2014 – 11:50 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I love that you remember those phones and so sorry that I’m just now replying!!! I agree that blogging is an amazing tool for opening us up to different and wonderful experiences that we’d not have if it weren’t for this awesome tool!September 11, 2014 – 12:26 amReplyCancel

  • Emily - As always, beautifully written with humor and honesty…and I can’t wait to hear about your social media idea. You make me believe too.:)August 22, 2014 – 10:35 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Emily, here’s to believing. I sometimes question what it is, exactly, that I believe in – is it in spreading awareness for special needs? Yes, but do I really understand special needs? Um. Do I wanna change the world? Yes! How? I get these ideas and then realize they are maybe dumb. But who would’ve thought the ice bucket thing would have caught on? Not me!! And thank you!!August 24, 2014 – 12:34 amReplyCancel

  • Lana - Every time I come to your blog you amaze me. I remember all that stuff from the 70’s…ahh, good times. Your little boy will not only be okay, he will be amazing – partly because he has you for a mama. I can’t wait to hear about your idea! Have a great weekend.August 22, 2014 – 11:19 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Lana. Yay to all the stuff from the 70’s and to remembering it. Sometimes, I feel sad that my kid won’t know any of this, but I’m also amazed and wonder what he will know, when he’s my age, and know that it will be amazing.August 24, 2014 – 12:37 amReplyCancel

  • Anna - I think button phones are ancient. Part of me wants to censor the photo.August 23, 2014 – 10:15 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Button phones are ancient and part of me is considering editing the photo to censor it.August 24, 2014 – 12:38 amReplyCancel

  • Sandy Ramsey - Shaun Cassidy! Oh yeah, baby! I am with you all the way…we basically lived the same childhood, right down to windowless white vans (which I will still not park next to), backwards records, and razorblades in the Halloween apples. Was there a banana seat on that bike? I think there must have been.

    Tucker is such a character and yes, adored just the way he is. As all children should be.

    I can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeve….let’s get on with changing the world!August 23, 2014 – 2:20 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I think my parents said no to the cool banana seat that year but I did get one later thank goodness!! I agree that all children should be adored just as they are!!! XXOOAugust 24, 2014 – 12:41 pmReplyCancel

  • April - I love that ALS has raised over $50 million at this point, but I really wish I could come up with some way to raise money for children with congenital heart defects, but then I wonder if it’s too passe? I love how you laid out how your beliefs changed throughout the years. I couldn’t think of anything to write this time around! Catch you next time!August 23, 2014 – 3:05 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - April, I wish there was a way to raise money for everything that needs it. Homelessness, healthy meals, every disease, sigh. I don’t think trying to raise money with children with congenital heart defects is passe at all – please let me know what you decide to do because I’d love to support you!August 24, 2014 – 12:44 pmReplyCancel

  • Astrid - I too believed that dolls came to life when I wasn’t watching, but I likedt his idea actually.August 28, 2014 – 10:58 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA I love that you loved the idea. Is that weird? I was a chicken.September 11, 2014 – 12:18 amReplyCancel

  • Stephanie - I believe in so many of those things too! I’d like to add mood rings to the list. 🙂September 2, 2014 – 3:07 amReplyCancel

  • Tarana - Thanks for a walk down memory lane! Your message is very important, and I hope people read this and understand how much children with special needs should be loved and respected all the more, and not pitied.September 10, 2014 – 6:50 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I so agree that all children should be understood, and never pitied. Thank you!September 11, 2014 – 12:21 amReplyCancel

  • Kelly Sage - There is so much power in just believing!September 10, 2014 – 9:56 amReplyCancel

  • Jill @ RIPPED JEANS & BIFOCALS - Beautifully written. I used to believe in Shaun Cassidy, too. Maybe I still do ; )September 10, 2014 – 12:28 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - Not sure how I missed this one originally, but so glad i read it today. I believe you can change the world, too. I think you already are with this blog and Our Land. Can’t wait to hear more about your idea and, whatever it is, I’m in!!September 10, 2014 – 3:34 pmReplyCancel

  • Meredith - I’m just loving your posts! I love the insight into your parenting with Tucker, and I love your attitude. It’s so positive!! So glad to get to know you and your blog better. And, did you really take all the heads off your barbies at night?? Too funny.September 10, 2014 – 3:47 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I love your posts, too, Meredith and thank you so very much! And, um, yeah, I took their heads off. I was convinced that they’d do stuff without me (maybe even be mean to me) so I hid their heads from their bodies every night. Therapy, anybody? 😉September 11, 2014 – 12:47 amReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - Now HOW on EARTH did I miss this one? Oh my… I am SO glad you shared it in P Blops. 🙂

    You are such an amazing writer, Kristi. I was right there with you in the 70’s with every detail you described so eloquently and I believe in all the things you believe in too. (Accept I don’t believe I be-headed dolls, just a Kristi thang! lol)

    May we all love our babies exactly as they are and believe in all that is good and gifted in motherhood. LOVED THIS so much.September 10, 2014 – 5:07 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw, thank you Chris. Here’s to the 70’s and teaching our kids that once, way back when, we had to stretch a phone cord over an ugly fridge to talk to our friends. And yeah, maybe the doll thing was a me thing. I didn’t mean it in a mean way – just to keep them from walking around without me way. Here’s too, to our babies. Exactly as they are.September 11, 2014 – 12:49 amReplyCancel

  • Kathleen O'Donnell - I believed in Bobby Sherman. I believe I’m getting old. I believe this is a beautiful post that made me cry.September 11, 2014 – 2:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Quirky Chrissy - My pet rock’s name was Toby. I loved him.September 11, 2014 – 3:44 pmReplyCancel

  • Diane - Amazing, Kristi! And a plea for all of us with special, wonderful, perfect children who just happen to struggle with some aspect of life. Thank you.September 11, 2014 – 4:26 pmReplyCancel

I’m all for raising awareness, empathy, and run a series on acceptance for everybody. Also, it’s pretty much impossible for me to say no to a dare or challenge. So, tonight, I ignored my husband’s commentary about “waiting to do this over the weekend” (because why? whatever), the fact that it was dinner time, and well, […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Emily - HAHA! I love all of it – the video of Tucker telling you he wants ice dumped on his head next is AWESOME! I can totally see how you wanted to capture his laugh on film because it’s adorable! I also love your subtle “gesture” to Don…I got a blatant “I Hate you Emily Cappo” for nominating my college roommate, who said she wasn’t going to do it and would rather donate the $100, but I finally guilted her into it. Oh and like you, I nominated my brother too. Anyway, great job all around! (and Kate, looking forward to those tweets!!).August 19, 2014 – 9:38 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA glad you caught the subtle gesture to Don – it’s funny, because although I really like this, I didn’t think AT ALL about what to say when it was filming. I’d seen yours, of course, and poor Kate – got thrown in there last minute!!August 19, 2014 – 11:31 pmReplyCancel

  • Gina Fenton - FABULOUS!!! Now I also have a face and voice to go with Tucker. Please give that sweet boy a giant hug for me. He’s squeezable cute.

    Best-
    GinaAugust 19, 2014 – 10:12 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Gina! Agree to his sqeezably cuteness. And I know that I’m for sure not biased.August 19, 2014 – 11:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Echo - Hahaha, I love it! So awesome!August 19, 2014 – 10:15 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - 🙂 It ain’t bells tolling, whisky in jars, or even really unforgiven, but thanks, love.August 19, 2014 – 11:53 pmReplyCancel

      • Echo - Yeah, but you handled it with a Commando Attitude and it didn’t leave you Broken, Beat & Scarred!August 20, 2014 – 12:02 amReplyCancel

        • Kristi Campbell - I looked to the sky just before the ice, it’s the last thing I did!! There were men on the video, doing a bad job and omg, sorry!! Ok wait. I try again. Time marches on. Um. what I’ve felt
          what I’ve known
          never shined through in what I’ve shown
          because I suck at that!! (big heavy drum OMG LARS and double base stuff here)August 20, 2014 – 12:32 amReplyCancel

  • Mike - Ha, that’s awesome as is Tucker’s laugh! But, you got a sponge bath compared to what I’ve seen on the Net! (wait, what? Did I just get a “Don Finger” from you too? hee hee) Ok, ok, ok (Joe Pesci)…I will sincerely do my best to find someone to hold the phone this weekend to take video. Then both Phoenix and I will do this challenge, Kristi 🙂August 19, 2014 – 10:49 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I was SO BUMMED that Robert stopped recording before Tucker was laughing hysterically!! Because it was AWESOME> And yeah, consider yourself flipped off. And challenged.August 20, 2014 – 12:00 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - Never mind the ice bucket thing – which is awesome, btw, and balls-out, as they say. Forget that because Tucker is GORGEOUS! That boy is too cute.August 19, 2014 – 11:17 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - xxoo Lisa. I agree. Totally. And I’m pretty sure I’m not biased at all. Almost positive, in fact 😉 and thanks, sweets.August 20, 2014 – 12:01 amReplyCancel

  • Real Life Parenting - You and Tucker make me smile. Big smiles. 😀

    XOXOAugust 19, 2014 – 11:29 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You make me smile, and reading yours made me make a new ending. Thank you for that. I’ve been avoiding the blog world recently – ugh. LOVE YOU!.August 20, 2014 – 12:33 amReplyCancel

  • Twindaddy - Ack! He’s so cute! He was crackin’ me up!August 19, 2014 – 11:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Out One Ear - Linda Atwell - I guess then my ice cup challenge was a little lame compared to yours. But I did my version. Just sayin’. Congrats to you on a job well done.August 20, 2014 – 12:53 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - It really is fun to see someone I know do it. I enjoyed both videos. I wish I could have seen the original laugh too. Hope last night went well since Tucker obviously didn’t want to wait another day to get splashed with water. Love his excitement. 😉August 20, 2014 – 8:39 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Kenya, I know – I was SO bummed that Tucker laughing like a loon afterwards was cut off (and it figures – that’s like the ONE time that Robert listened to me). And believe it or not, he did wait! I’ll have to post his video on Facebook. 🙂August 20, 2014 – 10:38 amReplyCancel

  • Allie - Very cute! – but I think I’ll opt to write a check:). I loved Tucker’s giggles. It reminded me of Ben Affleck’s kids in his video. Hollywood baby!August 20, 2014 – 8:58 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - hehe, Allie! Yeah, Tucker’s giggles are the best. I can’t think of anything that makes me happier than hearing them.August 20, 2014 – 10:38 amReplyCancel

  • My Inner Chick - GREAT video! haaaaa.
    Fabulous awareness!
    I love that you have your son involved. Superb learning experience.
    We are doing this in Duluth, too, of course. All of the soccer coaches ( my hubby ) and others were drenched this week @ St. Scholastic.
    What a amazing way to raise money for the CAUSE. xxAugust 20, 2014 – 11:27 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I can’t wait to see your videos, sistah!!! Seriously!!! And yeah, whatever works to raise money for a cause. I should maybe start something like this for special needs kids. Maybe less cold though???August 21, 2014 – 12:11 amReplyCancel

  • Tamara - haha! You’re the total asshole! I’ve made Des have crooked bangs too.. a lot.
    Also I wanted to tell you that Des called airplanes “ainee” which rhymed with 9E. Now he calls them Air-pupini. I love it! I love these kids.
    This video didn’t disappoint. He’s so adorable and I love his giggles a lot.

    Also. There is a point. Money is being raised. Everyone I know touched by ALS is all for it. My ex’s father passed away after a long battle. I was by his side for most of it. Totally a shit disease.

    I swore twice in this comment!August 20, 2014 – 3:12 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OMG I was so the asshole. You’d think I’d have learned, after messing up my own bangs so many times (see how I didn’t swear there, but so totally wanted to?). And yeah. Money. I’m really sorry to hear about your ex’s father. Not a fun disease. If pouring ice only might matter, then it matters, right?
      WHOOT to you swearing here, love! 🙂August 21, 2014 – 12:32 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - Love the subtle finger flip, and the “it’s shower day.” Love Tucker’s giggles. If people don’t want to see their Facebook friends videos, don’t watch. It really is amazing how powerful social media can be – all that money raised. Wow.August 20, 2014 – 9:28 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Well it truly was shower day, and that was (sadly?) a consideration. My husband really did try to talk me out of it, but well, there’s pretty much no talking me out of anything… and yeah social media rocks when it comes to sharing.August 21, 2014 – 12:33 amReplyCancel

  • Shay from Trashy Blog - I LOVE IT! Was there a 9er in there? 🙂August 20, 2014 – 11:05 pmReplyCancel

  • Rebecca - Yay!!! Good job! Lol that tucker wants to do it too! And you’ll never learn with bangs- they always seem like a no brainer and sometimes they look decent…other times you KNOW you’re not a professional. It’s too tempting! I was nominated for the ice bucket challenge but then I started feing anxious about the drought we’re in (so cal) and I ponied up dough instead. But wait- it was supposed to be $100?? I didn’t know that rule!August 20, 2014 – 11:42 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - He forgot about it tonight, which was good as I didn’t get home until like 8pm and didn’t want to do it to him then!!! I think we’ll do his in the next few days and definitely make it less cold, because OMG cold. I think the rules of how much vary, by the way. If you ponied up, you win. 🙂August 21, 2014 – 12:36 amReplyCancel

  • Lancelot - Hehehe, nice one.
    This challenge has been viral and trending.
    Since it’s for a good cause, it should go on for a while.
    🙂August 21, 2014 – 4:34 amReplyCancel

  • Yvonne - A few weeks ago a video of a friend’s daughter do the ice-bucket challenge, but I had no idea that it was for charity. It’s too cold for this in the UK right now for sure. (Really cold, so I can totally see why Lizzi said no.) I’d also never heard of ALS, (though had heard of Lou Gehrig.) I have now looked it up and now understand the purpose of the ice bucket. So you’ve raised my awareness!August 21, 2014 – 4:42 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yay to raising awareness, Yvonne! That makes me really really happy! Thanks for taking the time to look it up.August 21, 2014 – 10:42 amReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - Tucker is so precious! Such a sweetie!August 21, 2014 – 10:46 amReplyCancel

  • don - Hahahaha! What did you do to that poor boy’s hair? Spend a few bucks and let a professional do it.

    Nice work on the challenge. Tman looks like he had a blast, which makes it all worthwhile!

    You have lovely, skinny little legs too. Lol.August 21, 2014 – 12:00 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Don! I did let a professional do it and the front was crooked so I tried to “fix” his hair. Stupid. hahah to my skinny little legs, perv.August 24, 2014 – 1:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Tricia - Totally agree with you – it totally matters. It matters so very much!August 21, 2014 – 8:39 pmReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth Sutherland - I think this is an awesome concept. It’s pretty amazing to see the entire world doing the #ALSIceBucketChallenge. I loved your post! I am confident that we WILL find a cure to beat this.August 21, 2014 – 11:20 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I think it’s a pretty awesome concept, too, Elizabeth! Thanks so much!August 24, 2014 – 1:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Brittnei - I’ve been wondering how the donating part actually works. I’ve just been seeing everyone dump water all over themselves like someone just won a game. Hehe. Perfect cause for you to be apart of with your passion my dear!August 22, 2014 – 9:55 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw thank you so much, Brittnei! Yeah, the idea is to donate either way… 🙂August 24, 2014 – 1:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - Hey my friend! Great job on the bucket challenge. I did the ALS challenge as well and posted about it before I left on vacation. My issue was the FB craze. Because no one (at least my FB friends) was saying AND donate they were all saying OR donate. It was an either/or thing and more than a few of them I knew were not giving a dollar. Which ticked me off. Losing a few friends to the horrific disease it resonated with me. Another friend kindly gave me her words, her brother-in-law is currently being killed by ALS. So yes, it is about awareness definitely. But also about raising awareness to what ALS is: not being able to dump ice water on your head because you cannot lift your arm to take a sip of water.August 26, 2014 – 8:42 amReplyCancel

  • Laurah Quayle - This was great, I have been researching for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across Health herbs clinic com Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis HERBAL FORMULA (just google it). It is a smashing one of a kind product for reversing ALS completely. Ive heard some decent things about it and my buddy got amazing success with it.July 18, 2022 – 11:38 pmReplyCancel

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